The current pandemic stopped normal life. Unexpectedly your familiar routines and comforts changed.
You’re trying to adjust in all areas and care for the people in your world. You’re working remotely or maybe not at all. Your kids, your parents, your partner need even more from you than they did before this began. Balancing all of these new demands and taking care of yourself is stressful.
So much is hard right now. Therapy doesn’t need to be. Online counseling can provide support where you are.
Online therapy is...
- Effective
The Journal of Anxiety Disorders published a study in 2018 highlighting the effectiveness of online Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) for the treatment of anxiety and depression. - Comfortable
You can meet me in any private and quiet space equipped with the internet. This includes your car. If you need to sit in your vehicle to get out of the office or find more privacy outside of your home, we can make that work. - Accessible
In-person sessions can easily be moved online if your situation or circumstances change. If you’re a new mom, nursing, or caring for a sick child or parent, therapy can come to you. Your sessions can be consistent even if weather, illness, or traffic get in the way. If your work involves travel, we can still stay connected.

Whether you’re located in Hana or Hanalei, online therapy in Hawaii is an easy way for you to access therapy.
- Convenient
Online therapy means no drive time! Goodbye freeway traffic! Many clients choose to schedule a therapy appointment during their lunch break, after work before driving home, or early in the morning. - Confidential
Online therapy provides an extra layer of confidentiality. I’d like for there to be no stigma about receiving mental health treatment. However, you may be concerned about being seen in my office or running into someone you know. Living on Oahu, this can happen and online therapy can alleviate this issue.

Meeting with me online is a lot like using Skype, Zoom, or FaceTime. You may already be connecting with your physician through video conferencing or through a secure client portal. Taking a few moments to prepare for your online session can set you up for an easy, comfortable virtual visit. Here are more tips to help you have an easy online session.
For clients with HMSA PPO/HMO:
For our telehealth sessions, I use HMSA Online Care, a HIPAA-compliant software. None of our appointments will ever be recorded or stored. If you haven’t used this service to connect with other providers, you’ll need to sign up before our session.
For assistance enrolling or for more information, call HMSA’s Online Care Customer Service:
Oahu: 948-6013
Neighbor Islands: 1 (866) 939-6013 toll-free
Or watch the following YouTube tutorial:
You can download the HMSA app on your phone from the Apple or Android App Store. Search for HMSA Online Care.
At the time of your appointment, simply log in to HMSA Online Care, click on my picture and you’ll be taken to the waiting area.
For clients with HMSA Quest, HMAA, and UHA:
For our telehealth sessions, I use SimplePractice, a HIPAA-compliant software. None of our appointments will ever be recorded or stored.
If you plan to use a desktop or laptop, there is nothing to download prior to your appointment. Here are the steps to join:
- Approximately 10 minutes before your appointment, you'll receive an email appointment reminder.
- Please note that the exact time you receive the reminder may vary based on your cell phone carrier.
- Click the unique link embedded in the reminder. You may have to copy and paste the link into your web browser if clicking the link does not work. Your video call screen will now open in a new tab.
- If I have already joined the call, you will see my face on the screen. If I have not, you will see yourself, as shown below.
Using a smartphone or tablet
If you plan to use a mobile device, here are the steps to join:
- Download Telehealth by SimplePractice in the app store. Approximately 10 minutes before your appointment, you should receive an email appointment reminder.
- Open the reminder email on your device and click the unique link. This will open the Telehealth by SimplePractice app.
- If I have already joined the call, you will see my face on the screen. If I have not, you will see yourself.
When you are ready, click Join Video Call. This will take you straight into the video call.
Note: There may be a slight delay for me to join the appointment if I am finishing with a previous appointment. Please be patient and I will join momentarily.
You can decide during your phone consultation or your first session if online therapy or in-person therapy is the best fit for you. At this time, I am only providing online therapy services but can refer you to in-person providers.