I much prefer in-person sessions with both my tdoc and pdoc, but I do recognize the convenience and occasional advantages of video/telepsychiatry. I'd likely never want telepsychiatry to continue with my pdoc, as long as I can get to his office. Firstly, I adore seeing him in person. Secondly, his office is only about a 6 minute drive from my house, down a very pleasant road. He has offered that if/when I move to Europe in the future, that he could offer the telepsychiatry for a short while as I transition. If/when I move to Europe, it will take 3 months for me to establish a residency. During that 3 months, I would not have health insurance. After 3 months, I would qualify for the universal coverage offered by most European countries.

My tdoc's office is only about a 30 minute drive from my house, but it can get hectic since I must cross a major traffic thoroughfare to get there. Luckily, a road that has been closed for over a year is now open again. That will ease the stress of the drive. But if I felt psychologically incapable of leaving my house, telepsychiatry would be a good occasional option. I had had phone sessions with her and past therapists before the covid 19 pandemic, when driving was unsafe (because of my bp or weather). Also, if my car were to breakdown. I can't get to her office via public transportation, but I could get to my pdoc by bus, or even foot/bike, though I'd likely be sweaty when I got there.