Text vs. Video Therapy: Which Format Is Right for You?
Compare the benefits, limitations, and ideal use cases for text-based and video-based online therapy to find the format that best suits your needs and preferences.
Understanding Online Therapy Formats
Online therapy has revolutionized mental health care by making support more accessible than ever before. Two of the most popular formats are text-based therapy and video therapy, each offering distinct advantages and potential limitations.
Text-based therapy involves communicating with your therapist through written messages, either in real-time chat sessions or through asynchronous messaging where you and your therapist respond when convenient. This format provides flexibility and the ability to engage with therapy on your own schedule.
Video therapy closely resembles traditional in-person therapy, with face-to-face sessions conducted through secure video conferencing. This format preserves many elements of traditional therapy while offering the convenience of remote access.
Many online therapy platforms now offer both options, and some therapists use a hybrid approach combining the two formats. This comparison will help you understand the strengths and limitations of each to determine which might work best for your specific situation.
Side-by-Side Comparison
Who Is Each Format Best For?
Text Therapy Is Ideal For:
Video Therapy Is Ideal For:
Research on Effectiveness
Text Therapy Research
Research on text-based therapy shows promising results for certain conditions:
- Studies show text therapy can be effective for mild to moderate depression and anxiety
- Research indicates high satisfaction rates, particularly among younger adults
- Some studies suggest the act of writing about emotions can have therapeutic benefits
- Less research available compared to video and in-person therapy
Video Therapy Research
Video therapy has substantial research supporting its effectiveness:
- Multiple studies show comparable outcomes to in-person therapy for many conditions
- Research demonstrates effective therapeutic alliance can form through video
- Studies support effectiveness for a wider range of conditions and severities
- More extensive research base with longer-term outcome studies
The Bottom Line on Effectiveness
Both text and video therapy formats have research supporting their effectiveness, though video therapy has a more robust evidence base. The most effective format often depends on individual preferences, needs, and circumstances. Many people benefit from a combination of both formats, using video for deeper therapeutic work and text for ongoing support and skill development.
Platform Examples
Text-Focused Platforms
Video-Focused Platforms
Hybrid Platforms (Both Text & Video)
Practical Considerations
Time & Scheduling
Text: Flexible, asynchronous, can message anytime, therapist typically responds 1-2 times daily.
Video: Scheduled sessions (30-60 minutes), requires dedicated time block, similar to traditional therapy.
Cost Factors
Text: Often $40-80/week for unlimited messaging, sometimes with weekly live sessions included.
Video: Typically $60-150 per session, similar to traditional therapy pricing.
Technical Requirements
Text: Minimal - basic internet connection, smartphone or computer, works with intermittent connectivity.
Video: More demanding - stable high-speed internet, webcam, microphone, private space with good lighting.
Combining Both Formats
Many therapists and platforms now offer hybrid approaches that combine the benefits of both text and video therapy. This might include:
- Weekly video sessions with unlimited text messaging between sessions
- Primary text therapy with occasional video sessions for deeper work
- Flexible options to switch between formats based on your needs and schedule
- Using text for check-ins, homework, and skill-building with video for processing emotions and complex issues
Find Your Ideal Therapy Format
Whether you prefer the flexibility of text therapy, the personal connection of video sessions, or a combination of both, we can help you find the right match for your needs.