Chronic Illness Virtual Therapy in California
Living with a chronic illness can feel like carrying a weight that no one else can see. Maybe you're juggling medical appointments, exhaustion, flare-ups, or the stress of not knowing what each day will look like. And on top of that, you’re trying to maintain relationships, show up for work, and care for yourself in ways that already take so much energy.
If you’re here, it’s likely because you’re longing for support—someone who understands how deeply chronic illness affects not just your body, but your emotions, identity, and everyday life. I’m glad you’re here. I provide compassionate virtual therapy for chronic illness for clients across California, and I hope this space helps you feel even a little less alone.
About Me — Amy Johansson, Psy.D., HSP
I’m a clinical psychologist and health service psychologist (HSP), licensed in California and Kansas. Much of my work has centered on helping individuals navigate the emotional impact, such as depression, anxiety, of ongoing medical conditions—chronic pain, gastrointestinal disorders, neuropathy, cancer, traumatic brain injuries, and other health challenges that shape daily life in profound ways.
My approach is warm, interactive, and deeply collaborative. I take the time to truly get to know you, because the experience of chronic illness is not one-size-fits-all. You deserve a therapist who sees the whole picture—not just your diagnosis, but your strengths, fears, hopes, and the parts of life you want to reclaim.
What Many of My Clients Are Going Through
People come to me when they’re exhausted—physically, mentally, and emotionally. You might be:
Struggling with the grief of the life you thought you’d have
Feeling misunderstood by loved ones who don’t “get it”
Navigating anxiety or depression tied to your medical condition
Dealing with medical trauma or burnout from constant appointments
Wanting to regain a sense of control or identity
Feeling isolated, even when surrounded by people
For many clients, chronic illness virtual therapy in California becomes a lifeline—especially when symptoms, mobility, or schedules make in-person therapy difficult.
What Therapy With Me Looks Like
In our virtual sessions, you can expect a grounded, supportive space where nothing about your experience is “too much.” My goal is to help you build tools that make daily life more manageable and meaningful.
I pull from evidence-based methods such as:
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) to shift unhelpful thought patterns
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) to help you live in alignment with your values
Mindfulness-based therapies to support nervous system regulation and bring your focus away from the physical discomfort
Client-centered therapy to honor your lived experience
Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) skills for emotional resilience
Together, we’ll explore practical strategies for coping with symptoms, navigating medical stress, and improving emotional balance. Therapy is not about “fixing” you—it’s about supporting you as you move toward a life that feels more stable, intentional, and compassionate.
How Virtual Therapy Can Help You Thrive
Clients often tell me therapy helps them:
Feel less overwhelmed by their symptoms
Develop more trust in their body
Navigate appointments and medical decisions with confidence
Improve communication with loved ones
Reduce anxiety and depression
Find meaning, even in the midst of uncertainty
Reconnect with a sense of purpose
Virtual therapy also offers flexibility—allowing you to access care from anywhere in California, whether you're home due to a flare-up, living in a rural area, or simply needing convenience and privacy.
If you've felt dismissed, minimized, or rushed in medical spaces, therapy can be the place where you finally feel heard.
Take the First Step
If you're ready to explore whether virtual therapy could support you as you navigate life with a chronic illness, I’d love to connect. You don’t have to do this alone, and reaching out for help is a powerful act of self-care.
I offer a free 15-minute consultation so we can get to know each other and see if we’re a good fit.
You deserve support that meets you where you are—physically, emotionally, and wholeheartedly.
(805) 232-4179