Chronic Illness Therapists  in Sacramento

From invisible conditions like POTS or Crohn's to more widely recognized ones like cancer or MS, the emotional weight often goes unacknowledged. At Embrace Therapy, we provide thoughtful, grounded counseling to help clients carry what chronic illness brings. You don’t have to push your feelings aside just to get through the day. Therapy offers space to unpack what’s hard, reconnect with yourself, and move forward in a way that feels sustainable.

Counseling For All  Diagnoses and Conditions

We support clients living with a wide range of chronic conditions, including but not limited to multiple sclerosis (MS), Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis, postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS), lupus, fibromyalgia, long COVID, cancer, rheumatoid arthritis, and other autoimmune or long-term health concerns. Some clients have a diagnosis. Others are still searching for answers, but all are welcome here.

Therapy Can Address Medical Trauma

Many people living with chronic illness have experienced medical gaslighting, delayed diagnoses, or invalidation from healthcare providers. These experiences often have lasting psychological effects, especially when compounded by physical pain or disability. Therapy helps validate that reality and gives space to process those wounds.

Identity and Intersectionality

Chronic illness doesn’t exist in a vacuum. It intersects with race, gender, sexual identity, class, and family expectations. Our therapists are mindful of how culture and identity shape your experience of illness. We welcome people of all backgrounds, and we work hard to meet each client with nuance, curiosity, and respect.

We Respect Your Pace and Energy

Chronic illness can make it hard to keep commitments, manage your calendar, or even get out of bed some days. We understand that. We offer both virtual and in-person sessions, and we approach therapy with flexibility. We can slow down when you need to. We can focus on tools when you're overwhelmed. This is your space.

Specialized Support From Highly  Qualified Therapists

Our therapists bring experience working with chronic illness, grief, and long-term stress. We adapt evidence-based methods like ACT, DBT, and narrative therapy to your lived experience, and you will not be subjected to a one-size-fits-all routine.

We are Here to Talk About Loss, Frustration, and Identity Shifts

Living with chronic illness often brings layers of grief. Grief for the body you had, the plans you made, or perhaps the way others now see you. We are here to talk about these feelings openly, without minimizing them or rushing to cheap silver linings. We help you explore how your illness impacts your identity, relationships, and sense of control, all while supporting you in finding new ways to relate to yourself and others.

FAQs About Chronic Illness Counseling in Sacramento

• Do I Need a Diagnosis to Begin Therapy?

  No. Many of our clients are still waiting for answers or navigating uncertainty around symptoms. You do not need a medical label to begin therapy. If your health is affecting your daily life or emotional well-being, we are here to help.

• Is Therapy Only for People With Severe or Disabling Illness?

  Not at all. We work with people at many stages. Some are adjusting to a recent diagnosis, some are dealing with symptoms that are hard to explain, and others are living with a long-term condition. If your health is weighing on your mind, therapy is an option.

• Can Therapy Help With Medical Trauma?

  Yes. Medical experiences that felt scary, invasive, or invalidating can stay with you long after they are over. Our therapists are trained in trauma-informed care and can help you process medical trauma in a way that supports both healing and agency.

• What If My Symptoms Make It Hard To Attend Regularly?

  We understand that energy levels and symptom flares may affect consistency. That is why we offer virtual sessions and flexible scheduling so care can fit your life instead of the other way around.

• Do You Work With People Who Have Disabilities or Chronic Pain?

  Yes. We regularly support clients living with physical disabilities, mobility challenges, autoimmune conditions, and chronic pain. We welcome people with diverse access needs and tailor our care to match your reality.

• Do I Have To Talk About My Health the Whole Time?

  No. While health may be part of your story, it does not have to be the focus every session. We make space for the whole person, including your relationships, identity, emotions, and goals, not just your diagnosis or symptoms.

• Can Therapy Help Me Cope With How Others Treat Me?

  Yes. Many people with chronic illness face misunderstanding, dismissal, or strained relationships. Therapy can help you process those experiences, set boundaries, and rebuild trust in your voice and intuition.

• Do You Provide Letters for Accommodations?

  In some cases, yes. If appropriate, we can provide documentation that may support your request for academic, workplace, or housing accommodations. Your therapist will talk through your needs with you.

• Is Therapy With You Covered by Insurance?

  We are a private-pay practice. However, we provide superbills that many clients use to request reimbursement through out-of-network insurance benefits.

• How Do I Get Started?

  You can contact us through the form on our website or send an email. We will follow up with next steps, answer your questions, and help match you with the right therapist.