Due to COVID-19 there has been a rapid transition to remote therapy services over the past two years. This has left clients wondering whether to pursue teletherapy or seek out in-person providers - a dilemma I imagine prospective clients will be asking long after COVID recedes in the years ahead. As for many decisions in life, the old tried and true method of the Pros and Cons list is a wonderful starting place to discern what is best for you.
PRO – Time Management
Whether you want therapy on your lunch break, just before or after work, or while in a different city visiting a friend. Teletherapy provides this option where in-person therapy cannot. You can see your therapist for an emergency meeting quicker and closer to your emergency than having to wait to be in the same physical space. For this reason, teletherapy is immensely favorable if you have a busy schedule or travel frequently.
PRO – Physical Safety
Physical safety from community viruses or transportation accidents are a non-factor when it comes to telehealth. This means that having a late therapy session after work, then having to get home late does not matter. I have had countless sessions with individuals who are feeling ill that can be safely done only through teletherapy. If you are concerned about your safety getting to therapy, teletherapy may be your best option.
PRO – Casual Wear
Often people come to therapy in business casual clothes; though this is a norm and not a rule, I have seen people be self-conscious of what they wear. Teletherapy has helped break this stigma for the better. It may be the summer and people want to wear shorts or the winter and people just want to wear a hoodie. Telehealth puts people often in their homes, they can be more themselves, which is therapeutically useful, also may make you feel more at ease.
CON – Lack of Privacy
In the last point I mentioned you may be more at ease at home, this can also be a con. Depending upon the matter you are coming to therapy for and your living situation, you may not have adequate privacy. In-person therapy, by default, gives you privacy by being in a neutral and safe space. If you live with someone in tight quarters, or if the reason you’re coming to therapy is sensitive and you wish others to not know about the matter, in-person therapy may be the best fit for you.
CON – Technology Issues
Technology issues are an ever-growing issue. It may be that your device is older, or the new update had a bug, you or your therapist could have a weak internet connection or the application you are using is having issues. This issue can only occur during telehealth. For those that have technology issues, or are not technologically inclined, it may be best to seek in-person therapy.
CON – Eyestrain
Increasingly being in the digital age, we are faced with the issue of eyestrain from our screens. A therapy session runs an hour, which leads to an hour of almost constraint glancing at a screen, usually close to your face. Those without blue-light lenses may develop heads from increased screen time. For this reason, in-person therapy may be more desirable.
Conclusion
The list above is a starting point, what are the pros and cons in your opinion? Do you desire in-person therapy because it fits your life in a more engaging way or is teletherapy better for you with all the commitments you have? Below I have listed for your convenience, some resources that may help you decide. We get the pros & cons of teletherapy - for this reason ECC offers both remote and in-person services. Contact us to explore your options!
Further Reading
Extreme Productivity: Boost Your Results, Reduce Your Hours Hardcover
By Robert C. Pozen: For those looking for a read to increase productivity, this may help in discerning which method of therapy is best for you. A lengthy portion of the book focuses on discerning the things you need and the ways to get them.
By Clifford N. Lazarus, Ph.D.: For those looking for a blog, Dr. Lazarus clearly writes ten solid reasons to pursue teletherapy. The read time is roughly 3-minutes.
Mental Health: Telehealth or In-Person Therapy, by 9NEWS (Local NBC affiliate in Denver, CO) For those looking for a video segment. Just over an 8-minutes segment to help those to find which method of therapy may be best for them.