6,132 people sought online therapy help in California in the last year

Discover how starting therapy with a online can support your own journey toward a happier, more fulfilling life.

Meet with a provider as soon as this week

Good news! We have 5 therapists in California available for an online or in-person session.
Thuy Ulrich

Hear from Thuy Ulrich, Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist (LMFT)

View Thuy Ulrich's profile

What is your go-to approach for online therapy?

My typical approach for helping clients in online therapy is fundamentally the same across all formats of service—meeting them at their level and their readiness for change. I find this works best because clients are the experts on themselves. They need to be the ones driving or the actions won’t be meaningful.

What tools do you teach in online therapy?

I am able to teach the same tools in online therapy as I would if we met in person. All tools are catered to each person’s needs, for example:

  • Coping tools that build upon their existing coping mechanisms to help make their tools more effective
  • Mindfulness tools that help build awareness and understanding of their emotions
  • Insight tools to help understand their common thinking traps
  • Communication tools to help them feel heard when expressing feelings & needs

How do you know when a client is making meaningful progress in online therapy?

I know clients are making meaningful progress in therapy when they start reporting improvements in their lives and/or relationships. It’s important to celebrate these successes with clients, no matter how small.

What can clients do in their personal time to supplement online therapy?

Clients can supplement their therapy by practicing some good self-care & the coping tools discussed, or just by considering how the concepts from sessions can be applied. I like to provide clients with handouts or notes to help them remember our discussions.

What should someone do to prepare for starting online therapy?

To prepare for the first session, clients can consider what their goals for therapy might be and keep an open mind for their new journey. Therapy can open doors to new concepts and methods of approach if clients are ready to open those doors together.

Starting Online therapy

What is online therapy?

With Thriveworks, Online therapy is an effective alternative to in-person therapy services in which a client can speak to a Thriveworks therapist remotely via online video conferencing. Online sessions are just as effective as in-person treatment, but they can also provide added benefits like reduced travel time, saving money on transportation or childcare, and increased access to care.

How does online therapy work?

Online therapy works much like traditional in-person therapy but takes place through secure video conferencing. Clients can attend Online therapy from any safe place they choose that has access to the internet, whether that be their home or another easily accessible place. Like in-person treatment, a therapist will work with their client to address their concerns, create goals, and establish an effective treatment plan.

What is the best option for online therapy?

There is no best option for online therapy—instead, it’s best to focus on finding a provider that meets your specific needs and with whom you can form a professional connection with.

Is online therapy just as effective?

Yes, online therapy is just as effetive for many clients as in-person sessions.

How long does online therapy last?

Online therapy can last for a few months to years depending on the goals and symptoms of the client. The treatment process will be unique to each client and lend itself to their specific concerns, which means that the time it takes to treat them will always be different. Timing is also up to the client themselves; they are free to stop therapy whenever they please, especially if they feel they have reached their goals and addressed their concerns.

How much does online therapy cost?

At Thriveworks, we accept most major insurance plans, allowing many clients to pay as little as $0–$50 per session with their co-pay. We also offer self-pay options for those out-of-network or without insurance. Self-pay rates for talk therapy range from $160 to $240 for intake sessions and $135 to $195 for follow-ups, depending on your state. For psychiatry services, self-pay intake sessions are $255–$375, with follow-ups ranging from $175–$300, also varying by state. More information on current self-pay costs is available on our pricing page.

Need more help deciding?

Sadie can’t remember the last time she talked with her brother, Adam. They live in different states, on opposite sides of the country. They see each other on holidays and exchange a few words over social media every now and then, but the fact remains that she feels like she barely knows her brother at this point. 

Sadie wants this to change. The last time she saw Adam, she talked with him about what was going on in his life. After a few awkward minutes, she realized how hard it was—she didn’t even know where to start. Afterward, Sadie did some thinking. She’d heard about online therapy, and now she’s wondering if they could resolve the distance between them through virtual counseling sessions together. 

If you’re considering online counseling or therapy, the counselors at Thriveworks in Irvine, CA are excited about the chance to work with you. Our team of providers can help you connect with your emotional well-being and confront the mental health issues that are standing in the way of your path to success. We hope that when you’re ready, you’ll reach out to us to schedule online therapy with a provider who can help. 

What Is Online Therapy? How Can It Help Me? 

Online therapy offers a modern solution to our hectic schedules. It allows people everywhere to connect with our mental health professionals, without missing a beat. Online therapy can help with many different topics or mental health conditions, such as: 

  • Problems related to low self-esteem or self-worth 
  • Stress that’s related to work or finances 
  • Avoidant behaviors/conflict resolution
  • Anxiety, or obsessive thoughts (random or situation-specific)
  • Depression and other mood disorders
  • Difficulties processing negative emotions
  • Dealing with the loss of a family member or friend
  • Relationship issues

Keep in mind though—these are just a few of the many different subjects and concerns that our online therapists can assist you with. Don’t be worried if your specific situation isn’t listed above. By sharing your experience and mental health needs with your therapist, you’ll open the door to personalized care that’s designed specifically for you. 

Benefits of Online Counseling

While you might feel nervous about talking with a provider, the truth is that online therapy is a great way to eliminate some of the anxiety that you might feel. And, doing so is a proactive way to prioritize your mental health, too. Online therapy can be beneficial if you would rather: 

  • Avoid the anxiety that can arise for some during in-person sessions.
  • Engage with your provider over video as you both explore the sources and effects of anxiety, sadness, relationship issues, and more.
  • Meet with your therapist anywhere, as long as you have a solid internet connection and a private space to speak during your session.

Plus, you can rest easy knowing that your virtual session will follow the same rigorous HIPAA privacy guidelines as our in-person sessions. Get personalized, quality mental health care without having to worry about your personal information being compromised. And, online therapy isn’t just limited to individuals. Families, couples, and friends can all reconnect through virtual sessions. No matter where you are, you can work to improve yourself independently or your most important relationships.

Schedule an Online Therapy Session Today with Thriveworks in Irvine, CA

When you open up to one of our online therapists, you’re taking the steps toward better mental health. Reach out to Thriveworks in Irvine, CA when you’re ready to team up with an online therapist as soon as this week. You can look forward to these benefits and more.

Online therapy with Thriveworks could be a solution for you, as thousands of people across the country have discovered. While it’s not the same as waving a magic wand, deciding to partner with a therapist or counselor could offer you new ways to manage your mental health needs and concerns. Call Thriveworks in Irvine, CA today.  

Pricing & insurance

Our therapists accept most major insurances. We accept 585+ insurance plans, and offer self-pay options, too.
Learn more about pricing for therapy and counseling services at Thriveworks.

Our Irvine therapists and counselors accept 27 insurance plans

  • Aetna

  • Blue Shield of California | BCBS

  • Cigna | Evernorth

  • Cigna | Evernorth EAP

  • Cigna | Evernorth Medicare Advantage

  • Compsych

  • First Health Network

  • Humana Exchange

  • Humana HMO/POS

  • Humana Medicare Advantage

  • Humana PPO | EPO | HDHP

  • Imperial Health Plan Medicare Advantage

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Self-pay costs at Irvine
Talk therapy

Talk therapy

Includes individual, couples, child/ teen, & family therapy

First session

$1

Ongoing sessions

$1

Talk therapy

Psychiatry

Includes reducing symptoms with medication & management

First session

$1

Ongoing sessions

$1

Hear from our clients

5.0 Learn about verified reviews
★★★★★
So thankful to have been connected to my therapist.
Sulyn Feb 2024
Thriveworks.com verified review

Where to find us

Getting here

Thriveworks Counseling & Psychiatry Irvine is off of Irvine Center Drive and Yale Avenue. We are across the street from Wildwood Park, and near Good Shepherd Preschool.

Phone number

(657) 315-1250

Languages spoken by CA providers

  • Vietnamese
  • English
  • Spanish
  • Farsi
Thursday 8:00am - 9:00pm
Friday 8:00am - 9:00pm
Saturday 8:00am - 9:00pm
Sunday 8:00am - 9:00pm
Monday 8:00am - 9:00pm
Tuesday 8:00am - 9:00pm
Wednesday 8:00am - 9:00pm

Shown in PT

Thursday 7:00am - 9:30pm
Friday 7:00am - 9:30pm
Saturday 7:00am - 6:00pm
Sunday 8:00am - 5:00pm
Monday 7:00am - 9:30pm
Tuesday 7:00am - 9:30pm
Wednesday 7:00am - 9:30pm

Shown in PT

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