Should you choose in-person or virtual therapy?

Choose the best therapy option for you - in-person or virtual therapy. Visit Stride Forward Counseling and get started on your journey towards healing and growth.

Mental health therapy is an important part of self-care, and it can be helpful for people of all ages and backgrounds. There are two main types of mental health therapy: in-person and virtual.

In-person therapy involves meeting with a therapist in their office and we have a space for that in our Catonsville MD office. The therapists on staff that currently offer in-person services are Josh, Claire, Natalie, and Rachel. Virtual therapy involves meeting with a therapist online, either through video chat or phone call.

Both in-person and virtual therapy have their own pros and cons. It’s important to weigh the pros and cons of each type of therapy before deciding which one is right for you.

In-person therapy pros:

Nonverbal communication: In-person therapy allows therapists to read nonverbal cues, such as body language and facial expressions. This can help therapists to better understand their clients’ needs.

Neutral location: In-person therapy can provide a neutral space for clients to share their thoughts and feelings. This can be especially helpful for clients who feel uncomfortable sharing personal information in their own homes.

Accountability: In-person therapy can be more accountable than virtual therapy. This is because clients have to physically show up to their appointments.

Virtual therapy pros:

Convenience: Virtual therapy is very convenient. Clients can attend their appointments from the comfort of their own homes.

Accessibility: Virtual therapy is more accessible than in-person therapy. This is because clients don’t have to travel to a therapist’s office for appointments. It can making scheduling appointments much easier and more convenient. 

Effectiveness of in-person vs. virtual therapy

Research has shown that both in-person and virtual therapy can be effective for treating a variety of mental health conditions. For example, a 2019 study published in the journal Telemedicine and e-Health found that virtual therapy was just as effective as in-person therapy for treating anxiety and depression.

However, it’s important to note that not everyone responds equally to in-person and virtual therapy. Some people may prefer the face-to-face interaction of in-person therapy, while others may prefer the convenience and flexibility of virtual therapy.

Which type of therapy is right for you?

The best way to decide which type of therapy is right for you is to talk to your doctor or a mental health professional. They can help you to assess your needs and find a therapist who is a good fit for you.

Here are some things to consider when choosing between in-person and virtual therapy:

Your personal preference: Do you prefer to meet with a therapist in person or online?

Your schedule: How much time do you have to travel to and from therapy appointments?

Your needs: What are your specific mental health needs?

Once you have considered these factors, you can always schedule a consultation with one of our mental health professionals to find a therapist who is a good fit for you.

Seeking mental health support? Stride Forward Counseling provides a range of therapy options, from in-person sessions to virtual therapy. Explore our blog archives for insights into mental health and the impact of neurodivergence on well-being. Find the support you need at Stride Forward Counseling.