Licensed Mental Health Therapist Online in California

Finding the right help when you’re struggling is essential, but it’s not always as easy as it should be. Some people have difficulty finding a therapist in their area. Fortunately, there’s now a simple and affordable solution.

How Does Online Therapy in California Work?

Online therapy works in much the same way that traditional, in-person therapy does. Each online session is led by an experienced, licensed therapist who is qualified to help people with issues such as depression, anxiety, mental health, and emotional challenges.

Online counseling may happen via HIPAA-compliant video conferencing or over the phone, according to the patient’s preference. Each session happens at a predetermined time and the patient will be provided with a secure link. Clicking the link will take them to a private online room where they can meet with their therapist.

There is more flexibility with online therapy than there is with traditional therapy, and you may have the option to reach out to your therapist between sessions if you need support.

Benefits of Online Counseling in California

There are significant benefits to choosing online counseling with a mental health professional in California, including most of the benefits of meeting with a therapist in person plus a few extras.

Online Therapy is Highly Convenient

Virtual counseling is undeniably convenient. Whether you are searching for substance abuse or a family therapist, you can find what you need and get help without traveling far from home.

The only thing you need to participate in online therapy is a fast and reliable internet connection. You can participate in your sessions from home or from any other location that is convenient for you.

Online Therapy Feels More Comfortable

Many people who want therapy are uncomfortable meeting with someone new in person. With online counseling services, you can attend sessions from home and in places that make you feel relaxed and safe.

It may be easier to open up about emotional or mental health struggles when you can do so from a place that feels safe and secure. It may also be easier for some patients to share personal information within the buffer zone provided by distance.

Online Therapy is Safe and Secure

Online therapy services are conducted via HIPAA-compliant video conferencing apps or the telephone. In both cases, they are at least as secure, if not more so, than in-person sessions.

We prioritize our patients’ privacy and take full responsibility for protecting their personal information. Therapeutic relationships are classified as protected health information, which means we may not share what you share with us with anybody.

Privacy: No Need to Go into Counseling Office

People who see a therapist may sometimes worry about privacy when they need to travel to a counseling office for treatment. With online sessions, you have complete privacy because there’s no need for you to travel.

The time required to get to a therapy session may also be an impediment. With online therapy, there is no travel time because you can meet with your therapist from anywhere you choose.

Online Therapy is as Effective as In-Person Therapy

Since all online therapy is conducted by experienced mental health professionals, it is just as effective as in-person therapy. Online therapists have the same training and licenses as any other therapist.

The key to success is being honest with your therapist and willing to do the necessary work to improve. Any patient who is willing to do so will reap the benefits of online therapy.

Our Mental Health Therapists in California Support a Wide Range of Needs

Therapy needs to exist across a broad spectrum. People who seek out a therapist may need help in the short term or the long term. They may need assistance as individuals or in interpersonal relationships with family and friends. Our online mental health services are available to provide necessary mental health care in a wide array of areas and specialties.

Online Therapy for Depression & Anxiety

Depression and anxiety are the two most common mental health issues in the world and may exist at the same time in the same person. Both issues can make it difficult to cope with everyday tasks and responsibilities while impacting the person’s quality of life.

Our experienced California therapists will help people who struggle with anxiety or depression to form a treatment plan that facilitates healing and helps them lead happier lives.

Couples, Relationships, and Marriage Counseling Online

Relationship issues often require therapy for married couples and family members to improve their relationships and learn how to communicate effectively while maintaining healthy boundaries.

Whether you need couples counseling or family therapy, our licensed online California therapists can help you work through problems in your relationships by creating a safe space for all parties to communicate their emotions and work through them in a therapeutic relationship.

Online Grief and Loss Counseling

Losing someone you care about is always difficult, whether they die after a prolonged illness, unexpectedly, or you lose someone due to a breakup or divorce. Emotional pain can linger and be challenging to process on your own.

In certain circumstances, grief may be complicated by an array of emotions that can negatively impact people’s daily lives. Video sessions with an experienced grief counselor can help you work your way through grief and loss in a private space, allowing you to process your emotions and get to a place of acceptance.

Online Trauma Therapy & PTSD Treatment

Post-traumatic stress disorder and trauma are both things that typically require therapy to treat. Individual therapy can help people process past trauma and work through recent trauma in virtual therapy sessions that are safe and secure.

Left untreated, trauma and PTSD can contribute to other mental health issues, including depression and anxiety. Treating trauma with a licensed psychotherapist can also improve behavioral health and help with stress management.

Online Individual and Group Therapy

Californians from San Diego to San Francisco may need online individual or group therapy to deal with an array of issues. Individual therapy is typically ideal for people dealing with personal mental health or emotional challenges.

Group therapy may be useful when peer support is an essential part of the healing process. Our licensed therapists provide group sessions for topics like grief and loss, substance abuse disorders, and personal growth.

Online Therapy for Family Conflicts

Family conflicts can potentially ruin relationships or, at the very least, make family gatherings and living situations far more difficult than they need to be. While some families can work through conflicts without help, many need assistance from a mental health professional to do so.

In virtual online sessions, families work with a licensed family therapist in California to identify communication and interpersonal issues. With guidance, family members can grow to understand and respect one another while learning how to communicate and set and maintain healthy boundaries.

Online EMDR Therapy

Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) is a specialized form of therapy that may be used to treat people with PTSD and trauma. The therapy sessions allow patients to form a trusting therapeutic relationship and then work through their trauma with EMDR sessions that help them let go of negative emotions.

Traditionally, EMDR is done with in-person counseling, it can also be done in an online appointment with one of our mental health professionals. Over time, patients learn to integrate their trauma, and healing while also acknowledging what happened to them in a healthy and safe setting.

FAQ About Online Counseling in California

Here are some of the questions we get asked most frequently about online counseling in California.

Am I a candidate for online therapy?

Many people who are candidates for in-person therapy are also candidates for online therapy. Online therapy offers the same benefits as in-person therapy. Some people may prefer to meet online because there is no travel required. The only thing you need to participate in online therapy is a reliable internet connection that’s fast enough to sustain video conferencing.

What can I expect from an online counseling session?

Online counseling sessions are like in-person counseling sessions. The only difference is that they happen over a secure online connection instead of in person. Your session occurs at a pre-determined time. Your therapist will send you a link to get to your secure session. Your first few sessions are likely to be dedicated to getting to know your new counselor and building rapport. As you build trust, you can explore the mental health or emotional issues brought you to therapy.

How do I prepare for an online therapy session?

There is no checklist of things you need to do before your first online therapy session but there are some things that can help you prepare, so you can get the most from your first meeting with your therapist. It may be helpful to make notes about the things that made you seek out therapy. For example, you might need online anxiety treatment or couples counseling. You may also want to dedicate some time to considering what you hope to get out of therapy. These things are important for your counselor to know and can help them direct your therapy to ensure you get the results you want.

Does my insurance cover online counseling or teletherapy?

Many insurance carriers in California provide coverage for online counseling or teletherapy appointments. However, coverage does vary from company to company. Review your health plan documents to determine what coverage is available for mental health services. Be aware that some carriers limit coverage for therapy to a specified number of sessions. The percentage of the expense covered may also be lower than it is for other medical treatments. If you don't see detailed information about coverage for online counseling, you may want to call your insurer to get clarification before you make an online therapy appointment.

Is online therapy secure?

Online therapy with our licensed mental health therapists is conducted using a HIPAA-compliant video conferencing app that is designed to protect patients' privacy and personal health information. Nobody except your therapist can access your information. It may feel different doing online therapy but there is no need to be concerned. Patient privacy is our priority, and we never do anything to compromise your information or what you share with your therapist during an online session.

How much does online therapy cost?

The cost of online therapy is in line with the cost of traditional, in-person therapy. You may have heard of therapy apps that charge less than traditional therapy, but we provide therapy with licensed, experienced mental health providers whose training is the same as any other therapist. Many insurance companies cover the cost of online therapy at the same levels they would for traditional therapy. The costs may vary based on the therapist you choose and the type of therapy you require. For example, a therapist who specializes in EMDR may charge more because they have received additional training in that specialty.

Is online therapy effective?

For therapy to be effective, it requires the presence of a licensed and experienced therapist and a willing patient who is committed to doing the work necessary to heal. The therapy setting matters far less than the work that goes into the therapeutic relationship in each session. Online therapy can be just as effective as in-person therapy. The only requirement is for the patient to be ready and willing to talk honestly about the issues that brought them to therapy and prepared to do whatever self-examination and work is required to improve those issues, including following their therapist’s recommendations.

Get the Support You Need from a Licensed Mental Health Therapist in California

Barriers to getting therapy may include accessibility, distance, and privacy. Thanks to HIPAA-compliant technology, patients in California can get access to professional help from licensed therapists.

Whether you’re dealing with depression, anxiety, or difficulty with family or intimate relationships, our experienced mental health professionals are here to help you with compassionate, convenient care.