Answers before you begin.
Starting therapy comes with questions. Here's what to expect from online sessions with Brighter Days Teletherapy, from booking your first appointment to using your insurance.
Starting therapy
How do I get started?
Book a free 15-minute consultation online or call us at (310) 803-3270. We'll talk about what's going on, answer your questions and make sure we're a good fit before you book a first session.
How do I choose between Christina and James?
Christina focuses on women in midlife and perimenopause, trauma and attachment wounds. James focuses on OCD, trauma, and urges and addiction. If you're not sure, book a consultation and we'll help you choose based on your needs, schedule and insurance. Read more on Christina's page and James's page.
What do you help with?
Our practice is trauma-focused, and both therapists are trained in EMDR. We help with anxiety, depression, trauma and PTSD, OCD, urges and addiction and women's midlife mental health.
What happens in the first session?
Your first session is about getting to know each other. Your therapist will ask about what brings you in, your history and your goals, explain how therapy will work, and help you get comfortable with the video platform. You're welcome to ask questions too.
Where do I need to be for sessions?
You need to be physically located in a state where your therapist is licensed at the time of each session. Christina is licensed in California, Florida and South Carolina. James sees clients in California.
How online sessions work
What is SimplePractice?
SimplePractice is the secure platform we use for scheduling, paperwork, billing and video sessions. You'll get your own client portal where you can book appointments, sign forms and join sessions.
What do I need for a video session?
A computer, tablet or smartphone with a camera and microphone, a stable internet connection, and a private space where you can talk freely. Headphones help. SimplePractice works in any web browser, and there's also a mobile app.
How does a video session work?
Before your appointment you'll get a secure link. At your session time, click the link to join. It's set up to feel like sitting across from your therapist, just from the comfort of home.
How long are sessions, and how often do we meet?
Sessions are 53 minutes. Most people start with weekly sessions, and you and your therapist will adjust the schedule as you make progress.
When are appointments available?
Christina sees clients in the evenings. James offers daytime, evening and weekend appointments. Our phones are answered from 9 a.m.
What if my connection drops during a session?
Your therapist will try to reconnect, or switch to a phone call so you can keep going. If that isn't possible, we'll help you troubleshoot or reschedule.
Paying for therapy
What are your fees?
Individual sessions are $150 to $225 for 53 minutes, depending on your therapist. The 15-minute consultation is free. See the fees and insurance page for details.
Do you take insurance?
Yes. We're in-network with Aetna and First Health. For most other PPO plans, including Anthem Blue Cross, Blue Shield of California, Cigna and UnitedHealthcare, we bill your insurance for you as an out-of-network provider.
What does it mean that you bill out-of-network for me?
Even though we aren't in-network with your plan, we send the claims to your insurance company for you, so there are no superbills to hassle with. How much your plan pays back depends on your out-of-network benefits, deductible and coinsurance.
How do I find out what my plan covers?
You can check in about a minute with our secure benefits tool, call us and we'll look it up, or call your insurance company and ask about outpatient mental health benefits. PPO plans usually include out-of-network benefits. HMO plans usually do not.
Can I use my HSA or FSA?
Yes. HSA and FSA cards are welcome for therapy sessions.
What is a Good Faith Estimate?
If you aren't using insurance, you have the right to a written estimate of your expected costs before your first session. Learn more at cms.gov/nosurprises.
Your privacy and care
Is online therapy private?
Yes. SimplePractice is HIPAA-compliant and uses security measures to protect your health information. What you share in therapy stays confidential, with a few legal exceptions your therapist will explain at the start, such as safety concerns.
Is online therapy as effective as in-person therapy?
For many people, yes. Research has found video therapy works about as well as in-person therapy for concerns like anxiety, depression and PTSD. What matters most is the fit between you and your therapist.
Can you prescribe medication?
We don't prescribe medication, but we're happy to coordinate with your doctor or psychiatrist if medication is part of your care.
What if I'm in crisis?
Online therapy is for ongoing support, not emergencies. If you are in crisis or thinking about harming yourself, call or text 988 or go to the nearest emergency room.
Still have a question?
Call us or book a free 15-minute consultation. We're happy to talk it through.
Christina Castro, LPCC: CA #10716, FL #1589, SC #2226. James Garcia, Associate Clinical Social Worker, ASW #132540, supervised by Christina Castro, LPCC #10716. If you are in crisis, call or text 988 or go to the nearest emergency room. This page is for information only and does not create a therapist-client relationship.