re: Can therapy be done effectively over Zoom?

There are pros and cons like with anything.

As a therapist, I prefer in-person particularly with newer clients that I don’t know well largely because part of our job is observing things like body language/hygiene/etc. for a mental status exam. I also would be very leery of using it with a client that has a history of suicidal ideation or attempts, as you want to make sure you can easily access that client in case of a crisis and potential transport to a hospital.

That said, I think it can be a very useful utility for folks who don’t have easy access to in-person sessions. I have a couple clients that are Telehealth only working here in Louisville that are in places like Eastern Kentucky. I was also able to move my clients to Telehealth today temporarily while we’re dealing with an ice storm. So we don’t lose continuity of those services.

It can also be beneficial to see your client in their own environment. Especially if they’re logging in from home.

Also, when you’re using therapy online you’re using a professional Zoom platform or another HIPAA approved platform where you can’t just log anyone on. I also ask my clients to put away their phones and the like during our sessions.

ETA: It has also been beneficial with clients who have crippling anxiety or have difficulty leaving the home.