Is my information private and secure?

Yes. We use SimplePractice, which is HIPAA-compliant. Your information is encrypted to the same standards as any medical provider.

What do I need for a session?

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.

Do you accept insurance?

We don't bill insurance directly. We're a private-pay practice. But we can give you a superbill (a detailed receipt) that you submit to your insurance for potential out-of-network reimbursement.

How long does therapy take to work?

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.

Can I switch therapists if the fit isn't right?

Of course. Just let us know and we'll set you up with our other therapist. No awkwardness, no questions asked.

How much does online therapy cost in California?

Individual sessions are $125. Couples sessions are $175. Every session is one hour. We don't bill insurance directly, but we provide superbills for out-of-network reimbursement.

What is CBT and how does it work?

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.

How do I know if I need therapy?

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.

Can online therapy help with OCD?

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.

Do you offer couples therapy online?

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.

What's the difference between a therapist and a psychiatrist?

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.

How online therapy works

You meet with a licensed therapist over secure video. Same treatment you'd get in an office, just without the drive. You can be anywhere in California.

The research

Does online therapy actually work?

People ask us this a lot, so here's what the research says. A 2020 meta-analysis in the Journal of Anxiety Disorders compared online CBT to in-person CBT across 17 randomized controlled trials. The outcomes were equivalent for both anxiety and depression. Didn't matter whether the therapist was in the room or on a screen.

The American Psychological Association reviewed the telehealth research in 2021 and came to the same conclusion: video therapy works for most common mental health conditions. They now recommend it as a standard way to do therapy, not a backup plan.

A lot of our clients tell us it's actually easier to stick with. No commute, no waiting room, no rearranging your whole day. Research from the University of Zurich backs this up: online therapy clients had lower dropout rates than in-person clients.

What to expect

What happens in a session

Your first session

The first session is an intake. We'll ask about what brought you here, your history, and what you want to change. You'll probably fill out a short assessment (like the PHQ-9 for depression or GAD-7 for anxiety) so we have a baseline to measure against later. Then we'll set goals together.

You don't have to share everything right away. You set the pace.

Ongoing sessions

After the intake, sessions get more flexible. Some weeks we'll work through a specific technique (like cognitive restructuring or an exposure exercise). Other weeks you'll process something that happened, or build skills you can use between sessions. We check in on your goals regularly.

Sessions are one hour. Most clients come weekly, but we adjust that based on what's working. Everything happens over HIPAA-compliant video through SimplePractice.

Our approach

Types of therapy we use

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

CBT is how we help you notice the thought patterns that keep you stuck and build better ones. You'll learn to catch the loops (the catastrophizing, the "what ifs") and respond differently. It's one of the most researched forms of therapy, with strong evidence for anxiety, depression, and PTSD.

Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP)

ERP is the gold-standard treatment for OCD. You gradually face the situations that trigger obsessive thoughts while learning not to act on compulsions. The anxiety drops on its own over time. It's uncomfortable at first, but about 70% of people with OCD get better with it.

Person-centered therapy

This is the part where your therapist actually listens. No agenda, no rushing to the next technique. You talk, we reflect, and you start to understand yourself more clearly. It works well on its own or alongside CBT and ERP.

Who we help

Who is online therapy good for?

We work with adults and couples across California. Here's what we treat most often.

Anxiety

The racing thoughts, the tight chest, the dread that won't let up.

Depression

When getting out of bed feels like the hardest part of the day.

OCD

Unwanted thoughts on repeat. Rituals you can't stop. We treat this with ERP.

PTSD and trauma

Flashbacks, hypervigilance, emotional numbness. We go at your pace.

ADHD

Time management, focus, and the emotional stuff nobody talks about.

Relationship issues

Communication breakdowns, conflict patterns, trust. Individuals and couples.

We're licensed in California only. All sessions happen over secure video. You need to be physically in California during your session.

Common questions

Frequently asked questions

Is online therapy as good as in-person therapy?

Yes. A 2020 meta-analysis in the Journal of Anxiety Disorders found equivalent outcomes across 17 trials. Some people actually prefer it because they're more comfortable talking from home.

What technology do I need for online therapy?

A computer, tablet, or phone with a camera and microphone, plus a stable internet connection. We use SimplePractice, which is HIPAA-compliant, so there's nothing to download. You'll get a link before each session.

Is online therapy covered by insurance?

We're a private-pay practice. Individual sessions are $125 and couples sessions are $175. We don't bill insurance directly, but we can give you a superbill to submit for possible out-of-network reimbursement.

How do I choose the right therapist?

Start with a free consultation. We'll talk about what you're dealing with and match you with the therapist whose training and style fit. If it doesn't feel right after a few sessions, we'll help you switch.

Want to see if we're a good fit?

Book a free consultation. We'll listen to what's going on and tell you honestly whether we can help.

Book a free consultation→

No commitment.