Pros and Cons of Telehealth in NYC

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In the spring, therapists and patients in NYC were abruptly thrust into the world of telehealth. It was one of many adjustments we had to make among so many unknowns around us. After some clunky adjustments (poor wifi connections, frozen screens, scheduling changes, finding private spaces, etc), we made it to the other side. And the other side is…working! Some therapists who never considered telehealth are now moving their practices remote long-term. Others are watching the news intently for the moment that they can go back to the comforts of their office. Similarly, some patients have voiced a preference for remote sessions indefinitely while others are waiting to resume therapy because video simply does not cut it. After numerous discussions with our patients, many therapists in NYC and among the Therapists of New York team, we came up with a list of the pros and cons of using telehealth. If you have any more to add, feel free to email us at info@therapistsofny.com. We would love to hear your experience!

Pros

  • No commute: Goodbye unpredictable obstacles like traffic and train delays!

  • Neutral ground: No hierarchy! You are not a guest in your therapist’s office. You share the virtual space equally. That helps some of our patients feel more casual or less inhibited. 

  • More flexibility when scheduling and traveling.

  • Reduction in intimacy/less intensity: Some of our patients express that the distance allows them to feel more open and think freely. 

  • Glimpses into our patient’s lives: Kids, cats, dogs, significant others, apartments, renovations, etc. When working remotely, we get visuals of our patients lives. It feels connecting in a whole new way.

Cons

  • No commute: Some patients miss the mental processing that occurs during a commute. Also, there is less transition time between activities. Click off of a call with your boss and on to a call with your therapist. It’s intense!

  • No waiting room: Our patients miss a space to get in the therapy mindset. Virtual waiting rooms just don’t cut it.

  • Reduction in intimacy: The magic of face to face interactions is impossible to replicate over video. Even the passing of a tissue can be powerful in certain therapeutic moments.

  • Just a face!: We miss body language, picking up on subtleties, the ability to avert eye contact more freely, etc. 

  • Technical difficulties: Imagine a powerful silent therapeutic pause turns out to be a frozen screen! Those moments really mess with the flow.

  • Screen-time fatigue: Staring at a screen all day is rough on our brain and body.

Telehealth has major strengths and has proven to be a convenient alternative to in person therapy. Although we miss many aspects of meeting in person (and can’t wait to have the option again) it is clear that telehealth works. If you are interested in starting therapy, don’t wait to meet in person. You can get insights, relief and support now thanks to telehealth. 

If you want to speak to one of our team members about starting therapy via teleheatlh at Therapists of New York, click here to book a consultation.