Counseling Services

Online Therapy – Telephone and video counseling

You don’t need to live in Austin to get quality therapy. Gate Healing provides secure, HIPAA-compliant video and telephone counseling to adults, teens, and couples anywhere in Texas, from major cities to small towns, from your living room to wherever you have privacy and a quiet space.

Online therapy isn’t a compromise. Research consistently shows that virtual sessions are just as effective as in-person therapy for the conditions I treat most: anxiety, depression, stress, relationship issues, and trauma. For many people, it’s actually preferable: you’re in your own space, you skip the commute, and the barrier to showing up on a hard day is a lot lower.

How Virtual Sessions Work

It’s straightforward. At your scheduled time, you connect via a secure video platform or by phone. The session runs just like an in-person appointment: same conversation, same depth, same confidentiality. The only difference is the medium.

Video sessions let you and your therapist see each other, read body language, and maintain a visual connection. Some people prefer this because it feels closest to being in the same room.

Phone sessions work just as well therapeutically and are a good option if you prefer not to be on camera, if your internet connection is unreliable, or if you simply find it easier to talk when you’re not looking at a screen. Some clients prefer phone sessions because they find it easier to go deeper without the self-consciousness of being on video.

Both options are fully HIPAA-compliant. You choose whichever feels right for you, and you can switch between them session to session.

Is Online Therapy Really as Effective?

Yes. Multiple studies have found that virtual therapy produces outcomes comparable to in-person therapy for depression, anxiety, PTSD, and other common concerns. The American Psychological Association has reviewed the evidence extensively and supports the effectiveness of telehealth for mental health treatment.

The key factor in therapy outcomes isn’t the medium. It’s the quality of the therapeutic relationship. A strong therapeutic connection can absolutely be built through a screen or a phone call. What matters is that you feel heard, that the work is relevant to your life, and that your therapist brings genuine skill and engagement to every session.

Who Virtual Therapy Works For

  • Anyone in Texas who wants access to experienced, licensed therapy without geographic limitations
  • Professionals with demanding schedules who need flexible appointment options
  • People in rural areas or small towns with limited local options
  • Anyone who prefers the comfort and privacy of their own space
  • Parents who can’t easily arrange childcare for an in-person appointment
  • People dealing with anxiety or depression where leaving the house feels like a barrier
  • Couples who want to reduce the logistical stress around scheduling

What You Need

A private space where you won’t be interrupted and where others can’t overhear the conversation. That’s the most important requirement.

For video sessions: a device with a camera and a stable internet connection. A laptop, tablet, or smartphone all work fine.

For phone sessions: just your phone. At your appointment time, you call in, the same way you’d show up to an office. Think of it as “arriving” for your session.

Service Area

I am licensed in Texas and work with clients who reside in the state. This includes Austin, Houston, Dallas, San Antonio, Fort Worth, El Paso, and every city and town in between. Because sessions are virtual, you can connect from wherever you happen to be, whether that’s home, your office, or even while traveling. As long as Texas is your state of residence, we can work together.

Ready to start? Schedule a consultation or call (512) 771-7621.

Related Articles

Ready to Take the Next Step?

Reach out today to schedule a consultation. We offer virtual and in-person sessions.

Schedule Now

Frequently Asked Questions

A: I am an out-of-network provider. I don't bill insurance directly, but I provide superbills that you can submit for reimbursement. Many PPO plans cover out-of-network telehealth at the same rate as in-person therapy. Contact your insurance company and ask about your out-of-network outpatient mental health benefits.
A: No special software or downloads are needed. For video sessions, I'll send you a link to a secure platform before your appointment. For phone sessions, you simply call in at your scheduled time. Think of it as showing up for your session: at the appointment time, you connect, and we begin.
A: Absolutely. Some clients prefer video most of the time but switch to phone when they're traveling or having a busy day. The format is flexible โ€” what matters is that you show up.
A: Yes. The video platform I use is HIPAA-compliant, meaning it meets federal standards for protecting your health information. Phone sessions have the same confidentiality protections as any other therapeutic communication. From my end, I conduct all sessions from a private, secure space.
A: It happens occasionally. If we lose the video connection, I'll call you on the phone, and we'll continue the session that way. No time is lost, and you won't be charged extra.
A: Absolutely. Couples and family members can participate from the same location or from separate locations. Virtual sessions can actually be logistically easier for couples and families because no one has to arrange transportation to an office.
A: Phone sessions are equally effective. Many clients prefer phone sessions because they find it easier to open up without the visual element. You can also switch between video and phone as your preference changes. There's no pressure to be on camera.