In-person:

• Benefits: The personal connection in sharing the same physical space can enhance engagement and focus, tailored interventions based on the individual needs and preferences, enhanced communication, confidentiality in an office setting (lighting, and ambiance create a place a warmth and comfort), safety assessments are more effective in the office, and engaging in hands-on art therapy prompts.

• Risks: Accessibility (location of the office, transportation challenges, etc), health and safety concerns (related to health crises), and overall comfort level with the counselor.

Virtual:

• Benefits: Convenience and accessibility (meet from various private locations such as a home, work office), increased privacy, and cost-effective (no travel time to the counseling office, paying for transportation, gas, or parking). Therapists’ flexibility in facilitating session outside of traditional business hours as well as continuing therapy in the state in which the client resides and the therapist is licsenced is a plus.

• Risks: Privacy concerns, cultural sensitivity challenges (barriers to effective communication and culturally aware treatment), increased technology challenges (poor internet connection, volume, screen viewing etc.), limited non-verbal communication cues (difficult to read social cues), distractions from individual environment, technical literacy challenges, emergency situations are more challenging to address when therapist is unable to assess the individual’s well-being, and ethical and legal considerations (therapists must be licensed in the state/jurisdiction to practice, adhere to professional standards, and follow local laws and regulations governing Telehealth services).