With the fast pace of modern life, global mental health issues have become increasingly severe. The COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated psychological stress, leading to a rise in anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder. Online psychological counseling has emerged as a primary means of enhancing national mental health in the post-pandemic era, and the public’s attitude toward it is generally positive. Various psychological schools have also adapted to the characteristics of the internet, with cognitive behavioral therapy, solution-focused therapy, and narrative therapy commonly used in online counseling to assist clients in resolving their issues. Online psychological counseling offers advantages such as convenience, accessibility, and cost-effectiveness; however, it also faces challenges related to establishing therapeutic relationships, technology dependence, privacy protection, professional standards, and applicability. This study analyzes the current state, advantages, limitations, and ethical issues of online psychological counseling, aiming to provide insights for future development.