5 Reasons Why Virtual Therapy Might Be Your Best Option (and still be covered by your insurance)

In the digital age, where connectivity knows no bounds, the world of psychotherapy [and insurance] has embraced virtual platforms with open arms, revolutionizing the way individuals seek and receive mental health support. 

Using a local therapist, whether virtual, in-person or hybrid, can be the right choice with many insurance plans

If you're contemplating whether virtual therapy is the right choice for you, here are five reasons to consider:

1) Accessibility for All: For would-be clients who have physical, logistical, transportation or other personal, limiting issues, individuals can now access therapy from the comfort of their own homes – all you need is an internet connection.

And if you’re time-crunched, virtual therapy allows you to carve out just one hour for the appointment – without the extra transportation time. 

2) Comfort and Convenience: Stepping into a therapist's office for the first time can be daunting for many individuals. Virtual therapy eliminates this barrier. From the coziness of your living room to the privacy of your bedroom, virtual sessions allow you to engage with therapy in a space where you feel safe and at ease. This sense of comfort fosters openness and honesty, enabling deeper exploration and reflection during sessions. 

Virtual therapy can also more easily adapt to your unique lifestyle constraints and preferences. Need your session after the kids go to bed? Or on your lunch break at work? Prioritize your mental health without disrupting your daily routine. 

3) Anonymity and Control: Despite significant progress in mental health awareness, stigma still surrounds seeking therapy for many people. Virtual psychotherapy offers a level of anonymity that traditional face-to-face therapy cannot match, giving you greater control over your privacy, helping alleviate concerns about judgment or scrutiny from others, and making it easier for individuals to take the crucial step towards seeking help.

4) Care and Consistency with A Trusted Therapist: Contrary to common misconceptions, virtual therapy can foster a strong therapeutic alliance between the therapist and the client. Through video conferencing platforms, therapists can still pick up on non-verbal cues, expressions, and tone of voice, facilitating meaningful connections with their clients. Additionally, the convenience and accessibility of virtual therapy often result in greater consistency in attendance and engagement, leading to more effective therapeutic outcomes over time.

And, finally, our favorite… 

5) Personalized and Localized Care: While therapy apps offer convenience and accessibility, they often lack the personalized touch and localized expertise that local therapy offices provide. When you engage with a local therapy office, you have the opportunity to work with therapists who are familiar with the cultural nuances, resources, and support systems specific to your area. This localized knowledge enables therapists to tailor their approach to enhances the therapeutic experience and can lead to more meaningful and lasting outcomes in your mental health journey.

In the realm of mental health care, the choice between virtual psychotherapy and traditional face-to-face therapy is not a binary one but rather a nuanced decision that hinges on individual preferences and needs as well as availability of professional, trusted clinicians. 

Reach out today to get the conversation started and explore your options with Oak Park-based Starks Therapy Group – for in-person, virtual – or request one of our clinicians who can do both, giving you the flexibility you need. 

Ultimately, the key lies in finding the approach that resonates with you and empowers you to embark on a transformative journey towards mental wellness.

*Note: Illinois licensing only allows us to accept clients who live in Illinois, whether in-person or virtual.