Online Therapy and Telehealth for Clients Anywhere in Texas

Telehealth is therapy over a secure video connection. I've met with people in their homes, at work, in a friend's spare room, and in a parked car when that was the only private spot available. All you need is a strong internet connection and a reliable computer or mobile device with a webcam. Phone sessions are also available if you prefer them.

Once you're set up, sessions feel much like meeting in person. We talk, I listen closely, and we work on what you came for. Some people even find it easier to open up from their own space. Good lighting, a stable connection, and a quiet room do most of the heavy lifting. For a deeper look, see my post Online Therapy: What You Need to Know.

Telehealth is appropriate for people who want to improve their lives, strengthen their relationships, and build healthy foundations for the future. The same people who could benefit from in-person therapy can benefit from telehealth. I work online with couples, individual adults, and adult families, and I offer online couples therapy intensives for couples who want more concentrated time.

Telehealth may not be the best fit if you don't have any private space to talk, or if you're in an acute crisis. If you're in crisis, please call or text 988, or call 911 in an emergency. And if someone in your home makes it unsafe to speak openly, please tell me, and we'll think through other options together.

If you have concerns, talk to me about them. I'm happy to answer questions about the ins and outs of telehealth. I know it's new for a lot of people, and I want the chance to set your mind at ease. And if video therapy just doesn't work for you, I can refer you to a clinician who sees people face to face.

• Time back. No commute means a 50-minute session takes about 50 minutes, not two hours.
• Easier scheduling for couples. Two careers, two calendars, and sometimes two cities. Online sessions make it far easier to find an hour you can both make.
• Consistency through travel and busy seasons. If you're in Houston for work this week, you can still keep your session, as long as you're in Texas.
• Comfort. Some people find it easier to talk about hard things from their own couch, with their own tea and their own blanket.
• Continuity. If you move from Southlake to San Antonio, we don't have to stop.

Privacy matters more than a perfect background. A few things that help:

• Pick a room with a door that closes. A bedroom or home office usually works better than the kitchen table.
• Muffle the sound. A white noise machine or fan outside the door makes a real difference. Headphones help too, especially for individual sessions.
• Tell the household. Let others know you're unavailable for the hour. A sign on the door is not overkill.
• Have a backup spot. If home isn't private, a parked car, a reserved room at work, or a friend's home can work.

For couples sharing one screen: sit side by side at a table rather than sinking into the couch, so I can see both of your faces clearly. Put the laptop on a stable surface at eye level. Use the device's speakers at a comfortable volume rather than one set of earbuds.

For couples joining from two locations: each of you will use your own device and headphones in your own private space, and you'll both join the same session. This works well when one of you is traveling within Texas or working late.

1. Use a strong internet connection. Sit close to your router or use a wired connection if you can.
2. Use a laptop, tablet, or phone with a working camera and microphone.
3. Prop your device at eye level and make sure your face is well lit from the front. If you're on a phone, use a stand rather than holding it, so the picture stays steady.
4. Plug in your charger before the session starts.
5. Silence notifications and close other apps.
6. Join a few minutes early to test your audio and video.
7. Keep your phone nearby in case we need to switch to a phone call.

I want to keep your sessions and information as secure as possible, which means I don't use apps like Skype or FaceTime. I use SimplePractice's confidential telehealth platform, which is designed for healthcare privacy. When necessary, I may also use Doxy.me. Before we meet, you'll complete intake paperwork and consent forms online through the secure client portal.

I'm licensed in Texas only, so you need to be physically located in Texas at the time of every session. If you're traveling within Texas, say for a conference in Austin or a weekend at the lake, we can usually meet as planned. If you'll be out of state, we'll need to reschedule for when you're back. That rule protects you and keeps our work within the law.

I don't have an in-person office, so all sessions take place online or by phone. If you have questions about getting started, you might find my FAQs helpful, or reach out and ask me directly. I look forward to hearing from you.