Perhaps you’re online, searching ‘therapist near me,’ when it dawns on you. Therapy has changed (a lot) since Freud’s day. In fact, many people don’t even attend in-person sessions anymore.
As with most things, depending on which method of therapy you choose, there are pros and cons. Let’s take a closer look at some of today’s therapy options, and go over the pluses and minuses associated with each.
App Based Therapy
At this point, most people have heard of the app BetterHelp. Users pay a monthly subscription fee – between $240 and $360 per month – depending on which subscription they choose.
BetterHelp matches their users with a licensed mental health professional. Through the app, users are able to pick a therapist who is familiar with their demographic, and specializes in treating whatever issue it is they’re hoping to resolve.
Once matched with a therapist, users are able to text them, as well as engage in virtual sessions.
The Pros:
BetterHelp makes therapy more accessible. Users who travel frequently or have busy lives benefit from the convenience and flexibility. In addition, they can get their first session pretty quickly.
The Cons:
The company has faced recent scrutiny for selling confidential patient data to 3rd party companies – despite assuring users that any information they shared would stay private. Some people also found the therapists they were matched with were unreliable, or unable to provide the support they needed. Though BetterHelp does give their users the option of switching therapists if the one they’re initially matched with doesn’t work out.
Virtual/Zoom/Phone
Prior to the pandemic, most patients saw their therapist in person, in an office setting. Since the pandemic, Zoom and phone sessions are commonplace.
The Pros:
There’s no denying the convenience factor. It’s much easier for people with back-to-back schedules to find time when they don’t have to factor in additional things, like commuting. For people who have a history of in-person sessions, checkups with their therapist via Zoom or over the phone are helpful, especially since there’s already a rapport in place.
The Cons:
It can be awkward. It’s easier to miss the communication subtleties as well. Plus, there’s often pesky technical difficulties, such as a lag time or when the screen freezes.
In Person
No matter how sophisticated and innovative tech becomes – nothing (nothing!) beats the real thing. There’s something special about an in person face-to-face interaction. You may have heard that a lot of communication is non-verbal – in fact, some studies point to a whopping 90% of communication being non-verbal.
The Pros:
It’s much easier to build a trusting relationship and connection with someone when they’re right there with you, holding space.
For couples counseling especially. Non-verbal communication and other signals are much easier for the therapist to pick up on when the sessions are in-person.
There are no glitches, and the patient and therapist both benefit in each of their respective ways when therapy is done in person. This helps the transition toward healing happen quicker and more efficiently.
The Cons:
It’s not as convenient. There are steps to take: driving to session, parking, sitting in the waiting room… But this pause before and after is beneficial too.
Depending on circumstances, all of these therapy options can help – though it goes without saying that the greater the struggle, the more important it is to have in-person support.
As you search for a therapist, think about what it is you’d like to work through, and – convenience aside – what type of session will give you the best chance at getting there.
Conclusion
At the Relationship Therapy Center, we do our best to weave in convenience, without compromising the integrity of the therapeutic process.
We do our best to get people scheduled within a week of inquiry or less. We prefer in-person sessions, but are happy to provide Zoom options when necessary. Our overall goal is to be there, providing you with the support and guidance you need.
Therapy in Roseville, CA, Fair Oaks, CA, or Online in California:
If you are ready to change your life for the better, we can help. To begin therapy at our Sacramento area locations or online, follow these steps:
- Contact the Relationship Therapy Center and schedule a free 20-minute phone consultation to learn more.
- Meet with one of our talented therapists
Services Offered at The Relationship Therapy Center in California:
Our Sacramento area counseling clinics located in Roseville and Fair Oaks, CA are pleased to offer a variety of mental health services. Our couples services include: Couples Counseling, Counseling after infidelity, sex therapy, co-parent counseling, family therapy, divorce counseling, intensive couples retreats, and premarital counseling. Our individual therapy services include, anxiety treatment, therapy for children, teen therapy, depression treatment, and individual relationship counseling. Our therapists offer online counseling in California to treat a variety of mental health concerns. Please reach out to our Sacramento area therapy office to learn more about the many ways we can help you or your loved ones.