In-Person vs. Telehealth Appointments: Pros, Cons & When to Choose Each
In-Person vs. Telehealth: Pros, Cons & When to Choose Each
When I first started offering telehealth visits, I wasn’t sure how it would go. I remember one patient—a busy mom—logging in from her minivan between soccer practices.
She told me, “This is the only way I can take care of me right now.”
That moment stuck with me. It showed just how valuable convenience can be—but also reminded me that sometimes, nothing replaces sitting face-to-face with a patient.
Let’s break down the pros and cons of both, and when each might be the right choice.
Telehealth: The Convenient Choice
Pros:
• Easy to fit into a busy day—no drive time, no waiting room.
• Great for follow-ups, medication refills, or minor issues.
• Let's the patient connect even when they’re sick, traveling, or live far from care.
Cons:
• It is harder to do full physical exams or certain tests.
• Technology glitches happen—Wi-Fi drops, camera issues, etc.
• Sometimes it feels less personal.
Best for:
Follow-ups, medication management, mild illnesses, and mental health visits.
In-Person Visits: The Traditional Touch
Pros:
Allows full exams, testing, and hands-on assessment.
Builds stronger personal connections and trust.
Easier to catch subtle things—like body language or skin changes.
Cons:
Takes more time—travel, parking, waiting.
Not as convenient for quick updates or prescription checks.
Best for:
New symptoms, annual exams, complex issues, sick visits, or when something just doesn’t feel right.
In-Person Vs Telehealth FAQs
If you’re used to only seeing your providers in-person, it’s likely you have questions as you compare the two options. Let’s explore…
What are the main differences between in-person therapy and telehealth therapy?
In-person therapy happens face-to-face in a clinician’s office, which allows for deeper non-verbal communication, a controlled therapeutic space, and immediacy of presence. Telehealth therapy (or teletherapy) is conducted via video call or phone, offering more flexibility, convenience, and accessibility, especially for people who cannot travel or have limited local options.
Is telehealth therapy as effective as in-person therapy?
Yes. Research shows that for many common mental health concerns (like anxiety and depression), telehealth therapy can be just as effective as in-person therapy. However, some cases involving very severe or complex issues might benefit more from in-person work, depending on the clinician’s methods and the client’s needs.
How do I decide whether telehealth or in-person therapy is right for me?
Consider your personal needs and circumstances:
Accessibility: Do you have reliable internet or transportation?
Comfort level: Do you feel safe and focused at home, or do you prefer a neutral space?
Type of therapy needed: Some modalities or severity of issues may lean toward one format.
Scheduling flexibility: Telehealth often offers more flexible time options.
The Bottom Line
You don’t always have to choose one over the other. Think of telehealth as a tool—not a replacement. If you’re juggling a busy life or need a quick check-in, telehealth can be a lifesaver. But for new or serious concerns, being in-person gives your provider the best picture of your health.
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About Two Roads Wellness Clinic®
Two Roads Wellness Clinic® is an integrative wellness clinic. We truly believe in whole-person wellness and see more than just a list of symptoms.
At Two Roads Wellness Clinic®, we want you to experience the difference of personalized health care. We’re an integrative health clinic offering a vast array of services including, mental health treatments such as EMDR (eye movement desensitization and reprocessing), family therapy, medication management, primary care, integrative nutritional support, personalized health reports and precision medicine with DNA testing, weight management program, life coaching, massage therapy, physical therapy, infrared sauna services, community education and outreach, and more.
The Two Roads Wellness Clinic® team of therapists, medical and nutrition staff, massage therapists, life coaches, physical therapists, and emotional support animals are ready to help you find an integrated approach to your wellness. To schedule an appointment, visit our contact page to get started at one of our convenient locations in Champaign, Danville, Mahomet or Covington, or learn more about Online Therapy and Medical Sessions.
Like the Robert Frost poem our name is based on, we want to help you find the path that makes a difference in YOUR life.
“Two roads diverged in a wood, and I—
I took the one less traveled by.
And that has made all the difference.”Robert Frost, “The Road Not Taken”
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