Online therapy has been more popular since the pandemic. In fact, the American Psychiatric Association (APA) revealed that almost four out of 10 Americans have used telehealth services to meet with a mental health professional — and that number is only rising.
But, despite how popular it is, many still aren’t sure about the breakdown between telehealth vs in-person therapy — including which is better and why.
In this blog, we’ll break down everything there is to know about online vs in-person therapy, including covering if virtual therapy is as effective as in-person therapy, the pros and cons of online therapy, and how to find the right kind of format and therapist for you.
What is online therapy?
Online therapy, sometimes also known as teletherapy or virtual therapy, is a form of mental health treatment that takes place via the Internet. Typically the process of online therapy includes deciding that you might need therapy, choosing the platform, matching with a therapist, scheduling video sessions, and attending them.
Online therapy vs. in-person therapy: comparing effectiveness
Despite how popular online therapy has become, many have hesitations about how effective it is, especially if they’re used to in-person or more traditional therapy. Lots of people wonder: is in-person therapy better than online?
But in truth, researches show that online therapy can be just as effective and sometimes more effective than traditional therapy for some clients and situations.
So in answering the “is therapy better in person or online” debate: For common mental health issues like depression and anxiety, online therapy is just as effective. For more involved mental health issues, which might require emergency intervention, in-person might be the best match. And a licensed clinician can guide you in what type of therapy is right for you.
The pros and cons of online therapy
When deciding whether online or in-person therapy is right for you, it’s important to look at both the pros and cons. Though online therapy can be incredibly effective, it can come with some downsides, too.
Advantages of online therapy
- Accessibility: Online therapy reduces geographical barriers, making it easier for people in remote areas or those with mobility issues to access mental health care.
- Convenience: Clients can schedule sessions at times that work best for them, often with more flexibility than in-person therapy.
- Anonymity: Some clients feel more comfortable and open in an online setting, where they may feel less exposed or judged.
- Safety: Those enrolled in online therapy often feel more physically comfortable, given that they’re often within their own homes.
Disadvantages of online therapy
- Technical Issues: Internet connectivity problems or unfamiliarity with technology can disrupt sessions or make it difficult to communicate effectively.
- Distractions: Being at home or in another non-clinical environment can introduce distractions that might not be present in a therapist’s office (like children, pets, ambient noises, etc.)
- Limitations for severe cases: Individuals with severe mental health issues, like schizophrenia and bipolar disorder, often require more serious monitoring of body language and physical behaviors, which can be hard to determine through video.
- Privacy concerns: Those unfamiliar with online therapy are often concerned about how their data is being used or stored.
How to choose the right therapy type for you
Selecting the right therapy type — whether online or in-person — depends on various factors that align with your personal needs, circumstances, and therapy goals. When choosing the right therapy type for you, consider things like:
- Comfort with technology: If you are comfortable using digital tools and have a reliable internet connection, online therapy might be a convenient option. However, if you prefer face-to-face interactions and are less tech-savvy, in-person therapy could be a better fit.
- Privacy: Consider where you will conduct your online therapy sessions. Choose a private, quiet space where you can talk openly without interruptions. If privacy is a concern, in-person therapy may offer a more controlled environment.
- Flexibility: Online therapy offers flexible scheduling, which can be particularly beneficial if you have a busy or irregular schedule. If you need therapy at unconventional times or have limited availability, online therapy may be more accommodating.
- Travel considerations: If traveling to an in-person therapist’s office poses a challenge due to distance, mobility issues, or time constraints, online therapy can eliminate the need for commuting.
- Therapy approach: Certain therapeutic approaches may be more suited to one type over the other. For example, experiential therapies or those involving physical interaction may be more effective in person.
- Therapeutic relationship: Some people feel that building a strong therapeutic alliance is easier with in-person interactions, while others find online therapy to be equally effective in establishing rapport. Consider which environment makes you feel more comfortable and open.
- Comfort: If social interaction is a key component of your therapy, such as group therapy, in-person sessions may offer a richer, more interactive experience. Online group therapy can also be effective but may lack some of the immediacy of in-person interactions.
- Therapist availability: Online therapy provides access to a broader range of therapists, including those who may not be available locally. If you are looking for a therapist with specific expertise or a particular therapeutic approach, online therapy can offer more options.
- Cost and insurance: Verify whether your insurance covers online therapy or if there are cost differences between online and in-person sessions. Some providers offer subscription models or sliding scale fees that may be more affordable.
Finding the right therapist for online therapy
Choosing the right therapist for online services is crucial to ensure you receive effective and appropriate care. To find a qualified online therapist, you’ll want to verify their credentials, assess your compatibility, and ask a few important questions.
1. Verify credentials and qualifications
When finding the right therapist for online therapy, you’ll want to take a look at their experience to determine if they're the right fit. Be sure to look at qualifications like:
- Licensing and certification: Ensure the therapist is licensed to practice in your state or country by checking their credentials on their profile or through state licensing boards.
- Specialization and training: Look for therapists with specific training or experience in the area of concern you want to address, such as anxiety, depression, or trauma.
Our team at Two Chairs has 500+ licensed therapists, practices 32+ therapy modalities, and has 90+ combined areas of clinical expertise. Plus, 25% of our providers speak multiple languages, and 45% are Black, Indigenous, and People of Color.
2. Evaluate therapeutic approach and compatibility
To find the right online therapists, be sure to inquire about their therapeutic methods and whether they use approaches that are effective in an online format, such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT).
You might ask this during an initial consultation where you can gauge their approach, discuss your goals, and assess whether you feel comfortable with their style and communication.
At Two Chairs, we guide you through this whole process and take the guesswork out of finding the right therapist. 98% of our clients find the right therapist for their needs on the first try — whether they’re looking for in-person or virtual support.
3. Ask practical and logistical questions
Sometimes, the right therapist fit comes down to logistics — the right provider will be able to work with your schedule and preferences.
Ask about the typical structure of online sessions, including duration, frequency, and whether they offer flexibility in scheduling or canceling and what their policy is. Plus, be sure to ask questions about their fee structure, payment methods, and whether they accept insurance or offer a sliding scale.
Don't know where to begin with insurance? Reach out to our Care Coordination team for answers to any questions about using your benefits for therapy at Two Chairs.
4. Discuss privacy and confidentiality
To mitigate any concerns, ask your therapist how they ensure the security of your personal information during online sessions.
Plus, be sure to verify that the platform they use complies with privacy regulations like HIPAA (Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act) in the U.S.
5. Assess communication style
Effective communication is key to a successful therapeutic relationship, whether it’s in person or over video calls. So, when chatting during your initial consultation, ensure their communication style aligns with your preferences.
6. Review client feedback and testimonials
Look for reviews or testimonials from other clients who have used their online therapy services. If possible, ask for references or speak with others who have worked with them online to get a better understanding of their approach and effectiveness.
Experience the benefits of online therapy with Two Chairs
Deciding between online therapy vs in person therapy involves assessing a range of factors — like the type of therapeutic approach you need, your availability, and so much more.
With Two Chairs, you can get matched with the right therapist right away, no matter what your therapy goals are. Tailored to fit your exact needs and preferences, Two Chairs offers online therapy that’s flexible, accessible, and offers the highest quality of care.
