Connecting to the LifeStance VPN

The LifeStance VPN (Virtual Private Network) provides secure access to internal systems when you are working outside of a LifeStance office — from home, a clinic, or any other location. Some systems, including the internal HR portal and certain clinical tools, require a VPN connection when accessed remotely.

Do you need VPN? If you are working from a LifeStance office on a managed device connected to the office network, you do not need to connect to VPN. VPN is required when working from any other location.

First-Time VPN Setup

The VPN client (GlobalProtect) is pre-installed on all LifeStance-managed laptops. If it is not on your device, submit a request via the Service Catalogue: IT Support > Software Request > GlobalProtect VPN.

1. Look for the GlobalProtect icon in your system tray (Windows) or menu bar (Mac) — it looks like a globe
2. Click the icon and select Connect
3. Enter the VPN gateway address when prompted: vpn.lifestance.com
4. Sign in with your LifeStance email and password
5. Approve the MFA prompt on your phone
6. The globe icon will turn green when the VPN connection is active

Connecting to VPN (Daily Use)

1. Click the GlobalProtect globe icon in your system tray or menu bar
2. Click Connect — if you have connected before, your gateway address is saved
3. Approve the MFA notification on your phone
4. Wait for the icon to turn green — you are now connected

Disconnecting from VPN

Disconnect when you are not actively working to conserve bandwidth and battery.

1. Click the GlobalProtect globe icon
2. Click Disconnect
3. The globe icon will return to grey

Troubleshooting Common VPN Issues

"Unable to connect to gateway"

1. Check your internet connection is working — try opening a website in your browser
2. Confirm the gateway address is exactly vpn.lifestance.com — no spaces or extra characters
3. Restart GlobalProtect: right-click the globe icon and select Quit, then reopen it from your applications
4. If the issue persists, restart your device and try again

VPN connects but internal systems are still unavailable

1. Confirm the VPN globe icon is green — a yellow icon means the connection is partial
2. Disconnect and reconnect
3. Check the IT status page for any known system outages

MFA approval not arriving during VPN login

1. Open the Microsoft Authenticator app on your phone — the approval request may be waiting inside the app rather than appearing as a notification
2. If no request appears, click Cancel on the VPN login and try again — this re-sends the MFA prompt
3. Check your phone has mobile data or Wi-Fi connectivity

GlobalProtect icon is missing from my taskbar

1. Search for GlobalProtect in your Start menu (Windows) or Applications folder (Mac)
2. Open the application — the icon will reappear in your system tray
3. If GlobalProtect is not installed, submit a software request via the Service Catalogue

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Working from a clinical site? Some LifeStance clinic networks are already connected to the corporate network — check with your site manager before connecting VPN, as double-connecting can slow your connection.

Still need help?

If the steps above didn't resolve your issue, our IT team is here for you.

Submit a support request — include a brief description and we'll get back to you within your SLA window.
For urgent issues, use the Chat with us option on the Help Centre homepage for a faster response.