If you’re thinking about starting counseling, one of the first decisions you’ll face is format: in-person or virtual?
At Artisan Counseling, we offer both options at our offices in Newport News and Suffolk, VA, plus telehealth for anyone in Virginia.
The honest answer: the best format depends on your life, your preferences, and what you’re working on.
What In-Person Counseling Looks Like
You drive to the office, sit in a private room, and talk face-to-face with your counselor for about 50 minutes.
Benefits of In-Person Sessions
- Full body language visibility
- Physical separation between therapy and daily life
- No technical issues
- Privacy from household members
- Better suited for some modalities like art therapy and couples counseling
Who Prefers In-Person
- People working through trauma who want a dedicated space
- Clients with limited privacy at home
- Couples who benefit from both partners being in the same room
What Telehealth Counseling Looks Like
You connect via a secure video platform. Same session length, same clinical standards, same insurance billing.
Benefits of Telehealth
- No commute
- Schedule flexibility
- Continuity during travel or life changes
- Access for those with mobility issues
- Comfort of your own environment
Who Prefers Virtual Sessions
- Parents with young children
- People with shifting work schedules
- College students
- Clients with chronic illness or disabilities
- Anyone in Virginia without proximity to an office
Research published in the Journal of Clinical Psychology (2020) found that telehealth outcomes are comparable to in-person sessions for anxiety, depression, and trauma.
Where Each Format Shines
| Modality | In-Person | Telehealth |
| CBT | ✅ | ✅ |
| DBT | ✅ | ✅ |
| ACT | ✅ | ✅ |
| IFS | ✅ | ✅ |
| Narrative Therapy | ✅ | ✅ |
| EMDR | ✅ (preferred) | ✅ (with adaptation) |
| Art Therapy | ✅ (preferred) | Possible with adaptation |
| Somatic Therapy | ✅ | ✅ (depends on approach) |
You Can Switch Anytime
This isn’t a permanent decision. Many clients start one way and switch as life changes. Hybrid approaches are common and fully supported at Artisan Counseling.
Making the Choice
Ask yourself:
- Can I realistically get to an office?
- Do I have a private space at home?
- How do I feel about being on camera?
- What matters most — convenience or physical separation?
If you’re still unsure, try one format for a few sessions. You can always switch.
Contact us — 757.503.2819
