While many of us may associate online therapy with the COVID-19 pandemic, as everything seemed to move online then, virtual therapy has been around for decades. And as reliable internet has become more accessible, online counseling has become an increasingly popular option.
In fact, more than half of all therapy sessions are now online, compared to around 20% pre-pandemic.
You may have considered online therapy sessions for yourself. But are they as effective as in person therapy?
Firstly, you should be proud of yourself for taking the first steps to prioritizing your mental health. This takes a lot of courage, especially if you have a busy schedule and a lot of pressure on your plate.
No matter what you’re dealing with in your daily life, talking to a professional can help. They can give you the tools you need to heal and handle whatever life throws at you.
In this blog, we’ll help you weigh the pros and cons of online therapy and how it compares to in-person therapy sessions to help you decide what kind of care is best for you.
Benefits of online therapy
Whether you’re a busy parent or work long hours during the week, online therapy can be a flexible, accessible option.
Accessibility
In-person counseling is not always available in rural or remote areas, so if you live outside of an urban area or have physical limitations, traditional in-person therapy can be difficult to get to.
Virtual therapy brings the professional support and mental health services you need directly to you.
Flexibility and convenience
We all have different schedules and responsibilities to juggle. Between work, family, traveling, and other personal commitments, it can be hard to find the time you need to get to in-person appointments—even if you live nearby.
With online therapy, you can choose a time that suits your schedule. And as long as you have an internet connection, you can attend virtual appointments from a place that works for you—even from the comfort of your own home.
Affordability
Although some mental health professionals charge the same hourly rate for in-person therapy and online therapy sessions, accessing an online therapist can eliminate secondary costs that can come with traditional therapy.
Cutting out expenses like public transportation, gas, or childcare can add up to significant savings over time.
Possible downsides of online therapy
Online therapy is great, but it’s not suitable for everyone. Here are a few things to keep in mind.
It may not be appropriate for those with serious mental illness
If you’re dealing with severe mental health concerns—like serious addiction or signs of more intense psychiatric distress—virtual therapy may not be enough for your treatment.
In cases like this, in-person intervention and close, direct monitoring by a licensed therapist may be needed instead.
Technical issues
Technology problems can be frustrating at the best of times, and they’re not something you want to have to deal with in the middle of a therapy session.
To access online therapy, you’ll need a stable internet connection and a functional device. If your laptop can make video calls, but your audio or internet frequently cuts out, your session may have to be rescheduled.
Limited connection with your therapist
It’s not impossible to have a quality relationship with a mental health professional virtually. But online therapy can introduce challenges that wouldn’t be present with in person therapy.
For example, it may be difficult for your therapist to read your facial expressions or body language through a screen. These non-verbal forms of communication often give your therapist a deeper insight into your thoughts, emotions, and behaviors.
A lack of in-person interaction can create a barrier between you and your therapist, making it harder to connect and progress in your sessions.
Is online therapy right for you?
While it has some shortcomings, online therapy is a valuable form of mental health treatment for so many—and for good reason. Its accessibility and convenience mean that no matter where you are, or how many things are on your to-do list, you can fit a session in with relative ease.
Taking the pros and cons into account, here are a few things to consider when deciding on online therapy sessions:
- Your budget: Some online therapy providers may not be covered by your health insurance. Find out what your insurance company covers so you can budget accordingly.
- Your current mental health: Depending on the severity of your mental health condition, online therapy may not be enough to give you the support you need. You may benefit more from in-person care alone, or in addition to online appointments.
- Accessibility: Do you have a capable device, reliable internet access, and the ability to join an online session from an undisturbed and private space?
Whether you decide that online or in-person therapy is right for you, it’s important to know you have options, and the help you need is out there.
Get the support you need
Our Same Day Access Program can help you find the right kind of treatment to fit your schedule and needs. This program is a stress-free way to get the care you need via phone, email, or walk-in, with no appointment necessary.
We have two walk-in clinics: one in Franklin Mental Health Center and the other in Northgate Suffolk Mental Health Center, Virginia.
Fill out our form to get started on a mental health care plan that works for you.