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Therapy from
wherever
you are

Dr. Cutler offers secure video sessions for patients who prefer the convenience and privacy of meeting from home - with the same quality of care as in-person treatment.

About Telehealth

The same care,
on your terms

Telehealth psychotherapy - sometimes called video therapy or online therapy - allows you to meet with Dr. Cutler face-to-face over a secure video connection, from the comfort and privacy of your own space.

For many patients, removing the need to commute, find parking, and sit in a waiting room makes a real difference - particularly for those managing busy schedules, mobility concerns, or social anxiety that makes leaving the house more difficult.

Research consistently shows that telehealth therapy produces outcomes comparable to in-person treatment for most conditions. The therapeutic relationship - the foundation of effective therapy - translates well to video.

Telehealth sessions are available to all California residents
Available to
All California
residents

Why Telehealth

Six reasons patients
choose video sessions

Telehealth isn't a lesser alternative to in-person care - for many patients, it's actually the better fit for their lives.

No commute

Sessions happen wherever you are - at home, at the office, or anywhere private. No drive, no parking, no waiting room.

Greater privacy

No need to be seen entering a therapist's office. For patients who value discretion, telehealth offers an added layer of privacy.

Flexible scheduling

Video sessions make it easier to fit therapy into a full schedule - including possibilities for early morning or later evening appointments.

Accessible statewide

Available to all California residents - whether you're in San Diego, Los Angeles, the Bay Area, or anywhere else in the state.

Continuity of care

Travel, illness, or other disruptions no longer have to interrupt your treatment. Sessions continue unbroken, wherever you are.

Proven effectiveness

Research consistently shows telehealth therapy is as effective as in-person treatment for anxiety, depression, and most other conditions.

How It Works

Simple to start,
easy to use

Starting a telehealth session with Dr. Cutler requires no special technical knowledge. Sessions run directly in your web browser - no app downloads, no account creation, no complicated setup.

Prior to your appointment, Dr. Cutler will send you a secure link by email. At your scheduled time, you simply click the link and join.

01

Schedule your appointment

Contact Dr. Cutler by phone or through the contact form to arrange your first session.

02

Receive your secure link

Before your session, Dr. Cutler will email you a private, HIPAA-compliant video link.

03

Find a private space

Choose a quiet, comfortable spot where you can speak freely without being overheard.

04

Click and connect

At your appointment time, click the link in your browser. No downloads or logins needed.

What you need

A device with a camera microphone

A laptop, desktop, tablet, or smartphone - anything with a front-facing camera works well.

A stable internet connection

Standard home broadband or a strong Wi-Fi signal is sufficient. Mobile data also works.

A private, quiet space

Somewhere you can speak openly without being overheard or interrupted.

California residency

Dr. Cutler is licensed in California. Telehealth patients must be physically located in California during sessions.

Privacy & Security

Your sessions are
completely confidential

Dr. Cutler uses a HIPAA-compliant video platform built specifically for healthcare providers. Every session is encrypted end-to-end - your conversations are private and secure.

Sessions are never recorded without your explicit consent. The platform does not store session content or share data with third parties.

✦  The specific platform used for telehealth sessions will be confirmed at the time of scheduling. If you have questions about the technology or privacy protections in place, Dr. Cutler is happy to walk you through them.
HIPAA-compliant platform Built for healthcare providers and held to the same privacy standards as in-person care.
End-to-end encrypted video Your session cannot be intercepted or accessed by anyone outside the call.
No recording without consent Sessions are never recorded unless you explicitly agree in advance.
No app download required Sessions run directly in your browser - nothing to install or set up.
Same confidentiality as in-person All the same legal and ethical protections apply, regardless of how sessions are delivered.

Is it right for you?

Telehealth works well
for many situations

While in-person sessions remain an excellent option for patients who prefer them, telehealth is well-suited to a wide range of circumstances and treatment needs.

01

Busy professionals

If your schedule makes it difficult to build in commute time around a midday or after-work appointment, video sessions can eliminate that barrier entirely.

02

Patients outside La Jolla

Dr. Cutler can work with any California resident. If you're in Los Angeles, the Bay Area, or anywhere else in the state, telehealth makes care accessible.

03

Those with mobility challenges

Illness, disability, or other physical limitations that make travel difficult need not be a barrier to consistent, high-quality care.

04

Patients who value discretion

For anyone who prefers not to be seen visiting a therapist's office, telehealth provides care that is entirely private from start to finish.

05

Existing patients traveling

If you're an established patient who travels frequently, telehealth allows you to maintain the continuity of your treatment from anywhere in California.

06

Anyone curious about therapy

For those who are uncertain about taking the first step, a video consultation from home can feel like a lower-pressure way to begin.

Insurance & Fees

Telehealth fees
and coverage

Telehealth sessions are billed at the same rate as in-person sessions. Dr. Cutler is an out-of-network provider, and he will bill your insurance directly after each session for reimbursement.

California has telehealth parity laws that require most insurers to cover video sessions at the same rate as in-person visits. Many patients with PPO plans receive meaningful reimbursement.

Questions to ask your insurer "Do my out-of-network mental health benefits cover telehealth sessions?" and "Is the reimbursement rate the same as for in-person visits?" Confirming this before your first session helps avoid surprises.

Do you accept insurance for telehealth?

Dr. Cutler is not an in-network provider. He accepts out-of-network patients and provides documentation for insurance reimbursement.

Can I use my HSA or FSA?

Yes - telehealth psychotherapy with a licensed psychologist is typically an eligible expense for HSA and FSA accounts.

Is the fee the same as in-person?

Yes. Telehealth sessions are charged at the same rate as in-office visits. Please contact Dr. Cutler directly for current fee information.

What if I have technical difficulties?

If a connection issue interrupts a session, Dr. Cutler will contact you by phone to continue or reschedule as needed. Technology problems are never charged as a missed session.

Get Started

Ready to try a
video session?

Reach out to schedule your first telehealth appointment. Dr. Cutler responds personally to every inquiry.

Charles M. Cutler, Ph.D.

About Dr. Cutler

Helping people find their way for over three decades

Charles M. Cutler, Ph.D. is a licensed clinical psychologist based in La Jolla, California. With training at Purdue University, a postdoctoral fellowship at Harvard Medical School, postgraduate training at the Minnesota Psychoanalytic Institute, and decades of private practice, he brings exceptional depth to every patient relationship.

He is a faculty member of the San Diego Psychoanalytic Center, where he teaches and supervises the next generation of clinicians - a reflection of his enduring commitment to the field.

Ph.D. · Purdue University Harvard Medical School Minnesota Psychoanalytic Institute SDPC Faculty Lic. PSY27353