Do the Benefits Outweigh the Cons for Telehealth Counseling?

Have you ever thought about going to counseling but thought it has to be in-person? Some people think they will only connect with their therapist if they meet them in the same room. We will address this and the pros outweighing the cons for telehealth. Have you wondered which one is right for you? Here are several of the pros and cons of telehealth (also known as video counseling) counseling.

With the pandemic being declared over, many people are wanting to go back to doing things in person. Some people feel they connect better with people in person. While there are these people, evidence shows that therapy is just as effective via video as in person! Researchers Gros, Morland, and Greene found this as early as their study on telehealth in 2013. And if that’s the case, why not also enjoy some of the benefits of telehealth?

Telehealth counseling has its main benefit in accessibility. It eliminates the need for travel, you can reach your therapist while remaining at home or somewhere comfortable. No more being stuck in traffic or having to rush! You can also have greater access to the ideal therapist for you by widening your search to anyone in your state. Hard time finding the specifically trained therapist you really need? Look online and it becomes much easier. You can then make your schedule work for you all the better as well. If you are someone with a busy schedule, this might be for you.

It can be tough for the video option on feeling the connection, often technology doesn’t leave the same impact. But this can be adjusted if you talk to your therapist about any feelings of attachment or connection that you are not experiencing. A good therapist will still be able to look you in the eye, empathize with your story and walk through the journey with you. If you feel concerned about people knowing you and seeing you go to counseling, telehealth can solve that as well. There should not be the stigma of going to mental health, but often there still is and no one should feel ashamed coming in for help. 

So if you want to save gas money, finding a specialized therapist, your time, and comfort, then give telehealth a chance and ask if those options are available. If you need help with connection, then ask your therapist how the two of you can address that as a team.

Reference:

Gros, D.F., Morland, L.A., Greene, C.J. et al. Delivery of Evidence-Based Psychotherapy via Video Telehealth. J Psychopathol Behav Assess 35, 506–521 (2013).