Telehealth or in-person therapy: Which is the best fit for you?

Since 2020, many things have shifted in the therapy world to accommodate an ever-changing climate of unpredictability and chaos. One of these changes has meant doing therapy like we have never done it before- via a screen. Sure, some therapists have done phone sessions long before 2020 when the need arose, but conducting therapy via telehealth was a new endeavor for therapist and client alike. 

Three years into the pandemic, many therapists have returned to in-person sessions, while others have opted to stay virtual for various reasons. This leaves many clients with the question of how to proceed and which medium to choose. So, which is better: in-person sessions or telehealth?

The answer lies in what is most important to the individual client. Let's go over a few pros and cons of each.

Pros of Telehealth:

• Convenience

• Telehealth means no commute to a physical office and can be worked into the day with ease.

• Accessibility

• For clients that live in rural areas, telehealth can provide options for types of providers that may not be available in their geographical area.

• Flexibility

• If one isn’t feeling well or the weather is questionable, sessions can be switched to telehealth with ease.

• Perception of security and emotional safety

• For clients struggling with agoraphobia or social anxiety, conducting a session from the comfort of one’s own home may be preferable.

Pros of In-Person Sessions:

• Relationship factors

• For some, being in the room with another human feels more personal than talking to a screen, leading to the possibility for more vulnerability and better rapport.

• More controlled setting

• In a therapist's office there is less chance of dogs barking in the background and no notifications going off in the corner of a laptop while doing a session. 

• Ability to see body language

• Being able to see body language allows us to communicate in ways we may not initially realize.

• Hands on exercises

• Many therapeutic exercises (such as sand tray) cannot be conducted as effectively without the client in the office.

While there are benefits of both formats, there are also downfalls. It is worth taking a look at those, as well, to make a well-informed decision.

Cons of Telehealth:

• Potential for connectivity issues

• Internet connection is unpredictable at times, leading to dropped calls or spotty sound.

• Privacy concerns

• While therapists are responsible for this providing a confidential space on their end, this can be more difficult for clients participating in therapy in their own home.

Cons of In-Person Sessions:

• Commute

• It is inconvenient, or sometimes impossible, for clients to commute to sessions.

Many therapists provide both virtual and in-person session options. Which you choose is truly a personal decision. Progress can take place in both telehealth or in-person sessions. Talk to your therapist for help in deciding which format will best meet your goals.