Due to the fast-paced technological change and events associated with COVID-19, virtual therapy has recently revolutionized the delivery of mental healthcare (Gangamma, R., Walia, B., Luke, M., & Lucena, C, 2022). Of course, with this ease of use, facilitated by online sessions, many have adopted this alternative method to in-person meetings. But, as a society, as we reconcile with the effects of Covid, and finally start to return to normality, it is essential to ask: How effective is virtual therapy compared to in-person therapy?

The Benefits of Virtual Therapy

1. Accessibility and Convenience

Accessibility is one of the biggest advantages of virtual therapy. Virtual Therapy provides one with the ability to log on to sessions right from home, removing barriers of travel, scheduling, and geography (Benz, C., Norman, R., Hendrie, D., Welsh, M., Huntley, M., & Robinson, S, 2022). This convenience factor is especially important for people living in remote areas or who are too busy to fit in time spent visiting a therapist. It also allows for the patient to take their therapy sessions from a more comfortable environment by staying at home rather than being in-office.

2. Less Stigma

Virtual therapy allows for better privacy and anonymity, reducing the stigma of coming forward for mental health support. Taking the sessions online from the comfort of one’s home is easier than traveling to a therapist’s office every session. Knowing that a patient is in a private space to attend the therapy sessions increases the chances of more people coming forward for help who otherwise remain shy.

3. Flexibility in Scheduling

Online counseling usually offers more flexibility in terms of scheduling, allowing clients the possibility of choosing a time most suitable for their needs. This may provide greater ease and increase engagement and treatment continuation.

The Difficulties of Virtual Therapy

1. Technical Issues

One major challenge of virtual therapy is that it relies on technology. Technical problems like poor internet connectivity, issues with software, or even hardware failures could disrupt sessions and thus affect the experience of therapy. It’s important to ensure both therapist and client have reliable technology in order to maintain a smooth experience.

2. No Non-Verbal Cues

In-person therapy can display non-verbal cues—body language and facial expressions—which are added context and insight into the signaling emotional state of a client. The virtual version might miss these very small cues, therefore affecting the therapist’s understanding of the full feelings and reactions of the client.

3. Privacy Concerns

While this setting provides the privacy of not being out in public, multiple concerns about the security of data arise with the virtual therapy setting. Assuring that online platforms are privacy compliant and all data is encrypted goes a long way toward ensuring safety.

Research Findings

Many studies that compare virtual therapy versus in-person therapy have demonstrated that in most cases, virtual therapy works as efficiently as face-to-face sessions. According to one publication by Psychological Services, teletherapy is equally as effective as in-person therapy in treating disorders like anxiety, depression, and PTSD. Clients who attended virtual therapy were similarly satisfied, with the same therapeutic outcomes compared to those attending in-person sessions (Abrams, 2020).

Client Preferences

Of course, it all comes down to client preference. Some clients will feel comfortable with virtual sessions, while others may only want to meet in-person. Some even like to have a balance of both. Finding the right choice for you, irrespective of what you choose, can create the best possible therapeutic environment. Matching client preferences to their needs can and will optimize therapy effectiveness.

Conclusion

Though virtual therapy is an excellent alternative to in-person sessions because it is more accessible, less stigmatized, and has variable schedules, it can also come with technical problems and lost cues of non-verbal communication. Evidence has shown that virtual therapy works for most people compared to face-to-face therapy; however, this should be based on preference, needs, and situation. It is extremely helpful to select the right option for you. With technology being more and more integrated in our daily lives, virtual therapy is bound to grow in popularity and use across the world.

Works Cited

●  Gangamma, R., Walia, B., Luke, M., & Lucena, C. (2022, June 1). Continuation of teletherapy after the COVID-19 pandemic: Survey Study of Licensed Mental Health Professionals. JMIR formative research. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9162131/

●  Abrams, Z. (2020). How well is telepsychology working?. Monitor on Psychology. https://www.apa.org/monitor/2020/07/cover-telepsychology

●  Benz, C., Norman, R., Hendrie, D., Welsh, M., Huntley, M., & Robinson, S. (2022, November). Use of teletherapy for Allied Health Interventions in community-based disability services: A scoping review of user perspectives. Health & social care in the community. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10099871/

Written By: Nimai Pradeep, Mental H2O Youth Resource Writer