The Benefits of a Hybrid Private Practice

There are so many things to decide when you are considering private practice. Where and how you want to practice is likely at the top of your list. Finding a practice that fits your goals and values is important. You want to feel comfortable where you are practicing. 

While therapy has traditionally been done in office, online sessions allow greater flexibility and remove barriers for many clients. There are benefits and drawbacks to both approaches making a hybrid practice attractive for many. 

Benefits of Online Counseling

Seeing clients online can remove many barriers. It can give clients in areas where there aren’t a lot of options when it comes to providers more choices. Online counseling can help to normalize taking care of your mental health which is an amazing benefit. 

Additional benefits of online counseling can include: 

  1. Greater choices in providers. As mentioned before, many clients in more rural areas have limited choices on who they can see. 

  2. Flexible scheduling. It’s hard to find time for yourself, when clients can see their therapist online they don’t have to factor in drive time which can make seeing a therapist seem more realistic. 

  3. More approachable format. Most of us these days are comfortable with technology, seeing a therapist online can feel like a natural choice. 

  4. Ability to open up more. When clients are in their own space they are more likely to feel comfortable from the get go, this can help with the therapeutic process. 

  5. Not limited by drive time. It’s worth mentioning again, when you see your counselor online you don’t have to worry about drivetime. This can make therapy a lot more accessible for folks. 

While there are many benefits to online counseling there are drawbacks as well. When we work with clients online we have to be concerned about things that aren’t present in the therapy room when you are with a client physically. 

These drawbacks can include; 

  • Connectivity issues

  • Distractions in the space you can’t control for

  • Concerns about others overhearing as you can’t control your client’s space like you can your own office

  • Missing important non-verbal cues

  • Limited accessibility for clients who are uncomfortable with technology

 

While these potential drawbacks often don’t outweigh the potential benefits, they are factors to consider.

Benefits of In Person Sessions

Seeing clients in person can mitigate many of the drawbacks of online counseling. There can be many benefits to in person sessions. When you are physically in the office with a client you may find you are better able to connect and pick up on non-verbal communication. There are certainly some clients that prefer traditional face to face counseling and many providers as well. 

What is important is that you are practicing in a way that is the best fit for you and for your clients. No two therapists are the same just as no two clients are alike.

Creating a Hybrid Practice

In today’s world, you don’t have to choose. Many therapists have a hybrid practice that allows them to see clients in person as well as online. When you allow yourself space to practice online and in person you are better able to meet your client’s needs as well as your own. 

Carolina Counseling Services strives to provide exceptional care to our community. With online counseling our community has grown exponentially. We support our contracted therapists in practicing in a way that best fits their clinical skills and their client’s needs. You don’t have to choose between an online practice and an in person practice. You can have both and flourish. 

If you are licensed in North Carolina and interested in learning more about CCS, send your cover letter and resume to applicants@carolinacounselingservices.com. We can’t wait to hear from you!