Is Virtual Therapy As Effective As In-Person?

If you’ve wondered, “Is virtual therapy as effective as in-person?” the honest answer is: it can be, depending on your goals, preferences, access, and clinical needs. Many people appreciate the privacy and time savings of telehealth, while others feel most grounded when interacting face-to-face. What matters most is a safe therapeutic relationship, a clear plan, and consistent participation. 

At Citron Hennessey, we make both formats accessible: in-person sessions in central Manhattan (Flatiron District) and secure telehealth across New York. We’ll help you choose what fits your life now, and you can switch later as your needs change. Our approach is straightforward, stigma-reducing, and focused on practical progress at your pace, with your voice guiding the process.

What the Research Says: Is Virtual Therapy as Effective as In-Person?

In short, both in-person and video therapy can work. For common concerns like anxiety and depression, people often do just as well online as they do in the room, especially when care is structured, the relationship feels solid, and sessions are steady. 

The “right” format is the one that suits your life, goals, and comfort level. In practice, your engagement, clear goals, and a good match with your therapist matter more than whether there’s a screen involved. At Citron Hennessey, we offer both options so you can start where it’s easiest and switch if your needs change. 

When deciding, consider these fit factors:

• Privacy and space at home (or a workaround you control)
• Commute and time constraints
• Comfort with technology and reliable internet
• Sensory needs or trauma triggers (which setting feels safer?)
• Accessibility (mobility, health, caregiving, or travel demands)

We deliver structured care in both settings and can adapt modalities, such as CBT, DBT, and EMDR, to the format that best serves you. 

Choosing What Works for You 

Finding the right format is less about following a rule and more about seeing what helps you feel safe, consistent, and supported. We’ll discuss your goals, preferences, and logistics, then choose a starting point. You can always adjust formats as life changes.

When virtual therapy may be a strong fit

• Consistency for busy schedules, parents, and caregivers
• Privacy at home with no commute stress
• Skill-building work in CBT, ACT, or DBT that translates well to video sessions
• Access anywhere in New York State—helpful for travel within the state or variable work locations

With secure telehealth, many clients appreciate the flexibility and continuity it provides for weekly sessions and between-session practice.

When in-person might be preferable

• Sensory grounding or exposures/skills that benefit from in-room coaching
• Tech, bandwidth, or privacy constraints at home
• More complex presentations that may feel safer face-to-face—decided case by case with your clinician.

Some people feel more settled in the therapy room, while others prefer the control and convenience of meeting online. Citron Hennessey offers both in-person sessions in central Manhattan (Flatiron District) and secure telehealth across New York. We’ll help you decide what supports your goals at this time. If your needs shift, we can switch formats without losing momentum.

How We Deliver Care 

We offer several modalities that adapt well to either format, including CBT, REBT, ACT, DBT, EMDR, AEDP, and Choice Theory/Reality Therapy. You and your therapist will choose the format together, based on your goals, comfort, and logistics, and you can change it later if your needs shift. In person, we meet at our central Manhattan office in the Flatiron District. 

Telehealth sessions are conducted over secure video for clients located anywhere in New York State. If your primary needs include Bipolar I disorder, borderline personality disorder, heavy substance use, eating disorders, or schizophrenia, we will provide referrals to services that specialize in those areas so you receive the most appropriate care. 

Explore our About page, Contact us with questions, and visit individual modality pages for more details.

FAQs About Virtual Therapy vs. In-Person Therapy Effectiveness

Is virtual therapy as effective as in-person therapy?

Often, yes. For many concerns (like anxiety or low mood), both formats can help when sessions are consistent, the plan is clear, and you feel safe with your therapist. The better question is which format supports your goals, privacy, and access rights now. You can always revisit the choice later.

Can EMDR be done online?

In many cases, yes. Your clinician will review safety steps (grounding, privacy, and tech setup) and, together, determine whether virtual EMDR aligns with your goals. If in-room work would serve you better, for example, due to privacy limitations or specific exposure needs, we’ll recommend meeting in person.

How do I know which format is right for me?

Consider: Do you have a private space? How much time do you save by skipping a commute? How comfortable are you with video? Which setting feels calmer and safer for your nervous system? We’ll walk through these together and choose a starting point; you can switch formats as life changes.

What do I need for telehealth sessions?

A private, quiet spot; headphones; a stable connection; and a simple backup plan (for instance, moving to audio if video drops). Your therapist will help you test the setup and create a contingency plan so sessions stay focused.

What if my home isn’t private?

We can get creative. Many clients meet from a parked car, use white-noise apps, or set up a screen/room divider. Even small tweaks, such as earbuds, a white noise machine, or a fan, can significantly boost privacy and comfort. We’ll problem-solve with you.

Will insurance cover virtual sessions?

Coverage varies by plan. Please contact us for current fees and guidance on using out-of-network benefits, if applicable. We can provide documentation that may assist you in submitting a claim to your insurer. (We keep billing info straightforward and transparent.)

Can I switch therapists or formats later?

Yes. Fit and consent come first. If something isn’t working, whether it’s style, schedule, or format, we’ll discuss it and help you transition, either to another clinician or from in-person to telehealth (or vice versa). Your comfort and progress guide the decision.

Are some issues better suited to in-person care?

Sometimes. For example, certain exposure exercises, complex presentations that feel safer in-person, or limited privacy at home may indicate a need for in-person sessions. We decide on a case-by-case basis and can blend formats over time if that helps.

What happens if the tech fails during the session?

We’ll use the backup plan we set together, often switching to phone/audio or rescheduling a short follow-up. Having a simple checklist (charged device, updated app, and headphones ready) minimizes disruptions, allowing us to stay on track.

What concerns do you not treat, and how do referrals work?

If your primary needs include Bipolar I disorder, borderline personality disorder, heavy substance use, eating disorders, or schizophrenia, we’re not the right clinical fit. We’ll provide referral options to services that specialize in those areas, so you receive the most appropriate care. 

Bottom Line — Is Virtual Therapy as Effective as In-Person?

Both formats can be effective. What matters most is choosing a setting that best supports your safety, access, and goals, and working with a therapist who collaborates with you, sets clear plans, and checks in regularly. If that foundation is in place, progress can occur online or in the classroom.

We offer in-person sessions in the Flatiron District and secure telehealth across New York. If you’re weighing options, contact us to explore next steps or ask questions. We’ll help you choose a starting point that suits your life, and you can adjust formats as your needs change.