Online Therapy vs In Person Therapy
If you’ve been considering therapy, but unsure if online or in person is better, you’re alone. It’s one of the most common questions when looking for the right therapist. People share they are worried it won’t be as effective or “real”. The short answer is- for most people and most concerns telehealth works just as well as in person therapy. Here’s what research actually shows and some tips for what matters even more than the location of your next session,
What the Research Actually Says
Here's the good news: the research on this is pretty reassuring. One large review looked at 35 studies involving nearly 5,000 people and found that online therapy worked just as well as in-person therapy for common struggles like anxiety and depression. No real difference between the two.
Another 2024 study found the same thing, plus noted something even bigger: the connection between a client and therapist. Trust and rapport are what really makes therapy work, whether it’s virtually or in person. Turns out you don't need to be sitting across from someone to feel truly heard.
That said, it's not a flawless, one-size-fits-all answer. A few studies found in-person care worked slightly better for certain depression cases, and results can shift depending on the person and how the sessions are set up (video vs. phone, for example). But overall, for anxiety, depression, and everyday stress, online and in-person therapy land in pretty much the same place.
The Benefits of Online Therapy
Consistency. It’s easier to make it to your appointment. No commute (hello Columbus traffic woes), no battling Ohio weather, less sick cancellations. Remote flexibility allows for more completed appointments.
Access. You're not limited to finding a therapist with an opening in your city. As long as the person is licensed to practice in your state, you can focus on finding the right therapist match. For Bree & Wild Blooms Wellness this would be anywhere in the great state of Ohio.
Comfort. Some people find it easier to open up from their own space, on their own couch, without the added step of physically going somewhere to talk about hard things.
Flexibility. For parents, caregivers, students, and anyone juggling a packed schedule, being able to fit a session between other responsibilities can be the difference between going to therapy and not going at all.
Where In-Person Wins
Online therapy isn't the right fit for everyone or every situation. It may make more sense for in-person care if:
You're navigating a crisis that benefits from in-person support and monitoring, such as safety concerns or suicidal ideation.
You don't have reliable privacy or a quiet space at home for sessions.
Technology itself feels like a barrier rather than a convenience.
You simply know, from experience or preference, that you connect better face-to-face
None of these mean online therapy "doesn't work," it just means it’s your personal choice. You get to make the decision that works best for you in your treatment.
What Really Makes Therapy Work
Whether you’re in person or meeting virtually, there are things that matter even more.
The relationship. Whether you feel understood, safe, and respected by your therapist tends to matter more than whether you're in the same room.
Consistency. Showing up regularly and doing the work between sessions drives progress more than the delivery method.
The approach. Evidence-based methods, like CBT, remain effective whether they're delivered over video or in person, because the method of creating change (examining thought patterns, building coping skills, practicing new responses) works the same way either way.
Online Sessions With Wild Blooms Wellness
Our meetings are held through Sessions Health, a secure, HIPAA-compliant video platform from wherever you're comfortable. This could be your living room, your office on your lunch break, from your car in the school pick up line or during nap time. The first session focuses on getting to know you, why you may be seeking therapy and the changes you’re hoping to see. It’s no different from what you’d expect walking into an office, but without a commute.
In the End
Online therapy isn't a lesser version of "real" therapy, for most people, it's simply another way of receiving the same evidence-based care. What makes therapy work isn't the room you're sitting in, it's the relationship you build and the consistency you bring to it. If you've been putting off getting support because you weren't sure telehealth would "count," the research suggests it counts just fine. You never know what you could be missing out on!
If you're curious whether online therapy might be a good fit for you, feel free to reach out, I'd be happy to answer any questions before you decide.
