The Mental Health Benefits Of In-Home Therapy Services

Some individuals may be interested in receiving face-to-face support from a mental health professional without traveling to a therapist's office. Barriers like a lack of reliable transportation, difficulty assuring childcare, or mobility challenges can all make it difficult to seek help in an office setting. However, individuals can receive in-person help from the comfort of their homes through in-home or home-based mental health services.  

In-home mental health services involve trained professionals visiting your home in person. These services may benefit those who can't seek in-person appointments or are more comfortable in their own homes. In-home therapy can treat a range of common mental health challenges. Understanding this therapeutic option can help you or a loved one make an informed decision on the options available. 

What are in-home mental health services?

In-home mental health services, also called home-based therapy, are therapeutic services where a professional provides psychological support and treatment within a client's home rather than at a therapist's office. These services can help individuals who may want support but face barriers to traditional options. One-on-one practice therapists and other mental health professionals may offer in-home sessions as an alternative to office sessions.

Benefits of in-home therapy

A potential benefit of in-home therapy is its convenience and availability. Clients don't need to travel to a therapist's office, making it a convenient option for those with mobility challenges, lack of transportation, or childcare concerns. 

In-home therapy can reduce the worry and stress of visiting a mental health facility for some people. Clients may be more comfortable and comfortable with their therapist in a familiar environment. This comfort may strengthen their relationship with their therapist, allowing therapy to be more effective.

In-home therapists may gain a more comprehensive view of the client and their life, allowing them to create a more customized treatment plan. In-home therapy can let therapists learn more about their clients' everyday habits and interactions with their surroundings. Observing the client's space can help them better understand their needs and create tailored treatment plans that might be more difficult to develop in a regular office setting if the client doesn't discuss the information. 

When to consider seeing a therapist at home

In-home therapy might be a valuable option for those who can't attend regular office sessions due to physical limitations, lack of transportation, or responsibilities at home. It can also benefit people who are uncomfortable seeking treatment in an unfamiliar office setting or want to receive treatment from the comfort of their home without visiting crowded waiting rooms at mental health facilities.

In-home therapy is frequently utilized by child welfare agencies, community support organizations, and those serving individuals with disabilities. In addition, some insurance plans may cover in-home mental health services when medically necessary. 

Who is in-home therapy for?

Home-based therapy programs can be used by people of various ages with different challenges. Regardless of your background, you may consider this option. However, the following groups may benefit the most from in-home treatment options.  

Older individuals

In-home therapy may be helpful for older adults with mobility challenges or chronic pain, which may make it difficult to attend regular therapy sessions at a clinic. By offering services in the comfort of their homes, in-home therapists can better meet the needs of this age group. However, you do not need to have an illness to request home services for an older family member or yourself. Insurance may not cover in-home counseling services, but if you have a mental health diagnosis, it may not be necessary for your to have a health care condition for home-based therapy. 

Individuals with disabilities

Some individuals with disabilities may also find in-home therapy more suitable due to physical or cognitive disabilities that make traveling challenging. Some disabled individuals may benefit from customized support and care, which in-home therapy professionals can often provide in a familiar setting.

Postpartum parents

Some new parents may experience challenges like postpartum depression as they adjust to the physical, emotional, and psychological changes that follow childbirth or adoption. With in-home therapy sessions, new parents can have a comfortable space to work through any difficult emotions they may be dealing with while still being able to care for their children. 

Individuals with agoraphobia or severe social anxiety

People with agoraphobia or severe social anxiety may struggle to leave home or go to an unfamiliar office for therapy sessions. Receiving therapy at home may be easier and more comfortable for clients. Intensive in-home counseling services can offer therapy in a safe environment while clients work through their mental health care treatment plan. 

Individuals with a substance use disorder

Therapists can provide tailored support through in-home services for individuals with a substance use disorder. Delivering therapy in the individual's home may also help the therapist create a more effective coping plan. As the client can remain in their own space, the therapist can help them eliminate items that might incite the urge to use substances. 

If you are struggling with substance use, contact the SAMHSA National Helpline at (800) 662-4357 to receive support and resources. Support is available 24/7.

Types of in-home mental health therapy

Different types of mental health services and counseling can be applied through in-home services. Mental health professionals, like psychologists, counselors, and social workers, can come to your house to provide support, whether you’re seeking individual, couples, or family therapy. Below are some of the most common services that may be offered. 

Home-based counseling

In-home counseling involves a mental health professional coming to your home to discuss stress, anxiety, communication challenges, or other mental health topics. The counselor may be a psychologist, social worker, or other qualified professional with special training in home-based counseling. 

Couples home-based therapy

A therapist can come to your home to help you and your partner work on your relationship with couples therapy. The therapist can be a marriage and family therapist or another mental health professional. In-home couples therapy may be helpful because it's in a familiar space, making it easier for some people to discuss personal topics. It can also remove the stigma that some couples may feel in going to a therapist's office, allowing a therapist to see how you and your partner interact in your home or with your children. 

Family therapy

In-home family therapy involves a family therapist working with family members directly from home. A family therapist can help family members work through conflicts and improve relationships. The therapist can observe the family dynamic at its source, allowing them to offer more tailored advice. 

Individual mental health services

Individual at-home therapy focuses on supporting those with mental health conditions like anxiety or depression in their homes. Different mental health professionals may offer this support. If mental illness is causing difficulty leaving home or setting appointments, a therapist can guide clients in coping with these challenges in a space that is theirs. 

Limitations of in-home mental health therapy services 

Despite the advantages, some limitations come with in-home mental health therapy services. Some of it includes the need for more equipment and space to conduct home therapy. It can also feel demotivating for some people when therapy is done in their own home. In some cases, therapists may also identify challenges in controlling the session.

In-home vs. online mental health services

In-home and online therapy allow people to receive help without leaving their homes. However, with in-home therapy, a mental health professional comes to a client's home and delivers therapy physically. With online therapy, a client connects with a mental health professional virtually and has therapy remotely wherever they have the internet, such as from home. 

Pros and cons of using mental health services at home

People may prefer different approaches, and there may be situations when one approach works better. For instance, home-based therapy or in-home services may be more effective for people who want to have therapy at home but don't have a reliable internet connection or are uncomfortable using technology. Contrarily, some clients may enjoy the convenience of having therapy at home but are uncomfortable having a therapist visit them in their space. In these cases, online therapy through platforms like BetterHelp may be more convenient, as they allow clients a level of distance from the provider. 

One example of this dynamic could be an individual with depression, who may be exhausted and experience low energy. Their depression symptoms may make it difficult to leave the house, do household chores, and maintain personal hygiene, which could make them wary of hosting someone in their own space. In this situation, online therapy could be beneficial. In addition, research has demonstrated the effectiveness of online therapy, with some studies showing it can be as effective as in-person therapy for conditions like major depressive disorder.