Have You Considered Online Therapy in California?
Have you ever searched “counseling near me” or “family therapy near me” and had a million results pop up. But you have to sort through all of them to figure out who is actually near you? How long is it to get from your location to the San Francisco therapy office in traffic? Can I squeeze it in on my lunch break? What if I need someone to watch my mom with dementia or my kids after school?
Never worry about the logistics or barriers to counseling again thanks to online therapy in California!
Before COVID, telehealth/virtual therapy/online counseling was a little bit of a taboo thing. Most insurance companies mandated that people be seen in person. Whether it was for a therapy appointment, an appointment with your doctor for a sinus infection or anything in between. However, now we are “professionals” at pandemic living and almost all medical appointments are online. Thankfully so are your therapy sessions.
How did online therapy in the San Francisco Bay Area become so popular?
Online therapy in California started creeping into popularity prior to the pandemic. However, like I said – it was a bit of a taboo thing. There was pressure from insurance companies and the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) to keep things in person. However, online therapists found that sessions held virtually had higher attendance rates and are just as effective as in-person or face-to-face therapy.
And then COVID hit and *everything* became online – you remember how it was! Suddenly we were ALL stuck at home, working from home for what seemed like 24/7. Many of us had to figure out impromptu working situations. (Hello bedroom corner office or kitchen table board room!!)
We all had to adapt quickly. With that, attitudes changed about virtual care because it became an issue of accessibility and safety.
Everyone soon realized how amazing virtual counseling can be and it quickly became our norm for SO many reasons. When the world stopped turning because of the pandemic, we all had to pivot to online therapy!
What is online therapy in California?
Online therapy is just that, it’s therapy but held virtually instead of in a therapist’s office, on a couch, in person.
You’ll have your therapy session over a secure video platform that is HIPAA compliant to make sure your sessions are kept as confidential as possible. If you’re familiar with FaceTime, Zoom, or have had a doctor’s appointment online, you won’t have a problem accessing the secure platform. You’ll meet with your therapist just like you always do but from two separate locations.
You can be in the comfort of your own home, on your own couch, in your bed, or in your home office. In your car, if that is what works for you, or anywhere in between.
Do you frequent hotels because you travel a lot? This is no longer a problem, take your therapy session with you! Will your dog or cat be joining us for the session? I’d love to meet them!
Wherever you are, as long as you have a good internet connection and a smart device, you’re ready for your online therapy in California session!
Top Reasons for Online Therapy for Grievers, Caregivers, & People with Chronic Illnesses
Time is Valuable
We all know that getting somewhere between San Jose, Oakland, San Francisco or even Pleasanton to Livermore (we won’t even talk about going over the Altamont!) can take so much time because of the traffic. Online therapy cuts down on wasted time by being able to have your session right where you are at. Without spending extra money on the road or on gas. When you’re short on time or not feeling up to it, meeting with an online therapist in the San Francisco bay area makes sense.
Greater Options With Online Therapy
With virtual therapy services, you can pick from a greater selection of therapists that specialize in your need, not just the generalist down the street. Not every therapist specializes in grief counseling or support for chronic illness or terminal illness. If that’s what you’re going through in life – it’s important to have an online therapist in California that gets it and has an abundance of professional skills to help. You would only want the best for yourself, right?
Counseling From A Comfortable Space
You’ll be more comfortable talking in your own space with things that are familiar to you. While most therapists try to make sure an office feels homey or cozy, sometimes it just feels sterile and that’s just not great for your mental health. Have a feeling that you might be doing some classic Kim Kardashian Ugly Crying? Personally, I’ve found it to be a lot easier to do that level of crying in my own space without having to worry about what I look like afterwards or pulling myself together enough to drive.
Safety & Security
You won’t run the risk of getting into accidents, running into people you don’t know, or walking to your car late at night. Being in the comfort of your own home, in your own space, all the time has so many perks. Are you a caregiver of someone that probably shouldn’t be left alone? Their safety is important and so is your access to mental health care – online therapy is a win-win in this regard. Plus, you have less exposure to colds, cases of flu, and COVID.
Faster Improvements With Online Therapy
Research is showing that people are attending their virtual sessions more frequently because of the convenience that they offer! Regularly participating in therapy + a fantastic online therapist that fits YOUR needs = Faster progress towards YOUR goals
Ultimate Confidentiality
No risk of running into your arch-nemesis in the lobby (okay, they probably aren’t doing therapy anyway) but your kid’s friend’s mom’s cousin very well could be. Are you a therapist or medical professional? Politician? Local celebrity? National celebrity? I will always do everything I can to uphold your confidentiality, but there’s not much we can do about people passing in the lobby. Zero risk of lobby encounters when we’re doing online therapy!
Online Therapy While Traveling
Depending on your therapist’s license, therapy can only be conducted where they are licensed at. Stephanie is licensed in the State of California. But there is good news. If you travel to Yosemite, Disneyland, San Diego, Mt. Shasta, Monterey, or anywhere in between, we can still meet virtually to have your therapy session.
Greater Insights
Sometimes our environments impact us in greater ways than we realize. By allowing your Bay Area Therapy for Wellness counselor to see into your personal space (home, office, etc), we may get to see how people around you interact (walking in on sessions). In addition to learning more about you through how you have decorated your space or where you’re at. A bonus for me is always getting to see your pets and family photos! (You are likely to see my dogs, Bash & Lexi too!)
Online Therapy Is Here To Stay
Growing up in Silicon Valley, it’s easy for someone like me to be pro-technology. But this isn’t just about me. Online therapy has truly taken a huge step towards bridging the gap of accessibility for therapy services AND medical appointments! With my background in dialysis, I know how hard it can be for people (patients, caregivers, grievers, and the whole family alike) to physically make it to appointments. I am so proud to be part of the solution to increase accessibility.
Ready to Start Online Therapy in California?
Are you ready to give online therapy a try in San Francisco, Los Angeles, San Deigo, or anywhere else in California? Stephanie, a virtual therapist based in the bay area, can help you work through the pain. Check out these easy steps to get started.
Contact me for a free consultation at Bay Area Therapy for Wellness.
Start therapy services with an online therapist in California.
Get support for whatever you are going through.
Mental Health Services We Offer in California
As an online therapist based in the San Francisco bay area I offer several specialized mental health services. I am specially trained in grief counseling, caregiver support, and support for chronic illness and/or terminal illness. As well as depression treatment, anxiety treatment, and family therapy. I look forward to guiding you through whatever you are going through in life at Bay Area Therapy For Wellness.
