Telehealth versus in person therapy: Which is right for you?
By: Kristen Thauer
COVID-19 has undoubtedly changed the way in which healthcare operates. Many different
industries have been permanently impacted by the pandemic. Psychological
counseling has quickly turned into a telehealth industry. Some practitioners
see their clients fully virtually. For many, getting on a zoom call for forty
five minutes to an hour versus commutes to the therapy office is much easier
and less stressful. Whether it is a packed work schedule or a physical ailment,
telehealth has now made therapy more accessible for many. Despite the
convenient nature of telehealth, many argue that sitting behind a screen does
not have the same impact as a face to face interaction may have. It is no secret that human communication involves much more than verbal speech. Sometimes body
communication conveys far more about a depressed patient than words ever can.
Another commonly brought up issue regarding telehealth is the cold nature of
staring at a computer screen. Many have argued that in order for a healthy
client patient rapport to flourish, client and practitioner must meet in
person. There is no doubt that a generational divide is present: millennials
and generation Z may prefer to meet virtually, while older generations are more
comfortable with an in person session. Regardless of which you prefer, being in
therapy can be beneficial no matter the circumstance.
In person therapy can also be an escape for many, away from the stressors of home or work.
For those with familial issues, it is not always safe to be in session while at home.
Additionally, Wi-Fi and computers do fail on occasion, which can be incredibly
distracting and even distressing for some clients. Despite this, the American
Psychological Association has ruled telehealth therapy to be just as effective
as in person therapy according to the research.
If you or someone you know is interested is dealing with an eating disorder, please
contact our psychotherapy offices in New York or New Jersey to talk to one of
our licensed professional psychologists, psychiatrists, psychiatric nurse
practitioners, or psychotherapists at Arista Counseling & Psychotherapy.
Contact our Paramus, NJ or Manhattan, NY offices respectively, at (201) 368-3700
or (212) 722-1920 to set up an appointment. For more information, please visit http://www.counselingpsychotherapynjny.com/
Sources: https://www.apa.org/monitor/2022/10/future-of-telehealthhttps://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8956990/
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