Finding it difficult to choose between Telehealth and an in-person therapy appointment?

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There are many pros and cons to Telehealth appointments. One most common advantage is it is very accessible. Maybe you can’t find transportation to an appointment; Telehealth can be a remote option, and you also wouldn’t have to factor in cost for gas if you drove. Melissa Hirth and colleagues identified scheduling is easier with Telehealth appointments when it comes to “fitting in therapy around other commitments” (2023). If you have to squeeze an appointment in on your lunch break at work, Telehealth is a great option. Some people also feel safer talking about their concerns in their own home rather than a stranger’s office. Overall, many patients who have used Telehealth are less stressed and have received effective care. You can “become psychologically stronger” by using online therapy, just as you can with in-person appointments (Cherry, 2025).

On the other hand, many patients have stated that telehealth feels more impersonal. Everyone has different preferences for modern relationships. Although technology is more advanced, there is always the possibility of a technological failure. Maybe the system or software malfunctions and can’t immediately resolve. The internet also isn’t always reliable, leading to disruption in sessions. Those who aren’t tech savvy would need to be taught how to use the proper equipment to ensure service access.

Another concern is that confidentiality and privacy aren’t as guaranteed in Telehealth. It was mentioned that privacy leaks and jacks are legitimate issues that the software and therapist cannot always control. It’s possible that therapists can’t respond as well when there is a crisis for an online client and there are some illnesses that cannot be addressed online due to the nature of the treatment (ex. PTSD and EMDR). Body language cannot be read as well online, so understanding one’s “feelings, thoughts, moods, and behaviors” may be more difficult for the therapist to assess accurately (Cherry, 2025). Being able to “read” a patient is important when it comes to intervening appropriately. There should be a note that Telehealth often cannot be done over state lines, depending on the counselor’s license and insurance requirements. So, if you go on vacation, even though your appointment is technically portable, it’s possible you may need to reschedule your session because the therapist is not licensed in the state you’re visiting.

Telehealth has revolutionized the mental health world by gaining access to countless patients. Overall, Telehealth can be just as helpful as in-person therapy and can offer a lot of personal and professional value. Deciding if it’s right for you depends on your personal situation, preferences, and therapist’s current offerings.

Authentic Hope: Center for Peace and Empowerment offers in person appointments at our office in Corvallis, Oregon. Reach out if you are interested in scheduling an in person session with one of our therapists.

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Cherry, K. (2025). The pros and cons of online therapy. VeryWell Mind. Retrieved February 25, 2026 from https://www.verywellmind.com/advantages-and-disadvantages-of-online-therapy-2795225

Gros, D., Morland, L., Greene, C., Acierno, R., Strachan, M., Edge, L., Tuerk, P., Frueh, C. (2013). Delivery of evidence-based psychotherapy via video telehealth. Journal of Psychopathology and Behavioral Assessment 35, 506-521. https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s10862-013-9363-4

Hirth, M., Hahn, J., & Jamwal, R. (2022). Exploring the patient experience of telehealth hand therapy services during the covid-19 pandemic. Journal of Hand Therapy 36(3). https://www.clinicalkey.com/#!/content/journal/1-s2.0-S0894113022000795

HRSA. (n.d.). Best practice guides [Photo]. Telehealth HHS. Retrieved on February 25, 2026 from https://telehealth.hhs.gov/providers/best-practice-guides