Why People Are Shifting to In-Person Therapy over Virtual Therapy

In-Person Therapy New York

Therapy and mental health can be difficult subjects for people to discuss. However, they are integral to our health and wellness and they have a meaningful impact on our quality of life. Awareness of the benefits of therapy has grown, but there are still many people who don’t know about their options, particularly when it comes to online counseling vs. face-to-face alternatives. Fortunately, here at Therapy Group NY, we’re passionate about providing information so you can make an informed decision about your care. Now, let’s talk more about the differences between online and in-person therapy in New York, and what in-person therapy has to offer in terms of mental health care.

woman sitting on a chair during a therapy session.

Online Therapy vs. In-Person Therapy

In recent years, we have witnessed a growing trend of people switching to in-person therapy over virtual therapy options. While virtual therapy has gained popularity due to its convenience and accessibility, one major reason for this shift is the personal connection in in-person therapy sessions. Although video conferencing platforms offer an impressive level of visual and auditory interaction, a video call cannot fully replicate the experience of being physically present with a therapist.

Techniques such as art therapy, experiential therapy, or even group therapy are also more common in a physical setting. In-person sessions also offer a controlled environment for protocols such as exposure therapy, where therapists can closely support and gauge your reactions. Remote therapy became popular initially during COVID-19 when there were risks and challenges associated with in-person treatment. Now that the risks have gone down and vaccines have been produced, there are many people considering returning to in-person therapy in New York for their mental healthcare and mental health support.


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Types of Therapy in Manhattan

At Therapy Group NY, we offer many types of therapy and have therapists who are trained and experienced in treating common mental health conditions like anxiety and depression. We also offer a few specific types of therapy for particular situations. Below, we’ll go over some of them and explain how they can benefit you.

Psychotherapy

Psychotherapy, also known as talk therapy or counseling, is a type of therapy that focuses on helping you explore your thoughts, feelings, and behaviors to improve your mental health and well-being. It’s a collaborative process between the therapist and the client, where they work together in a therapeutic alliance to identify and address the underlying issues that may be contributing to their difficulties.

We utilize many well-known techniques, including cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) in psychotherapy. You can discuss what treatment modalities best suit you with your therapist. While psychologists can be beneficial in many situations, you may need to work with a psychiatrist if your condition is treated with medication. Medication management is an essential part of any treatment plan that involves taking psychiatric medication.

Career Counseling

Career counseling can benefit people at various stages of their careers, whether they’re just starting out, considering a change, or wanting to advance in their current field. At the core of this therapy is a process of self-exploration, where you’re encouraged to reflect on your values, strengths, interests, and skills. The counselor helps them gain a deeper understanding of their individual qualities and assists them in aligning their career choices with their personal attributes.

Teen Therapy

Another form of in-person therapy in New York is teen therapy, specifically designed to address the unique challenges and needs of adolescents. This form of therapy focuses on providing a safe and supportive environment where teenagers can openly express their thoughts, emotions, and concerns. During the teen years, you will undergo physical, emotional, and cognitive changes as you navigate various developmental stages. In teen therapy, our trained and experienced therapists utilize various techniques tailored to meet the specific needs of teenagers.

Marriage and Couples Therapy

Marriage and couples therapy is a valuable form of therapy that focuses specifically on improving relationships between partners or spouses. At our practice, we strongly believe in the effectiveness of this type of therapy in helping couples overcome challenges and restore harmony in their relationship. Whether it’s communication problems, conflicts, infidelity, or a loss of emotional connection, the therapist acts as a mediator and facilitator, guiding the couple toward understanding and resolution.

Family Therapy

Family therapy is a form of psychological counseling that aims to help families improve communication and resolve conflicts. This type of therapy focuses on the family as a unit, rather than specific people within the family, and aims to address the dynamics and patterns of interaction that contribute to problems within the family system.

Advantages of In-Person Treatment and Teletherapy

Both in-person therapy in New York and teletherapy have their uses, which is why it’s worth exploring the differences between in-person therapy vs online before you make a decision about what to do for yourself. Traditional therapy and online therapy sessions can both offer benefits, and many people actually use a combination of in-person and online sessions. You can talk to your therapist about what services they offer and what treatment plan is best suited to your lifestyle and your needs.

Benefits of In-Person Therapy

In-person sessions allow for direct interaction, allowing the therapist to pick up on subtle cues and nuances in body language and facial expressions that may be difficult to interpret in online or phone sessions. This enables the therapist to provide personalized support and interventions tailored to the client’s needs. Another advantage of in-person therapy in NYC is the potential for immediate feedback and guidance.

In-person sessions allow for real-time communication, enabling therapists to respond in the moment, provide immediate support, and address any concerns or questions. This level of responsiveness can help clients feel more heard and validated, as well as foster a sense of accountability and motivation. In-person therapy in New York also offers a structured and predictable routine that can be useful for many clients.

Benefits of Teletherapy

With telehealth, people can attend therapy sessions from the comfort of their own homes, eliminating the need to commute to a therapist’s office. This can be especially beneficial for those who live in rural areas or for anyone with limited mobility or transportation options. Teletherapy also allows for scheduling flexibility, as sessions can be conducted at a convenient time for both the therapist and the client, without the need to coordinate physical meeting locations.

Traditional therapy may be inaccessible in some situations, but online therapy can bridge this gap. It allows you to connect with mental health professionals from anywhere who aren’t necessarily near your house or work. This is particularly important for those who may face stigmatization or cultural barriers when seeking therapy in their local communities.

Telehealth services also offer comfort that may enhance the therapeutic experience for some clients. Being in a familiar environment can make you feel more relaxed and open during teletherapy sessions. For those who may feel nervous or uncomfortable in face-to-face settings, teletherapy can be an attractive alternative.

Cost of In-Person Therapy

Now, let’s answer, “How much is in-person therapy?” At Therapy Group NY, we’re an out-of-network, fee-for-service practice. We make it fast, simple, and straightforward to pay for your therapy sessions. Many people are eligible for reimbursement from their insurance company for appointments, so be sure to check and see whether or not you have coverage. If you’re eligible for reimbursement, we can expedite that process! We use advanced technology to turn your payment into an electronic request for reimbursement from your insurance provider. After you’ve met your deductible, you’ll then be reimbursed for the amount of money that’s covered for your in-person therapy in New York.

Benefits of Therapeutic Treatment

There are many generalized benefits of therapy, which everyone should be aware of. No matter if you’re dealing with relationship issues, mental health concerns, or simply seeking personal growth, therapy can be a powerful tool for transformation and healing. Through therapy, you can:

  • Find a safe space for self-expression.
  • Develop healthy coping techniques.
  • Increase self-awareness.
  • Improve your overall well-being.

You can only reap these rewards if you make the commitment to therapy.

Why Choose Therapy Group NY

We have years of experience working with a diverse group of patients, treating a wide range of mental health conditions. Being the best version of yourself doesn’t have to be difficult. The experts at Therapy Group NY are trained in a variety of therapies, so you can find a form of treatment that works for you. Our goal is to create a respectful and safe space for our clients, where they can explore their emotions, including feelings of vulnerability. If you’re ready to discuss your options for virtual or in-person therapy in New York, then reach out to Therapy Group NY, and we’ll be happy to help you start on your therapeutic journey.

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