Dr. Mark Gregory Karris, LMFT
Online therapy in California
Work with me from the comfort of your own home.
Getting to a therapist’s office can be one more thing to manage in an already full week. I offer online therapy for adults and couples throughout California, so we can work together without adding a commute to your day.
What we can work on
You don’t have to put therapy off until life slows down.
Maybe you’re stretched thin, struggling in your relationship, or tired of being so hard on yourself. You may want help, but getting across town every week just isn’t realistic.
Online sessions give us a way to meet regularly and work on what has been difficult for you.
Couples therapy
Work through recurring arguments, emotional distance, or a loss of trust. I help you slow difficult conversations down so you can better understand what is happening between you.
More about couples therapyIndividual therapy
Talk through anxiety, self-criticism, relationship struggles, or a difficult season of life. Together, we can explore what keeps getting in the way and what you would like to change.
More about individual therapyReligious trauma counseling
Work through fear, shame, spiritual abuse, or the loss of community that can come with questioning your faith. You can talk openly about your experience without being pressured toward a particular belief.
More about religious trauma counselingGetting started
What online sessions with me are like
We meet by video at an agreed time. You’ll have my attention as we talk through what brings you in and begin working on the things you want help with.
Start with a conversation
Email me a little about what you’re looking for and your availability. We’ll discuss whether my approach and online sessions seem like a good fit.
Get ready for your session
Once we schedule, you’ll receive the paperwork, video link, and instructions you need. Find a private spot and give yourself a few minutes to get settled.
Tell me what’s been going on
We’ll talk about what has been hard, what you’ve already tried, and what you hope will change. You don’t need to have everything figured out before we begin.
For couples
We can work on your relationship over video.
Couples therapy is my specialty. In online sessions, I pay attention to how you respond to each other, help you recognize the patterns you get caught in, and support you in having conversations that are often hard to have on your own.
Emotionally Focused Therapy is a main part of my integrative approach. We’ll explore the feelings and needs beneath the arguments, as well as the ways each of you tries to protect yourself when you feel hurt or disconnected.
Before we meet
A little preparation helps.
You don’t need a perfect room or an elaborate setup. You do need enough privacy and a reliable connection to give the session your attention.
- A private place to talk
Choose a room where you won’t be overheard or interrupted. A coffee shop or other public space isn’t a good place for a therapy session.
- A device with a camera and microphone
A computer or tablet works well. Test your internet connection, charge your device, and check that you can open the session link.
- Time without other demands
Silence notifications and put other tasks aside. Join from a stationary, comfortable spot, and never while driving.
- A plan for your location and connection
Let me know where you’ll be during the session and tell me about travel plans in advance. We’ll also discuss what to do if the video connection drops.
Common questions
A few things you may be wondering
If you have a question I haven’t answered here, you’re welcome to email me.
Can online therapy feel personal?
It may feel a little unfamiliar at first. We can still pay close attention to your feelings, the things that are hard to say, and how you respond to one another. I’ll check in with you about how the format is working and whether it fits your needs.
Do I need to live in San Diego?
No. I offer online therapy to clients located throughout California. If you’ll be traveling or joining from another state, let me know before scheduling so we can discuss whether sessions are possible.
You can also read the California Board of Behavioral Sciences’ guide to receiving therapy online (PDF, opens in a new tab).
What platform do you use?
Sessions take place through a secure video platform, such as SimplePractice or Zoom. I’ll send you the specific link and instructions before we meet. Let me know if you have questions about the technology.
What are your fees?
You can find my session fees and payment information on the FAQs page. We’ll confirm the fee and session length before scheduling.
Is online therapy right for every situation?
No. We’ll consider your needs, privacy, and safety when deciding whether to meet online. Some situations call for in-person support or a different level of care. We can talk about those needs before beginning and as our work continues.
Let’s talk
Interested in working together?
Send me a little about what you’re hoping for and the days and times that tend to work for you. We can talk about next steps.