Image of a therapist and client in a counseling session.

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 4 therapists in California available for an online or in-person session.

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?

The Greek philosopher Plutarch once stated, thousands of years before the invention of modern psychology, “What we achieve inwardly will change outer reality.” He recognized then, as we do today, that good mental health is everything. It can serve as the foundation for all our success and self-realization. It can inspire us to do great things. On the flip side of that, when we’re struggling psychologically, our poor mental health can have a broad negative effect on our lives and lead to bad outcomes. That’s why it’s essential to be proactive about maintaining your healthy feelings and behaviors. 

Online counseling at Thriveworks in Berkeley, CA allows you to get the premium psychological support you need in a convenient and affordable way. Thriveworks therapists are fully licensed, highly qualified, compassionate, and flexible. And they can help you address your mental health, behavioral, and interpersonal issues from the comfort of home. Reach out today to schedule your first session.

What Are the Benefits of Online Counseling?

Legitimate online counseling isn’t just sending texts back and forth with an unqualified therapist. At Thriveworks in Berkeley, CA, online counseling means you participate in a full therapy session with a licensed provider via secure telehealth software. Online counseling offers numerous benefits like the following:

  • Virtual therapy sessions can save you time and money. You might not need to travel, hire babysitters, or take off work to attend your sessions. 
  • They can offer more scheduling flexibility, like offering sessions on evenings and weekends. 
  • They can make group therapy more convenient by not requiring every participant to be in the same place at the same time.  
  • They allow people to discuss personal matters in familiar, comfortable surroundings. 
  • They give more options to clients who are looking for a provider with certain experience, like in LGBTQ issues for example, because they’re no longer limited by geography.
  • They let you meet with your provider even if you’re out of town, traveling for work or pleasure. 
  • They make it easy to have sessions even if you worry about germs or viruses and don’t want to be in close proximity to another person.
  • They let you meet easily with your therapist even if you’re suffering from anxiety, depression, or another mental health condition that makes it difficult for you to leave the house. They also help people with physical mobility issues. 
  • They help individuals in rural communities access the specialized mental health services they need.
  • They bypass the waiting room. 

How Secure Is Online Therapy?

Online counseling at Thriveworks in Berkeley takes place over secure, HIPAA-compliant software enabled by state-of-the-art telehealth technology. Thriveworks prioritizes patient privacy and has numerous safeguards in place to make sure a client’s personal information stays between them and their provider, no matter what format the sessions are in. 

Is Online Counseling Covered by Insurance?

All Thriveworks providers in all states are fully licensed, thus they accept most major forms of health insurance, whether they’re meeting clients online or in-person at the modern office in Berkeley, CA. If a client does not have health insurance, Thriveworks offers affordable self-pay rates. 

If you’re not sure if your health insurance will cover therapy, call the Thriveworks office during its extended business hours and you can reach a human being, not a voicemail, who can help answer all your questions and address your financial concerns.

Discover the Benefits of Online Counseling with Thriveworks in Berkeley, CA

The Thriveworks online therapy platform helps make therapy accessible to everyone. Geography and scheduling difficulties shouldn’t place limits on great mental health care. In Berkeley, CA, the providers at Thriveworks excel at meeting clients where they are and getting them support no matter what obstacles might lie in their path.

When you call the Thriveworks office or book online, our highly trained staff can match you to an online counselor or therapist quickly. Most clients can meet with their licensed counselor within the same week of scheduling. In addition, we offer evening and weekend sessions.

Whether a client is suffering from an eating disorder, relationship issues, or an existential crisis, Thriveworks online therapists can help them achieve their goals. Call the office today to book your first appointment with an exceptional online counselor.

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 Berkeley therapists and counselors accept 25 insurance plans

  • Aetna

  • Blue Shield of California | BCBS

  • Cigna | Evernorth

  • Cigna | Evernorth EAP

  • Compsych

  • First Health Network

  • Humana Exchange

  • Humana HMO/POS

  • Humana Medicare Advantage

  • Humana PPO | EPO | HDHP

  • Imperial Health Plan Medicare Advantage

  • JP Farley Corporation

Show more
Self-pay costs at Berkeley
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

4.5 Learn about verified reviews
★★★★★
My entire experience so far has been great.. both my psychiatrist and therapist have been a good fit in my treatment.. I am learning new skills with each visit, and gain a little more insight as well.. the convenience of having video visits is an added plus since my anxiety keeps me from driving right now.
Read more My entire experience so far has been great.. both my psychiatrist and therapist have been a good fit in my treatment.. I am learning new skills with each visit, and gain a little more insight as well.. the convenience of having video visits is an added plus since my anxiety keeps me from driving right now.
Joe Feb 2024
Thriveworks.com verified review
★★★★★
I was extremely impressed by Juan's ability to connect and provide valuable information during my therapy. Juan's perception of facts and information retention and his ability to understand my place during my separation has help me cope with my stress. Juan has the ability to clarify and identify overlooked areas of concern. I'm very pleased with his professionalism during my therapy sessions.
Read more I was extremely impressed by Juan's ability to connect and provide valuable information during my therapy. Juan's perception of facts and information retention and his ability to understand my place during my separation has help me cope with my stress. Juan has the ability to clarify and identify overlooked areas of concern. I'm very pleased with his professionalism during my therapy sessions.
remington Feb 2024
Thriveworks.com verified review
★★★★★
So thankful to have been connected to my therapist.
Sulyn Feb 2024
Thriveworks.com verified review
★★★★★
My therapist is great! She's professional, personable, and on time. She goes the extra mile to be helpful. I don't like the Zoom format; I prefer in person sessions but she does her best to make it feel like we are in the same room. Very happy.
Read more My therapist is great! She's professional, personable, and on time. She goes the extra mile to be helpful. I don't like the Zoom format; I prefer in person sessions but she does her best to make it feel like we are in the same room. Very happy.
Jeannie Feb 2024
Thriveworks.com verified review
★★★★★
I started with Dr. Maddy about 3 months ago and I think that I had my last appointment last Friday,1/12. I really enjoyed talking to her. She is very down to earth and, most of all, she listens. I told her some things a few months ago and she remembered when I was talking with her on Friday. Amazing. We talked about a lot of issues, among them, what would I be working on, my certain issues. I would very heartedly recommend her. I can’t say enough kind words about her.
Read more I started with Dr. Maddy about 3 months ago and I think that I had my last appointment last Friday,1/12. I really enjoyed talking to her. She is very down to earth and, most of all, she listens. I told her some things a few months ago and she remembered when I was talking with her on Friday. Amazing. We talked about a lot of issues, among them, what would I be working on, my certain issues. I would very heartedly recommend her. I can’t say enough kind words about her.
Ann Jan 2024
Thriveworks.com verified review
★★★★★
Dr Stephanie Field is an amazing clinician, she has a tremendous amount of care and insight. She cares deeply about her work and patients.
Read more Dr Stephanie Field is an amazing clinician, she has a tremendous amount of care and insight. She cares deeply about her work and patients.
Sunnyvale Mar 2022
Review left on Thriveworks.com
★★★★★
Alexandera provides excellent service. I felt comfortable and safe. She made it easy to open up and talk.
Read more Alexandera provides excellent service. I felt comfortable and safe. She made it easy to open up and talk.
San Jose Jan 2022
Review left on Thriveworks.com
★★★★★
Not just the website, but I have worked with Stephanie Field in past as a colleague and co-author of a book, and she is an excellent addition to their services.
Read more Not just the website, but I have worked with Stephanie Field in past as a colleague and co-author of a book, and she is an excellent addition to their services.
Sunnyvale Jan 2022
Review left on Thriveworks.com

Where to find us

Getting here

Thriveworks Counseling & Psychiatry Berkeley is located at the intersection of Milvia St and Addison St. We share a building with Ace Hardware, Bay Psychiatric Associates, Bradley Engwall MD, Magoosh, Young Musicians Choral, Voltaiq, and Kaila Compton MD. Across Milvia Street is Berber Athletic Club and The Medak Center, and across Addison Street is Opticos Design Inc, MSCI, and Berkeley Electronic Press.

Phone number

(510) 544-8907

Languages spoken by CA providers

  • English
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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