Choosing the type of therapy that’s right for you – virtual or in person therapy
Beginning in March of 2020, virtual therapy sessions became popular because of stay-at-home orders. They also made it more convenient for people working from home. When you choose to work with a therapist, it can be difficult to make a to decide whether virtual or in person therapy is right for you. There are many factors to consider, such as insurance coverage, scheduling, preferences, and accessibility.
Your preferences and needs for therapy sessions
You know yourself best. Do you connect with others great through virtual meetings, or do you prefer to have meetings in person? Do your thoughts wander during virtual calls, or are you able to maintain focus? Thinking about your own wants and needs can be a good indicator of what type of session is best for you. Think about your other experiences with virtual connections and how they have impacted you.
Your schedule
Do you have an extremely busy schedule, or do you work from home? If it’s hard to schedule in extra time to drive to the office during your day, telehealth sessions may be ideal for you. If you have a more flexible schedule, you might enjoy leaving your home or office to travel to the office to meet with your therapist. Consider how you might schedule your therapy session and the time it will take you to commute to the office.
Accessibility
Accessibility is a huge consideration in therapy. Are you able to drive to the office? If not, telehealth sessions may be perfect for you, since you can meet for your session without arranging transportation. Another consideration is your wifi capability–is it stable? We want to have the best chance at seeing and hearing each other clearly, and if your wifi is spotty, an in-person session might be a consideration.
Another great thing about telehealth sessions is the flexibility that comes along with them. When you sign up for a virtual session, you can meet from anywhere within the state, so whether you’re at home, at your office, or somewhere else, as long as you have privacy, we can meet!
Consider your insurance coverage for virtual or in person therapy
If you’re using insurance for your session, your insurance company may dictate whether you must see a provider in person or if you’re able to connect virtually through telehealth. It’s important to know your coverage so that you’re not stuck with a large bill that you weren’t expecting. You can check your benefits directly with your insurance company to figure out what type of session is covered through your plan.
More than ever before, you have options when it comes to your sessions, including how and when to have them. Whatever decision you make, we support both in-person and telehealth sessions at Barnum Counseling.
Learn more about author, Sam Nolan, LPC, here.
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