In-Person or Telehealth Therapy: Which Fits Your Life?

You may know you want to talk with a therapist and still be unsure whether to meet in an office or online. The choice involves more than convenience. Where you feel able to speak honestly, how you get to appointments, and the kind of support you need all matter.

At The Clarity Clinic, Daniel Kotsias, LMSW, offers in-person appointments in Bingham Farms and telehealth for clients located in Michigan. Chana Shepherd, LLMSW, offers Michigan telehealth appointments only. You can ask about the format that interests you when you contact us; clinician fit and current availability will need to be confirmed.

What in-person therapy can offer

Meeting at an office gives you a space set aside for therapy. If home is busy, shared or difficult to speak freely in, coming to an appointment may make it easier to have an uninterrupted conversation. Some people also prefer being in the same room as their therapist and find that facial expressions, pauses and body language feel easier to follow in person.

The trip itself can create a transition between everyday responsibilities and the session. For some people, that separation is helpful; for others, travel adds another demand to an already full day. Neither preference tells you how committed you are to therapy.

The practical drawbacks of office appointments

In-person appointments require travel time as well as the session itself. Traffic, transportation, weather, mobility needs and responsibilities at home or work can affect whether you can attend consistently. If getting to the office is likely to become a recurring obstacle, discuss that before deciding on a schedule.

Our office is at 30100 Telegraph Road, Suite 273, Bingham Farms, MI 48025, near Southfield, Birmingham, Bloomfield Hills and Bloomfield Township. If you have questions about accessing the office, contact us before your first visit so we can discuss your needs.

What telehealth therapy can offer

Telehealth allows you to meet with a therapist by video without traveling to the office. This can make appointments more practical when transportation, distance or mobility creates a barrier. It can also reduce the time you need to set aside around a session. HHS identifies convenience and reduced travel as potential benefits of telebehavioral health.

Some people feel more comfortable beginning a conversation from a familiar place. Others feel distracted at home or find it harder to connect through a screen. Your reaction is useful information to share with your therapist, rather than something you need to push through silently.

The practical drawbacks of telehealth

A video session needs a reliable connection, a device with a working camera and microphone, and a place where you can talk without being overheard. Interruptions, unstable internet or a shared living space can make it harder to focus. Headphones may help with listening privacy, but they do not stop other people nearby from hearing your side of the conversation.

Choose a private space, reduce interruptions and avoid public Wi-Fi. If you cannot find a suitable place or have concerns about the technology, tell the clinic before the appointment. These privacy precautions are consistent with HHS guidance for telehealth patients.

For our Michigan telehealth services, plan to be physically located in Michigan during your appointment. If you will be traveling, ask the clinic before assuming you can keep a video visit from another state.

Is one format better for therapy?

There is no single format we would recommend to everyone. A useful decision considers your concerns, your therapist’s assessment, your privacy, and whether the format lets you participate consistently. This guide does not establish that the two formats are interchangeable for every person or every treatment need.

Tell your therapist if you feel less able to open up, keep getting interrupted or struggle to stay engaged. Together you can discuss whether changes to the setting or a different care arrangement would be appropriate. If your needs require a different level or type of support, that also deserves a direct conversation.

Can I use both in-person and telehealth appointments?

Because Daniel offers both formats, you can ask whether a combination would be appropriate and available. This is something to agree on with him rather than assume will be possible for every appointment. Chana’s appointments remain telehealth only. Coverage and out-of-pocket costs should also be checked for your clinician and plan.

A few questions to help you choose

Where can I speak most freely without worrying about being overheard?
Can I get to the office regularly without the journey becoming a major barrier?
Do I have a dependable video connection and an uninterrupted place for online sessions?
Do I feel more at ease sharing a room with someone or starting from a familiar setting?
Which clinician’s experience and approach fit what I want help with?

You do not need perfect answers before reaching out. If you are unsure, explain what would make attending easier and what concerns you about each option.

Explore your options at The Clarity Clinic

For in-person therapy in Bingham Farms, ask about Daniel Kotsias, LMSW. For Michigan telehealth, ask about Daniel or Chana Shepherd, LLMSW. Daniel also provides in-person couples counseling; both partners attend the initial couples session. These joint couples sessions are also available by telehealth for partners located in Michigan.

Meet our therapists, read what to expect at your first session, or contact us about clinician fit and current availability. We respond to inquiries within one week. An inquiry or appointment request does not confirm an appointment.