Virtual or In-person Therapy in New York State: Which is right for you?
If you’re curious about the differences between virtual and in-person psychotherapy, keep reading. While the outcome of therapy is similar, if not the same, you still might find yourself with a preference for where to do therapy.
Traditional In-person Therapy
Traditional in-person therapy involves being one on one (or two on one for couples therapy) with your licensed therapist in a physical space such as a therapy office. Sessions can range from 30-90 minutes, once a week, bi-weekly or as agreed upon between you and your therapist. Most therapy settings provide a safe, comfortable environment.
One of the benefits of in-person therapy includes being able to more clearly perceive one’s head-to-toe body language. While telehealth sessions with a therapist can also pick up on body language, there are times something can be out of view or not as perceivable as it would be physically in a room together.
Another benefit of traditional in-person therapy is the opportunity to have a space just for you or your couple as you process and navigate therapy. Physically being in a therapists office can provide a sense of safety, structure and privacy that can be hard to find otherwise.
There has been some rhetoric lately pushing against “chronically online” culture. You may find yourself drawn to in-person therapy if the online sphere has you feeling worn out. Many clients still find they are able to utilize online therapy while navigating using screens less, while others prefer to decrease screen use in most, if not all, areas.
Telehealth, Virtual, Online Therapy
Online therapy, otherwise known as Virtual Therapy or Telehealth Therapy, is a psychotherapy session between a licensed therapist and their client. Similar to in-person, sessions can range from 30-90 minutes weekly, or as agreed upon between you and your therapist. Online therapists utilize video chat, using something like Google Meet, Zoom or video capabilities through an EHR (Electronic Health Record) such as Simple Practice.
Online therapy has some advantages of its own, compared to traditional in-person therapy.
Online therapy offers more flexibility in scheduling, communicating and participating in sessions with a therapist. The client has the ability to do their session wherever they are, as long as the space provides adequate privacy and internet connection. I’ve had clients do their sessions while at home, in an office-space, or somewhere private in nature. Some find communication to be easier with online therapists, with some accepting email and text communication, as well as messaging capabilities in some online therapy platforms.
Online therapy is accessible. All that’s physically needed to participate in online therapy is a video-capable device with wifi or data available in the space you’re in. This is accessible to those without transportation, to those who live in rural areas with minimal resources, for those unable to find childcare and other barriers that may arise. Online therapy can be more accessible to those with symptoms that act as a barrier to in-person therapy, such as social anxiety.
Online therapy provides just as effective care as traditional in-person therapy. Therapists are able to appropriately assess and provide treatment over the course of care through the online space. Clients are able to integrate care into their daily lives similarly to how they would through traditional in-person therapy.
Which one is for you? Online or in-person?
The answer to this question is up to you. After reading, what vehicle for therapy are you more drawn to? Keep in mind, the therapeutic relationship and process is able to grow and thrive in either in-person or online therapy spaces with the right therapist. Consider what your needs are in order to feel best supported by your therapist. If that is in a physical office space somewhere, great. If that is in the comfort of your own home meeting with a therapist online, also great.
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