In-Person vs. Online Therapy: Which One Is Right for You?
Mental health care is now more accessible than ever, and with that comes more options for how you can meet with your therapist. One of the most common questions clients have to decide is: Should I try online therapy or meet with a therapist in person? Both approaches offer meaningful support and healing, but each has unique benefits depending on your lifestyle, comfort level, and therapeutic goals.
At Resilient Roots Counseling & Consulting, we’re proud to offer in-person therapy in Charlotte, NC, because we know how important face-to-face connection can be—especially now that so many therapy practices have gone entirely virtual. We also offer secure, flexible online sessions for clients across North Carolina, South Carolina, and Colorado, giving you the power to choose what works best for you.
If you're trying to decide between in-person and online therapy, this guide will help you understand the pros and cons of both so you can make an informed, empowered decision.
What Is In-Person Therapy?
In-person therapy involves meeting your therapist at a physical office. Sessions are conducted face-to-face in a private, confidential setting. This traditional method of therapy has been around for decades and remains a preferred choice for many.
At Resilient Roots, we intentionally offer in-person sessions because we believe some things are just better when shared in the room—whether it’s a deep emotional breakthrough, a moment of quiet connection, or a supportive presence during heavy sessions.
Benefits of In-Person Therapy
Stronger connection through body language: Non-verbal cues like posture, facial expressions, and tone can be more easily noticed in person. This can lead to deeper emotional attunement between you and your therapist.
Structured routine: Leaving home and entering a dedicated therapy space helps some clients focus better and build a therapeutic routine.
Safe space: The therapy office can become a sanctuary, separate from everyday life and distractions.
Ideal for certain approaches: Some therapeutic modalities—like EMDR, somatic experiencing, and play therapy—often work best or only in person.
Challenges of In-Person Therapy
Travel time and logistics: Commuting to a therapist’s office can be a barrier, especially with busy schedules or lack of transportation.
Limited flexibility: Rescheduling or squeezing in appointments can be more difficult.
Geographic limitations: If you live in a rural or underserved area, finding an in-person therapist may be tough.
That’s why we offer both in-person and online sessions—so you don’t have to compromise your care based on location or life demands.
What Is Online Therapy?
Online therapy, also known as telehealth or virtual counseling, involves video or phone sessions conducted from your home, office, or another private location. Since the pandemic, online therapy has surged in popularity—and for good reason.
Benefits of Online Therapy
Accessibility and convenience: You can meet with your therapist from anywhere, saving time and making it easier to fit therapy into your schedule.
More choices: You're not limited to local providers. You can work with licensed therapists anywhere in your state or region.
Comfort of familiar environments: Some people open up more when they're in their own home or personal space.
Ideal for mobility, health, or transportation concerns: Virtual therapy makes mental health care more inclusive for those with chronic illness, disability, or transportation issues.
Challenges of Online Therapy
Tech problems: Internet connectivity issues or app glitches can disrupt sessions.
Privacy concerns at home: If you live with others or in a shared space, it can be difficult to find privacy to talk freely.
Harder to read non-verbal cues: Some subtleties may be missed on video calls, which can affect communication.
While virtual sessions offer ease and flexibility, we find that many clients still crave the presence, safety, and depth of in-person therapy, which is why we continue to make it available.
Factors to Consider When Choosing
Choosing between in-person and online therapy is personal. Here are some key questions to help guide your decision:
What’s your schedule and lifestyle like?
If you have a demanding job, irregular hours, or childcare responsibilities, online therapy may be easier to manage. If you work from home and want to physically get out of the house, in-person therapy may be a refreshing change of pace.How comfortable are you with technology?
If video calls feel awkward or overwhelming, you may benefit more from in-person therapy. On the other hand, if you're comfortable using video platforms and value flexibility, online therapy could be a great fit.Do you have a private space for virtual sessions?
If privacy is an issue at home (e.g., roommates, children, thin walls), a quiet office space may be the better setting for open and honest conversations.What kind of therapy are you seeking?
Certain therapies, like EMDR, art therapy, or trauma-focused body work, may require physical proximity or materials best suited for in-office sessions. Others, such as CBT, talk therapy, or solution-focused brief therapy, adapt well to online formats.What are your personal preferences?
Some people feel more emotionally connected during in-person conversations. Others appreciate the comfort and ease of virtual therapy. Your preference matters—and it’s okay to try both to see what feels right.
Hybrid Therapy: The Best of Both Worlds?
Many practices have moved entirely online—but at Resilient Roots, we believe in meeting clients where they are, literally and emotionally. That’s why we offer hybrid therapy—a combination of in-person and online sessions.
This flexible option is perfect if:
You travel often or relocate
You want to build rapport in person, then switch to virtual
You prefer in-person for deeper sessions and online for quick check-ins
A Therapist’s Take
At Resilient Roots, we’re committed to offering in-person therapy in Charlotte because we understand that sometimes, healing happens best face to face. While we value the accessibility and convenience of online therapy—and continue to provide it across NC, SC, and CO—we’re still dedicated to maintaining physical office space for those who want it.
If you’re unsure which format is right for you, we’re here to help you explore your options. You don’t have to choose blindly—we’ll guide you based on your needs, your lifestyle, and your goals.
