Telehealth Therapy in California: What You Need to Know

When I first began offering telehealth sessions, I wasn't sure how my clients would feel about it. Therapy has always been such an intimate, in-person experience. But over the past several years, I've watched virtual therapy become one of the most effective and accessible ways for people to get the support they need — often with benefits that surprise both me and my clients.

If you've been curious about telehealth therapy but aren't sure whether it's right for you, I want to walk you through what it actually looks like, what the research says, and how to decide if it might be a good fit.

What Is Telehealth Therapy?

Telehealth therapy is simply therapy conducted through a secure video platform instead of sitting together in an office. You and your therapist meet at a scheduled time, just like a traditional session, but you connect from wherever you are — your living room, your car during a lunch break, or a quiet room at home.

Everything else stays the same. We still talk through what's on your mind, work through patterns and challenges, and build on the tools and insights from previous sessions. The therapeutic relationship — which research consistently shows is the most important factor in successful therapy — develops just as naturally on screen as it does in person.

Does Telehealth Therapy Actually Work?

This is the question I hear most often, and the answer is clear: yes. A growing body of research supports what I've seen in my own practice.

A 2020 study published in the Journal of Anxiety Disorders found that cognitive behavioral therapy delivered via telehealth was just as effective as in-person treatment for anxiety disorders. Similar findings have been reported for depression, PTSD, and relationship issues. The American Psychological Association has affirmed that telehealth is an effective modality for most common mental health concerns.

In my own work with clients across California, I've found that many people actually open up more easily in telehealth sessions. There's something about being in your own space that can lower the guard just enough to do deeper, more honest work.

The Benefits of Online Therapy

Beyond clinical effectiveness, telehealth offers practical advantages that make therapy more sustainable over time.

• No commute. For those of you in Los Angeles, this alone can be reason enough. An hour of therapy shouldn't require two hours of driving and parking. Clients in Calabasas, Tarzana, Encino, and throughout the San Fernando Valley save significant time each week.
• Greater flexibility. It's easier to fit a session into a busy schedule when you don't need travel time on either side. I've worked with clients who use their lunch break or schedule a session right after the kids go to school.
• Comfort of your own space. Many clients feel more relaxed at home, which can actually enhance the therapeutic process.
• Access from anywhere in California. Whether you're in Woodland Hills, San Diego, Sacramento, or anywhere else in the state, you can work with a therapist who feels like the right fit — not just whoever happens to be nearby.
• Consistency during travel or illness. Life doesn't pause, and neither does your growth. If you're traveling for work or feeling under the weather, you can still keep your appointment.

Who Is Telehealth a Good Fit For?

In my experience, telehealth works well for most people and most concerns. I regularly use it for:

• Individual therapy for anxiety, depression, life transitions, and self-esteem
• Couples therapy — both partners can join from the same room or different locations
• Clients managing grief and loss who may not feel up to leaving the house
• Busy professionals who need flexibility in their schedules
• Anyone who feels more comfortable easing into therapy from their own space

If you've been hesitant to start therapy because of logistics — the drive, the time, the disruption to your day — telehealth may lower that barrier enough to take the first step.

When In-Person Might Be a Better Choice

While I'm a strong advocate for telehealth, there are times when meeting in person at my Woodland Hills office can be more beneficial. Certain therapeutic techniques, like some components of EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing), may be more effective face-to-face. Some clients also simply prefer the dedicated, separate space that an office provides — a place that feels distinctly different from the rest of their week.

The good news is that you don't have to choose one or the other permanently. Many of my clients use a combination of in-person and telehealth sessions depending on their week.

What a Telehealth Session Looks Like

If you've never done a virtual therapy session, here's what to expect.

I use a HIPAA-compliant video platform that protects your privacy. Before your first session, you'll receive a link — no special software to download. You click the link at your appointment time, and we begin.

A Few Tips to Get the Most Out of Your Session

• Find a private space. Choose a room where you won't be overheard or interrupted. If that's hard to come by, even sitting in a parked car with headphones works.
• Use headphones. This helps with both audio quality and privacy.
• Minimize distractions. Close other tabs, silence your phone, and let the people around you know you need uninterrupted time.
• Check your connection. A stable internet connection makes a big difference. If your Wi-Fi is unreliable, sitting closer to your router can help.
• Give yourself a moment before and after. Just because you don't have a commute doesn't mean you shouldn't take a few minutes to transition into and out of the session.

Insurance and Telehealth

One concern I hear is whether insurance covers telehealth therapy. In California, insurance companies are required to cover telehealth services the same way they cover in-person visits. Your copay, deductible, and coverage terms remain the same whether we meet virtually or in my office. I work with a range of insurance providers, and my team can help verify your benefits before your first session.

Taking the Next Step

Whether you're in Woodland Hills and prefer to come into the office, or you're across the state and want to connect from home, I'm here to help. I offer both in-person and telehealth sessions so we can find the format that works best for your life.

If you've been thinking about starting therapy — or if you've been in therapy before and want to try a new approach — I'd love to talk with you about what that could look like. I offer a free phone consultation where we can discuss your needs and answer any questions.

You can reach me at (818) 941-2977 or visit my contact page to schedule a time that works for you.