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The Pros and Cons of Virtual Therapy VS. In-Person Therapy

Before the days of the Internet, in-person therapy was really the only practical method for treating mental health conditions. But in the past couple of decades, online therapy has slowly but surely emerged as a viable alternative, taking advantage of technology to provide patients with the same therapeutic benefits in a virtual format. With both options available to everyone, the question is not which one is generally better, but rather which one best meets your personal needs.

What Is Online Therapy?

Online therapy involves the delivery of mental health services through Internet-based applications or software. Zoom appointments, phone sessions, chat rooms, and text messaging are the most common methods of communication. Some therapists deliver their virtual services through the use of electronic health record systems, while others utilize subscription-based platforms that can include weekly video sessions along with optional features for an additional fee.

Video sessions aren’t all that vastly different from traditional, in-person therapy. For instance, they both offer similar visual and auditory cues essential for communication. For this reason, many patients opt for online therapy since they find it just as effective as sitting on the therapist’s couch.