Health Psychology for Chronic Illness & Pain in California
Living with a chronic illness or ongoing pain affects more than your body. It can change your energy, your mood, your sleep, your relationships, and how you picture your future.
Health psychology focuses on that connection between mind, body, and daily life. I offer telehealth therapy for adults across California, including Bishop, Mammoth Lakes, and the Eastern Sierra, who want support coping with a health condition. This work is meant to complement your medical care, not replace it.
When health psychology can help
People often reach out when they notice things like:
Anxiety, low mood, or frustration tied to a diagnosis or symptoms
Fear of flare-ups, or avoiding activities because of pain or fatigue
Stress from managing appointments, treatments, or medications
Trouble sleeping, or feeling worn down by constant symptoms
Grief over what the condition has changed
Difficulty sticking with health routines you know would help
Strain on relationships, work, or sense of identity
You don't need a specific diagnosis to benefit. If your health is affecting how you feel and live, support can help.
How I can help
I don't treat the medical condition itself. My focus is on the psychological side of living with it: how you cope, how you respond to symptoms, and how you keep moving toward a life that matters to you.
I have experience in working with many different types of chronic illness and pain.
My approach draws on ACT (Acceptance and Commitment Therapy), cognitive behavioral therapy, and mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR). These are well-researched approaches for coping with chronic pain and long-term illness.
Together we might work on:
Changing your relationship with pain, fatigue, and difficult thoughts so they take up less of your life
Pacing yourself and staying active in ways that feel sustainable
Easing stress, worry, and low mood that come with the condition
Building routines and habits that support your health
Improving sleep and relaxation
Communicating your needs to family, friends, and your medical team
What to expect
A free 15-minute consultation. We talk briefly about what you're dealing with and whether we're a good fit.
A first session to understand your situation. We look at how your health affects daily life and what you most want to change.
Regular telehealth sessions. By secure video from home, which can make therapy easier on days when symptoms are hard.
Ongoing check-ins on progress. We adjust the plan as your needs change.
Working alongside your medical team
Health psychology works best as part of your overall care. With your permission, I can coordinate with your doctors or other providers.
Online health psychology in California
Everything happens by secure video, so you can meet with me from home, whether you're in Bishop, Mammoth Lakes, elsewhere in the Eastern Sierra, or anywhere else in California. That means no travel, which can matter when energy or mobility is limited.
Frequently asked questions
Do you treat my medical condition?
No. I'm not a substitute for your doctor. I help with the emotional, behavioral, and stress-related side of living with a health condition, alongside your medical care.
Is this "all in my head"?
No. Your symptoms are real. Health psychology starts from the understanding that mind and body affect each other, and that how we cope can make daily life easier or harder.
Can therapy really help with chronic pain?
Therapy doesn't remove pain for everyone, but many people find they can reduce how much pain controls their life.
How much does it cost, and do you take insurance?
See my Appointments & Fees page for rates and insurance information.
Ready to take the first step?
A free, no-pressure 15-minute call is a simple way to see whether we're a good fit.