Pros and Cons of Online Therapy
Did you know that Sage House Therapy is reopening in-person services? There are benefits and drawbacks to both in-person and online therapy sessions. If you are considering starting therapy or moving your sessions in-person, read on to take a closer look at the pros and cons of online therapy compared to in-person.
Pros of online therapy
Compared to in-person sessions, there can be a number of benefits to doing therapy sessions online. This includes more convenience, increased flexibility, and even less stigma.
Convenience. One of the biggest benefits of online therapy is the convenience. There is no commute time to and from the therapist’s office, and you can hold a session anywhere that is private and has an internet connection.
Flexibility. Your therapist may have more flexibility with hours when offering online sessions. You can also keep therapy appointments when you are out of town and traveling.
Affordability. Online therapy may be more affordable. You don’t have to spend money on travel costs like gas or public transportation. Additionally, you may be able to save on childcare costs.
Setting. Online therapy sessions can often be held in the safety and comfort of your own home. This may be more comfortable for you and allow for increased vulnerability with your therapist.
Access to skilled providers. Doing therapy online can be a good option for rural clients who have limited access to mental healthcare providers in their areas. You may also be looking to work with a clinician with a specialist who may not offer sessions near your home.
Accessibility. It can be helpful for those with physical limitations to try therapy sessions online.
Less stigma. For individuals who are hesitant to try therapy, doing sessions online from their own home may help them feel more comfortable and reduce the stigma associated with a therapist’s office.
Social anxiety. Some clients with social anxiety may feel that online therapy is more comfortable and effective for them.
Privacy. You don’t have to worry about running into someone you know at a therapist’s office when accessing therapy online.
Cons of online therapy
As we have all discovered in the past year, there can be both minor and significant drawbacks to doing life online. Drawbacks of online therapy can include confidentiality and privacy limitations, technological issues, and challenges to building trust.
Technical issues. If your internet connection is not reliable, online therapy may be challenging for you.
Insurance. Sometimes your insurance may not cover online therapy. Check with your insurance company for details on your situation.
Confidentiality. Confidentiality is foundational for therapy. However, some clients have difficulty finding a private space at home or work where they can hold a session.
State restrictions. Some states place restrictions on out-of-state therapists providing services for in-state clients. Your online therapist would need to be licensed or allowed to provide services in your home state.
Body language. One drawback of doing therapy online is that your therapist cannot see all of your body languages. Some clients feel more comfortable expressing themselves in person rather than online.
Building trust. Building trust is essential for therapy but can feel difficult to do online. For some clients, it can feel harder to connect when not in person.
Presence. Simply being in another person’s presence can be therapeutic for clients. You may feel that is an essential part of therapy for you, particularly after feeling isolated over the past 16 months.
Distractions. When doing therapy online, you may have more distractions and ultimately have trouble focusing. When in the therapist’s office, you don’t have delivery people knocking at your door, pets wanting your attention, or your to-do list right next to you on your desk.
Serious illness. Online therapy is not usually sufficient enough for significant mental illness or crisis situations.
Interactive therapies. Different modalities or types of therapy that are more interactive or require props are more difficult to do online. This can include art therapy, play therapy, sand tray therapy, and EMDR.
Which one is right for you?
While there are many pros and cons to online therapy, the same is true for in-person. When considering which one to choose, consider your comfort and safety level with pandemic restrictions. You may also be able to do both some online sessions and some in-person. This could save you time some days while still working at building trust with your provider in-person. Talk to your provider and see what online and in-person options they offer.
Are you looking for more support for yourself or a loved one? Please reach out to us. Our team of therapists is here to provide support and guidance. We look forward to connecting with you.
