I’m not sure if it makes any difference. The problem is mostly in the intensity and abruptness of the practice. The problem is that in many vipassana retreats you’re thrown into a super-intense retreat with little or no preparation or support.
Having said which, it is true that vipassana approaches tend to disperse and break down the “self”, while samatha practices are soothing and healing. I would generally recommend that people get a solid foundation in metta and/or breath meditation first of all; and that would apply double in the case of anyone facing unusual psychological or emotional struggles.