Phone therapy
Phone therapy in Spanish
Talk to a real therapist, licensed in the state where you live, on a phone call and in Spanish. All you need is your phone. Sign up in a few minutes or ask us to call you.
See how it worksWhat is phone therapy?
Phone therapy is therapy sessions on a call with a licensed therapist. It's real therapy, with your therapist, at an agreed time. You don't need a camera or to go to an office: you talk from a quiet place, in your language.
Does phone therapy work?
Research suggests it can. In a study published in JAMA with 325 adults with depression, cognitive behavioral therapy over the phone reduced symptoms as much as in-person therapy by the end of treatment, and fewer people dropped out (21% vs. 33%). Six months later, those who had in-person therapy held on to their results somewhat better, so the authors call for more long-term research. A review of 14 studies on phone therapy for depression and anxiety concluded that it shows promise for reducing symptoms. If you're unsure whether it's right for you, you can talk about it with your therapist from the first session.
What a phone session is like
Before the call
Find a quiet place where no one can hear you, keep your phone charged and, if you can, use headphones. At the time of your appointment, your therapist calls you from the dafne platform: you just have to answer.
During the call
You talk about what's going on, at your own pace and in your language. Your therapist listens, asks questions and helps you understand what you feel and find ways to handle it. If it helps, you can take notes.
After the call
Take a few minutes for yourself before getting back to your day. Your therapist may suggest something to practice between sessions, and on the next call you pick up where you left off.
Benefits of phone therapy
- No camera or video call needed. Just your phone, without worrying about how you look or how an app works.
- From a private place. You talk from wherever you feel comfortable and safe, without going to an office.
- No travel. You don't lose time on the road or need time off to get to an office.
- Easier if technology isn't your thing. Your therapist calls you at the time of your appointment and you just answer, with nothing to install or set up.
How to get privacy if you live with others
- Pick a time when you're home alone, or ask your family for a few minutes without interruptions.
- Use headphones, so only you can hear your therapist.
- Go for a walk somewhere quiet, like a park.
- Talk from your car, always parked. Never have your session while driving.
- Put your phone on “Do Not Disturb” so nothing interrupts the call.
When phone therapy may not be enough
Phone therapy works for many people, but not for every situation, and it isn't an emergency service. If your therapist thinks you need in-person care, a medical evaluation or more intensive support, they'll tell you honestly and help you find the right option. If at any point you're in danger, call 911. If you're thinking about harming yourself, call or text 988. For support in Spanish, call 988 and press 2, or text AYUDA to 988.
How phone therapy works at dafne
Sign up or ask us to call you
Create your request in a few minutes.
Tell us about yourself
Tell us which state you live in and what you'd like support with.
Talk to your therapist
We match you with a therapist licensed in your state who speaks your language, and you start your sessions by phone.
Why a US license matters
A US-licensed therapist is authorized by the state where you live to provide therapy, not just support or advice. They meet that state's professional and ethical requirements and answer to its licensing board. As part of your therapy, they can also issue an attendance letter if you need one. Just let us know when you start therapy. That's why, during every call, you need to be in the state where your therapist is licensed.
| US-licensed therapist | Professional licensed abroad | |
|---|---|---|
| License issued by a US state | Yes | No |
| Can provide therapy in your state | Yes | Usually offered as support or coaching |
| Can issue a therapy attendance letter | Yes, if you ask before you start | May not be valid in the US |
No insurance needed. You pay directly, per session or with a package.
Questions about phone therapy
Is it the same as online therapy?
Phone therapy is one form of online therapy: both happen remotely, with a therapist licensed in your state. At dafne, your sessions are by phone. Learn more about online therapy.
Can I have my session from work or my car?
Yes, if it's a private place where no one can hear you and you're in your state. If it's your car, always parked: never have your session while driving.
Do I need health insurance?
No. At dafne you pay directly, without health insurance. You can choose a single session or a package of sessions and start without waiting for approvals, copays or deductibles.
Sources
- Mohr DC, Ho J, Duffecy J, et al. Effect of telephone-administered vs face-to-face cognitive behavioral therapy on adherence to therapy and depression outcomes among primary care patients: a randomized trial. JAMA, 2012.
- Coughtrey AE, Pistrang N. The effectiveness of telephone-delivered psychological therapies for depression and anxiety: a systematic review. Journal of Telemedicine and Telecare, 2018.
- 988 Lifeline. 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. Accessed: October 2026.