Choosing the right type of therapy in Los Angeles
When considering therapy, one of the first decisions you may encounter is whether to attend sessions in person or virtually. Both options offer opportunities to build a meaningful therapeutic relationship, explore personal challenges, and work toward emotional well-being. However, the experience of attending therapy can look different depending on the format.
In a city like Los Angeles, where commuting, work schedules, family responsibilities, and traffic can make getting from one place to another challenging, having options for how you attend therapy can make a meaningful difference.
Since the COVID-19 pandemic, the way people access mental health services has changed considerably. Online therapy, which was once less common, has become a regular part of mental health care. Many therapists and counseling practices now offer in-person, virtual, or hybrid therapy to accommodate different needs and preferences.
So, how do you know which option is right for you?
Let's explore the differences between in-person and online therapy, how the pandemic changed mental health care, and what to consider when deciding which format best supports your needs.
How COVID-19 Changed the Way We Access Therapy
Before COVID-19, most traditional therapy services were primarily conducted in person. While virtual therapy existed, it was not as widely utilized or accessible as it is today.
When the pandemic began, mental health providers had to adapt quickly to continue supporting clients while reducing in-person contact. Video sessions became an important way for people to maintain access to mental health services during a time of significant uncertainty, isolation, and change.
What began as a necessary adjustment introduced many people to a different way of participating in therapy.
For some, virtual therapy made mental health care more accessible than it had been previously. People could attend appointments from home, avoid commuting, and fit sessions into increasingly complicated schedules. Others discovered that they felt more comfortable opening up in a familiar environment.
As pandemic restrictions eased, many people returned to in-person services. However, virtual therapy did not disappear. Instead, it became an established option within mental health care.
This shift is reflected in the American Psychological Association's research. According to its 2024 Practitioner Pulse Survey, 69% of surveyed psychologists reported providing a combination of in-person and remote services, while 19% practiced entirely remotely.
The trend continued in 2025. The APA's 2025 Practitioner Pulse Survey found that 65% of surveyed psychologists continued to use a hybrid practice model.
These findings reflect how virtual and hybrid services have become established options in psychological practice.
Today, individuals have more opportunities to consider not only which therapist they want to work with, but also how they want to participate in therapy.
What Is the Difference Between In-Person and Online Therapy?
Although the purpose of therapy remains the same, the environment and experience can differ depending on how sessions are conducted.
In-Person Therapy
In-person therapy involves meeting with your therapist in a designated office or counseling space.
For many people, having a separate physical space dedicated to therapy helps establish a sense of routine and intentionality. Stepping away from everyday responsibilities and entering a therapeutic environment can make it easier to focus on personal experiences without the distractions of home or work.
Some people also prefer face-to-face interaction and find that being physically present with their therapist helps them feel more connected and engaged.
Potential benefits of in-person therapy include:
A dedicated space for reflection and emotional processing.
Fewer distractions from household responsibilities or work.
Face-to-face interaction and nonverbal communication.
Physical separation between therapy and everyday routines.
A more structured experience for individuals who benefit from leaving their usual environment.
For individuals who have difficulty finding privacy at home, live with others, or have responsibilities that make virtual sessions challenging, attending therapy in person may also provide a more comfortable setting.
Online Therapy
Online therapy, also referred to as teletherapy or virtual counseling, allows clients to meet with their therapist through a secure video platform rather than traveling to an office.
Virtual therapy can offer greater flexibility, particularly for individuals balancing demanding schedules, family responsibilities, or long commutes.
In Los Angeles, where traveling even relatively short distances can take considerable time, eliminating the commute can make it easier to maintain regular appointments.
Potential benefits of online therapy include:
Greater flexibility when scheduling appointments.
No commute or additional travel time.
Access to therapy from home or another private location.
More convenience for individuals with busy work or family schedules.
An option for individuals who feel more comfortable participating from a familiar environment.
For some individuals, being in their own space can make it easier to discuss difficult emotions or experiences. Others may find it more challenging to stay focused or feel connected through a screen.
Online therapy is not necessarily a less meaningful therapeutic experience. Research suggests that telehealth can be an appropriate and effective way to deliver many types of health care, including mental health services. However, the experience and outcomes can vary depending on the individual, treatment needs, and type of care.
Is Online Therapy as Effective as In-Person Therapy?
This is one of the most common questions people have when considering virtual counseling.
The answer is that online therapy can be an effective option for many individuals, although it is not necessarily the right fit for everyone.
A 2024 systematic review published in npj Digital Medicine, titled Effectiveness of Telehealth Versus In-Person Care During the COVID-19 Pandemic, examined 77 studies comparing telehealth and in-person care.
The researchers found that differences in outcomes were generally small or not clinically meaningful across many of the health care areas examined. However, the authors also noted limitations in the available research, including differences in study populations, treatment settings, and the quality of evidence. The review included only a limited number of studies specifically examining behavioral and mental health care.
This research provides helpful context, but it is important not to interpret it as evidence that virtual therapy is equally effective for every individual or clinical concern.
The American Psychological Association also recognizes the importance of evaluating whether telepsychology is appropriate for each client's needs. Its Guidelines for the Practice of Telepsychology discuss considerations such as client suitability, privacy, technology, and the quality of care.
Ultimately, effectiveness is not determined by the format of therapy alone.
The therapeutic relationship, the client's individual needs, the treatment approach, consistency, and the ability to participate meaningfully in sessions all contribute to the therapeutic process.
For example, someone who feels comfortable communicating through video and has a private, distraction-free environment may find virtual therapy works very well for them. Someone who struggles to stay present during virtual appointments may benefit from having an in-person space.
The goal is not to determine which format is universally better, but to identify which environment allows you to participate most comfortably and consistently.
What Is Hybrid Therapy?
Hybrid therapy combines in-person and virtual appointments, allowing clients to participate in therapy through different formats depending on their needs and circumstances.
Rather than committing exclusively to one format, clients may have the opportunity to alternate between attending sessions in an office and meeting virtually.
For example:
You may attend in-person sessions when you want a dedicated space to process something particularly challenging.
You may choose virtual sessions during a busy workweek when commuting would make attending difficult.
You may prefer in-person appointments regularly but appreciate having a virtual option when unexpected circumstances arise.
You may begin therapy virtually and later decide that meeting in person would better support your goals.
Hybrid therapy can offer flexibility without requiring you to choose between convenience and face-to-face interaction.
It can also help people maintain continuity in their care when schedules, responsibilities, or circumstances change.
How to Decide Which Type of Therapy Is Best for You
Choosing between in-person, online, and hybrid therapy is a personal decision. What works well for one person may not necessarily work well for someone else.
When considering your options, it can be helpful to think about the following:
1. Consider Where You Feel Most Comfortable
Think about the environments in which you feel most comfortable discussing personal experiences.
Do you feel more at ease in your own home, or does having a separate space help you feel more focused?
Some people appreciate the familiarity of their home environment. Others find that physically leaving their everyday surroundings helps them transition into a more reflective mindset.
Neither preference is wrong. Understanding what helps you feel comfortable and emotionally present can be a useful starting point.
2. Think About Privacy
Privacy is an important consideration in any therapeutic setting.
If you live with family members, roommates, or a partner, consider whether you have a space where you can speak openly without worrying about being overheard.
Virtual therapy works best when you have a private environment, a reliable internet connection, and a device that allows you to participate comfortably.
If privacy is difficult to maintain at home, in-person therapy may offer a more appropriate setting.
3. Consider Your Schedule and Lifestyle
For many people living in Los Angeles, finding time for therapy can be challenging.
Between work, school, family responsibilities, and commuting, adding another appointment to your schedule can feel overwhelming.
Consider how much time it takes to travel to and from an office. Would attending virtually make it easier to maintain consistent appointments? Or would having a scheduled appointment outside your home help you prioritize time for yourself?
The most convenient option is not always the best option, but accessibility can play an important role in maintaining consistency.
4. Think About Your Therapeutic Needs
Different people have different needs when it comes to mental health support.
Some individuals appreciate the structure and face-to-face interaction of in-person sessions. Others find that virtual therapy provides the flexibility and comfort they need to participate consistently.
Certain clinical situations, assessments, safety considerations, or therapeutic interventions may also make in-person care more appropriate.
If you are unsure, discussing your preferences and treatment needs with your therapist can help determine which format is appropriate.
5. Consider What Helps You Stay Consistent
Consistency is an important part of the therapeutic process.
It can be helpful to consider which format makes it most realistic for you to attend appointments regularly.
If commuting frequently leads to missed appointments or makes scheduling difficult, virtual therapy may help reduce those barriers.
On the other hand, if attending sessions from home makes it difficult to separate therapy from everyday distractions, in-person appointments may help you establish a more consistent routine.
Ultimately, finding a format that you can realistically maintain is an important part of choosing the right type of care.
Can You Change Between In-Person and Virtual Therapy?
Yes. Depending on your therapist's availability, practice policies, clinical considerations, and insurance coverage, you may be able to adjust your appointment format as your needs change.
Your preferences and circumstances may not always remain the same.
You might initially prefer virtual therapy because of your work schedule but later find that in-person sessions offer something you would like to incorporate into your routine.
You might also begin therapy in person and eventually transition to virtual appointments because of a move, schedule change, or other life circumstances.
It is worth having an open conversation with your therapist about what is working, what is not, and whether adjusting your session format could better support your therapeutic goals.
Therapy should be a collaborative process, and discussing how you participate in sessions is part of that process.
Finding the Right Therapy Option in Los Angeles
Finding a therapist is about more than simply choosing an appointment time or deciding whether to meet in person or virtually.
It is about finding a therapeutic relationship and environment where you feel comfortable exploring your experiences, developing insight, and working toward meaningful changes.
For individuals in Los Angeles, having access to different therapy formats can make mental health care more adaptable to the realities of everyday life.
Whether you prefer the structure of in-person counseling, the convenience of online therapy, or the flexibility of a hybrid approach, there are different ways to make therapy a meaningful part of your routine.
At Calmura Counseling & Wellness, we believe mental health care should be responsive to the individual. We recognize that each person brings different experiences, responsibilities, and needs into therapy.
Our goal is to help individuals find an approach to care that feels accessible, supportive, and aligned with their personal goals.
You don't have to have everything figured out before beginning therapy. Sometimes, the first step is simply having a conversation about what might work best for you.
If you are considering therapy in Los Angeles, we invite you to connect with Calmura Counseling & Wellness to learn more about our services and explore your options. We offer opportunities for both in person, at our Tarzana location, and virtually across California. Click the button below to meet one of our therapists!
