Is Online Therapy Right for You? Pros, Cons, and What to Expect

So you’ve finally decided you want to see a therapist. Good for you! That’s a big first step. But now comes the question, which is better, online therapy vs in-person therapy? Questions such as is online therapy effective, is virtual therapy covered by insurance, is one option better than the other, are common, and the answer is yes, it’s effective and yes, most virtual therapy is covered by insurance.

All of these are important and valid questions to ask as the way you receive therapy is a personal choice that needs to feel right for you.

For years, in person therapy was the only real option, but with the Pandemic in 2020, the growth of online therapy became more popular. (Please note, many clients will also use the words virtual or telehealth, which for the purpose of this article, can mean the same thing.)

Looking for help from a therapist for either individual sessions or couples therapy? Serenium has 150+ therapists at multiple locations in NJ and online and accepts most insurance. View our therapists and call us at 877-575-7957 to speak with our team, learn more, or schedule your first session

Type	Pros	Cons
Online Therapy	Therapy meets you where you’re at.	Lots of distractions.
Online Therapy	No need to get dressed up.	May not feel as connected to your therapist.
Online Therapy	More access to therapists in your state.	Technology issues.
In Person Therapy	Calming space just for you.	Location issues.
In Person Therapy	Feeling accomplished.	Needing to put a bit more effort into showing up.
In Person Therapy	Human connection can create better trust.	Less available times to meet.

New Jersey based therapists accepting new clients

Let’s start with the pros and cons of online therapy

Online Therapy Pros:

Therapy meets you where you’re at. Sometimes your schedule is busy, you don’t have access to transportation, you’re not feeling well enough to even leave the house, or you simply like the convenience of not having to drive somewhere. One of the primary benefits of online therapy is the convenience.
No need to get dressed up. When we go out, sometimes we can tend to feel like we need to put on a full outfit and for women, sometimes put on makeup, but virtual therapy feels okay to be in sweatpants.
More access to therapists in your state. What most people don’t realize is that, even though a company offers online therapy, the therapist you work with is one that has to be located in the same state you live in, even if it’s virtual. However, you can have access to the variety of therapists in New Jersey that a practice offers.

Online Therapy Cons:

Lots of distractions. When you’re taking a call from home, the coffee shop, or even sometimes in your car, there can be a lot of distractions from other people, from seeing the mess you need to clean in your home, to hearing the therapist. The space you’re in matters and those distractions can take away from you getting the most out of your session.
May not feel as connected to your therapist. Technology has improved, but feeling you can be vulnerable and heard can be challenging when you’re not directly in front of the therapist. Seeing them against a white wall with not the best lighting, in some cases, having a timer in front of your face counting down the session, or even seeing the therapist be distracted in their space by a pet or phone call (although that should never be happening) can leave you feeling like something is missing.
Technology issues. Sometimes you aren’t getting good service, your battery is running low on your phone or computer, the sound isn’t clear, or the power goes out and the session can’t be completed. Technology can sometimes cause issues that create a challenge when you’re in a session.

Let’s compare online counseling vs face-to-face counseling.

In-person therapy pros:

Calming space just for you. Come to a space that’s clean, well designed, smells good, is comfortable and can put you at ease. Being away from the stressors of your life in a comforting space can help you get the most out of your session in a more relaxing state.
Feeling accomplished. For some, simply getting out of the house and doing something is an accomplishment. Knowing that you got dressed, drove, and showed up to meet someone in person is something to be proud of. Especially if you’ve been feeling lonely or depressed, this is a huge reason to see a therapist in person.
Human connection can create better trust. Being in person with a therapist and being able to take in the energy of one another creates a greater sense of trust. Especially for those that have been feeling like they need human support, physically being in the same room and having that human connection is helpful.

In-person therapy cons:

Location issues. You’ll need to find a therapist you feel is a good fit that’s fairly close to where you live or work which can sometimes feel like the options are limited.
Needing to put a bit more effort into showing up. Getting dressed, getting in your car, and being on time requires a bit more effort than just turning on your device.
Less available times to meet. Because you’ll need to factor in a drive and getting ready, there may be limitations in scheduling to get therapy appointments that work for your schedule.

So teletherapy vs in-person therapy, which is better? Both are great! It just depends on what you feel will suit your personality and scheduling best. However, it’s also important to note that many clients choose to do both. They may choose to do it in person primarily, but if they know that they have to pick up their child from school one day, they may choose to do virtual during their lunch hour. While others start with online therapy and find they want the push to get out of the house and crave the more human connection of in person therapy.

That’s why it’s ideal to find therapists and therapy practices that offer both options like Serenium Therapy & Wellness for those looking to work with therapists in New Jersey in case you change your mind or want a hybrid.

If you live in New Jersey, you can start viewing therapists that offer both online therapy and in-person therapy here. And remember, know yourself and understand what feels best for you at this time in your journey.

Looking for help from a therapist for either individual sessions or couples therapy? Serenium has 150+ therapists at multiple locations in NJ and online and accepts most insurance. View our therapists and call us at (855) 845-0555 to speak with our team, learn more, or schedule your first session.