Telehealth or In-Person? How to Choose the Type of Psychiatric Visit That Fits Your Life
From the Ground Up Healthcare Blog
Estimated read time: 6–7 minutes
When you’re ready to get help, the how shouldn’t be a hurdle. At From the Ground Up Healthcare, you can meet with your provider by secure telehealth from home or visit us in person—whichever helps you feel safer, more comfortable, and more consistent with care. This guide breaks down the strengths of each option, when one might be preferable, and how a flexible “hybrid” approach often works best.
What matters most (for every visit)
No matter the setting, good care is built on:
Trust and safety — you feel heard, respected, and never rushed.
Clarity — you understand your plan and next steps.
Consistency — follow-ups happen on time so progress builds.
Both telehealth and in-person visits can deliver all three. The right choice depends on your comfort, logistics, and clinical needs.
Why many people choose telehealth
Convenience & privacy. Join from a quiet room at home or work—no commute, no waiting room. Telehealth can reduce stress and make it easier to stick with your plan.
Continuity on busy weeks. Traveling for work, kid pickup, bad weather? A secure video visit keeps your care on track.
Accessibility. If you live far from specialists or have limited transportation, telehealth brings care to you. For some, audio-only is available where allowed.
Energy conservation. On tough symptom days (depression, anxiety, panic), conserving energy for the visit—not the trip—can make a big difference.
Good fit for: routine follow-ups, medication management, therapy check-ins, and most first visits.
When an in-person visit might be better
You prefer face-to-face. Some people simply feel safer and more connected in the room—totally valid.
Complex assessment. Certain evaluations benefit from being in person (e.g., nuanced diagnostic questions, physical vitals when needed).
Technology barriers. If internet access, devices, or privacy at home is a challenge, coming to the clinic can remove the friction.
Clinical preference. If your provider recommends an in-person check for any reason, we’ll explain why and decide together.
Good fit for: first-time evaluations (if you prefer), detailed assessments, or anytime you want that in-room connection.
The best of both worlds: a hybrid plan
Care isn’t one-size-fits-all—and it doesn’t have to be one-setting-fits-all either. Many patients use a hybrid approach:
Start with a telehealth intake to get moving quickly, then schedule an in-person visit if questions remain.
Do in-person first to build comfort, then switch to telehealth for routine follow-ups.
Mix and match based on your week—telehealth during busy periods, in person when you want extra space and time onsite.
You can switch at any point. Just let us know your preference when booking.
What to expect at your first visit
Before: You’ll complete brief forms and share your goals, medications, and history.
During: We’ll talk through what’s going on, what’s helped (and what hasn’t), and any questions or concerns you have.
After: Together we’ll set an initial plan—this may include therapy, medication, skills/education, and follow-up timing. You’ll always have room to ask questions.
Care coordination (with your consent)
Mental health doesn’t live in a silo. With your permission, we’ll collaborate with your primary care provider, therapist, or school to keep everyone aligned on your goals and safety. You decide who’s involved and what’s shared.
Access and affordability
Cost shouldn’t be the reason care gets delayed. We accept major insurance (including Medicaid/Medicare) and offer a sliding-fee scale based on the Federal Poverty Guidelines—free at ≤100% FPL, reduced at 101–200%, and standard above. If you’re unsure where you fall, we’ll walk you through it—no one is turned away for inability to pay.
How to choose—quick guide
Choose telehealth if you want:
Zero commute and easy scheduling
Maximum privacy and flexibility
Fewer barriers on low-energy days
Choose in-person if you want:
Face-to-face connection
A more detailed, onsite assessment
A tech-free option in a private clinic space
Not sure? Start with telehealth and adjust—your plan can evolve with you.
Make the most of any visit
Pick a calm space (home office, parked car, private room).
Bring a list of meds, symptoms, and questions.
Be honest about goals (sleep, mood, focus, energy, anxiety).
Speak up if something isn’t working—we adjust together.
A gentle reminder
We’re here to meet you where you are—at home or at the clinic—and to move at your pace. If you have questions about visit type, pricing, or coordination with other providers, reach out. We’ll help you choose the next step that feels right.
This blog is for general information and does not replace medical advice. If you are in crisis, call 988 or 911, or go to the nearest emergency department.