Virtual or In-Person Therapy: Which is Right for Me?

It’s pretty easy to see that COVID-19 has had a significant impact on the mental health and wellbeing of so many. With our mental health taking a hit, a lot of people have asked themselves what they could do to improve how they feel or how to get rid of their anxiety or depression. Often, this leads them towards the path of therapy.

Attending therapy can be one of the best things you do for your mental health in the short, mid, and long term. You’ll develop a deeper understanding of yourself and learn new coping skills to handle the negative things life throws your way.

Although people’s mental health generally declined during the pandemic, COVID-19 has led to an amazing increase in accessibility to therapists with the use of virtual sessions. Now, after being more than 1.5 years into the pandemic you might be saying to yourself, “I don’t want to have another video call for the rest of my life” and you know what? That’s fair. And if that’s you, virtual therapy sessions don’t have to be for you.

Below, I will go over some of the pros and cons of virtual vs. in-person sessions so you can decide for yourself.

VIRTUAL THERAPY

PROS

• Comfort and safety of your own home
• No commute
• Can choose any therapist in your state

CONS

• May feel less authentic
• May lack privacy in your home
• Can’t see body language

IN-PERSON THERAPY

PROS

• Feel more connected
• Safe space if home isn’t one
• Greater privacy

CONS

• May feel more vulnerable
• May feel more pressure to dress well
• Commute/break in your day

Keep in mind, these are definitely not a complete list. Instead, think of this as a jumping off point that should spark some of your own preferences.