Online Therapy & Counseling in California

Online therapy and counseling can be convenient and effective.

In addition to seeing people in my Sunnyvale office, I also provide online therapy for California residents. I use video conferencing (using Zoom, Skype, etc.), but I don't do therapy by email or text.

Online therapy can be useful if you are

• wanting to learn more coping strategies

• wanting help with stress and anxiety

• needing help managing and reducing work stress

• grieving the loss of a loved one

• trying to change a habit (adding healthy habits or stopping unwanted habits)

• dealing with life transitions

• needing to talk through a particular issue

• feeling stuck and wanting to explore potential solutions

• wanting to try guided meditations and/or hypnosis

Zoom, Skype, or Telehealth by SimplePractice for Online Therapy

Using Skype or FaceTime is a possibility, but I prefer Zoom due to the video quality or Telehealth by SimplePractice due to confidentiality.

In my opinion, Zoom has better video quality, which is very important with online therapy. I can send you a Zoom meeting link to connect directly to our online appointment. You can download Zoom at zoom.us for free, or you can use Zoom in a browser window without downloading Zoom. You can use Zoom on a laptop or desktop computer. There are also Zoom apps available for Android and iOS.

If you don’t want to use Zoom, Telehealth by SimplePractice is very similar to Skype or Zoom, but it is designed for telehealth sessions and online counseling. Let me know if you don’t want to use Zoom.

If you prefer Skype or FaceTime, let me know. Depending on circumstances, I might be able to use Skype or FaceTime.

Available Openings

You can use my scheduling page to see my availability and to schedule a phone consultation or online appointment.

Counseling Fees

I charge the same fees for online therapy. You can pay online using a credit card or HSA card, or you could send a check if you prefer.

Insurance Reimbursement for Online Therapy

In California, insurance companies might reimburse for online therapy (also known as telehealth therapy sessions). Check with your insurance company to be sure.

People pay me directly. I can write a receipt (aka superbill), and you can try to get reimbursed by your insurance company. Talk to your insurance company first to fully understand your benefits.

Online Therapy in California

I am licensed in California, so I can only provide therapy for people who are living in California. (Lic # LMFT40414)

When Online Therapy May Not Be Best

If safety is an issue, then it might be better to see a face-to-face therapist. People also might want an in-person therapist if they are working through severe trauma, especially if they don’t already have good coping tools. Also, please research the confidentiality of online therapy using Zoom, Skype, FaceTime, or Telehealth by SimplePractice.

Getting the Best Video Quality

Before the therapy appointment, quit all of the applications that you are not using on your computer.  Make sure you quit Skype (not just closing the window). Also, don't run software updates during the therapy session. In addition, close all web browser tabs and windows that you don't need.

This article is written for therapists, but it will give you ideas about how to get the best video quality during online appointments.

About Me

You can read more about me on my therapy home page or about my approach to therapy. I also have an about me page.

To Schedule an Appointment or Ask Questions

Call me or email me at stacy@stacyoleary.com to ask any questions you have or set up an appointment. You can also schedule a free phone consultation with me.