Teletherapy
Teletherapy is professional, licensed therapy delivered through a secure video platform — the same quality of care as in-person, from wherever you are in California.
What is Teletherapy?
Teletherapy — also referred to as online therapy or virtual therapy — is the delivery of professional mental health services through a secure, HIPAA-compliant video platform. It offers individuals, couples, and families access to therapists from the comfort and privacy of their own space, removing many of the practical barriers that have historically made consistent therapy difficult to maintain.
At TrueMe® Counseling, teletherapy is not a lesser version of in-person care — it is a fully clinical, deeply personal experience delivered through a different medium. Our therapists bring the same training, the same evidence-based approaches, and the same commitment to individualized care to every virtual session as they do to sessions in our Culver City and Thousand Oaks offices. Research consistently supports the effectiveness of teletherapy for treating anxiety, depression, trauma, relationship challenges, and a wide range of other mental health concerns, with outcomes comparable to traditional face-to-face therapy for most clients.
Teletherapy Available Throughout California
Teletherapy is available to residents throughout California, making it an ideal option for clients who live far from our physical offices, travel frequently, have demanding schedules, or simply find that the privacy and convenience of a home-based session allows them to show up more openly and consistently. All that is required is a private space and a reliable internet connection.
Common signs Teletherapy may be for you:
- Your schedule makes consistent in-person sessions difficult
- You live outside a convenient distance from a therapy office
- You feel more comfortable opening up in your own space
- You have tried to start therapy but logistics keep getting in the way
If you identify with 2 or more of these, you may be a good candidate for our testing and assessment.
OUR CLINICAL APPROACH
How we treat you — and why it works
Most therapy fails because it’s generic. At TrueMe® Counseling, our therapists use a structured, evidence-based framework built around your specific needs, history, and goals — not a one-size-fits-all program. Whether you’re across the street or across the state, we’re here — in person or virtually throughout California.
Bringing Therapy to You
Getting quality mental health care shouldn't depend on where you live or how busy your schedule is. Teletherapy allows you to meet with one of our licensed or associate therapists from the comfort and privacy of your home, office, or any secure location. Through a HIPAA-compliant video platform, you receive the same professional, compassionate care as you would in our office—without the time and stress of commuting.
Making Therapy More Accessible
Life is busy, and barriers like traffic, work schedules, childcare, mobility challenges, illness, or living in underserved areas can make it difficult to attend in-person appointments. Teletherapy removes many of these obstacles, making it easier to prioritize your mental health and stay consistent with treatment—one of the most important factors in achieving meaningful progress.
Receiving Personalized, Evidence-Based Care
The setting may be different, but the quality of care remains the same. Our therapists use evidence-based approaches such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), EMDR when appropriate for telehealth, Brainspotting, Solution-Focused Therapy, and other clinically appropriate interventions. Your treatment is always tailored to your goals, concerns, and personal circumstances—not your location.
Creating a Safe & Comfortable Therapeutic Space
Many clients find it easier to open up when they're in a familiar environment. Being in your own space can help you feel more relaxed, allowing therapy to become a natural part of your routine. Whether you're managing anxiety, depression, relationship challenges, trauma, stress, or life transitions, teletherapy provides a private and supportive environment where meaningful work can take place.
A Flexible Treatment Plan That Fits Your Life
No two clients have the same schedule, responsibilities, or therapeutic goals. Your therapist develops an individualized treatment plan that works with your lifestyle while maintaining continuity of care. As your needs evolve, your therapy evolves with you, ensuring each session remains purposeful, relevant, and focused on helping you make lasting progress.
Helping You Stay Connected to Your Mental Health
Our goal is to make high-quality mental health care as accessible and sustainable as possible. At TrueMe® Counseling, we've spent over 10 years helping individuals, couples, and families create meaningful change through compassionate, evidence-based therapy. Teletherapy allows you to continue that journey wherever life takes you, giving you the flexibility, support, and clinical expertise to prioritize your mental well-being without putting your life on hold.
YOUR THERAPY JOURNEY
What to expect in therapy
Starting therapy can feel intimidating — especially when you’re already carrying so much. Here’s exactly what the process looks like, step by step.
Free consultation call
Before anything else, you’ll have a brief, no-pressure call to share what you’re going through and ask any questions you have. There’s no commitment — just a conversation to make sure we’re the right fit for you.
Your first session
Your first session is a relaxed, open conversation — not a test. Your therapist will take time to understand your history, your current experience, and what you’re hoping to achieve. Many clients leave their first session already feeling a sense of relief just from being heard.
A personalized plan
Your therapist will work with you to create a plan tailored specifically to your needs — not a generic program, but a personalized roadmap designed around your unique history, goals, and what you’re going through right now.
Ongoing sessions & real tools
Each session builds on the last. Using CBT and other evidence-based methods, your therapist will help you identify the thought patterns and behaviors holding you back — and equip you with practical tools you can use in real life between sessions.
Tracking your progress
Healing isn’t always linear — and your therapist knows that. Progress is regularly reviewed and your plan is adjusted as needed to ensure you’re always moving in the adirection at the right pace for you.
Life beyond therapy
The goal of therapy isn’t just symptom relief — it’s lasting transformation. You’ll finish therapy with a deeper understanding of yourself, a toolkit you carry for life, and the confidence to face whatever comes next.
Meet Our Therapists
TrueMe® Counseling is a team of MFTs and PhDs with decades of combined clinical experience.
Marina Edelman
Founder | Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist #51009
Cheryl Baldi
Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist #39801
Dr. Rachel Chistyakov
Doctor of Psychology | Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist #150001
Sharalee Hall
Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist #135374
Chris Calandra
Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist #164783
Suzanne Perry
Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist #163151
Hayley Willis
Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist #163642
Jasmine Johnson
Associate Marriage & Family Therapist #137660
Sean Palmer
Associate Marriage & Family Therapist #161917
FAQ - TELETHERAPY
Frequently Asked Questions About Teletherapy
Honest answers from our therapists — before you take the first step.
1. Is teletherapy as effective as in-person therapy?
Yes — and the research supports this consistently. Studies across a wide range of presentations show that teletherapy produces outcomes comparable to in-person therapy for most clients. At TrueMe® Counseling, our therapists bring the same clinical training, the same evidence-based modalities, and the same relational investment to every virtual session as they do in person. The medium is different. The quality of the work is not.
2. What do I need to get started with teletherapy?
You need a private space where you won’t be interrupted, a reliable internet connection, and a device with a camera and microphone. Your therapist will send you a secure link before your session. Sessions are conducted through a HIPAA-compliant video platform — no downloads or technical expertise required.
3. Can family therapy be done effectively via teletherapy?
Yes — and many families find the virtual format surprisingly effective. You and your family can join from the same location or separate locations. The Gottman Method and EFT both translate fully to the virtual format. For the most intensive relational work, we may recommend incorporating in-person sessions, and your therapist will advise on what is most clinically appropriate.
4. Is teletherapy available throughout California?
Yes. All TrueMe® Counseling therapists are in California and provide teletherapy to clients statewide — from Westlake Village, Culver City, Simi Valley and every point in between.
5. Can I switch between teletherapy and in-person sessions?
Absolutely — many clients do exactly this. A hybrid approach combining virtual sessions for convenience with periodic in-person sessions for deeper work is often highly effective. Transitioning between formats is always supported and never disruptive to the therapeutic relationship.
