In life, you may feel like your goals are unattainable. No matter how hard you try, it just feels like no one will listen or allow you to live a better life of opportunity. It can be a challenge to voice your thoughts, especially when you have depression or stress. A counselor based in Poway can help. 

Poway is a beautiful town to live in, encapsulating all of what California has to offer. If you want to enjoy the town, speak to California today and learn what you can do. You can improve yourself and be a better person

This is Laurie Nelson's avatar and link to their profile

Laurie Nelson

Offering therapy in CA
License: MA, LMFT ,LMFT
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesFamily conflictsSelf esteemDepression
10 years of experience

Hello there! I'm a licensed therapist (MFT) for over 10 years, and have a warm, engaging and growth oriented approach. I've helped clients who are immersed in DEPRESSION and ANXIETY as well as those in a higher functioning place that simply need help navigating a specific struggle with guided support .** I use approaches like DBT( Dialectical Behavior Therapy)mixed with cognitive behavioral and mindfulness strategies. I'm trained in Psychodynamic theory as well, and see the importance of knowing why you get stuck along with the need for concrete strategies to move forward.* I have extensive experience in treating all types of Depression as well as Generalized Anxiety, PTSD, Social Anxiety, ADHD, difficulty with Anger Management and Emotional Regulation. * I often help clients transform a harsh inner-critic into self acceptance, newfound confidence and increased capacity for joy. My goal is for you to gain strategies and insight that allow you to feel fully expressed, alive and authentic. I have specialized experience helping clients release the old stories and beliefs that keep them stuck in the status quo. By shining a light on what these are and where they come from, new possibilities and increased freedom of choice appear. I'll help you get unstuck , take small steps towards your goals and create momentum in the process! *I've also worked extensively to help clients improve all aspects of relationships, with a big focus on communication and learning how to say what you mean, ask for what you want and better hear the other person as well. Whether it's at work, with a partner or a child, you can learn how to bring up difficult topics with more ease and confidence. *As a therapist, I balance listening, supporting and giving you concrete strategies that are unique to your personality and situation. I'll challenge you with empathy and kindness when necessary and encourage you to move through fear and hesitation in order to move forward. I love helping clients explore the idea that life is happening FOR them and not TO them, which leads to feelings of empowerment vs victimization. * My clients come away with the skill of using what life brings as a lesson to be learned. Once the lesson is learned, the need for the situation to repeat is gone. This is freeing and leads to a trust in all that life brings us. When appropriate, I also incorporate guided visualization, mindfulness meditation and body awareness into the sessions. These can be powerful ways to bring clarity and unexpected answers to the most difficult things you face. I live in CA with my husband, 2 daughters, 2 dogs and a cat. I love hiking, painting and teach hip hop dance which I love! Being a parent gives me personal as well as professional experience that I utilize when helping clients deal with the inevitable challenges of being part of a family.

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Stacy Vitale

Offering therapy in CA
License: LMFT
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesFamily conflictsSelf esteemDepression
14 years of experience

I was drawn to the helping profession through my passion for relationships, experiences, and a desire to understand the emotional processes of healing. Life experiences have provided me with an ability to understand common patterns which affect most people in their journeys. I have a passion for emotional healing that improves relation and overall quality of daily experiences for individuals and family. I am a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and have been practicing since 2000. I initially started therapeutic services with under represented minority groups. Focusing on child and adolescents at risk due to lack of resources, and crisis stabilization. After about 11 years I decided to take time off to stay at home with my children. Being a first time mom gave me new perspectives on mental health with first time mothers, depression and anxiety of being a mom whether it is stay at home or a working mother. This prompted me to re educate myself and get experience with perinatal mood disorders. More recently I have been working with young adults transitioning into college. Helping with maladaptive internal and interpersonal psychological dynamics. Utilizing cognitive behavioral approaches to encourage clients to focus on thoughts and behaviors and encourage to make changes. I enjoy engaging in therapy with teens, young adults through older adults who have a desire or need for hope and change. Helping people find connection and improve communication is a privilege for me. My goal is to serve others and make a difference as I assist in the navigation of life challenges. In addition to my training and education I have children of my own and understand the struggles that parents experience along with various dynamics of family relationships.

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This is Dr. Dale DiMascio's avatar and link to their profile

Dr. Dale DiMascio

Offering therapy in CA
Relationship issuesFamily conflictsCareer difficulties
11 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 11 years of professional work experience. Having a relationship with a therapist can be vital in avoiding pitfalls and taking advantage of new opportunities. A therapist can help a client attain goals by detecting and confronting mental illness, relationship conflicts and other challenges in a timely manner. I strongly believe that attaining one's goals is significantly more likely with the support and expertise of a therapist. I have been fortunate in that I have interacted with both clients and people in my personal life with a great variety of cultural, socioeconomic, gender identification and sexual orientation backgrounds. I have become acutely sensitive to the prejudice and fear many people face. My work with past clients has reinforced for me that successfully overcoming these and other barriers is essential in improving the odds of their experiencing happy, fulfilling lives. I am experienced in assisting clients in facing and overcoming past and present conflicts. I am also well-versed in helping clients with relationship issues, goal achievement, motivation and self-image. I know it is necessary to provide clients with a safe environment. The demands of coping with everyday life necessitate a therapeutic setting where clients feel secure in trusting that their best interests are always the highest priority. This allows current challenges and past conflicts to be addressed in the most non-threatening and most sensitive and helpful ways possible. I monitor closely if anyone has any difficulties with the therapeutic environment they are experiencing. My aim always is to create an environment that is filled with trust, security and sensitivity. This trusting is something I make sure is maintained in all interactions throughout the therapeutic process. Addressing your challenges is no small task and you should take great pride in your courage to seek an expert helper in your pursuits.

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This is Dr. Nkem Anene's avatar and link to their profile

Dr. Nkem Anene

Offering therapy in CA
Relationship issuesTrauma and abuseIntimacy-related issuesSelf esteemCoping with life changes
18 years of experience

I am licensed in California with over 18 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with relationship issues, trauma and abuse, grief and loss issues; intimacy related issues, & motivation, self esteem, and confidence. I enjoy working with individuals, couples, young adults and teenagers. I believe that you are the expert of your story and that you have many strengths that will assist you in overcoming things that challenge you. I commend you for the courage of taking the first step to sign up for therapy, I am proud of you for getting started. I look forward to meeting you.

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This is Dr. Teena Barbre's avatar and link to their profile

Dr. Teena Barbre

Offering therapy in CA
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesFamily conflictsTrauma and abuseDepression
18 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 18 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, & trauma and abuse. 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 seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process.

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This is Shuwen (Sylvia) Huang's avatar and link to their profile

Shuwen (Sylvia) Huang

Offering therapy in CA
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesDepression
15 years of experience

I am licensed in California with over 15 years of professional work experience in offering client centered approaches to address issues including depression, anxiety, parenting issues, coping with illness, grief, and trauma. I have experience working in trauma hospital acute care and emergency department settings. I am also a registered nurse dedicated in providing individualized patient care through effective education and counseling. My experience has taught me that one of the most important aspect of counseling is the connection and comfort you feel with the person you choose to share your personal struggles. I believe we can all grow through challenging experiences by increasing our self-awareness. We all possess resilience and strength to achieve healing and personal growth. Sometimes another person, one who isn't in our immediate circle, can offer a perspective or additional support, that give us insights on a difficult situation when we feel stuck. It would be my privilege to be that person for you. We all want to be able to share our personal truths and be accepted and understood. I believe that you are the expert of your story and that you have many strengths that will assist you in overcoming what you are going through. I look forward to tailoring my approach to meet your specific needs. Taking the first step to seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I practice through a lens of cultural humility and strive to create a welcoming therapeutic space. My hope is for clients to leave session feeling more grounded than when they arrived. I am here to support you in that process of becoming the best version of yourself.

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This is Lori Reeves's avatar and link to their profile

Lori Reeves

Offering therapy in CA
License: LPC,Expressive Arts Therapist
Stress, AnxietyGriefEating disordersSelf esteemCoping with life changes
14 years of experience

I have been a licensed professional counselor and an expressive arts therapist for 14 years. I have worked with clients with a wide variety of concerns including grief and loss, fertility issues, miscarriage, pregnancy, postpartum, and eating disorders. I have also worked with others in managing life transitions, anxiety, depression, shame, self confidence, relational, fitness, career and life goals. My counseling style is warm, compassionate and respectful. I provide a sacred container for anyone choosing the courage required in their therapeutic work. I meet my clients where they are and work organically, hold a jungian perspective, person centered approach. I believe each person has within them what they need to heal and grow, sometimes we all need someone to walk along side us through the journey and process. I am passionate about facilitating this process and creating a space for expression, sometime through working with image and the creative arts. I encourage self awareness with self love and compassion to find clarity. I am here to encourage, support and hold a loving, creative and compassionate space for you and your process. Besides talk therapy, I utilize tools such as yoga, mindfulness, breath awareness, meditation, writing, visual arts and creative expression in efforts to become more deeply connected and to listen to the wisdom within. I would be honored to facilitate and assist you on your journey.

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This is Deborah Osborn's avatar and link to their profile

Deborah Osborn

Offering therapy in CA
License: LCSW,NCC
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesFamily conflictsTrauma and abuseIntimacy-related issues
25 years of experience

Thankyou for reading my profile. It is difficult to convey my work in few paragraphs. I have been counseling since 1998 when I completed my first master's degree in Counseling. I later earned a second masters in Clinical Social Work. I understand that change is not easy and I know that no single approach to change works for everyone. With this in mind, I am willing to draw upon a number of modalities. I use techniques from mindfulness and gratitude along with traditional Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Solution-Focused Brief Therapy, Reality Therapy to develop a plan of growth. I am always in partnership, working alongside the client and family as we move towards health. I believe that the client is the authority or expert with regard to their goals and needs. I follow the client's lead in developing those goals while offering my expertise in creating a successful plan. I also believe that focusing on a whole person strength-based relationship contributes to a solid base of trust and acceptance. With this solid therapeutic relationship established, the client can feel safe to be authentic and vulnerable.

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This is Patricia Gutierrez-Cadena's avatar and link to their profile

Patricia Gutierrez-Cadena

Offering therapy in CA
Relationship issuesFamily conflictsTrauma and abuseSelf esteemCoping with life changes
8 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 13 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with relationship issues, family conflicts, trauma and abuse, & 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.

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This is Sandra Bravo's avatar and link to their profile

Sandra Bravo

Offering therapy in CA
GriefCoping with life changesCompassion fatigue
9 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 13 years of professional work experience. I work with my clients to create an open and safe environment where thoughts and feelings can be shared without fear of judgment. It takes courage to seek out a more fulfilling and happier life and to take the first steps towards a change. I am here to support & empower you in that journey.

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How to find counseling in Poway

Finding the best therapist close by in Poway can feel challenging, but know that once you narrow your search for a counselor serving your area, you can find a therapist in your city that is accepting new clients and fits your goals. Whether you're struggling with depression, anxiety, marriage, family issues, or other emotional challenges, feel proud that you have begun your search to find the mental health care services that work best for you in order to begin your personal journey towards emotional healing.

Understanding the type of therapy you'd like to search for is crucial before finding a therapist or psychologist in Poway. Perhaps you're interested in narrowing your search for a psychotherapist that can offer psychodynamic, cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), talk therapy, provide group therapy, marriage and family therapy for individuals or couples, or couples therapy. Each type of therapy can offer various benefits and address or treat different disorders. If you're still unsure or are new to counseling in Poway, feel free to contact the provider via email to find out which methods they practice.

It is also important to understand that mental health professionals in the United States are accredited to provide care, helping individuals and couples, with a variety of licenses. These include licensed marriage and family therapist (LMFT), licensed clinical social worker (LCSW), and clinical psychologist or doctor of psychology (PsyD). Regardless of their licensure, they are trained to treat individuals and couples counseling, and sometimes children, in any type of therapy. Find a therapist under any of these distinctions and know that the sessions they offer can provide a safe place to heal.

Mental health professionals working through their own in- person therapy practice in Poway or online may assist clients in improving healthy relationships, communication skills, working through life transitions, managing a mood disorder, improving coping skills, or change in negative thinking patterns. They may also provide a safe place and validation for clients experiencing emotional pain. Verified providers can provide licensed marriage and couples therapy, tailor to individual needs, and create a therapeutic relationship as a National Certified Counselor.

There are all kinds of therapists working with clients today across the United States and in the greater Poway area in different types of therapy, including:

  • CBT
  • DBT
  • Substance use therapy
  • Couples therapy

When you're ready to start your search and find therapists, have in mind what type of therapy you'd like your provider to be most experienced with and choose an experienced provider with a practice located near you in the city of Poway, elsewhere in San Diego, or in the greater state of California.

Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

Some other commonly asked questions on therapy with a licensed counselor and BetterHelp serving the Poway area can be found below:

How does the cost of in-person counseling compare to the cost of BetterHelp with a licensed Poway therapist?

The average price of an in-person therapy session in the US is $100 to $200 per hour. These prices may be higher in Poway due to a higher cost of living. The price also depends on the type of provider you are looking for. See the following average prices for various mental health providers without insurance:

  • Counseling with a psychiatrist: $150-$500
  • Counseling with therapists: $100-300
  • Therapy with a psychologist: $100

While many psychologists in Poway may not take health insurance, some in the state of California may work on a sliding scale, meaning they'll factor in your income and charge what you can afford per session. With BetterHelp or clinicians throughout the state of California you can expect significantly more affordable options, with sessions ranging from $65 to $100 per week (billed every four weeks).

How is a licensed therapist on this online therapy platform verified?

Therapists in Poway, California working on BetterHelp are licensed, trained, experienced, and accredited as a doctor of psychology (PhD / PsyD), licensed marriage and family therapists (LMFT), licensed clinical social worker (LCSW / LICSW), or licensed professional counselors (LPC). All of these psychology clinicians have a Masters Degree or a Doctorate Degree in their field of psychology sciences, and follow the APA Code of Ethics. They have been qualified and certified by their state's professional board after successfully completing the necessary education, exams, training and practice with a patient, and extensive experience in a healthcare clinic or treatment centers, in order to become a mental health provider. While their lived experience, expertise, careers, and background vary, they all possess at least 3 years and 1,000 hours of hands-on experience with adult and sometimes teen patients, and have the necessary therapist credentials to provide a safe space for long lasting emotional healing in therapy. 

Please note BetterHelp does not offer or provide care from psychiatrists to prescribe a drug as treatment, or perform psychological assessments.

How does working with a counselor in BetterHelp online therapy sessions work?

BetterHelp clinicians treat clients online across the United States (individuals and couples) through life transitions, inner child exploration, long term depression or anxiety, and more. An online mental health professional, including the therapists in Poway above, can work with young adults, children, adolescents, and adults virtually as an accredited licensed clinical social worker (LCSW) or licensed marriage and family therapist (LMFT). You do not have to commute to a an office as a psychotherapy client.

Through BetterHelp therapy, you can partake in video, phone, or live chat therapy sessions with your licensed therapist. You can work through various symptoms, use the in app journaling feature, and receive worksheets. You'll also find support groups or group therapy lead by a therapist in Poway helping individuals on topics including managing life transitions, symptoms affecting sexual health, behavioral health, coping skills for anxiety or depression, trauma, stress, marriage counseling, and more. 

What mental health issues can psychotherapy address?

BetterHelp's verified Poway therapists specialize and have clinical experience in a wide range of mental health issues and modalities, helping clients to feel better and improve their lives every day. See below for examples.

Specialties on BetterHelp include:

You may also be struggling with relationship problems that could be addressed in couples therapy or with a sex therapist. In that case, you may choose to work with one of BetterHelp's experienced cognitive-behavioral therapists or licensed marriage family therapists (LMFT) who work with clients in relationships. You can also try a Poway therapy provider through BetterHelp's sister platform, ReGain, which is dedicated to couples and spouses worldwide. 

How do I know if online counseling is right for my family?

One of the potentially rewarding aspects of working with a therapist is the validation and active listening they can provide. Your friends and loved ones may also be available to listen, but you may feel that they may lack the skills to provide objective guidance. Counselors are trained to respond to various concerns, symptoms, and mental health conditions.

A psychologist in your city can support you toward a healthier emotional state, regardless of your mental health, life concerns, or healing needs. While supporting individuals in developing healthier habits, another good benefit of therapy is having an understanding, safe space with a non-judgmental party who can support you through challenging experiences.

Many people have sensitive topics that they may feel ashamed to discuss with their friends or partner. A Poway therapist can help you confront these concerns and open up through unique methods of support. There are also many types of therapy, such as art therapy, where you may find you can express yourself through creativity instead of words.

With a lot of people in CA, providers may be booked out with clients. Through the list of profiles above and others within BetterHelp's team, you may be able to find a psychologist within 24 to 48 hours. If you're searching to find a a nearby psychotherapist close to 92074 or the surrounding zip codes, consider others available through the BetterHelp site. No matter if you are seeking help in your area or beyond, online therapy can be a great option.

How should I prepare for my first therapy session with a Poway counselor?

Before seeing your therapist, prep for your session by reading to understand the therapy process. You might write a list of questions you want to ask your psychotherapist, any emotional pain you may feel, and the ways in which you hope to improve. When you attend your session, let them know if you have any concerns about therapy or feel unsure about what to talk about. They may help guide you with open-ended therapeutic questions. The first session will often serve as an intake to get to know you as a person and learn why you're attending therapy.

Should I find a therapist or psychologist if I feel fine? 

Some simply don't feel the need to see a psychologist. However, some people may avoid attending therapy due to stigma or preconceived notions of what therapy entails. Although psychologists often support people with mental health conditions, you do not need a diagnosis or condition to attend therapy. You can discuss grief, relationship concerns, stress, or life changes and ask for general feedback and advice. A Poway licensed clinical social worker may help you gain power over your life and emotions while you navigate day-to-day experiences.

Gaining a new perspective on yourself through various therapies might allow you to improve your self-esteem, work through relationships, and gain a better sense of your mental health goals. The success you may find through therapy can be dependent on your process.

People may also attend therapy for specific motives, such as bullying, an autism diagnosis, a desire to learn mindfulness meditation, personality concerns, trouble with office workers, specific phobias, and many other principles.

Is mental health care and therapy worth it? 

Therapy is effective and has the power to change individuals' lives. Each client is at a different stage of their emotional healing journey in life, as each human can be unique in their personality, expression, skills, and goals. A psychologist can target various symptoms, experiences, and personalities to help you feel your best and put you on the path to healing. Unlike advice from a friend, family, or non-professional, a mental health professional has an understanding of various disorders like ADHD and depression with many hours of experience in treating adults in their practice. For this reason, seeing an evidence based psychologist in Poway, California can be worth it. Over 41 million adults in the US attend therapy services each year, showing it's a popular option and is proven to be effective.

Poway has many clinicians who practice person or client-centered individual therapy in-person and through online therapy to assist clients in their healing journey. If you opt into online therapy, you might also be able to meet with providers all over the United States and change therapists easily at any time. Many people struggling with anxiety and depression, substance abuse, body image issues, and more find therapists that are a good fit for them, feel supported, and gain further insight into their lives through internet-based therapy.

Do therapists judge you in therapy sessions?

The boundaries between you and a therapist are in place to help you and them regarding ethical concerns. Mental health professionals are held by ethical standards through the American Psychological Association (APA) and are not allowed to judge or harm their clients. If you are concerned about sharing details about yourself, feel free to withhold personal information. Their job in the therapeutic relationship is to create a safe place, help you gain a deeper understanding of your mental health, and support you. You might consider changing counselors if you don't feel safe or respected.

Stay up to date with the leading online counseling platform

To stay up to date with BetterHelp's initiatives through their social channels, you can follow them on Pinterest, LinkedIn, Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook. For mental health tips, check out the BetterHelp YouTube channel.

Take some time today to learn more about the team of therapists at BetterHelp to understand the services available to you clearly. If you are new to therapy or have any questions about the services and terms, please reach out through the contact page or send an email to contact@betterhelp.com.

If you’re ready to sign up for online therapy, consider signing up with a platform like BetterHelp and get matched within 24 to 48 hours.

If you are experiencing a crisis or emergency, don't use this site's online services. If you are in life-threatening danger, call 911. If you require support for a crisis, reach out to the hotlines below:

A woman meets with a therapist online in her home city of Poway.

Below are some of the zip codes served by BetterHelp therapists in Poway:

92064, 92074

Popular cities near Poway, CA

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