Online Individual Therapy for Teens and Adults in California

About

Online EMDR Therapy for Anxiety, Depression, Trauma, and PTSD


Are you struggling with depression, anxiety, and/or PTSD?

With 20 years of experience in the mental health field, I am dedicated to helping teens and adults navigate life’s challenges with compassion, insight, and evidence-based care. I believe therapy is a collaborative process—one where you are seen, heard, and supported as you work toward healing and meaningful change.I provide individual therapy for adolescents and adults facing a wide range of concerns, including trauma, depression, anxiety, grief, and life transitions. I also have experience supporting those through perimenopause and menopause, helping clients understand the emotional, psychological, and identity shifts that can occur during this stage of life.My approach is client-centered and trauma-informed, drawing from proven therapeutic modality. Whether you are working through past experiences, managing overwhelming emotions, or seeking clarity during a difficult transition, I strive to create a safe and nonjudgmental space where growth and healing can occur. Together, we will focus on building resilience, increasing self-awareness, and fostering lasting change.Taking this first step of looking for a therapist shows you’re on the path to healing from trauma.Therapy is not always comfortable or easy. Even if you have been in therapy before, it can feel overwhelming to start the process with someone new. Finding the right fit and connection with a therapist is important for your healing journey.


Anisha Patel, LCSW, PPSC

Licensed Clinical Social Worker, Calfornia
License No. LCSW 27787

Additional Certifications and Training
EMDR Certified Therapist™ (EMDR International Association, USA)
Menopause-Informed CBT (EMBERS® Trained, UK)

SERVICES

Online (Virtual) Individual Therapy

Age

  • Adolescents (13-17)

  • Adults (18+)

Specialities (click below to explore)

Types of Therapy (click below to explore)

RATES AND INSURANCE

Online (Virtual) Individual Therapy

Insurance: Some listed below

*Click here to learn about EAP services

Victim Witness: Aetna, Blue Shield of CA, CenCal, CenCal CareConnect, Optum

Out-of-Network (OON) I can provide superbill (receipt) to clients to request directly to their health insurance plan (therapist is not contracted with) for possible reimbursement for portion of the session cost clients paid to therapist. See rates below.

Rates

  • Initial (intake) Session: $120

  • Individual Therapy Session (50-min): $120

  • Family Therapy Session, applies to clients who are minors (50-min): $150


The No Surprises Act is a U.S. federal law, effective January 1, 2022

Under the law, health care providers need to give clients who don’t have insurance or who are not using insurance an estimate of the expected charges for medical services, including psychotherapy services.You have the right to receive a Good Faith Estimate for the total expected cost of any non-emergency healthcare services, including psychotherapy services.You can ask your health care provider, and any other provider you choose, for a Good Faith Estimate before you schedule a service, or at any time during treatment.If you receive a bill that is at least $400 more than your Good Faith Estimate, you can dispute the bill. Make sure to save a copy or picture of your Good Faith Estimate.For questions or more information about your right to a Good Faith Estimate, or how to dispute a bill, see your Estimate, or visit www.cms.gov/nosurprises.

RESOURCES

Crisis and Support Hotlines

988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline: Call or Text 988

Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741741

Veterans Crisis Line: Call 988 then Press 1, or Text 838255

Trevor Lifeline LGBTQ+ (ages 13-24): Call 1-866-488-7386

Domestic Violence Hotline: Call 1-800-799-7233

RAINN National Sexual Assault Hotline: Call 1-800-656-4673

Disaster Distress Helpline: Call 1-800-985-5990

California Crisis Hotlines, Warmlines, and Resources

Podcast Recommendations

The Psychology Podcast

The Anxiety Chicks

The Happiness Lab

Healing with David Kessler

Feeling Good

On Purpose with Jay Shetty

Mel Robbins

The Tamsen Show

Book Recommendations

  • The Body Keeps the Score: Brain, Mind, and Body in the Healing of Trauma - Bessel van der Kolk M.D.

  • It Didn't Start with You: How Inherited Family Trauma Shapes Who We Are and How to End the Cycle - Mark Wolynn

  • Adult Children of Emotionally Immature Parents: How to Heal from Distant, Rejecting, or Self-Involved Parents - Lindsay C. Gibson PsyD

  • Atomic Habits: An Easy & Proven Way to Build Good Habits & Break Bad Ones - James Clear

  • A New Earth: Awakening to Your Life's Purpose - Eckhart Tolle

  • The 5 Love Languages: The Secret to Love that Lasts - Gary Chapman

  • Toxic Productivity: Reclaim Your Time and Emotional Energy in a World That Always Demands More - Israa Nasir

  • Set Boundaries, Find Peace: A Guide to Reclaiming Yourself - Nedra Glover Tawwab

  • The Anxious Generation - Jonathan Haidt

  • Digital Minimalism: Choosing a Focused Life in a Noisy World - Cal Newport

  • Nonviolent Communication: A Language of Life: Life-Changing Tools for Healthy Relationships - Marshall B. Rosenberg

  • The Grief Recovery Handbook: The Action Program for Moving Beyond Death, Divorce, and Other Losses - John W. James, Russell Friedman

  • This Is Your Brain on Food: An Indispensable Guide to the Surprising Foods that Fight Depression, Anxiety, PTSD, OCD, ADHD, and More - Uma Naidoo M.D.

  • Generation M: Living Well in Perimenopause and Menopause - Jessica Shepherd M.D.

  • How to Menopause: Take Charge of Your Health, Reclaim Your Life, and Feel Even Better than Before - Tamsen Fadal

  • The New Menopause: Navigating Your Path Through Hormonal Change with Purpose, Power, and Facts - Mary Claire Haver M.D.


This website is provided for informational purposes only. It does not constitute clinical advice.

CONTACT

Online Individual Therapy for Teens and Adults in California

Together, we will move forward on your healing journey with you as the driver.

Anisha Patel, LCSW, PPSC

Licensed Clinical Social Worker, Calfornia
License No. LCSW 27787

Business Hours: Tuesdays & Wednesdays 10am-12pm;1-6pm, Thursdays 1-6pm, Fridays 9am-12pm;1-4pm

Tel: (805) 623-0993

Email: ap@traumahealingtherapyca.com

If you are in a life threatening situation, do NOT use this site. Call or text at 988 for Suicide and Crisis Lifeline. If your issue is an emergency, call 911 or go to your nearest emergency room.


Online (Virtual) Individual Therapy

Navigating Mental Health During Perimenopause and Menopause

Menopause is a significant life transition that can impact not only the body, but also emotional and mental well-being. Hormonal changes, shifting roles, sleep disruption, and life stressors can contribute to changes in mood, increased anxiety, depression, irritability, and feelings of overwhelm. For those with a history of trauma, anxiety, or depression, menopausal changes can intensify existing symptoms or bring unresolved issues to the surface. For many, this period can feel confusing, isolating, or unlike anything they’ve experienced before.

Mental health challenges during perimenopause and menopause are real—and support can make a meaningful difference.

How Perimenopause/Menopause Can Affect Mental Health

Hormonal fluctuations during menopause can influence brain chemistry and emotional regulation. Common mental health concerns during this transition may include:

  • Increased anxiety or panic symptoms

  • Depression or low mood

  • Mood swings or emotional reactivity

  • Brain fog, difficulty concentrating, or memory changes

  • Sleep disturbances that impact emotional health

  • Increased stress or difficulty coping with daily demands

  • Changes in self-identity, confidence, or sense of purpose

  • For many, menopause can also activate unresolved trauma, grief, or long-standing emotional patterns

Therapy Support During Perimenopause and Menopause

Therapy offers a supportive space to understand what you’re experiencing and develop tools to feel more grounded and in control. Working with a mental health professional can help you:

  • Manage anxiety, depression, and mood changes

  • Develop healthy coping strategies for stress and overwhelm

  • Process grief or loss related to aging, fertility, or life transitions

  • Address trauma or past experiences that may resurface

  • Improve sleep, emotional regulation, and self-compassion

  • Strengthen resilience and confidence during change

Therapy during menopause is not about “pushing through” or minimizing your experience—it’s about understanding your needs and supporting your overall well-being.

Using EMDR or ACT to Navigate Mental Health During Perimenopause and Menopause

Evidence-based therapies such as EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) can provide meaningful support during perimenopause and menopause.

Treatment is tailored to your unique history, symptoms, and goals.

EMDR Therapy

EMDR is an evidence-based therapy designed to help the brain process distressing memories and experiences. During menopause, EMDR can be particularly helpful when hormonal changes intensify trauma-related symptoms. EMDR can help you:

  • Process past trauma that may resurface during menopause

  • Reduce emotional reactivity and intrusive thoughts

  • Address medical, relational, or developmental trauma

  • Increase emotional stability and nervous system regulation

EMDR supports healing at a deeper level, allowing painful experiences to lose their emotional charge.

Learn more in this video

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)

The idea is that painful thoughts and feelings are part of the human condition and that trying to avoid or control them only causes more
suffering. ACT emphasizes psychological flexibility—learning to accept difficult thoughts and emotions while committing to actions aligned with your values. ACT can help you:

  • Reduce the struggle with uncomfortable emotions

  • Build self-compassion and emotional resilience

  • Manage intrusive or repetitive thoughts

  • Clarify values during life transitions

  • Create meaning and purpose during change

ACT is especially helpful when menopause brings uncertainty, loss of control, or identity shifts.

Take the Next Step

If you’re struggling with your mental health during perimenopause or menopause, reaching out for support can be an important first step. I invite you to contact me to learn more about therapy options and how we can work together to support your emotional well-being.


SPECIALITIES

Online (Virtual) Individual Therapy

Trauma/PTSD

Trauma happens when someone experiences or witnesses something overwhelming, scary, or life-threatening, and their mind and body can’t fully process it at the time. While not everyone who experiences trauma develops PTSD, sometimes the brain and body continue reacting as if the danger is still present.PTSD (Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder) is what can happen when these trauma responses persist and start to interfere with daily life. It’s the ongoing effect of trauma on thoughts, feelings, and physical reactions. In other words, trauma is the event, and PTSD is the lasting impact that can follow for some people.With understanding, support, and treatment, people with PTSD can learn that they are safe and their symptoms can improve.


Depression

Depression is a mental health condition that affects mood, thoughts, and energy levels. It’s more than feeling sad or having a bad day—depression can make everyday tasks feel overwhelming and can reduce enjoyment, motivation, and concentration. It’s not a personal weakness or something you can simply “snap out of.” Depression is a medical condition influenced by biological, psychological, and life factors, and with the right support and treatment, many people feel better and regain a sense of balance.


Anxiety

Anxiety is a natural response to stress, but when it becomes persistent or intense, it can start to interfere with daily life. It often shows up as constant worry, nervousness, or fear, and may also cause physical symptoms like a racing heart, tight chest, or restlessness. Anxiety isn’t a personal weakness—it’s the body’s alarm system staying switched on for too long. With understanding, coping strategies, and the right support, anxiety can be managed effectively.


Grief/Loss

Grief is the natural response to loss. It can happen when someone loses a loved one, a relationship, a job, or something else important. Grief affects thoughts, emotions, and even the body—people may feel sadness, anger, guilt, confusion, or physical symptoms like fatigue or trouble sleeping.Everyone experiences grief differently, and there’s no “right” way to feel or timeline to follow. Grief is a normal part of healing, and with time, support, and self-care, people usually learn to adjust and find meaning again.

Perimenopause/Menopause

Click here to explore


Take the Next Step Toward Feeling Better

Life can feel heavy sometimes. Whether you’re dealing with depression, anxiety, trauma, grief, or changes like menopause, reaching out for support is an important step. I invite you to contact me to learn more about therapy options and how we can work together to support your emotional well-being.

TYPES OF THERAPY

Online (Virtual) Individual Therapy

EMDR

EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) is an evidence-based therapy that helps people process distressing or traumatic memories. Sometimes, upsetting experiences can feel “stuck” in the brain, causing strong emotions, anxiety, or flashbacks. EMDR uses guided eye movements or other forms of bilateral stimulation to help the brain reprocess these memories, reducing their emotional impact and helping you feel more in control.EMDR is effective for trauma, anxiety, grief, depression, and other distressing experiences.

Learn more in this video


ACT

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) is an evidence-based therapy that helps you notice and accept difficult thoughts and feelings instead of trying to fight or avoid them. At the same time, ACT guides you to focus on what really matters to you—your values—and take meaningful actions toward living a fulfilling life.ACT can be helpful for PTSD, depression, anxiety, and grief by teaching practical skills to cope with distressing emotions, stay present, and build resilience.


Perimenopause/Menopause

Click here to explore


Take the Next Step

If you’re struggling with your mental health then reaching out for support can be an important first step. I invite you to contact me to learn more about therapy options and how we can work together to support your emotional well-being.


EAP SERVICES

Online (Virtual) Individual EAP Counseling

An Employee Assistance Program (EAP) is a benefit offered by many employers that provides employees (and sometimes their family members) with a limited number of counseling sessions at no cost to employee. EAP counseling is typically short-term, solution-focused support for personal, emotional, family, or work-related concerns.

FAQ

What issues can EAP counseling help with?

EAP counseling may help with:

  • Stress and burnout

  • Anxiety

  • Depression

  • Relationship and family concerns

  • Grief and loss

  • Life transitions (e.g., preparing for retirement, returning to work after parental or medical leave, menopause in the workplace)

  • Work-life balance challenges

  • Emotional well-being and resilience

  • Trauma/PTSD

What types of approaches do you provide in EAP Counseling?

  • Solution-Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT): A short-term, goal-directed approach that focuses on your future rather than digging into past problems.

  • Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): Helps you identify and change unhelpful thoughts and behaviors that may be affecting how you feel, so you can develop healthier ways of thinking and coping.

  • Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT): Helps you stop struggling with difficult thoughts and emotions. Instead of trying to get rid of them, you learn to accept them and focus on taking meaningful actions that align with your values and what matters most to you.

How many counseling sessions does my EAP cover?

The number of sessions varies by employer and EAP provider. Most programs offer a limited number of sessions (e.g., 3-10) per issue with an expiration date at no cost to the employee. Contact your EAP provider or HR department for details about your specific benefits.

How long is each EAP counseling session?

Each session is approximately 50 minutes.

Is EAP counseling confidential from my employer?

Yes. Your employer cannot access your treatment information.

Do I need a referral to use EAP counseling?

Many EAP programs require authorization or a referral number before your first appointment. Contact your EAP provider (health insurance plan) to verify eligibility and obtain any required authorization.

I currently accept the following EAP Insurances:

  • Anthem Blue Cross CA EAP

  • Cigna EAP

  • Optum EAP

Can I use EAP counseling if I already have health insurance?

Yes. EAP counseling is separate from your health insurance benefits. Many clients start with their EAP sessions and then choose to continue therapy afterward.

What happens after my EAP sessions are used?

If ongoing counseling feels helpful, we can discuss transitioning to insurance-based or self-pay services, based on availability. Should you choose to continue therapy beyond your EAP benefit, you'll be responsible for any applicable copays, deductibles, or session fees.

What services are NOT covered by EAP?

I do not complete certain types of administrative or legal documentation.

This includes, but is not limited to:

  • FMLA (Family and Medical Leave Act) paperwork

  • Short-term or long-term disability forms

  • Workplace accommodation or return-to-work certification forms

  • Disability determinations or fitness-for-duty evaluations

  • Court-ordered treatment/Legal evaluations

How do I know if EAP counseling is right for me?

EAP counseling is often a good option if you are seeking support for a specific concern, need short-term counseling, or want to use an employer-sponsored benefit before pursuing longer-term therapy.

How do I schedule an EAP appointment?

  • Contact your EAP provider (see above EAP insurances I accept) to verify your benefits.

  • Obtain any required authorization or referral number.

  • Contact me to schedule your appointment.

  • Provide your EAP information when booking.


Contact

Anisha Patel, LCSW, PPSC

Licensed Clinical Social Worker, Calfornia
License No. LCSW 27787

Business Hours: Tuesdays & Wednesdays 10am-12pm;1-6pm, Thursdays 1-6pm, Fridays 9am-12pm;1-4pm

Tel: (805) 623-0993

Email: ap@traumahealingtherapyca.com

If you are in a life threatening situation, do NOT use this site. Call or text at 988 for Suicide and Crisis Lifeline. If your issue is an emergency, call 911 or go to your nearest emergency room.


Click below for long-term therapy


FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Online (Virtual) Individual Therapy

What do I expect during the free 15-minute telephone consultation?

You’ll usually discuss what brings you to therapy, what you’re hoping for, and any questions you have about my approach, experience, fees, or scheduling. The consultation is not a therapy session, so it’s not focused on deep clinical work or advice-giving. It’s mainly for connection, fit, and information.

  • Is the consultation confidential? Yes, anything you share is treated with the same level of confidentiality as regular therapy sessions, with standard legal and safety exceptions.

  • Am I obligated to book sessions afterward? No. The consultation is completely optional and comes with no obligation to continue.

  • What happens after the consultation? If it feels like a good fit, you can schedule your first session. If you plan to use insurance, please check your benefits and confirm that I'm in-network with your insurance plan including your co-pay or deductible.

Do you accept Employee Assistance Program (EAP) benefits?

Click here to explore

What happens in the first session?

During the first session, we'll discuss what brings you to therapy, your current concerns, and your goals for treatment. I'll ask questions to better understand your experiences, and we'll review confidentiality, policies, and any forms completed beforehand. You'll also have the opportunity to ask questions and see whether the therapeutic relationship feels like a good fit. There is no pressure to share everything at once—we will move at a pace that feels comfortable for you.

How often will I meet with you?

Most clients start with weekly sessions. Over time, sessions may shift to biweekly or monthly depending on progress and preference.

How long does therapy take?

Therapy is a highly individualized process, and there is no set timeline that works for everyone. The length of treatment depends on several factors, including your goals, the nature of your concerns, the frequency of sessions (e.g., weekly vs biweekly), and the progress made over time. Some clients attend therapy for a few months to address a specific issue or life transition, while others choose to engage in longer-term therapy for ongoing support, deeper self-exploration, or more complex concerns. Throughout the process, we will periodically review your goals and progress to ensure therapy continues to meet your needs.

Ready to Get Started?