Decide between virtual counseling vs. in-person counseling in Idaho when booking an appointment for therapy. In-person counseling is the best way to feel safe and connect with a therapist. However, virtual counseling is an important tool for Idahoans who would otherwise go without counseling.
Are you trying to decide whether you need to attend therapy in person? Perhaps the convenience of online counseling is appealing due to the distance or scheduling conflicts of an in-person appointment.
This blog post will weigh the pros and cons of virtual counseling vs. in-person counseling in Idaho. Meraki Healthcare will also explain some times when switching to a virtual appointment may be necessary, even if it’s not your primary method of receiving counseling.
Need more information about making therapy selections? Also read this article about how to choose a good therapist.
Benefits and Drawbacks of In-Person Counseling in Idaho
In-person counseling offers many benefits because humans are wired for connection. Some studies show that the brain has to work harder to make a personal connection with someone over a video call than meeting in person.
The connection between therapist and client is important for co-regulation. Coregulation helps us process traumas in healthy ways. Being in person may also help limit distractions like a messy home, noisy surroundings, or other people in the immediate vicinity.
Specific types of therapy are also more accessible through an in-person visit with your counselor. For example, you must attend therapy in person to utilize sand tray therapy.
That doesn’t mean in-person counseling isn’t without its drawbacks. Driving to therapy uses more time and resources. Many Idahoans have less availability due to the time constraints of travel.
Benefits and Drawbacks of Virtual Counseling in Idaho
Without virtual counseling, many clients would not have time to receive mental health counseling services. Clients from rural Idaho communities have increased access to therapy through virtual counseling, and studies indicate that it can still provide therapeutic benefits.
Something to consider is that in-person counseling allows for a broader range of treatment plans than virtual-only appointments. If you can spare the time to keep in-person appointments, you may find more benefits than you would receive from virtual-only counseling.
Other drawbacks of virtual counseling may include unreliable internet connections and additional distractions from your home or environment.
Virtual counseling also allows clients to attend therapy in inclement weather or when they may have a contagious illness that would prevent in-person counseling on a given day.
There are ways to ensure a better experience during virtual counseling, so don't shy away from online counseling options when needed.
When to Change an In-Person Appointment to a Virtual One
Change your in-person appointment to a virtual appointment when inclement weather makes it unsafe to travel to in-person counseling. This is most common during the winter in Idaho. You should also switch types when you are contagious to prevent the spread of illness.
Conclusion
Try to schedule in-person counseling appointments, but virtual appointments are an essential way for Idahoans with limited time or resources for travel to receive therapy. If you want to know if virtual counseling is a good fit for you, ask your therapist about your treatment plan options.
Call Meraki Healthcare today at (208)-643-5343 to schedule an appointment or join our waitlist. We offer mental health counseling services, medication management, and virtual dietetics counseling.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is virtual counseling better over the phone or video?
Virtual counseling is best over video rather than over a phone call. The therapist can discover more insights from being able to see you over video rather than just hearing your voice. However, both modes of therapy can provide benefits.
Is virtual counseling for mental health effective?
Virtual counseling offers many therapeutic benefits, especially for clients who are unable to receive therapy face-to-face. To know how effective virtual counseling is for you personally, consult with your mental healthcare provider.
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