Virtual Therapy in California
Therapy That Comes to You
Life does not stop while you are waiting for an appointment. If you are caring for a newborn, managing a child with complex medical needs, recovering from a difficult birth, or simply trying to fit therapy into an already full life, getting to an office can feel like one more thing you cannot manage.
Virtual therapy lets you get support without adding a commute, extra arrangements, or more logistics to your week.
Brightways Psychology offers secure, HIPAA-compliant virtual therapy to individuals throughout California.
Who is Virtual Therapy For?
Virtual therapy at Brightways Psychology works well for:
Parents of newborns or infants who need support but cannot easily leave home
Individuals recovering from birth trauma or a NICU stay who may still be managing their own physical recovery
Parents of children with complex medical needs whose schedules are dictated by appointments, therapies, and unpredictable health changes
Individuals navigating fertility treatment who want consistent support without the added stress of travel
Anyone in California who lives far from Palo Alto or prefers the flexibility and privacy of meeting from home
You do not need to be in the San Francisco Bay Area to work with Brightways Psychology. Virtual sessions are available to anyone in California.
What to Expect
Virtual sessions at Brightways Psychology are conducted through Zoom, a platform most people are already familiar with. The Zoom account used for all sessions is covered under a HIPAA Business Associate Agreement, meaning your sessions are private and secure.
What you need:
A computer, tablet, or smartphone with a camera and microphone
A reliable internet connection
A private space where you feel comfortable speaking openly
A computer or laptop works better than a phone or tablet, especially for ART sessions. ART uses a moving image on screen that is easier to follow on a larger display.
How it works:
After scheduling, you will receive a secure Zoom link for your appointment
Click the link at your appointment time, no account or download required
Your session runs just like an in-person session, with the same confidentiality and the same standard of care
Does Virtual Therapy Work as Well as In-Person?
For most people and most conditions, yes.
Research consistently shows that telehealth works well for anxiety, depression, trauma, and grief. Virtual Accelerated Resolution Therapy® (ART) sessions have been used effectively by trained practitioners and follow the same protocol as in-person sessions. The eye movement part of ART uses a moving image on your screen.
In-person therapy may work better in specific situations. For example, children who cannot focus on a screen for a full session may struggle with telehealth. In addition, people who do not have a private space to engage in therapy from home may not feel comfortable using telehealth. In those cases, in-person appointments are available in Palo Alto on Thursdays.
Virtual Accelerated Resolution Therapy®
ART works well virtually. Instead of following a therapist’s hand, you follow a moving ball on your screen. Everything else about the process is the same as in person.
Virtual ART is available for:
- Birth trauma and NICU-related PTSD
- Pregnancy and infant loss
- Medical trauma
- General trauma and PTSD
- Anxiety and depression
- Grief and loss
ART sessions are 90 minutes and typically require 1 to 6 sessions to resolve a specific issue. They are available virtually and in person in Palo Alto on Thursdays.
Serving All of California
Brightways Psychology is licensed to see anyone located in California at the time of their session. Virtual sessions are available throughout the work week.
In-person appointments are available in Palo Alto on Thursdays at 220 California Ave, Suite 120D, for those who prefer or need face-to-face care.
FAQs
Most frequent questions and answers about Virtual Therapy in California
[For general practice questions see our Services FAQ section. For getting started, see our Home Page FAQ section]
Is virtual therapy confidential?
Yes. All virtual sessions are conducted through Zoom under a HIPAA Business Associate Agreement. Your sessions are private, encrypted, and held to the same confidentiality standards as in-person therapy.
Can I do virtual therapy from anywhere in California?
Yes, as long as you are physically located in California at the time of your session. If you are temporarily out of state, let Dr. Armer know in advance. This may affect whether a session can be held.
What if my internet connection drops during a session?
If the connection drops, Dr. Armer will try to reconnect via Zoom. If that is not possible, she will call you at the phone number on file to continue or reschedule the session.
Do I need a Zoom account?
No. You join by clicking the link sent to you. No account is needed, though downloading the Zoom app ahead of time can help with connection quality.
Is virtual therapy covered by insurance?
Brightways Psychology is out of network with all insurance providers. If you have a PPO plan with out-of-network behavioral health coverage, a superbill will be provided for reimbursement. Many PPO plans cover telehealth at the same rate as in-person sessions. Verify this with your insurer before your first appointment.
Can children participate in virtual therapy?
Children ages 10 and up may do virtual therapy if they can focus on a screen for the full session. For those who cannot, in-person appointments in Palo Alto are available on Thursdays.
What is the difference between virtual and in-person sessions at Brightways Psychology?
The clinical content and quality of care are the same. The primary differences are practical: virtual sessions are held throughout the work week and are available statewide across California, while in-person sessions are held on Thursdays at the Palo Alto office. Some clients switch between the two depending on their schedule, which is easy to arrange if a Thursday slot is open.
Take the First Step
A free 15-minute phone consultation is the easiest way to find out if Brightways Psychology is the right fit. There is no paperwork, no commitment, and no pressure.
Erin Armer, PhD (PSY31832) is a licensed clinical psychologist, certified Perinatal Mental Health Professional (PMH-C), and Master Accelerated Resolution Therapy® (ART) Practitioner at Brightways Psychology in Palo Alto, California. Virtual therapy is available to individuals throughout California.