Can You Do ART Therapy Online? Telehealth and Virtual Sessions

The Short Answer

Yes, Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART) can be done via telehealth. The eye movement component — which might seem like it requires in-person delivery — has been successfully adapted for video sessions. Therapists guide eye movements using on-screen hand movements, a moving dot, or other visual cues that the client follows on their screen. Many ART therapists now offer virtual sessions, and some clients prefer them. While there are some limitations, online ART opens access to this specialized treatment regardless of where you live.

How Eye Movements Work Online

The most common question about virtual ART is how the eye movements translate to a screen. In an in-person session, you follow the therapist's hand as it moves back and forth. Online, this is adapted in several ways:

• Therapist's hand on screen. The most straightforward adaptation. The therapist moves their hand across the camera, and you follow it on your screen. This works well on larger screens where the lateral movement covers enough visual distance.
• On-screen dot or object. Some therapists use a digital tool that moves a dot or object across the screen at a controlled speed. This can provide smoother, more consistent movement than a hand on camera.
• Self-directed with therapist guidance. In some cases, the therapist may guide you to move your own eyes by tracking your finger or a pen, with the therapist directing the speed and duration.

The core neurological process remains the same regardless of the delivery method. The lateral eye movements engage the same pathways whether you are following a hand in a room or a hand on a screen.

Technical Requirements

To get the most from a virtual ART session, you need:

• Stable internet connection. Video lag or freezing during eye movements disrupts the process. A wired connection or strong Wi-Fi signal is important. Aim for at least 10 Mbps download speed.
• Large screen. A laptop, desktop monitor, or tablet works best. Phone screens are too small for effective lateral eye movements.
• Webcam. The therapist needs to see your face and eyes to monitor your responses and adjust the process accordingly.
• Private, quiet space. ART involves accessing distressing memories and emotions. You need a space where you will not be interrupted or overheard for 60 to 75 minutes.
• Comfortable seating. Position yourself at a comfortable distance from the screen where you can see the full width without straining.
• Headphones. Not strictly required, but they can help you focus and ensure you hear the therapist clearly, especially during the nuanced guidance portions of the session.

Advantages of Online ART

Access to Specialists

ART-trained therapists are less common than those trained in other approaches. If there is no ART therapist near you, telehealth removes the geographic barrier entirely. You can work with a specialist hundreds of miles away.

Convenience

No commuting means less time commitment and fewer logistical barriers. This is particularly relevant for ART, where the post-session processing period can leave you feeling tired — being already at home is an advantage.

Privacy and Comfort

Some people feel more comfortable processing difficult memories in their own home. The familiar environment can reduce the anxiety of the therapy setting itself, allowing you to focus on the work.

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Continuity During Travel or Relocation

If you start ART with a therapist and then travel or move, telehealth allows you to continue with the same provider (within licensing jurisdiction limits) rather than starting over.

Limitations of Online ART

Screen Fatigue

ART sessions typically last 60 to 75 minutes and require sustained visual focus. If you already spend significant time on screens, adding a therapy session can contribute to fatigue.

Technology Glitches

Internet dropouts, audio delays, or frozen video can disrupt the flow of eye movements at a critical moment. While therapists are trained to manage these interruptions, they can be frustrating.

Some Therapists Prefer In-Person for First Sessions

Some ART practitioners prefer to conduct the initial session in person to establish rapport, assess the client's responsiveness to eye movements, and ensure the process works well before transitioning to telehealth. This varies by therapist.

Reduced Nonverbal Communication

Therapists rely on reading body language, micro-expressions, and physical cues to gauge your response during ART. Video provides a partial view compared to in-person observation, which may require the therapist to check in verbally more often.

How to Prepare for a Virtual ART Session

1. Test your technology in advance. Run a video call to check your camera, microphone, internet speed, and screen size.
2. Set up your space. Choose a private room where you will not be interrupted. Silence your phone. Close other browser tabs and applications to avoid notification distractions.
3. Position your screen at eye level and at a comfortable distance — typically arm's length. Ensure the full width of the screen is in your field of vision.
4. Have water nearby. ART sessions can be emotionally and physically intense.
5. Clear your schedule for at least 30 minutes after the session. You may need time to decompress, and you should not have to rush into another obligation immediately.
6. Plan for the post-session period. Have low-key activities available for the rest of the day. Some people feel energized after a session, while others need rest.

Finding a Telehealth ART Provider

To find a therapist who offers ART via telehealth:

• Check the ART International directory for therapists in your state who offer virtual sessions
• Verify licensing. The therapist must be licensed in the state where you are physically located during the session, not just where they are based
• Ask about telehealth experience. Not all therapists who were trained in-person have adapted their ART practice for virtual delivery. Ask how many telehealth ART sessions they have conducted

Insurance Coverage for Telehealth ART

Most insurance plans that cover ART in person also cover telehealth sessions. The parity laws that expanded telehealth coverage during and after the pandemic generally apply to ART when it is billed under standard psychotherapy CPT codes.

However, always verify with your insurance provider before starting. Key questions to ask:

• Does my plan cover telehealth psychotherapy?
• Are there any limits on the number of telehealth sessions per year?
• Does the therapist need to be in-network, or do you offer out-of-network reimbursement?

Find an ART Therapist Who Offers Telehealth

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