Online Therapy vs In-Person Therapy: Which is Better for You?

Online therapy or in-person therapy? Discover the differences and benefits of each counselling option to find the best fit for your mental health needs.

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Understanding Online Therapy & In-person Therapy

When it comes to accessing psychological therapy to address your mental health and wellbeing concerns, more options are now available than ever. In-person therapy with a psychologist has traditionally been the standard. Online therapy, however, has been gaining popularity since the Covid pandemic, as a convenient and accessible alternative for many people.

Before starting therapy with a psychologist, take some time to learn about the differences between in-person and online therapy and the benefits of each to make an informed decision.

Online Therapy vs In-Person Therapy – Which option is best for me?

Online therapy and in-person therapy are two different approaches to receiving mental health support.

Online therapy, also known as Telehealth, involves connecting with a psychologist through video or phone calls. In this case, you could choose a psychologist anywhere in Australia, even overseas. Online therapy allows you to receive psychological services from the comfort of your home or other convenient private space near you. Online therapy reduces or eliminates the need for commuting and provides flexibility to busy people.

On the other hand, in-person therapy involves meeting with your psychologist face-to-face in their consulting rooms. If you choose in-person therapy, you may look for a psychologist in the city or town where you live or work. Generally, in-person therapy allows for more personal and direct interaction with your psychologist. It also provides the opportunity to read body language and engage in non-verbal communication cues.

Benefits of Online Therapy & In-Person Therapy

Both online therapy and in-person therapy have their own set of benefits.

Online therapy, for instance, offers convenience and accessibility. It can make it easier for you to access therapy if you have a busy schedule or limited mobility or capacity to commute. If your mental health concerns make it difficult for you to leave home, online therapy can also provide you with a sense of safety and comfort.

In-person therapy, on the other side, offers you a more personal experience. In general, it allows for a deeper connection between you and your psychologist. Many people find it easier to build rapport and trust and open up to a psychologist when they meet with them in person. Some people also enjoy the privacy and calming environment of their psychologist’s consulting room.

Find some more benefits to each therapy option below.

Online Therapy: Convenience

One of the key benefits of online therapy is its convenience. Online therapy enables you to receive psychologist therapy from the comfort of your own home or other conveniently located private space. It reduces or eliminates the need to commute and provides greater flexibility to busy people.

Online Therapy: Accessibility

Online therapy brings access to counselling services for people living in remote areas without easy access to mental health support. It also caters for individuals who may prefer different modes of communication. The accessibility aspect of online therapy makes it a viable and attractive option for many individuals seeking mental health support.

Online Therapy: Savings

Typically, the online and in-person therapy fees are the same. With online therapy, however, you may avoid commuting or parking costs. Online therapy may reduce or eliminate the need for childcare or time off work, making it a more attractive and affordable option for some people.

In-Person Therapy: Personal Connection

Some of the benefits of in-person therapy include the personal connection and support it provides. Meeting face-to-face with your psychologist may allow for a deeper connection and understanding, which can be incredibly comforting and therapeutic for some individuals.

In-Person Therapy: Communication

In-person therapy provides your psychologist with the opportunity to observe your body language and non-verbal cues. This is very helpful in providing your psychologist with valuable insights into your emotions and experiences.

In-Person Therapy: Safety & Privacy

Therapy at your psychologist’s counselling rooms provides a safe and confidential space where you can fully express yourself without the fear of being overheard or interrupted by others at home. This may be the preferred option if you value the personal connection and support that comes with in-person therapy.

At the end of the day, there is no right or wrong answer when it comes to choosing online therapy or in-person therapy, and the decision should be based on your individual preferences, needs, and circumstances.

What factors are currently important to you? When making a decision, you may want to evaluate aspects such as convenience, accessibility, personal comfort, trust and the severity of your mental health concerns. If you need assistance to determine what option would be best for you, you can speak with your psychologist, psychiatrist or GP to ask more questions.