By Michael Wolff, Neuropsychologist/BRAINS co-founder
During and following the pandemic, there has been a vast expansion in the use of telehealth services. According to a 2023 study from Harvard Medical School, 36% of American adults reported experiencing “serious loneliness.” Researchers found, “While the emotional effects of the pandemic seem to be waning, some societal changes may be here to stay, such as remote work and virtual health visits.”
Almost all insurances now cover telehealth for counseling and other types of healthcare services. It can be an effective option to consider for some, but the decision needs to be made carefully.
While convenience is preferred by most, this does not mean it is the best decision to make, particularly for mental health services.
Pros and Cons of Telehealth Therapy
When Telehealth is the Right Choice
Telehealth therapy can be a highly effective solution in specific situations and with particular concerns, including:
- Location and Accessibility: Can be ideal for those in remote areas with limited access to in-person therapy or suitable for individuals lacking reliable transportation or facing long drive times.
- Busy Schedules and Convenience: Helps those struggling to fit therapy into their routine due to work, family, or other commitments because it reduces travel time, making it easier to maintain regular sessions.
- Proven Effectiveness for Certain Groups: Research supports telehealth’s effectiveness for:
- Less severe mental health concerns.
- Older teens and adults who are comfortable with technology.
- Best for Mild and Manageable Cases: Works well for issues that are less consequential to daily functioning, and it provides stable monitoring and management through virtual platforms.
Challenges of Telehealth Therapy
While telehealth therapy has its advantages, there are also potential drawbacks.
- Technology-Related Issues: Unstable Wi-Fi or phone connections can disrupt the therapeutic process, and technical difficulties may impact communication and engagement.
- Increased Distractions: Home environments can include interruptions from:
- Emails, TV, or other screens.
- Family members or roommates.
- Confidentiality concerns in shared spaces.
- Lack of Transition Time After Sessions: In-person therapy allows for processing time during the drive home or a brief reflection period. With telehealth, individuals often jump right back into daily tasks without absorbing the session’s insights.
By understanding the benefits and limitations, you can make a more informed decision about whether telehealth or in-person therapy is the right fit for your wants and needs.
Pros of Traditional Face-to-Face Therapy
The Value of Interpersonal Connection
In-person counseling goes beyond addressing mental health symptoms. It fosters genuine interpersonal connections, which are crucial for long-term success. Benefits of face-to-face therapy include:
- Stronger Therapeutic Bond: Allows for more dynamic and personal interactions between therapist and client and enhances trust and emotional connection through direct communication.
- Better Interpretation of Nonverbal Cues: Therapists can more effectively read body language, facial expressions, and tone of voice. Nonverbal signals provide deeper insights into emotions and mental states.
- Engagement Through Activities: Hands-on techniques like art, writing, and interactive exercises improve therapy effectiveness and encourage creative expression and deeper emotional exploration.
Why In-Person Therapy is Critical for Children and Teens
Children and teenagers benefit significantly from in-person therapy due to their need for interactive and sensory experiences. Key advantages include:
- More Effective Skill Practice: Activities like deep breathing, progressive muscle relaxation, and cognitive restructuring are easier to model and practice in person, while real-time feedback enhances learning and retention.
- Improved Emotional and Social Development: In-person therapy provides opportunities to practice social interactions and emotional regulation. Additionally, strategy games, emotional games, and outdoor activities (like green space therapy) help reinforce key therapeutic concepts.
- Better Support for Severe Mental Health Concerns: Face-to-face therapy is preferred for acute cases such as trauma, suicidal ideation, and crisis intervention. It ensures closer monitoring, accountability, and a more immediate response in high-risk situations.
Long-Term Benefits of In-Person Therapy
While telehealth can be useful in certain situations, in-person therapy offers long-term advantages, particularly for:
- Children and teens needing structured, interactive sessions.
- Couples therapy where nonverbal cues and body language are essential.
- Complex mental health challenges requiring a dynamic and immersive approach.
Therapeutic Choices Through BRAINS
At BRAINS, both telehealth and in-person services are options for counseling and potentially testing intakes and feedback.
Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) supervision and family consultation may be engaged through telehealth options, and if there are no other options, speech, and occupational therapy may also help to support skill acquisition via telehealth platforms. However, more often than not, occupational and speech therapy and ABA services are best in person when services are being directly provided to the individual in need of support.
Being in person at BRAINS is still preferred as the decades of prior literature supports the physical interaction and engagement for better outcomes. At this point in time, we do not have good longitudinal research demonstrating the outcomes of telehealth services, even though it is likely for more minor types of mental health or situational concerns that telehealth can in fact be supportive and beneficial.
But, let’s remember, the interpersonal connection is important and is an essential part of the therapeutic process. The dedicated team at BRAINS is here to support you every step of the way—reach out to BRAINS today to explore the best therapy options for your needs and start your journey toward lasting well-being.