One of the most common questions we hear from people considering therapy is: “Should I choose online or in person therapy?” It’s an important and personal decision, and the truth is, there’s no one-size-fits-all answer. We know that deciding between online therapy vs in person therapy can feel like a big choice, especially if you’re new to counseling or returning after a break. It’s completely normal to have questions, feel unsure, or wonder which path is right for you. Our hope is that by the end of this blog, you’ll feel a little more informed and a lot more empowered to choose what feels best for your life right now.
At Best Within You Therapy & Wellness, we want you to know that you don’t have to have it all figured out. We offer both online therapy and in-person therapy appointments in Buckhead and Savannah; many of our clients move between the two based on what’s most supportive for them or their schedule. Some people begin with in person sessions with a psychologist to establish a strong connection, then shift to virtual therapy for more flexibility. Others start virtually and later decide they’d like to come into the office. There is no right or wrong way to do this—only what works for you.
What You Might Love About Online Therapy
Convenience and Flexibility: One of the biggest benefits of virtual therapy is how well it fits into busy lives. With online sessions, there’s no need to commute or find parking. You can simply log in from wherever you are. Many of our clients meet with their therapist from their home office, a quiet room during their lunch break, or even from their parked car. For people juggling work, caregiving responsibilities, or long commutes, this flexibility can make counseling possible when it otherwise wouldn’t be.
Comfort in Familiar Spaces: Being in your own space can create a deeper sense of safety and ease. Whether you’re curled up on your couch with a blanket, holding your dog, or sipping tea, virtual therapy allows you to show up exactly as you are. This comfort level can help lower the barrier to vulnerability, especially when discussing tough topics. For clients who feel self-conscious about showing emotion or crying in a therapist’s office, virtual sessions can offer the privacy and calm that encourages openness.
Greater Accessibility: Our therapists are licensed and approved to see clients virtually in 42 states through PsyPact, which means we can support you even if you’re not located near our physical office. Meeting with a therapist online is a lifeline for many clients in PsyPact states or rural areas where specialized mental health care may be hard to find. Virtual appointments bridge that gap and ensure you can access high-quality, personalized care, no matter where you live.
Easier First Step: If you’re new to therapy, online sessions can feel like a gentler way to begin. Starting therapy is a courageous step, and doing it from the comfort of home can reduce some of the anxiety that comes with trying something new.
What You Might Love About In Person Therapy
A Grounding, Physical Presence
For many people, there is something deeply comforting about being in the same room as their therapist. You may find it easier to express yourself or feel understood when you’re able to sit across from someone who is fully tuned in to your energy and emotions. The ability to make eye contact, notice subtle body language, and share quiet moments together can create a sense of safety that feels more personal. If you tend to feel more connected through face-to-face conversation, in-person therapy may offer the type of support you’re looking for.
A Space That’s Just for You
Coming into a therapy office can offer something truly meaningful. It gives you a space that’s separate from your daily routine, a place where your only focus is your well-being. When you walk through the door, you are stepping away from your responsibilities and entering a calming environment designed just for you. This shift in space can help you settle into the session and feel more present.
Effective for Certain Modalities
You might be wondering, “is online therapy effective?” There have been many research studies showing it is just as effective as in person appointments. Specifically, many studies have shown Telehealth mental healthcare compared to in person mental health care with the same intervention were equally effective. However, some specific types of therapy are simply more effective in person. For example, exposure for phobias often involves techniques that are easier to practice together in the same room. If you are working on something that benefits from in-the-moment feedback or physical presence, in-person appointments may provide more flexibility and support. In-person sessions also make it easier to engage in real-time experiential activities that can be difficult to replicate virtually.
We always start with a complimentary consultation call and will talk about what is bringing you into therapy. If we strongly feel that you may benefit from some in person sessions we will make sure to let you know. That being said, it is rare that online therapy is not a fit if someone prefers to meet their therapist virtually.
Fewer Tech Issues and Distractions
In-person therapy removes the need for technology. There is no need to worry about poor Wi-Fi, app updates, or finding a quiet place at home. The therapy room is quiet, private, and already set up for meaningful conversations. It can help you stay focused and allow your mind to fully engage without interruptions.
The Grounding Ritual of Showing Up
For many people, the simple act of getting ready, traveling to the office, and sitting down for a session becomes an important part of their routine. It is a way of saying, “I am making time for myself.” Having a consistent time and space to check in each week can be deeply grounding. If you enjoy having structure or feel better leaving the house, in-person counseling may feel especially supportive.
How to Decide If Virtual Or In Person Therapy Is Right for You:
If you’re still unsure if online therapy vs in person therapy is the better fit, you’re not alone. It’s a very personal decision, and there’s no right or wrong answer. What matters most is finding what feels supportive and realistic for your life right now.
Here are a few helpful questions to consider:
- Do you have a quiet, private space where you feel comfortable talking openly?
· How do you feel about using video platforms or technology during emotional conversations?
· Are you looking for a specific type of therapy that might benefit from being in person?
· What does your weekly schedule look like? Is it easier to log in from home or step away for a session at the office?
To make things even clearer, here’s a quick guide:
Consider Online Therapy If…
- You want to minimize time spent commuting or in waiting rooms
- You have a busy schedule and need the flexibility to meet from home, work, or on the go
- You feel more comfortable opening up in a familiar, private space
- You live in a rural area or far from specialized care
- You simply prefer online therapy
Consider In Person Therapy If…
- You value routine and enjoy having a set time and place for your sessions
- You feel more supported by face-to-face connection
- You prefer a dedicated space outside your home where you can focus on yourself
- You’re interested in counseling approaches that are best done in person, like exposure therapy
- You want fewer distractions and a more structured environment for your sessions
- You simply prefer in person appointments
Whatever you choose, it’s okay to try one option and see how it feels. Many people start with one format and later switch based on their needs. Therapy is meant to support you, not the other way around.
What We Offer at Best Within You Therapy & Wellness
At Best Within You, we understand that everyone’s needs are different. That’s why we offer both in person and virtual therapy, giving you the freedom to choose what feels most supportive at any point in your journey.
As Atlanta-based therapists, we bring years of experience supporting a wide variety of clients across age, background, religion, race, sexual identity, and life experience. Our team works with adults, teens, parents, students, athletes, and members of the LGBTQI+ community. We offer individual therapy, couples counseling, and family therapy. Whether you’re navigating a specific challenge or simply want to prioritize your overall well-being, we provide compassionate, effective, and specialized care that is tailored to your needs.
Our therapists also offer secure telehealth services across 42 states through PsyPact, making high-quality care accessible even if you live outside the Atlanta area. We also offer flexible scheduling options, including daytime and evening appointments, to help therapy fit into your life. And no matter which option you choose, online, in person, or a blend of both, our focus remains the same: helping you feel heard, supported, and empowered.
Still Unsure?
If you are unsure which format is the best fit for you, we invite you to schedule a consultation with our team. We are happy to answer your questions, learn more about your goals, and help you determine the approach that aligns best with your needs and lifestyle. No matter how you choose to meet with us, our focus is on creating a space where you feel understood and supported. Choosing between online and in-person appointments is just one piece of the puzzle, and you don’t have to figure it out alone.
Thank you to Defne Demirer, Best Within You Therapy & Wellness intern and masters candidate at Johns Hopkins University for this blog post.
