Online Therapy vs. In-Person Therapy: Which Is Right for You?

Carisa Bishop
Sep 26, 2025
2 min read

Therapy has traditionally taken place face-to-face in an office. But over the past decade — and especially since the COVID-19 pandemic — online therapy has become a widely accepted alternative.

If you’re wondering whether online therapy is as effective as in-person sessions, the short answer is: yes. But the real question is which one fits best for your life, needs, and preferences.

The Benefits of Online Therapy

Convenience: No commuting, parking, or waiting rooms. You can meet with your therapist from home, the office, or even your car during a break.
Accessibility: Especially important in rural areas like parts of Wyoming, where specialized trauma therapists may not be nearby.
Comfort: Many clients feel more at ease sharing vulnerable experiences from the familiarity of their own space.
Continuity: Travel, bad weather, or busy schedules are less likely to interrupt your care.

The Benefits of In-Person Therapy

Physical presence: Some people feel more connected when sharing space with their therapist.
Body language cues: In-person sessions may capture subtle body language that’s harder to pick up on video.
Boundaries: Attending therapy in a separate location creates clear mental and physical boundaries.

Effectiveness: What the Research Says

Multiple studies have shown that online therapy is just as effective as in-person therapy for many conditions, including PTSD, anxiety, and depression. What matters most is the therapeutic relationship and the use of evidence-based methods like EMDR, CBT, or DBT.

Who Might Prefer Online Therapy?

Clients with busy schedules.
Parents who need flexibility.
People in rural or underserved areas.
Those with mobility or health challenges.

Online Therapy at ThriveMind

At ThriveMind Psychotherapy, we provide telehealth services to clients in Massachusetts, Wyoming, and Florida. Our sessions use secure, HIPAA-compliant platforms so you can feel confident about privacy and confidentiality.