
Behavioral activation: the first step out of depression
Depression tells you to wait until you feel better before doing things. Behavioral activation flips that. Here's how it works and why it's often where depression treatment begins.
You don't have to figure this out alone. We're two licensed therapists in California who work with you over secure video.

We kept seeing the same thing: people who needed help but couldn't find a therapist who felt right. Or they found one, but the waitlist was three months long.
We're Daishea and Leona, two licensed marriage and family therapists based in California.
We use Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), which is a fancy way of saying we help you notice the thought patterns that keep you stuck and build better ones. We set goals together. We use real assessments to track how you're doing, not just "how do you feel today?"
We actually get to know you. That's the whole point.
We track your progress on paper so you can see it working.
You don't have to perform or explain yourself here.
If something on this list sounds like you, we can help. If you're not sure, that's what the consultation is for.
of people with anxiety or depression improve with CBT
APA Clinical Practice Guidelines, 2023
of people with OCD see significant improvement with ERP
International OCD Foundation
for online therapy compared to in-person sessions
Journal of Anxiety Disorders, 2018 meta-analysis
Book a free consultation. We'll figure it out together.
Book a free consultation→No cost. No commitment.
No waiting rooms. No complicated paperwork. Three steps and you're in.
Fill out a short form. We'll reach out to hear what's going on and figure out which therapist is the best fit.
Pick a time through our secure client portal. We have openings 7 days a week.
Meet your therapist over secure video from anywhere in California. One hour, no commute.
No surprises. Every session is one hour.
Copay varies by plan. We'll verify your coverage during your free consultation.
If you don't feel heard after your first session, the next one's on us.
If yours isn't here, ask us during your free consultation.
Yes. The research is clear: online therapy works just as well as in-person for anxiety, depression, and trauma. You get the same treatment from a licensed therapist, just without the commute.
Yes. We use SimplePractice, which is HIPAA-compliant. Your information is encrypted to the same standards as any medical provider.
A stable internet connection and a private space where you're comfortable talking. Any device with a camera and microphone works: laptop, tablet, or phone.
Yes. We accept Aetna, Anthem Blue Cross, Blue Cross, Blue Shield, Carelon Behavioral Health, CIGNA, and Quest Behavioral Health. If you have a different plan, we can provide a superbill for out-of-network reimbursement. We also welcome private-pay clients.
Most of our clients feel a real shift within 3 to 5 sessions. We use assessments at your first session and every 4 weeks, so you can see your progress on paper. You won't have to guess whether it's working.
Of course. Just let us know and we'll set you up with our other therapist. No awkwardness, no questions asked.
If you're in-network with one of our accepted plans, you just pay your copay. For private-pay clients, individual sessions are $125 and couples sessions are $175. Every session is one hour. If your plan isn't in our network, we provide superbills for out-of-network reimbursement.
CBT stands for Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. It's a structured approach where we help you notice negative thought patterns and replace them with better ones. It's one of the most researched forms of therapy, and most courses run 12 to 20 sessions.
If your thoughts, feelings, or behaviors are getting in the way of your daily life, relationships, or work, that's a good reason to talk to someone. You don't need a diagnosis or a crisis. A lot of our clients come in feeling stuck or just ready for something to change.
Yes. We use Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP), which is the gold-standard treatment for OCD. Research shows video-based ERP works just as well as in-person. We treat clients throughout California over secure video.
Yes. Both partners join the same secure video session from wherever they are in California. It's $175 per one-hour session. We work on communication, conflict, and trust.
A therapist (like us, LMFTs) does talk therapy. A psychiatrist is a medical doctor who can prescribe medication. Lots of people benefit from both. If you have a psychiatrist, we're happy to coordinate with them.
Book a free consultation. We'll listen to what's going on and tell you honestly whether we can help.
In that call, you'll get:
No pressure. No commitment.
Free. 15 minutes. No commitment.