What It’s Like to Start Online Therapy in Los Angeles
Advice from a Los Angeles Couple’s Therapist
You’re Asking: Will Online Therapy Work for Me?
Starting therapy can feel like a big step—especially if it’s your first time or if you're unsure what to expect. Add in the idea of doing it all online, and the unknowns might feel even bigger.
The good news? Online therapy in Los Angeles has become not just common but highly effective, accessible, and convenient. Whether you’re navigating anxiety, relationship stress, or burnout or just want to better understand yourself, working with a licensed therapist online can offer real relief and insight.
In a busy, sprawling city like Los Angeles, where traffic and scheduling are daily challenges, online therapy removes the obstacles of long commutes and packed calendars. It allows you to get the help you need from the comfort of your own home, at times that work for your lifestyle.
If you’ve ever wondered what it’s like to begin online therapy in Los Angeles, this guide by Therapy For Adults will walk you through what to expect, what it helps with, and how to find the right therapist near you, even if they’re across town or even in cities like San Francisco, San Diego, Laguna, and Long Beach.
Why Online Therapy is So Popular in Los Angeles
Convenience for Busy Lifestyles. Los Angeles is home to nearly 4 million people, many of whom are balancing demanding careers, creative pursuits, caregiving responsibilities, or long commutes. Getting to a therapist’s office can often mean spending more time in traffic than in the session itself. With online therapy in Los Angeles, you skip the commute and access support directly from your phone, tablet, or laptop—whether you’re at home in West Los Angeles, on your lunch break in Brentwood, or in your parked car before a meeting in Pacific Palisades.
Greater Access Across a Spread-Out City. LA's size and sprawl can make finding a nearby therapist tricky. Online therapy bridges that gap, letting someone in the Valley connect with a therapist in West LA, or a couple in Studio City work with a relationship therapist in West Los Angeles. This flexibility is especially valuable when seeking therapy for specific concerns such as anxiety, burnout, or relationship challenges that require a therapist with particular experience.
Online therapy is just as effective as in-person. A growing body of research confirms that online therapy is equally effective as in-person sessions for many mental health concerns. A 2018 meta-analysis published in the Journal of Anxiety Disorders found that internet-based cognitive behavioral therapy (iCBT) was as effective as face-to-face therapy for anxiety and depression. A 2022 study in JMIR Mental Health showed that teletherapy had comparable outcomes to in-person therapy for relationship distress. In short, online therapy works. The format may be different, but the results are just as powerful.
What Online Therapy Can Help With
Online therapy is just as effective as in-person therapy for most issues and can be a game-changer for people facing:
Anxiety or stress (including social anxiety or work-related anxiety)
Relationship difficulties
Communication problems in marriage or long-term relationships
Life transitions, such as divorce, relocation, or career shifts
Burnout and pressure from high-demand professions (especially common in LA)
Grief and loss
Self-esteem and self-doubt
If you’re in a couple, online couples counseling is a powerful way to work on conflict, improve communication, rebuild trust, or simply reconnect. It's especially helpful for couples juggling different schedules or living in different parts of the city.
What to Expect When You Start Online Therapy
In your first online therapy session, your therapist will likely ask about:
Why you're seeking therapy now
Any specific goals or challenges
Your history (mental health, relationships, career, etc.)
What you’d like to change or better understand about yourself
You don’t have to have all the answers. It’s okay to say, “I’m not sure what I need—I just know something feels off.”
A good Los Angeles therapist will create a warm, welcoming environment, even through a screen. Many clients find online sessions surprisingly intimate, sometimes even more so than in-person visits.
Ongoing Sessions
As you continue therapy, your sessions may include:
Exploring patterns in your thinking or relationships
Learning tools for emotion regulation or communication
Working through past experiences or traumas
Reflecting on personal goals and values
Navigating stressors in work, relationships, or daily life
If you’re in couples counseling, sessions may include conflict resolution exercises, communication skill-building, or guided discussions about trust, intimacy, and shared goals. At Therapy For Adults Steven use frameworks informed by Gottman Method couples therapy, Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT), or incorporate techniques from experts like Esther Perel, depending on what best fits your situation.
Benefits of Online Therapy for LA Residents
Flexibility with Scheduling. Whether you work long hours in tech, the arts, or service industries, online therapy allows you to meet during lunch breaks, evenings, or weekends—whatever works for you.
Comfort and Privacy. You can attend sessions from your couch, your car, or a private room at work. For many people, being in a familiar space helps them open up more quickly.
More Therapist Options. When you're not limited by neighborhood or zip code, you can choose the best therapist in Los Angeles for your needs (not just the one closest to your apartment).
Common Concerns About Online Therapy — And Why You Shouldn’t Worry
“Will it feel weird to talk to someone through a screen?” At first, maybe. But most people adapt within the first session or two. A skilled therapist knows how to build connection and safety, even online.
“Is online therapy as effective as in-person?” Yes. Multiple studies have confirmed that online therapy is just as effective for most issues, including anxiety, depression, and relationship problems. As mentioned earlier, research in the Journal of Anxiety Disorders and JMIR Mental Health supports the success of virtual sessions.
“What if my partner and I are in different places?” No problem. Many couples attend therapy from two different screens, and it works great. Online therapy does not require both people to be in the same room. This makes scheduling significantly easier.
“Is it secure?” Reputable therapists use HIPAA-compliant platforms to ensure your sessions are private and confidential.
How to Know If a Therapist Is the Right Fit
Great therapy isn’t just about credentials. It’s about connection. Look for a therapist who:
Specializes in what you're dealing with
Communicates clearly and compassionately
Offers a structure or plan that makes sense to you
Helps both you and your partner feel heard (if in couples counseling)
Practices cultural sensitivity and respects your values
Whether you’re working with a Los Angeles therapist, someone in the Valley, or a virtual-only provider based in another part of the city, the right fit can make a huge difference in how successful therapy is.
Questions to Ask Before Starting Online Therapy
Are you licensed in California?
Have you worked with clients with similar issues?
How do you structure sessions?
What’s your cancellation policy?
Do you offer online couples counseling or only individual therapy?
Starting Therapy Without Insurance
While private-pay therapy may cost more upfront, it often comes with more flexibility, greater privacy, and a wider choice of therapists.
Tips for Making the Most of Online Therapy
Find a quiet space where you won’t be interrupted
Use headphones for better sound quality and privacy
Be honest and remember it’s okay to feel awkward at first
Show up consistently, even if you don’t “feel like it” that day
Bring a notebook to jot down insights or goals
Online therapy in Los Angeles isn’t just a “backup option.” It’s often the best way for busy, thoughtful people to get meaningful support that fits their life. Whether you're in Silver Lake, Westwood, Studio City, or anywhere in between, the right therapist can help you feel more grounded, understood, and empowered. Starting therapy is a brave act of self-respect. If you’ve been thinking about it for a while, this might be your sign to take that first step.
Ready to Get Started?
Whether you're looking for individual support or couples therapy in Los Angeles, schedule your first online session; contact Steven today!
