A common question prospective clients ask me is, “Is virtual therapy as effective as in-person?”. The short answer is that it is usually as effective and powerful, sometimes more so, but some caveats are important to know. I provide both types of treatment, and while I have found few drawbacks to the online approach, it is not for everyone. Thus, I hope this post will help you with the question, “Is online therapy as effective as in-person?” for you. Of course, you can always contact me or schedule a consultation to discuss online vs. in-person therapy further.
Demonstrated Effectiveness
When is virtual therapy as effective as in-person, according to science? Numerous studies have demonstrated the effectiveness of the virtual approach across various mental health conditions, including depression, anxiety, PTSD, and more. What follows is an overview of the strengths and challenges of online vs. in-person therapy.
Online vs. In-Person Therapy
Here are some factors to consider when asking, “Is online therapy as effective as in-person?”:
- Accessibility: Virtual approaches can increase access to mental health services if you have difficulty attending in-person sessions due to various reasons such as mobility issues, transportation barriers, living in remote areas, or having trouble finding a good match with a local therapist.
- Convenience: Virtual treatment allows you to attend sessions from the comfort of your own home or any location with internet access. This convenience can reduce barriers to seeking help and increase the likelihood of consistent attendance. Relatedly, virtual treatment is good for those with tight schedules who want to see someone on a lunch break or within any other tight window.
- Quality of Therapeutic Relationship: While some people may initially be skeptical about the quality of the therapeutic relationship in virtual psychotherapy, research suggests that the therapeutic alliance between therapist and client can be just as strong in online vs. in-person therapy sessions.
- Effectiveness of Interventions: Many therapeutic interventions that I use, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), mindfulness-based therapy, and narrative therapy, have been adapted for virtual delivery and have effectively addressed various mental health concerns.
- Privacy and Confidentiality: Virtual platforms are designed to maintain privacy and confidentiality to the same standards as in-person. Encryption and other security measures help ensure that client information remains protected. You also don’t have to go to an office where someone may see you entering or leaving.
Is Online Therapy as Effective as In-Person for You?
It’s important to note that virtual treatment may not suit everyone or every situation. Some people prefer or require in-person interaction for individual psychotherapy to be most effective. You may have tried virtual meetings of different types, and you just don’t feel as connected or engaged.
Ultimately, the effectiveness of online vs. in-person therapy depends on various factors, including your preferences, the therapeutic approach used, and the nature of your questions and hopes for treatment. When comparing online vs. in-person therapy, you should fully explore your options and find the best approach to meet your needs. I’d be happy to discuss this, even if seeing me in person is not feasible.
Is Virtual Therapy as Effective as In-Person for Your Child?
While the above may help answer the question, “Is virtual therapy as effective as in-person therapy?” there are other considerations if you pursue treatment for your child or family.
Virtual approaches for children can be effective, but its effectiveness compared to in-person therapy may vary depending on several factors. Here are some considerations when asking, “Is online therapy as effective as in-person for my child?”
- Child’s Comfort and Engagement: Some children may find engaging easier when in the same physical space as the therapist. In-person sessions can provide a more familiar and interactive environment, allowing for activities and interventions that might be challenging to replicate virtually.
- Technology and Attention Span: Virtual therapy relies on technology, which can sometimes distract children. Maintaining focus during virtual sessions may be more difficult for some children, especially younger ones, compared to in-person sessions with fewer potential distractions.
- Parental Involvement: In virtual approaches, parents may be more active in facilitating sessions, especially for younger children. This can be beneficial in some cases but may also present challenges if parents struggle to balance their involvement with allowing the child to develop a therapeutic relationship with the psychologist.
- Nature of the Child’s Needs: The nature and severity of the child’s mental health concerns can also influence the question, “Is online therapy as effective as in-person for a child?” Virtual may be as effective for some children with mild to moderate issues as in-person. However, in-person may be more beneficial for children with more complex needs or who require hands-on interventions like play therapy.
- Access and Logistics: Virtual treatment can offer greater accessibility for families with difficulty attending in-person sessions due to transportation barriers or living in remote areas. The convenience of virtual may outweigh any potential differences in effectiveness for some families.
Ultimately, answering, “Is virtual therapy as effective as in-person therapy?” for a child depends on a combination of factors, including the child’s comfort and engagement, the therapist’s skills, the nature of the child’s needs, and the support of the parents or caregivers. Families need to discuss their options as far as online vs. in-person therapy to determine the most suitable approach for their child’s needs. This is why I am happy to offer a free consultation to parents.
Is Virtual Therapy as Effective as In-Person for Your Family?
While the above sections answer the question, Is virtual therapy as effective as in-person?” for individuals, couples, and children, the question gets a little more complicated regarding family therapy (including couples therapy).
The effectiveness of online vs. in-person therapy for your family can vary depending on several factors, including the specific needs of your family members, the type of therapy being conducted, and individual preferences. The bottom line is that you need to look at all the information above but consider it separately for each person who will participate. In other words, to evaluate the effectiveness of virtual treatment for your family, you need to ensure this approach is optimal for everyone involved.
The Good News About Family Treatment
If your family members are all open to therapy that is delivered virtually, the advantages can be significant. For families with grown children or children in college, this can be the only way for everyone to participate. For busy families where the windows of everyone’s availability tend to be short, this can be a perfect way to minimize the time needed to attend. Finally, when there are times when one or more members cannot stay for the whole session, but others can, and it can still be effective, this can be an effective approach.
So, is online therapy as effective as in-person for families? It often is and sometimes allows for important treatment that would otherwise not be available.
Summary and My Work
Here is a summary, in checklist form, that will help you answer the question, “Is online therapy as effective as in-person?” for you:
When is Online Therapy as Effective as In-Person?
- Are you comfortable using videoconferencing tools? If so, online therapy vs. in-person approaches may be viable and effective.
- Do you have a private, quiet space where you can attend sessions without interruptions? Again, if so, virtual meetings are a possibility.
- Are you motivated to participate in sessions actively? It may be a good choice if you are willing to log in and join even in the comfort of your home with all its distractions.
- Are you comfortable verbally expressing your thoughts and feelings without someone noticing and reacting to your nonverbal cues?
- Does your condition or concern seem suitable for remote treatment (e.g., anxiety, depression, stress management)? If you’re not sure, I can help you decide.
- Do you have a reliable device (computer, tablet, smartphone) with a good camera and microphone?
- Do you have a stable and fast internet connection?
- Are you familiar with or willing to learn the required software (e.g., Zoom, Skype, therapy-specific platforms)?
When Is Virtual Even More Effective?
- Do you find it difficult to attend in-person appointments because of the added time needed to travel to them?
- Do available in-person therapists not have availability at convenient times?
- Have you found a good match with a psychologist or social worker who works far from your home?
- Is there a specialty area you are pursuing that is not covered by local providers?
- Are you looking for couples or family treatment, and the other person or people live in other areas?
- Are the costs of in-person treatment higher than the costs of virtual treatment for similar treatment providers?
- Do you need to be home due to childcare, medical, or other reasons?
- Are you just more comfortable expressing your feelings, dealing with difficult topics, or being vulnerable at home?
If most of these considerations align with your situation, you can answer the question, “Is Virtual Therapy as Effective as In-Person?” affirmatively. Of course, I and most providers offer the opportunity to try a few initial sessions to see if virtual treatment is effective for you. We also encourage you to provide and receive feedback to improve the therapeutic experience.
When Is Virtual Therapy as Effective as In-Person, The Bottom Line
So, is virtual therapy as effective as in-person for you? It very well may be, but you need to decide this based on your preferences and situation. Deciding between online vs. in-person therapy is a personal choice, and if you find that your chosen approach is not working well providers are always happy to find you someone who can meet your needs.
Feel free to contact me or schedule a consultation to get more information about our question, “Is online therapy as effective as in-person? We can go over the advantages and challenges, and if it turns out that it is not for you or your family, I can refer you to someone in your area.
