Both Formats Can Work Equally Well
One of the first practical questions people ask when starting therapy is whether to go in person or virtual. The honest answer is that both can be equally effective. It comes down to what fits your life.
In-person sessions, available at our Troy and Detroit locations, can feel more grounding for people who want a clear separation between “therapy time” and the rest of their day, or who simply focus better without screens.
When Virtual Sessions Make More Sense
Virtual sessions, available anywhere in Michigan, remove the commute entirely. That’s especially helpful for people with unpredictable schedules, mobility limitations, or rural locations, or who simply feel more comfortable opening up from a familiar space.
Many clients switch between the two depending on the week, and both formats include evening and weekend availability.
You Can Always Change Your Mind Later
This isn’t a decision you have to get right on the first try. If in-person starts to feel like too much of a logistical hurdle, switching to virtual is a simple conversation with your therapist, not a disruption to your care.
The same is true in reverse, if you decide you’d rather be in the room after starting virtually.
What to Consider Beyond Personal Preference
Beyond simple preference, a few practical factors are worth weighing: whether you have reliable privacy at home for virtual sessions, whether commute time genuinely fits your schedule, and whether either format changes what your insurance covers.
Most Michigan plans cover both formats equally, but it’s always worth a quick verification call if you’re unsure.
A Decision You Can Always Revisit
This isn’t a decision you have to get right on the first try. If in-person starts to feel like too much of a logistical hurdle, switching to virtual is a simple conversation with your therapist, not a disruption to your care.
The same is true in reverse, if you decide you’d rather be in the room after starting virtually.
How Insurance Treats the Two Formats
Most Michigan insurance plans, including the ones we accept, cover in-person and virtual sessions at the same rate, so cost typically isn’t a deciding factor between the two formats.
If you’re ever unsure how your specific plan handles telehealth, we can help verify that as part of the standard benefit check before you start.
A Hybrid Approach Is Also an Option
Some clients choose a hybrid approach on purpose, meeting in person for certain sessions, like an initial intake, and virtually for others, depending on scheduling or how a particular week is going.
There’s no rule requiring you to pick one format and stick with it exclusively for the entire course of therapy.
Whichever format ends up fitting best, the most important factor is simply getting started, since the format itself matters far less than showing up consistently once you begin.
Learn more: American Psychological Association: Telehealth
CTA: Not sure which format fits you best? A free 15-minute consultation call can help you decide — 313-451-3315 or embracechangetherapy.com.
If you are in crisis, call or text 988. You can also contact Common Ground at 800-231-1127, or visit the crisis walk-in center at 707 W. Milwaukee Ave, Detroit, MI 48202.
