Speech therapy, occupational therapy, and Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA)—is essential for children with developmental delays, autism spectrum disorder (ASD), and communication challenges. But with more providers offering both telehealth and in-person therapy, many Chicago families are left asking the same question: Which is better for my child?
Both formats offer real benefits, and the right choice depends on your child’s needs, your family’s schedule, and the type of therapy being provided. This article breaks down the pros and cons of telehealth and in-person therapy, so families in Chicago can make the most informed decision possible.
What Is Telehealth Therapy?
Telehealth refers to therapy services delivered through secure video platforms, allowing therapists and families to connect remotely. It became especially popular during the COVID-19 pandemic, but many Chicago-area providers have continued to offer it as a long-term service option.
Through telehealth, families can access:
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Speech and language therapy
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Parent coaching and training for ABA
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Occupational therapy (with adaptations)
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Social skills groups
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Developmental screenings and evaluations
Sessions are typically scheduled like traditional appointments, but they take place from the comfort of your home using a phone, tablet, or computer.
What Is In-Person Therapy?
In-person therapy involves meeting with a therapist face-to-face in a clinic, school, hospital, or home. It has long been the traditional model for pediatric therapy services and is still widely preferred for hands-on learning, behavior support, and direct interaction.
In-person sessions allow therapists to:
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Observe body language and physical behavior
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Use physical prompts and cues
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Work with specialized tools or equipment
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Provide one-on-one attention in a distraction-free space
Many Chicago families continue to choose in-person sessions, especially for younger children or those with significant support needs.
Benefits of Telehealth for Chicago Families
Convenience and Flexibility
Navigating Chicago traffic, public transportation, or unpredictable weather can make regular clinic visits challenging. Telehealth eliminates commute time, making it easier to schedule sessions around work, school, or other appointments.
Expanded Access
Families living in underserved neighborhoods or on the outskirts of the city—such as in Englewood, Austin, or parts of the South Side—can access therapists who may not be available locally. Telehealth also supports bilingual families by expanding access to therapists fluent in Spanish, Polish, Arabic, and other languages spoken in Chicago.
Increased Parent Involvement
Telehealth sessions often involve parent participation. Therapists coach caregivers in real time, helping them apply strategies during everyday routines like mealtime, play, or bedtime. This empowers families and strengthens carryover between sessions.
Comfort of the Home Environment
Children may feel more relaxed in familiar surroundings, especially those with anxiety or sensory sensitivities. Being at home can reduce stress and encourage natural communication and behavior.
Consistent Access During Illness or Travel
When a child is mildly sick or the family is traveling, telehealth ensures therapy stays on track without cancellations or disruptions.
Challenges of Telehealth
Technology Requirements
Reliable internet and a device with a camera are essential. Not all families have easy access to this technology, especially in low-income households.
Shorter Attention Spans
Some children, particularly toddlers or those with limited attention spans, may struggle to stay engaged during virtual sessions.
Limited Hands-On Interaction
Therapists can’t physically guide a child’s movements or behavior through a screen. This can be limiting for certain activities, especially in occupational therapy or behavior shaping.
Not Ideal for Every Diagnosis
Children with significant behavioral challenges, limited verbal communication, or complex physical needs may benefit more from in-person support.
Benefits of In-Person Therapy for Chicago Families
Hands-On Guidance
Therapists can provide direct physical support, model actions closely, and use tactile prompts that are not possible through a screen.
Structured Environment
Therapy clinics offer distraction-free environments with sensory-friendly tools and specialized equipment. For some children, this structure leads to better focus and faster progress.
Easier for Young Children
Many toddlers and preschoolers respond better to face-to-face interaction, which helps build rapport, trust, and consistency.
Ideal for Behavior Management
For children receiving ABA therapy, in-person sessions allow therapists to observe and manage behaviors more accurately. They can also run behavior intervention plans in real time.
Access to Group Settings
Some therapy centers in Chicago offer small group therapy sessions or social skills groups in person, which help children learn how to interact with peers.
Challenges of In-Person Therapy
Transportation and Time Commitment
In a city like Chicago, commuting to a clinic can take time, especially during rush hour or in winter weather. Parking, public transit delays, and long distances can be a barrier for many families.
Potential for Missed Appointments
Cold and flu season, traffic issues, or sibling scheduling conflicts can lead to missed sessions.
Less Flexibility in Scheduling
In-person appointments may have more limited availability, especially during evenings or weekends when working parents are most free.
Child Discomfort or Anxiety
Some children may experience separation anxiety, sensory overload, or difficulty adjusting to a new setting—especially if sessions take place in a busy clinic.
What Therapy Types Work Best in Each Format?
ABA Therapy
Parent training, progress updates, and behavioral consultations can be done through telehealth. However, direct ABA therapy for younger or high-needs children is often more effective in person, where therapists can manage and shape behavior with hands-on support.
Speech Therapy
Telehealth is a great fit for school-age children working on articulation, fluency, or expressive/receptive language. For younger children or those with oral-motor needs, in-person therapy may allow for more effective modeling and feedback.
Occupational Therapy
Some aspects of OT—like fine motor exercises or sensory strategies—can be adapted for telehealth. But in-person sessions are generally more effective for gross motor skills, handwriting, and use of therapeutic equipment.
Hybrid Therapy: The Best of Both Worlds?
Many Chicago therapy providers now offer hybrid options, combining telehealth with in-person sessions to meet each family’s needs. This might look like:
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Weekly in-person therapy with monthly parent coaching via telehealth
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Alternating in-person and virtual sessions to reduce commute time
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Full in-person services with telehealth as a backup for missed appointments
Hybrid models allow families to stay consistent even during disruptions, while giving children the structure and support of face-to-face interaction when needed.
Tips for Chicago Families Choosing Between Formats
Consider Your Child’s Age and Needs
Younger children and those with more intensive support needs often do better with in-person therapy. Older children or those with mild delays may thrive in virtual settings.
Think About Your Home Environment
If your child is easily distracted at home or you lack quiet space and reliable internet, in-person therapy may be a better fit.
Evaluate Your Schedule
Families juggling multiple children, jobs, and school schedules may find telehealth more convenient and sustainable over time.
Talk to Your Provider
A good therapy provider will work with you to build a treatment plan that fits your goals, lifestyle, and child’s unique profile. Ask about flexibility, switching formats if needed, and available hybrid models.
Be Open to Adjustments
Some families begin with in-person therapy and later transition to telehealth, or vice versa. What works now may change in a few months. Staying flexible allows your child to get the most from therapy over time.
Finding the Right Therapy Provider in Chicago
When looking for a therapy clinic or private provider, ask:
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Do you offer both in-person and telehealth services?
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Can I switch between formats if needed?
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How do you support parent involvement during telehealth?
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What technology or materials do I need at home?
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How do you measure progress in each setting?
Many Chicago providers are building flexible, family-centered models that prioritize communication, accessibility, and consistent results—no matter the format.
Final Thoughts: Choosing What Works for Your Family
There’s no one-size-fits-all answer to the telehealth vs. in-person debate. Both models have value, and each has a place in the modern therapy landscape. For Chicago families, the decision comes down to what helps your child thrive while making life manageable for your household.
Whether you’re commuting to a therapy center in Lincoln Park, logging into a session from your home in Bronzeville, or doing a mix of both, what matters most is that therapy is consistent, goal-driven, and tailored to your child’s strengths and challenges.
Looking for flexible, family-friendly therapy options in Chicago? We connect families with trusted ABA, speech, and occupational therapy providers who offer in-person, telehealth, and hybrid services.
