My collagues seem to feel that it's a viable option, especially for rural patients who cannot locate a doctor nearby. I'd love to speak to doctors who are actively involved in this. I find the prospect intriguing, but I'm not sold on the idea. A. Fundamentally, I think we still have a lot to learn about online therapy, as I once wrote in a piece for the Boston Globe. For others, particularly those with psychotic disorders, OLT might represent either an understandable need for interpersonal distance, or simply express the patient's paranoia.
Patients sometimes prefer starting out online, however, because that way they get more control.
I hope this gives you a few directions to pursue.