Anne Douglas
I am a psychotherapist who is licensed in Marriage and Family Therapy, as well as individual psychotherapy. I am a graduate of Northwestern University (Evanston, Illinois), The Family Institute at Northwestern University, and The Institute for Psychoanalysis (Chicago). I have been mentored personally by several of the top Family Therapy theorists in the United States. While obtaining my graduate degrees and certifications at Northwestern, I was awarded with an Honorarium to lecture and teach a 300 student 11 week psychology course at Northwestern because of my expertise in counseling. In addition, I have served as a faculty member at Lake Forest College, where I have counseled, taught, and supervised students. I have been a Clinical Fellow at the American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy for over 20 years. I have been associated with Betterhelp since 2014. Tele-Medicine Psychotherapy allows my clients/patients more access to me through their virtual visits and unlimited email, which is far more helpful, convenient, and safe then weekly or bi-weekly office visits, as well as, less expensive in cost. My clinical experience includes, but is not limited to, individual, couple, and family therapy. The patients that I have successfully treated include people who present with issues relating to Life Transitions, Relationship and Marital Counseling, Child and Adolescent Issues and Concerns, PTSD & Trauma Resolution, Anxiety and Stress Disorders, Depression, Bipolar, Grief and Loss, Personality Disorders, Military-Veterans, Career Challenges, Weight Loss/Maintenance, Family Therapy, Family of Origin Healing, and Personal Growth & Self Awareness. I also work with clients who need assistance in life coaching. I am licensed to advise clients on issues and matters that come up as they navigate parenthood. My goals for each patient are individually thought-out according to a collaboration between patient and therapist. I can teach you how to become your own best advocate. My objective as your counselor is to assist in making you the best that you can be. I am extremely prompt in responding to all of the Betterhelp subscribers who are assigned to me. If you want my assistance on a daily basis, I am available to work with you. I am here for you as often as you'd like me to be. My objectives are to help you to exist in the environment in which you live and to assist you in getting to the next place in your life. For those of you who are in relationships that have ended, I will assist you with survival skills which focus on THE WHY, THE HOPE, THE WHAT COULD HAVE BEEN, and THE LETTING GO, a system that I have developed that has helped hundreds of my clients. The modalities that I use in my counseling approach are Psychodynamic, Family of Origin, Humanistic, Behavioral, Cognitive, CBT, Systemic, Solution Focused, Trauma Focused, Gottman, as well as others. I set up a compassion-focused alliance with my clients. I offer Live Camera Sessions, Live Phone Sessions, and Email Chat Sessions, as well as continuous email communication, to my clients. The choice is yours. People start to heal the moment they feel heard. I look forward to joining with you as your counselor.
Cherie Taylor
As a licensed therapist serving Virginia, I specialize in supporting individuals navigating complex emotional landscapes. My practice centers on empowering clients through compassionate, culturally responsive care, with a deep commitment to addressing mental health challenges across diverse experiences. I bring expertise in supporting individuals dealing with depression, anxiety, stress, and self-esteem concerns. My approach is particularly attuned to the unique needs of LGBTQ+ communities, young adults, and those experiencing life transitions. I offer a supportive, non-judgmental space where clients can explore personal growth, heal from past experiences, and develop meaningful strategies for emotional well-being. My therapeutic work focuses on addressing a wide range of challenges, including social anxiety, trauma recovery, relationship dynamics, workplace stress, and personal identity exploration. I'm dedicated to helping clients build resilience, cultivate self-love, and create more fulfilling lives through collaborative, strengths-based support.
Delores Smith
I am a clinically trained social worker with more than 40 years of experience. My treatment specialties include depression, anxiety, and grief counseling. I assist with the resolution of work-related concerns. I am also a trained life coach, helping people make decisions related to changes they would like to have in their lives while achieving work/life balance. I also provide behavior modification, problem-solving, and motivation therapy. I work with couples of all kinds, knowing that being a couple or family cannot be defined only in the traditional sense. I take a broad view in this area. The basis for my efforts is insight therapy. I encourage those who work with me to consider how their decisions and actions enhance or impair the attainment of their goals. This type of understanding is critical for making meaningful life changes. My work is for and about you! We will go as far and as fast as you are able. Although I offer clarity in recognizing the issues that concern you, I will never take you where you do not want to go. Our work will be free of judgment, allowing you to speak and respond openly. I will always respect you and value what you share with me. You have made the right decision by embarking on a therapeutic relationship. I hope you choose me to help guide you on that journey.
Kamay Gaboda
Congratulations You have taken the first step to recovery! Taking that step to ask for support to help when you are dealing with difficulties is a brave one. I am an North Carolina-based, Licensed Clinical Mental Health Supervisor, Certified Clinical Supervisor for Substance Abuse with nearly 20 years’ experience working with trauma, substance abuse, and addiction. Often, co-occurring issues include: depression, anxiety, panic attacks, bi-polar disorder, post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), obsessive compulsive behaviors, and, of course, relationship challenges. My experience includes individual, couples and group therapy in residential and outpatient settings of a Community Mental Health Center and a private addiction mental health and substance abuse treatment facility. I would describe my approach to therapy as eclectic, as it depends on the client's needs and goal for treatment .The modalities that have proven and I have the most experience in are : Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Solution Focused Therapy , Mindfulness-based Therapy, Motivational , and Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR). I believe in a strong therapeutic relationship to support the client to facilitate the change they are looking for. I hope I can help you with this journey.
Cindy Logan
Cindy Logan, LCSW Sometimes life throws a curve ball, whether you have been diagnosed with a catastrophic illness, have had a death in your family, or are a caretaker, these are stressful events that cause anxiety and depression. I believe with compassion, empathy, and guidance. I can assist you in processing your feelings and learning strategies to not let negative thoughts or patterns of behavior impact your thinking and reactions to others. Resilience, support, insight, and self-awareness are the keys to navigating complex situations and experiences. I know we all have the innate ability to move forward with courage, strength and positive interactions. My clients have appreciated my straight forward approach and understanding. Please give me the opportunity to assist in your journey ahead.
Samantha Blackwell
As a licensed therapist in Ohio , Arizona, Oregon, Virginia and Nevada with two decades of experience, I specialize in supporting individuals through complex emotional landscapes. My practice centers on creating compassionate, affirming spaces for healing across diverse life experiences. I bring deep expertise in addressing depression, anxiety, trauma, grief, and interpersonal challenges. My therapeutic approach is holistic and person-centered, focusing on empowering clients to explore self-love, communication, personal growth, and emotional resilience. I have extensive experience working with individuals navigating life transitions, relationship dynamics, workplace stress, and personal identity challenges. I am committed to providing culturally responsive care that honors each person's unique journey. Whether you're struggling with social anxiety, processing past traumas, or seeking deeper self-understanding, I offer supportive guidance tailored to your individual needs and strengths. My goal is to help you develop meaningful insights, build emotional skills, and create positive pathways toward personal transformation and well-being.
Adeola Adekoya
I am licensed in Virginia with 6 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with relationship issues, family conflicts, & motivation, self esteem, and confidence. I work with my clients to create an open and safe environment where thoughts and feelings can be shared without fear of judgment. Taking the first step to seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process.
Robert Jones
I am licensed in the District of Columbia and the Commonwealth of Virginia with 20 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, coping with addictions, trauma and abuse, & depression. I believe in treating everyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion. I will tailor our dialog and treatment plan to meet your unique and specific needs. Taking the first step to sign up for therapy can take courage and I am proud of you for getting started!
William Perks
Hello, I have organized INFORMATIONAL RESOURCES on various online platforms based on a topic of interest, a common need, or related to various lessons, challenges, and experiences during a lifetime. I also manage a YouTube channel for access by clients - "journey associates" with a red sunset background. The content is not my own, but a collection from various sources related to the mind for you to find. Go to the Playlist tab, the tap "View ALL" to look around at the many folders and thousands of links. These resources can be found at - https://www.youtube.com/@findingyourwaytoday I also manage several groups or pages on Facebook related to navigating through the challenges of life, enjoyment, leisure, learning, and cool stuff. One such group to provide information related to coping, caring, and community is "Outside of the Box: Coping Creatively with Whatever" found at https://www.facebook.com/groups/2589259251341840 . Several sub-groups on topics can be found via a request for a menu of titles. Subgroups and pages on Facebook include the following topics: > support for men, > support for women, > support for teens, (as of 07/02/25 I am not accepting teen clients) > guidance for people in their 20s, > adults who contend with ADHD + > the process of bereavement, > recovery from loss and trauma, > relationship dynamics, > parenting and family issues, > individual development by age-groups through the decades, > pretirement (preparation) and retirement (action and execution), > neurological aspects of causation and behavior, > creativity and perception, > community, coping, and self-care, > the loss of precious pets, > the need for maintaining a sense of humor, > photography and sharing videos as a hobby, > self-development and insight via writing and art, > appreciation of nature, and > inclusive spirituality and ethics. If you'd like to learn more, you can send a specific request regarding your interests, curiosities, and related topics to: findingyourwaytoday@gmail.com. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: I am skilled at guiding individuals and couples through a review of • thoughts and behaviors, • history and anticipation, • beliefs and misconceptions, • values and choices, and • goals and objectives toward an increased awareness of options, needs, resources, and results. The application of such knowledge about oneself can lead to choices that are more likely to be experienced as effective, productive, healthier, and rewarding. To provide space for a more structured option, I have limited other descriptive information on my profile. That information is readily shared once a client makes a decision to explore my qualifications, style, specializations, and approach before and during the first session, which, in part, is an interview by the client of myself as a professional of potential selection. PLEASE NOTE In addition to the next section of SPECIAL OFFERING - See the last portions of my profile > DIVERSITY OF EXPERIENCE, > PERSONAL POWER, and > THE PROCESS. A SPECIAL OFFERING of Structure and Focus for an eight-session intensive experience yielding optimized value for your investment of financial resources, of time, of effort, of energy, and of attention. One program is called "I AM READY" for clients who want an infusion of information, activities, skills, and tools related to their given focus and needs. One can choose to stop at the end of four sessions (Part 1), or sooner if the match of myself as a professional with a client does not feel like a good-enough fit. The goal of the eight-session infusion is to prepare you to move forward with or without a counselor after an introduction of structured information, practiced skills, and wisdom-tips as a foundation for healthier self-care and more effective coping. One aspect of this process is to learn how concepts and behaviors are tools to enhance a sense of self and to apply principles for change, maintenance, recovery, and gratification. Another aspect of the process is to identify and name the critical issues that warrant attention as a pathway to: • increase and apply awareness, • reduce personal barriers or situational roadblocks, • enhance coping and action strategies, • broaden perspectives, • deepen understanding, • emphasize strengths and assets, • develop personal confidence and efficacy, • highlight existing assets and resources, toward the outcomes of • increased gratification, gratitude, desired results, • an orientation of where you are at this time in your life, or regarding certain issues, • a process of defining your goals and objectives, and • a measurable clarity of options related to self-care, coping, direction, and resources. You are not obligated to continue after the fourth session, or even the first session, if there does not seem to be a good fit of my professional style and methods with your expectations, needs and goals. Each client’s feedback is requested during or after each session to assure that I am on course with your goals and needs. I suggest rituals that reinforce life-long learning and personal growth. Requirements: individuals and couples who can relate to the meaning and desire to improve or integrate the concepts listed below. The “I AM READY” timeframe of 8 weekly sessions (Parts 1 and 2) is designed for people who are ready to engage in the process and participate in what is needed for effective outcomes. Here are some concepts that represent the acronym of I AM READY. I – Initiative, Intelligence, Insight, Intrinsic, Interpretation, Integrity, Innovative, Investment, Intention A – Ability, Acquisition, Attitude, Accurate, Action, Affirmation, Application M – Mindfulness, Meditation, Maturation, Meaning, Motivation, Mindset, Mentality, Method, Map R – Real-istic, Renew, Redefine, Relevant, Review, Replace, Rethink, Reason, Resourceful, Retain E – Education, Emotion, Energy, Enough, Expression, Experience, Explanation, Expectation, Evaluation A – Assessment, Access, Accentuate, Assess, Articulate, Attribute D – Determined, Dedicated, Decisive, Development, Daily, Dignity, Deliberation, Diverse, Depth, Durable Y – Why? YOUnique, Yield, YES!, YOU can DO this!, Your Goals. If you are ready to engage and commit and follow-through vs window shop or partially use your subscription with missed or non-scheduled appointments, then count to 10 as you assess your degree of readiness and motivation. Then decide if you are ready or not for the Part 1 - four sessions of assessment, support, and education, as a foundation upon which the process will lead you through the subsequent four weeks and into the next chapter of your life. DIVERSITY OF EXPERIENCE and PERSPECTIVES • I have worked with people who struggled with an active addition or who were in recovery from one of the worst chapters of their lives. • I have listened to and supported clients who worked in blue-collar jobs and clients who worked in white-collar positions. • I have provided counsel and education to people who currently or had been employed on Capitol Hill, at the Pentagon, and in The White House. • Clients have also included those who have worked at various federal agencies: FBI, NASA, US Border Patrol, and the Secret Service, law enforcement, clergy, active military personnel and veterans. • I’ve served clients who were first-responders or first-time parents. • I have guided teens who were in high school or transitioning to the experience of college-related demands. • I have been a bereavement counselor to survivors who faced the death (of various causes, anticipated and unexpected, which can result in “complicated bereavement”) - of a partner or spouse, - a parent, a sibling, a grandparent, - a child or a grandchild – both under legal age and as an adult-child. • I have supported people who have contended with invisible, chronic illness or pain, or who have had deteriorating health, and across different points in the lifespan. • I have been a privileged witness to the sacred, private lives of many people who survived adverse childhood experiences, • trauma as an adult, (military, domestic, and circumstantial: victimization, accidents, work-related or other accidents, hospital experiences, the death of a loved-one, witness a situation involving someone else safety, etc.), • and persons who have contended with gradual or sudden heartbreak and grief, • debilitating and diminishing consequential aspects of an anxiety disorder, • the suffering inherent with mood disorders (episodic or chronic in nature), • and the universal issues of being human combined with the developmental tasks required of continued growth and adjustment. • During college I worked at two summer-camps for four years (in MA and NJ) with people who had developmental disabilities, the under-privileged, and the very privileged. • And I have presented workshops at professional conferences and for agency trainings. PERSONAL POWER includes: 1. an awareness of making a series of choices, 2. resulting in executing a decision, and a direction, and 3. the application of knowing what is required for a desired outcome, with 4. the creative process of exploring or creating options. The PROCESS 1. MAKING A DECISION, 2. CHOOSING A HEALTHCARE PROVIDER, 3. TAKING ACTION ON YOUR DECISION and CHOICE 4. ENGAGING IN THE PROCESS of • UNCERTAINTY, • STRUCTURE, • EDUCATION, • SUPPORT, and • ACTIVITIES for • Desired RESULTS. If you want to interview me during a first session, I can then send you more information about how I see my style and approach (humanistic, educational, and eclectic with life-long learning). And if you decide to continue your search for a better fit with a therapist of your choosing, I genuinely endorse and support that path, by removing your connect to me if that be the case. If that would be your decision, I do ask that each client apply direct communication about intentions or needs so as to • “not fill a seat in my electronic waiting room” by clients who are undecided, • as evidenced by not making appointments, or not keeping appointments, • due to not being ready to start and follow-through, and thus, limiting access to my services of clients who are ready with a plan to begin the process. Please be aware that for each when a client who is passive, dormant, or • inconsistent in scheduling and keeping appointments, • there is a counter-productive influence on my availability to potential clients due to a place being taken on my roster of existing clients. You can choose to disconnect your affiliation with me in order to take action with another therapist and/or return when you are ready and able to engage consistently in the process and service for which you are paying a monthly subscription. Sincerely, Will Perks, MSW LICSW in West Virginia LCSW in Virginia LISW-CP in South Carolina
Michael McGraw
I am a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) in Alabama and Virginia. I help clients with depression, anxiety, grief and loss, relationship and family issues, recovery from trauma, and self-care. I will collaborate with you to identify your internal strengths and help you connect with the resources you need to move forward on your unique path.
Taylor Hendrieth
Hi! I'm Taylor, a licensed therapist in Florida, Colorado, and Virginia. I work with people dealing with stress, anxiety, life transitions (like breakups, job loss, or starting something new), or just trying to figure out what they actually want out of life — and a lot of what brings people to me is their relationships. Whether you're feeling disconnected from a partner, having the same circular conversations without resolution, or sitting with that quiet question of whether things can actually change, that's territory I find meaningful to explore with people. My style is conversational and collaborative. I believe people have more insight into their own lives than they might realize, and my job is to help you access that. I ask a lot of questions because that's often how people find their own answers. We'll talk through what's bothering you, explore what matters to you, and figure out what's getting in the way.
Pamela Ambrose
I am a Licensed Professional Counselor in Virginia with over Seven years of experience working in clinical practice. I work with clients who experience a wide range of symptoms and concern, including depression, anxiety, relationship issues, parenting problems, career challenges, self-esteem issues, and grief and loss. I have also worked with many people who have experienced trauma and emotional abuse. My therapy style is warm and interactive. I believe in treating everyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion, and I don't believe in stigmatizing labels. My approach is cognitive behavioral and solution-focus. I will tailor our dialog and treatment plan to meet your unique and specific needs. It takes courage to seek a more fulfilling and happier life and to take the first step towards change. If you are ready to take that step. I am here to support and empower you. I look forward to working with you!
Tramaine Jones
Hi, I’m Tramaine Jones, LPC, CSAC, LSATP, a Licensed Professional Counselor and Substance Abuse Treatment Practitioner in Virginia. I believe therapy is a space where healing, growth, and self-discovery can truly begin. My goal is to create a supportive, judgment-free environment where you feel heard, valued, and empowered to make meaningful change. With over a decade of experience, I’ve worked with adults, teens, and families facing trauma, anxiety, depression, relationship challenges, and substance use concerns. My approach is collaborative and compassionate, combining Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Motivational Interviewing (MI), and mindfulness practices to help you build emotional balance, resilience, and confidence. I’m passionate about helping individuals and families strengthen their connections and find stability in their mental health journeys. Whether you’re seeking clarity, recovery, or peace, I’m here to walk alongside you with care and understanding every step of the way.
Dr. Lauren Robins
I am licensed in Virginia with 8 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress, anxiety, relationship issues, motivation, self esteem, confidence, & career difficulties. I also have experience working with despression. I believe in treating everyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion. I will tailor our dialog and treatment plan to meet your unique and specific needs. Taking the first step to sign up for therapy can take courage and I am proud of you for getting started!
Find a Therapist Near You in Pulaski , Virginia
Finding a licensed therapist near you in Virginia can be an important step toward improving your mental health and overall well-being. Whether you’re dealing with anxiety, depression, relationship challenges, stress, or major life changes, working with a qualified mental health professional can offer meaningful support.
Virginia is home to people with diverse mental health needs across urban, suburban, and rural communities. Online therapy makes it easier to connect with a therapist near you without being limited to nearby offices. BetterHelp connects you with licensed therapists authorized to practice in Virginia, allowing you to attend sessions online from the comfort of your home.
Why work with a licensed therapist near you?
Working with a licensed therapist near you ensures that your provider meets state licensing requirements and professional standards in Virginia (VA). Licensed therapists use evidence-based approaches to help individuals manage emotional challenges, develop coping skills, and work toward personal goals.
People seek therapy for many reasons. Some are navigating ongoing mental health concerns, while others want guidance during stressful periods or major life transitions. You do not need a mental health diagnosis to work with a therapist. Many individuals seek therapy to improve communication, strengthen relationships, manage stress, or gain greater self-awareness.
Online therapy can be especially helpful for people living across Virginia, where access to in-person mental health care may vary by location.
What concerns can therapists help with?
Therapists on BetterHelp support adults across Virginia with a wide range of mental health concerns and life challenges, including:
- Anxiety and stress
- Depression and mood-related concerns
- Trauma and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
- Grief and loss
- Relationship and family challenges
- Life transitions and adjustment concerns
- Self-esteem and confidence
- Job stress and burnout
- ADHD-related challenges
- Sleep concerns
- Parenting stress
- Eating disorder support
Therapists use approaches such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), and other evidence-based methods tailored to individual needs.
Online therapy vs. in-person therapy in Virginia
When searching for a therapist near me in Virginia, many people compare online therapy with traditional in-person care. Online therapy offers several potential advantages:
- Greater accessibility: Attend sessions from anywhere with an internet connection
- Reduced wait times: Many people are matched in as little as 24-48 hours, faster than typical in-person availability
- Flexible scheduling: Sessions that fit around work, family, or school commitments
- Expanded provider options: Access licensed therapists across Virginia, not just nearby offices
Research shows that online therapy can be effective for many mental health concerns. Online therapy may also reduce barriers such as transportation challenges, long commutes, or limited local availability, especially in larger or more rural counties across Virginia.
Finding a therapist near me that accepts insurance
Many people looking for a therapist near me in Virginia want to know whether insurance is an option.
Many providers on BetterHelp now accept major insurance carriers in select states. In many states, certain therapists on BetterHelp may be in-network with specific insurance plans. Coverage depends on your plan, provider, and therapist availability.
When sessions are covered, insured members typically pay an average copay of about $19 per session. Coverage varies by state and provider availability, so it’s important to check your in-network status directly on the BetterHelp site.
If insurance coverage is not available, BetterHelp’s flexible subscription model remains an option, with online therapy typically costing $70 to $100 per week, billed weekly or monthly. Additional discounts or financial aid may also be available for a lower price.
How BetterHelp helps you find the right therapist in Virginia
BetterHelp simplifies the process of finding a therapist near you in Virginia without requiring you to search through tons of profiles on your own.
Here’s how it works:
- Complete a brief questionnaire about your needs, preferences, and goals
- Get matched with a licensed therapist authorized to practice in Virginia (VA)
- Begin online therapy sessions through video, phone, or live chat
BetterHelp works with one of the world’s largest networks of licensed therapists, with over 30,000 qualified providers globally. Many members are matched in as little as 24 to 48 hours, and 93% of user preferences are met during the matching process.
You can request a new therapist at no additional cost if your needs or preferences change.
Therapists near you in Virginia
Below, you’ll find licensed therapists authorized to provide online therapy to adults across Virginia, including residents in Pulaski.
Each provider meets state licensing requirements and has experience supporting clients with a wide range of mental health concerns using evidence-based therapeutic approaches.
Please note: Therapists on BetterHelp in Virginia do not provide psychiatric medication management or formal diagnoses.
Frequently asked questions about finding a therapist near me
How much does therapy cost near me?
Therapy costs vary depending on provider and location. In-person therapy sessions may cost $100 to $200 or more per session. BetterHelp offers online therapy subscriptions that typically range from $70 to $100 per week, billed weekly or monthly, depending on factors such as location, source, preferences, and therapist availability. Additional discounts or financial aid may also be available for a lower price. BetterHelp now accepts major insurance plans in select states and members pay an average copay of $19 per session. Coverage varies by plan, provider, and therapist availability. You can check coverage on the BetterHelp site.
Does BetterHelp accept insurance?
Yes. Many providers on BetterHelp now accept major insurance carriers in select states. In many states, certain therapists on BetterHelp may be in-network with specific insurance plans. When sessions are covered, insured members typically pay an average copay of about $19 per session. Coverage varies by plan, provider, and therapist availability. You can check coverage on the BetterHelp site.
Is online therapy effective?
Yes. Research shows that online therapy can be effective for many mental health concerns, including anxiety, depression, stress, and relationship challenges. Online therapy allows you to connect with a licensed therapist without commuting to an office.
Do I need a diagnosis to see a therapist?
No. You do not need a mental health diagnosis to seek therapy. Many people work with a therapist for stress management, relationship concerns, grief, life transitions, or personal growth.
How quickly can I start therapy?
Many people are matched with a licensed therapist in as little as 24 to 48 hours after completing the initial questionnaire. Match times may vary based on preferences and therapist availability.
Can I switch therapists if it’s not the right fit?
Yes. If you feel your therapist is not the right match, you can request to be matched with another licensed provider at no additional cost. You are able to do so through the BetterHelp user portal and select switch therapists if needed.
Is online therapy private and secure?
Online therapy through BetterHelp allows you to communicate with your therapist in a discreet setting through video, phone, or messaging tools.