Is Online Therapy Right for You?
Maybe you're wondering if therapy through a screen can really work. Or perhaps you love the idea of not having to commute across the Bay Area in traffic just to sit in a waiting room. Maybe you have mobility challenges, a demanding schedule, or you simply feel more comfortable at home.
Whatever brought you here, you're probably asking: Can online therapy actually be as effective as in-person? Will it feel too weird? Can I really open up through a video call?
The short answer: Yes, online therapy works. Research consistently shows that online therapy is just as effective as in-person therapy for most issues—anxiety, depression, relationship problems, trauma, and more.
Here's what matters most: Not the location of therapy, but the quality of the therapeutic relationship and your commitment to the work. Both of those can happen beautifully through video.
The Benefits of Online Therapy
Online therapy offers advantages that in-person therapy simply can't match:
- Convenience: No commute, no parking hassles, no sitting in a waiting room. You can be in session minutes after your last meeting or right before picking up the kids.
- Accessibility: Access quality therapy even if you live outside major cities, have mobility challenges, or travel frequently for work.
- Comfort: Many people find it easier to open up from their own space. You're in control of your environment.
- Privacy: No chance of running into someone you know in the waiting room or parking lot. Your therapy is completely private.
- Flexibility: Easier to fit therapy into a busy schedule when you're not factoring in travel time. Early morning or evening sessions feel more doable.
- Consistency: Weather, traffic, travel, or minor illness won't keep you from your appointment. Consistency matters in therapy.
- Safety: If you're immunocompromised or dealing with health concerns, online therapy eliminates exposure risks.
What Online Therapy Looks Like
We meet via secure, HIPAA-compliant video platform. Here's what you need:
- A computer, tablet, or smartphone with a camera and microphone
- A stable internet connection
- A private space where you can talk freely for 50 minutes
- Headphones (optional but recommended for better audio quality)
That's it. No special software to download. I'll send you a secure link before each session. You click it, and we're connected.
What We Can Work On Together
Online therapy is effective for the same issues I address in person:
- Anxiety and panic attacks
- Depression and low mood
- Trauma and PTSD
- Relationship challenges
- Life transitions and stress
- Grief and loss
- Self-esteem and identity issues
- Work stress and burnout
I also offer online couples therapy and business partnership therapy. Both work surprisingly well via video—in fact, some couples find it easier to stay calm and focused when they're in their own space.
How I Make Online Therapy Feel Personal
I've been doing online therapy since 2020, and I've learned what makes it work well:
1. I'm Fully Present
I'm not multitasking or checking my phone. You have my complete attention, just like you would in my office.
2. I Read Nonverbal Cues
Body language, facial expressions, tone of voice—I'm tracking all of it. Video actually gives me a better view of your face than sitting across a room would.
3. I Adapt to the Medium
If you seem distracted, we'll talk about it. If the video freezes, we'll pause and reconnect. If something feels off about the online format, we'll address it directly.
4. I Use the Same Approaches
Internal Family Systems (IFS), Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT), mindfulness, somatic work—everything I do in person works online. The only difference is the screen between us.
Common Concerns About Online Therapy
"Will it feel awkward?"
Maybe for the first few minutes of the first session. Then most people forget about the camera entirely. It starts to feel natural surprisingly quickly.
"What if my internet connection drops?"
It happens occasionally. We simply call each other on the phone to finish the session. No big deal.
"Is it really private and secure?"
Yes. I use a HIPAA-compliant platform designed specifically for healthcare. Your sessions are encrypted and completely confidential.
"What if someone else is home?"
Find a private room, use headphones, and let others know you need undisturbed time. Some people do sessions from their car or even take a walk with headphones. We'll figure out what works for you.
"Can I switch to in-person later if I want?"
Currently I'm offering online therapy only. But if that changes, absolutely—we can transition to in-person sessions if that becomes available and feels right for you.
Frequently Asked Questions About Online Therapy
"Do I need to live in California?"
Yes. I'm licensed in California (MFC #46629), which means I can only provide therapy to people who are physically located in California during our sessions. You can be anywhere in the state—San Diego, Sacramento, LA, the Bay Area, rural Northern California—as long as you're in California when we meet.
"How do I know if I'll like online therapy?"
The only way to know is to try it. Most people are pleasantly surprised by how natural it feels after the first few minutes. If after a few sessions it's not working for you, we can talk about other options.
"What if I have a crisis between sessions?"
Same as in-person therapy: If you're in immediate danger, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room. For urgent (but not emergency) situations, you can text or call me, and I'll respond as soon as I can. For ongoing crisis support, I can help you connect with crisis resources (988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline is available 24/7).
"Can I do online therapy from work or a coffee shop?"
Technically yes, but I don't recommend it. You need privacy to really engage in therapy. Find somewhere you can talk freely without being overheard or interrupted.
"How do payments work?"
Just like in-person therapy. You can pay by credit card, and I'll email you a receipt after each session. If you're using insurance, I can provide superbills for reimbursement.
Ready to Get Started With Online Therapy?
Quality mental health care is just a click away. Let's talk about how I can help.
Schedule Your Free ConsultationWhat to Expect in Your First Online Session
Before our first session, I'll send you:
- A secure video link (no download required)
- Brief instructions on how to connect
- Forms to fill out (sent securely via email)
In the first session:
- We'll make sure the technology is working smoothly
- I'll ask about what brings you to therapy and what you're hoping to work on
- We'll discuss your history, current challenges, and goals
- I'll explain how we'll work together
- You'll have time to ask questions about the online therapy process
Most people leave feeling relieved that online therapy feels more natural than they expected.
Investment in Your Well-Being
Session fees are $250 per 50-minute session, same as in-person therapy would be. I offer a limited number of sliding scale spots for those with financial need.
I'm in-network with select insurance plans and can provide superbills for out-of-network reimbursement. Many insurance companies cover online therapy the same way they cover in-person therapy.
Take the First Step From Wherever You Are
One of the best things about online therapy? You can literally start therapy from your couch, your kitchen table, or anywhere you feel comfortable.
No need to psyche yourself up for a drive across town. No waiting room anxiety. Just you, in your space, ready to do the work.
I offer a free 20-minute phone consultation to answer any questions about online therapy and see if we're a good fit. No pressure, no commitment—just a conversation.
Call me at (415) 722-4699 or fill out the contact form below to get started.