Is In-Person or Online Therapy Best for Me?

Are you thinking about doing therapy? Great news, that is a fantastic first step!

Now, you might be considering your options. One question that might come up for you is: “Is in-person or online therapy best for me?” Choosing between in-person and online therapy is a big decision that depends on your personal needs, lifestyle, and comfort level. Both options have their advantages and drawbacks, and understanding these can help you make an informed decision about what suits you best! Let us take a deeper look below!

In-Person Therapy 

In-person therapy remains the main intervention of mental health treatment, offering a structured and relaxing environment for individuals seeking emotional, mental, and psychological support. Meeting with a therapist face-to-face can foster deep human connections and provide a sense of security that is difficult to replicate in virtual settings.

Pros:

1. Personal Connection – In-person therapy offers face-to-face interactions that can enhance trust and rapport with your therapist. It feels nice for a lot of people to have a strong connection in person!
2. Structured Environment – A dedicated therapy setting can help reinforce the therapeutic process. Oftentimes, the therapy settings can feel comfortable and relaxing to people. 
3. Nonverbal Cues – Oftentimes, your therapist can better interpret body language, tone, and facial expressions with in-person conversations. 
4. Fewer Distractions – A neutral space may reduce interruptions and allow for deeper engagement. There will likely be fewer interruptions and distractions in the background and you might feel more comfortable opening up as a result.

Cons:

1. Time Commitment – Commuting to sessions can be inconvenient, especially with a busy schedule.
2. Limited Accessibility – Those in rural or remote areas may have fewer therapist options or might have to drive a long distance to get to one. 
3. Higher Costs – In-person therapy may involve additional expenses, such as transportation or parking expenses. 

Online Therapy

Online counseling has gained significant popularity in recent years, providing a flexible and accessible way for individuals to seek mental health support. Whether you are facing stress, anxiety, or other emotional challenges, online therapy can be an effective alternative to traditional in-person sessions.

Pros:

1. Convenience – Online therapy is convenient! Most of the time you can access therapy from the comfort of your home or even work, eliminating the need for travel.
2. Greater Accessibility – Those with mobility issues, debilitating mental health issues, or in remote locations can access a wider range of therapists.
3. Flexible Scheduling – More appointment options may be available, including late evenings, early mornings, and weekends.
4. Affordability – Online therapy can often be more cost-effective due to lower overhead costs. Many big websites like Betterhelp.com might offer affordable packages for people to choose from. 

Cons:

1. Technology Barriers – Sometimes, internet connectivity issues or lack of privacy at home can interfere with sessions making it difficult to connect with your therapist.
2. Limited Nonverbal Cues – Therapists may miss body language and other physical indicators.
3. Less Structured Environment – It may be harder to mentally separate therapy from daily life. For example, you might see a work email come up on your laptop during your therapy session. 

The Best Choice Depends on What Makes You Feel Most Comfortable and Supported

Some individuals even opt for a hybrid approach, combining both in-person and online therapy based on their needs. For instance, on a snowy day, a person may decide to do therapy online to avoid driving in hazardous conditions. Here are some questions to ask yourself to make the best decision: 

• Do I feel more comfortable opening up in person or online?
• Do I need the structure of an in-person session, or do I prefer the flexibility of remote therapy?
• Are my mental health concerns best addressed in a face-to-face setting or remotely?
• Do I have reliable internet and a private space for online therapy?

Start In-Person or Online Therapy in Colorado

Please know that both options are effective and your mental health needs can be met with both modalities!  At Mountain Vista Psychology, we offer both in-person and online therapy to best support your needs! Give our team a call today to talk about what option would be best for you! You can start your therapy journey by following these steps:

1. Schedule a free phone consultation
2. Meet with a highly-trained therapist
3. Start addressing the mental health concerns affecting you most!

Other Services Offered by Mountian Vista Psychologist

At Mountain Vista Psychology, we provide many services to help support people on their journey to mental and emotional well-being. Our in-person and online therapy services include ADHD testing, trauma recovery, child counseling, teen counseling, adult counseling, family counseling, & more. We also provide EMDR and EFT therapy services, Neurofeedback for ADHD, Neurofeedback for Autism, Neurofeedback for Concussion/ TBI, and Neurofeedback for Sports/Performance.