How Telehealth Therapy Works Across California

Who can use telehealth therapy at Third Street Counseling?

Any California resident can use telehealth. Because our clinicians are licensed in California, you must be physically in the state at the time of your session. Telehealth works well for individual therapy, teen therapy, and anxiety therapy, among others.

What platform do you use for telehealth sessions?

We use a secure, HIPAA-compliant video platform built for telehealth. You receive a link before each session, and you do not need to download software or create an account. A phone, tablet, or computer with a camera and internet connection is all you need.

Is telehealth as effective as in-person therapy?

Telehealth suits most of the concerns we work with, and for many people the format matters less than the relationship with the clinician. Whether it suits you is a question for the consult rather than one we can answer in advance. Some clients prefer the convenience of telehealth; others value the in-person experience at our Laguna Beach office. Many do both.

Can I switch between telehealth and in-person?

Yes. You can start with telehealth and switch to in-person, or alternate week to week. We want therapy to fit your life, not the other way around. Talk with your clinician about what works best for your individual therapy or couples counseling needs.

What about privacy during a telehealth session?

Your clinician conducts sessions from a private, secure space. We use a HIPAA-compliant platform, and we ask that you also find a private location for your session. We do not record sessions. See our Privacy Policy for details on how we handle your information.

Reviewed by Michele Hall-Preston, LMFT