When You Dismiss Teletherapy, Who Gets Left Out?

Lately, I’ve heard professionals saying things like:
“Teletherapy isn’t real therapy.”
“It’s not the same.”
“I just don’t believe it works as well as in person therapy”

And every time I hear it, I feel deflated.
Not because I think teletherapy is perfect. But because I know who that kind of statement quietly erases.

There are students who can’t physically get to a clinic.
Children in rural districts where there’s no therapist within 60 miles.
Clients with chronic illness or mobility limitations who can’t attend in-person sessions regularly.
Therapists who are disabled, new parents, or managing health conditions themselves—who rely on virtual work not as a fallback, but as their only viable way to continue their careers.

We can hold nuanced opinions. We can talk openly about what each format does best. But when we start dismissing entire modes of access—we’re not just talking about preferences anymore. We’re talking about privilege.

Teletherapy isn’t a lesser option.
For many, it’s the only one.
And it deserves to be part of the conversation—not left out of it.