Six Places to Do Your Teletherapy Appointment If You Aren’t at Home

Therapy doesn’t always happen in a cozy office or from the comfort of your couch. With teletherapy, sessions can happen virtually anywhere you feel safe and comfortable. But what if you're not at home and still need a private space for your teletherapy appointment? Don’t worry—there are plenty of options.

Whether you're traveling, working remotely, or just not in a place where home is an option, here are six great places to have your therapy appointment.

Great Places To Do Your Teletherapy Session Away From Home

1. Your Car

If you're on the go or need immediate privacy, your car can be the perfect spot for your therapy session. Park in a quiet, safe location, roll up the windows, and you’ve got a private space to talk. You can even use a phone holder to prop up your device and keep your hands free. For added comfort, bring along a cozy blanket or cushion. Just make sure you’re parked in a safe spot where you won’t be disturbed or distracted!

Pro Tip: Keep your car cool or warm enough depending on the weather, and consider using headphones to keep your conversation private. Also keep in mind that your phone may overheat if it's in direct sun.

2. A Quiet Public Park

A quiet corner in a public park can be a calming and private-enough environment for an online therapy session. The fresh air, greenery, and natural sounds can help you feel more relaxed and grounded during your session. Choose a spot where you won’t be interrupted—look for less crowded areas, maybe under a shady tree or near a peaceful walking path. You could also ask to do your session via telephone and walk somewhere quiet throughout your session.

Pro Tip: Bring a blanket or a folding chair to sit comfortably, and ensure your device is fully charged since public spaces might not have outlets. And don't forget those headphones.

3. Private Study Room at the Library

Libraries often have private study rooms that can be reserved, making them a great space for a teletherapy session. These rooms offer privacy, peace, and usually a stable internet connection. Plus, being surrounded by books and a quiet atmosphere can help you focus and engage fully in your session.

Pro Tip: Check with your local library ahead of time to reserve a room, and bring your headphones for privacy.

4. Wellness Room at Your Workplace

Many workplaces now offer wellness rooms or quiet spaces where employees can take a break or handle personal needs. If your office has one of these spaces, it’s a great option for taking in a therapy session during the workday.

Pro Tip: Check your company’s policy for reserving the wellness room, and let your colleagues know you’ll be unavailable during your session. Please don't take over the lactation room if you're not going to be pumping. Leave that space for its intended use.

5. Airport or Mall Work Pod

While a coffee shop is too public for a therapy session, some public spaces have work pods you can rent by the hour. They are relatively sound proof and come with wifi. Though people walking by may be able to see some of your screen, they won't know it's a therapy session.

Pro Tip: Use headphones for better sound quality and to ensure privacy during your conversation. Bring a water bottle, as these pods can get warm.

6. A Friend’s or Family Member’s House

If you’re visiting a friend or family member’s house and need a space for your therapy appointment, see if you can borrow a quiet room for your session. This could be a guest room, home office, or even a basement area where you can talk without interruptions. You don't have to disclose that it's a therapy session. Just say you have an important meeting and can't be interrupted. Just make sure it’s a place where you feel comfortable during your session.

Pro Tip: Let the people around you know that you’ll be in a private meeting to minimize distractions or interruptions.

Six Places to Avoid for Your Teletherapy Sessions

While teletherapy offers flexibility, there are a few locations that aren't ideal for a therapy session due to privacy concerns or distractions. Here’s a quick list of places you should avoid:

1. Public Transit. Too noisy and crowded, with little to no privacy for sensitive conversations. Plus it's just rude to the other passengers.

2. A Busy Coffee Shop. Even with private corners, coffee shops can be loud and lack the privacy needed for an emotional or personal session.

3. In the General Room at the Library. While libraries are typically quiet, the general areas are still public spaces where others may overhear your conversation. Don't be rude to other library goers.

4. In a Shared Office Space. If you're in a shared workspace, it's hard to guarantee privacy, and your session could be distracting to others. This may be true even if you have a private office that has a glass door.

5. At The Airport. People are just trying to get where they're going. Overhead announcements, gate changes, and the constant commotion are too distracting to make therapy productive here. Plus no one waiting to board wants to hear your business.

6. While Driving. Even if you're hands-free, driving during a session is unsafe and distracting for both you and your therapist. If you absolutely have to take a session while driving, it should be telephone only with a hands-free earpiece or headphones.

These spaces may compromise your comfort, focus, and ability to fully engage in the therapy session. For a more productive experience, it's best to choose a private and quiet location.

Tips for Great Teletherapy Sessions Anywhere

Regardless of where you choose to do your teletherapy session, a few simple tips can ensure it goes smoothly:

• Test Your Connection. Make sure your internet connection is stable and strong enough for video. If you're in a public space, check ahead for Wi-Fi or bring a portable hotspot.

• Bring Headphones. Using headphones not only improves sound quality but also helps maintain privacy.

• Minimize Distractions. Find a spot where you won’t be interrupted, and let others around you know that you need some uninterrupted time.

• Prepare Your Space. Bring any items that make the space more comfortable for you—like a blanket, tissues, or a notebook for jotting down thoughts during the session.

Finding Your Best Teletherapy Space

Teletherapy offers flexibility that traditional therapy doesn’t always allow. With these options, you can find a private, comfortable space for your session, no matter where you are. Whether it's your car or a peaceful spot in a park, the key is choosing a place that feels private, safe, and allows you to focus.

Ready to schedule your next teletherapy appointment? We’ll help you find the support you need—whether you're in the comfort of your home or in one of these alternative spaces!