Online Counseling vs. In-Person: What Is Right For You?

If you have been considering therapy but are not sure where to start, you are not alone! Starting the process of counseling, whether in-person or online, can be overwhelming for many people. Maybe visiting an office feels scary and intimidating. Or maybe you do not have the time in your day to drive back and forth to one. Don’t let that be a barrier to receiving excellent mental health support!

In modern day, online therapy makes getting support easier, more private, and more flexible than ever before. What exactly is online therapy? Telehealth is just like traditional counseling, but instead of meeting in an office, you connect with a licensed therapist through video calls, phone sessions, or even secure messaging in some cases. All you need is a private place to talk and a stable internet connection!

In-Person Counseling vs. Online Counseling In Colorado

Choosing to start therapy is a big and powerful decision. One important choice is whether to do therapy online or in person. Both types have unique benefits, and the best option depends on what you are looking for. Let us take a closer look below:

Convenience

With online therapy, you can attend sessions from almost anywhere. This includes spaces such as your home, your office, or even while traveling. You might save time by skipping the commute, making therapy easier to fit into a busy schedule. If you live in a small town or rural area, you might not have many therapists nearby.

Online counseling gives you access to a wider range of professionals who specialize in exactly what you need help with. On the other hand, some people find the commute to the therapist’s office not inconvenient at all, valuing a deeper sense of connection sitting face-to-face with their therapist, sharing the same physical space. There is no right or wrong, it is whatever works best for you!

Space

Some people find it easier to open up when they are in a familiar environment. Whether you are on your couch with a cup of tea or at your desk at work, you are the one who is in control of the surroundings for the session time. However, others find the therapy office to be relaxing and enjoy talking in a neutral space. Going to an office can help some clients mentally “switch gears” and separate therapy time from the rest of their daily life.

Accessibility

For those with mobility challenges, debilitating mental health issues, chronic pain, or conditions that make travel difficult, getting to a therapist’s office is not always easy, or even possible. Online therapy removes the need for transportation. You can connect with your online therapist from your own home, in an environment that is already set up to meet your needs.

Technology

While technology can be great for many reasons, it may also come with some problems at times. Wi-Fi problems, frozen screens, or poor audio quality can interrupt sessions. These glitches can be frustrating and may sometimes get in the way of deep conversation!

Keep in mind that for most places, it is possible to do a hybrid approach to therapy (both online and in person), giving the best of both worlds! Online therapy and in-person therapy are both proven to be effective ways to treat mental health issues. The right choice depends on your personal preferences, needs, lifestyle, and comfort level!

What Services Are Offered Through Online Therapy?

Today’s digital advancements make mental health support more accessible than ever. But what exactly can clients expect from online therapy? Here’s a look at some of the most common services available.

Online Treatment for Depression and Anxiety

Many people seek online therapy for depression, anxiety, and other mood disorders. And through telehealth, therapists can use the same evidence-based approaches relied on during in-person therapy. This includes Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT).

EMDR Online

Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) is a powerful therapy for individuals dealing with trauma or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Thanks to secure video platforms and digital tools, it is possible to effectively deliver EMDR online. Virtual therapists can guide clients through this structured approach to help process distressing memories and promote healing.

Counseling for Teens, Adults, and Couples

Online therapy isn’t just for individuals. Virtual counseling is available for adults, teenagers, and couples alike. Teens may benefit from support around academic pressure, peer relationships, or identity exploration.

Adults often focus on managing stress and navigating life transitions. For couples, online sessions provide a space to enhance communication and resolve conflict, all from the comfort of home.

Learn More About Telehealth & Online Therapy in Colorado

At Mountain Vista Psychology, we offer HIPAA-compliant online therapy services, in-person, and a hybrid approach to counseling services. Reach out today to set up a phone consultation so we can better understand your needs and therapeutic goals! Here’s how you can get started:

1. Contact us to schedule a free phone consultation
2. Meet with a licensed online therapist in Colorado
3. Reap the benefits of therapy from wherever you are

Explore Other Services Mountain Vista Psychology Provides in Greenwood Village, Littleton, Englewood, & Denver, CO

At our Colorado counseling clinics, we offer convenient treatment options, with online counseling and in-person therapy at all of our locations. Some of the counseling services we provide are child counseling, teen counseling, adult counseling, family therapy, grief counseling, and therapeutic yoga. Additionally, we provide neurofeedback therapy, including targeted neurofeedback for ADHD, autism, anxiety, concussion/TBI recovery, and sports or performance enhancement. We also conduct evaluations for learning disabilities, ADHD, and Autism. Read through the Mountain Vista blog for helpful information and insights!