To begin with, it’s important to confirm that both virtual and on-premises (office/clinic) therapy can be equally effective when all else is comparable. Research has validated this. So to answer your question of “Should I do therapy online or in person?” we must draw attention to a set of questions that address your own unique circumstances and preferences. Below is a breakdown of these key considerations to clear the path to greater mental/behavioral health and wellness.
5 Key Questions to Consider When Determining if Online or In-Person Therapy is Best Suited to Your Life Right Now
1. Do You Have Convenient Geographic Access to Provider Offices/Clinics?
This is a very valid question and concern for millions of Americans. For instance, in the state of Mississippi, 80% of residents live in an area without adequate access to a mental health services. Similar geographic barriers exist in Kentucky (70%) and Tennessee (46%) in addition to many other U.S. states who struggle to connect their populations to mental/behavioral health support providers. If a local Google search does not unveil a sizable list of therapists with physical offices near you (within a 20-minute commute) then online therapy may be more appropriate.
2. Do You Have the Time to Commit to In-Person Sessions?
An hour session with any on-premises service provider isn’t just an hour. When you factor in commute, parking, walking, run-ins, and general distractions associated with leaving one’s home, place of work, or educational institution to do anything, you quickly realize that time adds up. An hour can easily become two hours or more. For some this is no issue, but for others it’s a deal breaker. Further, if your profession and/or lifestyle requires frequent travel, you will frequently miss regularly scheduled sessions which can lead to setbacks. If you can’t commit to regularly schedule in-person sessions with confidence, make online therapy a priority of your wellness regime. With online therapy, an hour is an hour.
3. Are You Concerned About Confidentiality?
In-person therapists are just as beholden to protecting client confidentiality as online therapists. This is not the concern we’re talking about. Instead, some people simply don’t want friends, family, coworkers, managers, associates, and casual acquaintances to know that they are seeing a therapist. When attending in-person therapy, the potential for a run-in is ever-present, even if there is a discreet backdoor to the facility. The risk is further inflated for those residing in small cities, towns, and communities. Online therapy, on the other hand, offers complete discretion unless conducting your video conference at the local Starbucks during “rush hour”.
4. Do You Stay in Relationships Too Long to Avoid Discomfort?
While this in itself is something that regular therapy may help you work through, it’s a valid question to consider. Allow us to clarify.
Have you stayed in even the most casual of romantic relationships for too long because you simply wanted to avoid the discomfort associated with breaking things off? Do you continue to use the same mechanic, plumber, or hairstylist despite dissatisfaction with their work for the same reason? Have you avoided switching coffee shops because you don’t want a cafe owner/barista see you frequenting a new spot across the street? If any of this sounds familiar, online therapy may be a better way to begin your journey into counseling. Not only does the relationship feel more at “arm’s length”, reputable virtual platforms encourage clients to explore other therapists if they don’t feel a connection with the first, second, or third (etc.). Transitioning from one to another if desired is a friction-free experience.
5. Do You Struggle with Something You’re Embarrassed About?
For starters, there is nothing to ever feel embarrassed about when it comes to your mental and behavioral health. Nothing, no matter what real or perceived stigma is present in your familial, social, or professional circle. That being said, your feelings on that matter are real to you, and if you feel any embarrassment about a certain struggle you may find it more challenging to open up to an in-person therapist. Need examples? People who struggle with problematic use of pornography, sex addiction, problem gambling, and unhealthy video gaming may be afraid to talk face-to-face with a counselor in a physical room.
On the surface, the nature of online therapy can make you feel more free to open up. But there’s more. Virtual therapy platforms such as those provided by Kindbridge Behavioral Health have an extensive staff of online counselors who are trained and uniquely qualified in the treatment the aforementioned behavioral health concerns. This fact adds another layer of comfort for anyone on the fence about opening up about their struggles.
We hope the questions above helped provide the clarity you need to move forward with therapy, no matter which avenue you choose. If you want to try online counseling or a hybrid approach (which can also be great!) you can begin today by connecting to a Kindbridge care coordinator.
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