Life can feel overwhelming sometimes, especially when you’re trying to keep up with work, relationships, family, and everything else that is going on. Some days, it might feel like there simply isn’t enough of you to go around.
Maybe you’ve been feeling anxious or emotionally drained lately. Or perhaps you keep finding yourself falling into the same old patterns, even though you know they’re not helping. You might know that something needs to change, but find it hard to do on your own. The right support could make all the difference, but how can you find time to fit therapy into your busy week?
Journey to Wellness Counseling offers online therapy in California: a flexible way to get support that fits around your schedule and can be wherever you are. I’m Lisa, and I provide a warm, compassionate space where we can look at what’s been weighing on you, what’s keeping you “stuck,” and what you want to change.
What Is Online Counseling?
Online counseling is sometimes called “online therapy” or “telehealth counseling.” Each term simply means getting therapy remotely, usually by video or phone, with a licensed telehealth therapist.
Counseling online might be a good format for you if you…
- Have had difficulties finding the right therapist or support for your needs locally
- Find it difficult to attend appointments in person
- Feel more comfortable talking online
- Want to avoid extra traveling time
- Have access to a private, comfortable space from which you can attend sessions
For some people, the biggest benefit comes from not having to worry about finding time for the commute to and from appointments, making therapy much easier to fit around other commitments.
Is Virtual Therapy as Effective as In-Person?
If you’re wondering whether online therapy actually works, the research is very reassuring. It suggests that online therapy is often just as effective as therapy delivered in person, and this applies to a range of mental health concerns. For example, studies have found that video-based therapy can help people with depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Online trauma counseling may also be an effective fit for people who have prior traumatic experiences.
But this doesn’t mean that online therapy is right for everyone. The best type of therapy often depends on what you’re dealing with, the form of support you need, and whether you feel comfortable talking openly on video or phone.
How Do Online Therapy Sessions Work?
Online therapy in California works in a similar way to in-person therapy. So, you’ll have regularly scheduled appointments with a licensed therapist, but your sessions take place online rather than you having to go to their office.
Here is how the process often goes:
- Find someone who feels like a good fit: Look at their experience and how they describe the way they work.
- Book a consultation: A quick consultation call can help you get a feel for a therapist’s approach and how they could help you with your concerns. It’s also a good opportunity to ask any questions you might have about how they work and the methods they use.
- Have an initial session: Your therapist will ask about what brings you to therapy, as well as your background and what you specifically want to work on.
- Attend regular sessions: This is where the real work starts. You and your therapist meet online and work together toward the changes you want to make.
Remember, for online therapy, you’ll need a smartphone, tablet, or computer with a camera and microphone, a reliable internet connection, and somewhere private and comfortable to talk. And if you’re planning to attend sessions from home and are worried about being overheard by others, headphones may give you more privacy and help reduce any distractions.
My Approach to Online Therapy in California
Hi, I’m Lisa Franks, a licensed clinical social worker (LCSW) and online therapist in California. My approach is warm, direct, and trauma-focused. Most of all, I want our work together to feel useful, not just like we’re talking about the same things each week. This is why my focus is to help you understand what’s happening in the moment, work through it, and make changes that really matter to you.
And you don’t have to have everything already figured out before we start therapy. I’ll meet you where you’re at. So, in sessions, I may ask you questions and help you notice patterns or connections that might be difficult to see when you’re right in the middle of them.
We might also look at practical strategies that could make a difference in your everyday life, whether they’re for managing stress, preventing burnout, improving sleep, or something else. Together, we’ll work through what’s keeping you “stuck” and help you move forward.
Depending on your needs, I may use a range of therapeutic approaches to help you process your past experiences, all through a trauma-informed approach.
To prevent therapy from becoming like a weekly “catch-up,” our work together is focused and time-bound, with therapy typically taking place weekly over three to six months. However, I also offer virtual therapy intensives so you can choose a format that works best for you.
Start Virtual Therapy in California Today
If you feel stuck repeating the same patterns and are ready for support in making changes and moving towards the life you want to be living, you’re in the right place.
Through online therapy in California, I can help you work through what’s keeping you “stuck” and begin living in a way that feels more aligned with your values.
Reach out to me today to schedule a free consultation call. We’ll talk about what’s brought you to therapy, how I could help, answer your questions, and see whether we may be a good fit.
FAQs About Online Therapy
Still have questions about online therapy in California? I’ve answered some of the most common ones I hear below.
How much does online therapy in California cost?
I’m a private-pay, out-of-network therapist, so our work isn’t restricted by insurance requirements. However, depending on your plan, you may still be eligible for partial reimbursement through out-of-network benefits.
My online therapy rates are:
- $200 for standard 55-minute individual sessions
- $325 for extended 90-minute sessions
- $850 for three-hour intensives
- $1500 for six-hour therapy intensives
I also accept credit cards, Health Savings Account (HSA), and Flexible Spending Account (FSA) cards.
Who are the best online therapy providers?
If you’re searching for telehealth in California, the right provider for you will likely depend on your needs, budget, circumstances, and personal preferences.
If you’re ready to work through what’s been weighing you down and are looking for trauma-informed support, I encourage you to reach out to me. I help high-performing people heal from past trauma, manage anxiety, and create meaningful, lasting change.
Where can I book an online therapy appointment?
You can contact me to arrange a free consultation call. We’ll talk about what you’re looking for, for example, online trauma therapy, answer any questions you might have, and see whether we’re a good therapeutic fit. If so, and you’re happy to proceed, we’ll schedule your first appointment.