Telehealth vs. In-Person Therapy for Moms: How to Choose

Finding the right therapist can be like dating- there needs to be chemistry and in the past, there needed to be proximity. Telehealth made therapy more accessible and flexible, especially for those balancing work, home life, and parenting. But for some, being in person still feels like an important part of the process. Both have their benefits, and I actually love that I get to offer both. 

Research shows that regardless of the modality, the client-therapist relationship is the most crucial factor for successful progress in therapy as well as client satisfaction.  When you’re trying to find the right therapist, do your homework.  Interview and consult with a few people to find someone you vibe with, and consider how important it is for you to have your sessions in person, virtual, or  with a combo of both.

I’m licensed in both New York and New Jersey, which means some of my clients who live in one state and work in the other can choose what fits best that week. Maybe they hop on a telehealth session during a lunch break, or maybe they come in person when they want that extra space away from home. The flexibility matters, especially for moms whose “free time” is often borrowed from somewhere else. If you usually come in person after work but have the ability to schedule some weeks on your lunch break, that’s time you can give back to your family after work (or to the gym, a friend, or even a manicure).

Benefits of Virtual Therapy

For many, virtual sessions are a lifeline. There’s no travel time, no need to get dressed up, and no need for childcare if you can schedule during nap time. You don’t have to wrestle the car seat, pack a diaper bag, pay a baby sitter, or plan your day around leaving the house.

If you work from home, or have an office or conference room with privacy, therapy can truly be just one hour, start to finish. This can also be a savior for clients doing IVF or fertility treatment if the last thing they need is driving to another appointment and scheduling more time out of the office.

And it’s not just convenient; it’s effective. EMDR, for example, works beautifully in virtual settings. I use BLS.io for bilateral stimulation, and it produces excellent results. In fact, I first learned to do EMDR virtually during the beginning of the pandemic, and it remains one of my favorite tools for online work.

Of course, there’s something special about seeing a baby in my office now and then, but I get the trade off of seeing cats, dogs, and a bunny here and there. But being able to offer therapy in a way that fits into real life for postpartum moms is incredibly meaningful.

Benefits of In-Person Therapy

For some people, being in the same room brings a different kind of energy. Especially with EMDR, a few clients prefer the tactile tools or simply find it grounding to be in a space that isn’t their home.

When you come into the office, there can be fewer distractions, like the piles of laundry, the dog asking for a walk, the baby monitor you’re half-listening to. It can feel like a true break, an intentional space carved out just for you.

Sometimes, in-person sessions help clients open up more easily at first. It can be comforting to read body language, share a laugh, or simply feel seen. And there’s something really special about finally meeting in person after working together virtually for a while.

The Best of Both Worlds

Like most things in life, there’s no one right answer or one right path. The best therapy setting is the one that helps you feel comfortable, connected, and supported- not more stressed out about scheduling.  Whether that’s from your couch or in my office, what matters most is that you’re making space for yourself. If you’re a mom in New York or New Jersey wondering which option might fit best, I’d love to help you find what works for you!