In-Person vs. Virtual Psychotherapy: Benefits and Key Differences

One of the most common questions I receive during initial consultations is, “ Is in person or telehealth therapy better?”.

In recent years, the world of therapy has expanded far beyond the traditional therapist’s office. During COVID, we saw a huge shift in how therapy was offered. Prior to COVID, our services were primarily in person. However, during COVID, so many things changed.

Virtual psychotherapy, also known as tele-health therapy, has become a viable alternative for many people seeking mental health support. Here at Well Mind Body we offer in person + tele-health services to better support our clients.

How do you know which approach is best for you?

Before we dive in it is worth mentioning what research has shown. Greenwood et al. (2022) completed a meta analysis of 12 randomized controlled studies and found that there were no significant differences immediately after treatment between tele-health and face-to-face care delivery on any of the other outcomes meta-analyzed, including overall improvement of symptoms.

The Benefits of In-Person Psychotherapy

In-person therapy, the traditional form of counseling, provides a familiar and structured environment for clients. This setting offers several key advantages:

1. Stronger Personal Connection:

Being physically present with your therapist can foster a deeper sense of connection and trust. Non-verbal cues, such as body language, eye contact, and subtle facial expressions, are more easily picked up in person, contributing to a richer therapeutic experience.

2. Safe, Therapeutic Space:

A therapist’s office is often a designated safe space designed to promote relaxation and openness. The physical environment allows clients to leave behind everyday distractions and focus fully on their emotional well-being.

3. More Options for Therapeutic Techniques:

In-person therapy can offer access to a wider range of therapeutic techniques. For example, therapies like art therapy, play therapy (for children), and somatic therapies require physical presence. Therapists also have more flexibility to employ body-based interventions, such as breathwork or grounding techniques, which may be harder to replicate virtually.

4. Enhanced Accountability and Structure:

The act of going to an office for therapy can add structure and routine, which may be particularly beneficial for individuals who thrive on accountability. The physical journey to therapy may feel like a commitment to the process and can create a clear boundary between life outside and the therapeutic work. Our clients have also reported that they enjoy having time away from their daily lives to work through the things they are going through, without distractions.

The Benefits of Virtual Psychotherapy

Virtual psychotherapy has gained popularity, particularly since the COVID-19 pandemic, and for good reason. It offers a range of benefits that are particularly suited to modern life:

1. Convenience and Accessibility:

One of the most significant benefits of virtual therapy is the ease of access. Clients can attend sessions from the comfort of their own home, cutting out commute times and the need to find childcare or take time off work. This accessibility can be particularly helpful for those with physical disabilities or people living in rural or underserved areas.

2. Greater Flexibility:

Virtual therapy often allows for more scheduling flexibility. Without the need to coordinate an office visit, many therapists offer extended hours, including evenings and weekends, which can make it easier to find a time that fits into your life.

3. Comfort and Safety of Home:

For some individuals, being in their own environment can feel safer and more comfortable, leading to greater openness in sharing. This setting can also reduce some of the anxiety that might come with going to an unfamiliar place for therapy.

4. Anonymity and Privacy:

Virtual therapy can provide a higher sense of anonymity for those who may feel uncomfortable being seen entering or leaving a therapist’s office. This can be especially important in smaller communities or for people who feel stigma around seeking therapy.

Key Differences Between In-Person and Virtual Psychotherapy

1. Therapeutic Relationship:

While virtual therapy can be highly effective, some clients may find it more challenging to build rapport with their therapist through a screen. In-person interactions allow for a more organic connection, supported by subtle, non-verbal communication that may not come across as clearly in a virtual setting.

2. Sensory Environment:

In-person therapy offers a fully immersive experience in a controlled, calming environment. Virtual therapy, on the other hand, may be affected by external distractions such as noises at home, poor internet connectivity, or interruptions from family members or pets.

3. Technical Challenges:

While virtual therapy is convenient, it comes with its own set of challenges. Technology issues such as dropped calls, video glitches, or poor sound quality can disrupt the flow of a session and affect the therapeutic process.

4. Accessibility of Modalities:

As mentioned earlier, certain types of therapy may be more effective in person. For example, therapies that involve physical movement, tactile tools, or direct interaction are more difficult to replicate virtually. However, many talk-based therapies, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) or solution-focused therapy, translate well to a virtual format.

Which Option is Best for You?

Ultimately, the choice between in-person and virtual therapy depends on your unique needs, preferences, and circumstances. If you value personal interaction and thrive in structured environments, in-person therapy might be a better fit. If convenience, flexibility, and access from any location are more important to you, virtual therapy may be ideal.

At Well Mind Body, we offer both in-person and virtual therapy options to meet you where you are. Whether you choose to visit us in our Houston office or connect from the comfort of your own home, we are committed to providing the highest quality of care to support your mental and emotional well-being.

Conclusion

Both in-person and virtual psychotherapy offer valuable pathways to healing and personal growth. The key is to select the approach that aligns with your lifestyle, comfort level, and therapeutic goals. If you’re unsure which option is right for you, reach out to us for a consultation, and we’ll help guide you to the best choice for your journey.

References

Greenwood, H., Krzyzaniak, N., Peiris, R., Clark, J., Scott, A. M., Cardona, M., Griffith, R., & Glasziou, P. (2022). Telehealth Versus Face-to-face Psychotherapy for Less Common Mental Health Conditions: Systematic Review and Meta-analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials. JMIR Mental Health, 9(3), e31780. https://doi.org/10.2196/31780