A full virtual therapy appointment may not be feasible every time. Sometimes, a quick check-in is enough to monitor progress. Before you pick an option, let’s look at the differences between a check-in and a full session.
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What Is the Difference Between a Virtual Check-In and a Full Therapy Session?
Both events happen either online or over the phone. The difference lies in their goals.
A virtual check-in:
- Usually lasts no more than 20 minutes
- Focuses on a specific concern
- Provides medication follow-up
- Serves as a brief symptom review
On the other hand, a full-scale virtual therapy appointment:
- Usually lasts between 45 and 60 minutes
- Provides room for deeper exploration of emotions and patterns
- Is a part of the ongoing therapeutic work
- Focuses on your mental health concerns in general, not just a specific aspect
When Is a Virtual Check-In the Better Choice?
An online therapy check-in can be a great choice for a lot of people. A shorter appointment tends to fit these situations well:
- You are managing a stable condition. There is only a need for periodic monitoring.
- You want to discuss a new concern to see if it requires more in-depth support.
- Something specific came up between sessions that needs brief attention.
- You cannot commit to regular full sessions due to time or other constraints
A virtual check-in is a practical way to receive support without committing to the full hour. Your therapist can still assess your situation each time. They will recommend longer sessions if they think it’s necessary.
When Do You Need a Full Therapy Session Instead?
A full virtual therapy session is a more appropriate choice when:
- You are working through a complex mental health condition. It can be trauma or a significant life transition.
- You want to build a deeper therapeutic relationship.
- You have multiple issues to address.
- You need stable, regular support to manage your symptoms
- You are starting therapy for the first time. It is usually ideal to receive a few full sessions first to allow the therapist time to examine your condition more closely.
A full therapy session and a virtual check-in are not mutually exclusive. A lot of the time, they can happen together. For example, you have been receiving regular sessions and only want to speak to your therapist about something quick. Then, a check-in works much better than another 60 minutes.
Can a Virtual Check-In Replace a Full Therapy Session?
Generally, no. It is not recommended to replace full therapy sessions with periodic check-ins. Those check-ins are designed to supplement therapy. They can only address a quick issue. Your therapist will not have time to work through deeper emotional issues within a short timeframe.
In addition, the purpose of a virtual check-in is different. It mainly aims to make sure that your condition is stable and that you do not need additional support. A full therapy session offers ongoing treatment to address mental health problems. You should not see a check-in as a treatment alternative.
What Should You Consider Before Choosing an Appointment Type?
Here are some questions that might help clear things up.
- Did something come up suddenly?
A quick check-up can be beneficial if you don’t want to wait for your regular appointment. - Are you working through deep emotions?
If so, you need a standard therapy session. - Can you commit to an hour?
If not, a quick check-in is better. - How stable is your condition?
If you are managing the symptoms well and there are no unexpected attacks, you usually do not need a full therapy session.
Can You Switch From a Virtual Check-In to a Full Therapy Session?
Definitely. It happens quite often. A lot of people realize that they have something deeper to address during a virtual check-in. Then, they switch to a full therapy session. Online check-ins are a good way to catch some of the early warning signs. It helps people control the situation in time.
Your therapist may suggest the switch if they see fit. You can also let your provider know about your preference. Most providers have the capacity to provide quick check-ins and full therapy.
Conclusion
A virtual check-in and a full therapy session do not serve the same purpose. A check-in is meant to address something quickly or monitor a stable condition. A standard session can help work through complex emotions. Your therapist can explain all the benefits and limitations for each option based on your situation.
