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"While psychotherapy access has expanded in the U.S., there's concern that recent gains may not be equally distributed, despite or maybe because of the growth of teletherapy," said Mark Olfson, MD, MPH, Columbia Mailman School professor of Epidemiology and Psychiatry.

"This increase in psychotherapy use, driven by the rise of teletherapy, has largely benefited socioeconomically advantaged adults with mild to moderate distress."

Nearly 40% of adults using outpatient psychotherapy in 2021 accessed at least one session via teletherapy.

While teletherapy provides a convenient and less stigmatizing option for care, concerns persist that certain groups -- such as individuals with more severe mental health issues, older adults, lower-income individuals, and some minority groups -- have not benefited equally from this expansion.

Olfson's research shows that adults with lower incomes or without private health insurance were also less likely to use teletherapy than their wealthier, privately insured counterparts.