When it comes to finding a therapist, Chula Vista, CA might seem like an option. Mental health services are typically available in a city, especially one located so near San Diego. However, it’s not always easy to find a therapist, even in a populated area. Mental health concerns can be very different, and manifest differently depending on the individual. There are a number of evidence-based therapeutic approaches, and what is effective for one mental illness may not work as well with another. The type of therapy you need may not be available in your area. Not to mention the importance of working with a therapist with whom you build a good rapport and who makes you feel comfortable. 

Online therapy with a platform like BetterHelp can make truly person-centered therapy possible. BetterHelp offers over 30,000 practitioners in the mental health field, including licensed professional clinical counselors, social workers, psychologists, and family therapists. These professionals specialize in the treatment of a variety of occurring mental illnesses from obsessive compulsive disorder to borderline personality disorder, and any number of co-occurring disorders in between. 

BetterHelp is also a convenient option for many who have difficulty making it to in-person appointments. With video chat, phone, and text messaging options, you can talk with your therapist anywhere, even from residential treatment settings. Busy professionals, students, and members of families experiencing mental health challenges can schedule sessions anywhere and anytime that works for them. 

It can sometimes feel overwhelming to take that first step on your mental health journey. BetterHelp offers a simple, easy, and timely way to get started talking to a licensed mental health professional. If you have been thinking about seeking therapy for any reason, contact BetterHelp to get matched with the right therapist to meet your needs. 

This is Gabrielle Gardner's avatar and link to their profile

Gabrielle Gardner

Offering therapy in CA
License: MA,LMFT
Stress, AnxietyFamily conflictsParenting issuesSelf esteem
5 years of experience

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This is Dr. Gail Masterson's avatar and link to their profile

Dr. Gail Masterson

Offering therapy in CA
License: PhD
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesSelf esteemCareer difficultiesCoping with life changes
25 years of experience

Are you finding it difficult to navigate these uncertain times or feel that you’ve lost your way? Are you on your path, but progress is thwarted by circumstances not of your own making or beyond your control? Sometimes muddling through is the best any of us can do or expect of ourselves. Perhaps the uncertainty we are all facing is a blessing in disguise, because with uncertainty comes opportunity. If you’d like to explore what opportunities you have to find your footing or get things moving, sharing your story is the first step. With over 25 years experience practicing psychotherapy and having gone where I didn’t know I was going, I understand life’s challenges and the possibility for a more creative and meaningful life by venturing into unknown territory. My belief is that you know what you need to do to improve your life and with coaching and questioning you are capable of finding the best solutions. I have my BA in Humanities, MA in Marriage Family Therapy, PhD in Psychology, and am licensed in California as a Marriage Family Therapist. I have had extensive experience with teletherapy, having worked with David Viscott, MD, one of the first psychotherapists to have a nationally syndicated talk radio show, who had clients from all over the country call into the Viscott Center for Natural Therapy where our approach was brief solution oriented therapy. I also had extended, in-depth psychotherapy as part of my training and beyond because of my interest in exploring the self. I’m familiar and comfortable with both short and longer term therapy. I’ve worked with couples, families, and individuals ranging from teenage years to older adults at the end of their lives. I understand taking the first step can be difficult. I also know you can start before you’re ready! I’m here to listen, encourage, support, and collaborate with you until the correct path becomes clear.

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Carol Wood

Offering therapy in CA
License: MA in Clinical Psychology,LMFT
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesFamily conflictsIntimacy-related issuesSelf esteem
29 years of experience

You re not alone. You don’t have to deal with your current situation without help whether it is hopelessness, anxiety, Pain, grief, loss or indecision. If you feel alone in your partnership or life isn’t what you imagined and you don’t know what you can do to get relief from those sinking, lost or frantic feelings, there are answers. Life can change quite quickly. I am a Reiki Master Teacher so I am able to tune into the needs of my clients on many levels. I give homework for clients who enjoy extra work between sessions. Mindfulness is a focus that I’ve used for many years. Eighteen years with TWA in customer service on the east and west coasts has afforded me an understanding of airline issues and the behavior of many different groups of people under stress from all over the world as well as dealing with solutions to many problems on a daily basis to help people feel better and more control. No one wants to feel powerless. I was on the board of directors of Project Touch in Hermosa Beach and California Marriage and Family Therapists South Bay/Long Beach. I was under contract with South Bay Youth Project as well as Beach Cities Health District providing therapy to individuals, couples and families for decades. I care about people and love my work.

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Grace Lee

Offering therapy in CA
License: MSW, LCSW
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsRelationship issuesTrauma and abuseDepression
21 years of experience

I have a Master of Social Welfare and am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in Southern California and have been practicing for the past 21 years. I have experience working with many diverse populations including hospital setting including end of life and crisis, geriatric (elderly), transitional aged youth (16-25 years old), substance use counseling, severely and persistently mentally ill, those with moderate symptoms, working professionals, and adults. I have eclectic style and I am trained in EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing). I have seen the power of EMDR at work with trauma and severe trauma, domestic violence, phobias, abandonment issues, relationship issues, grief, and more. I hope to be able to work with you on your journey to healing!

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This is Kim Olenic's avatar and link to their profile

Kim Olenic

Offering therapy in CA
License: LCSW
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesFamily conflictsTrauma and abuseCoping with life changes
3 years of experience

Hello! I am a Korean transracial adoptee, mother, and Licensed Clinical Social Worker in the state of California. I have worked with individuals, couples, and families in both the public and private sectors for over 18 years. As a Korean transracial adoptee, I understand the complexities of navigating adoption through the lens of an adoptee, as well as a practitioner. As a mother, I understand the joys and challenges of being a parent, and a partner. As a citizen of the world, I understand that we all have unique challenges based on our personal experiences. I have worked with clients who have a wide range of concerns, including, anxiety, depression, relationship issues, trauma/abuse, and life transitions. My approach to therapy is client-centered, holistic, and solution-focused. Each person's journey is unique and multifaceted. Together in therapy we will explore the many different components of your life, and how they come to play in influencing who you are and how you navigate the world. In therapy we will identify your strengths and challenges, and everything in between, to work towards making the changes you want most. I am here to help support and empower you to claim your voice! *Graduated with a Masters of Social Work from the University of Southern California (2006) *Graduated with a Bachelors of Arts in Psychology from New York University (2003) *Licensed Clinical Social Worker in the state of California

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Rhonda Robertson

Offering therapy in CA
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsRelationship issuesTrauma and abuseDepression
4 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 4 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, coping with addictions, relationship issues, & trauma and abuse. 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 sign up for therapy can take courage and I am proud of you for getting started!

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This is Dr. Diba Ataie 's avatar and link to their profile

Dr. Diba Ataie

Offering therapy in CA
Relationship issuesSelf esteemCareer difficultiesCoping with life changesCoaching
15 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 15 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with relationship issues, motivation, self esteem, and confidence, career difficulties, & coping with life changes. 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. Taking the first step to sign up for therapy can take courage and I am proud of you for getting started!

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This is Noreen Rios's avatar and link to their profile

Noreen Rios

Offering therapy in CA
Stress, AnxietyLGBTRelationship issuesTrauma and abuseAnger management
40 years of experience

I am licensed in California with over 45 years of professional work experience. I have extensive experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, & trauma and abuse loss and grief, addictions, and co-dependency and anger management . I have worked with GLBTQ both individuals and couples and a diverse population. I love helping couples improve their communication, resolve conflict, build trust and have more emotional intimacy with each other. 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! I'm here to empower you and support you on your journey.

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This is Lia Andrews's avatar and link to their profile

Lia Andrews

Offering therapy in CA
Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseSelf esteemCareer difficultiesCoping with life changes
11 years of experience

I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in California with over 13 years of professional work experience in the area of social work and therapy. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, trauma and abuse, motivation, self esteem, and confidence, & career difficulties. 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. Taking the first step to sign up for therapy can take courage and I am proud of you for getting started! I will be here to walk with you on your journey.

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This is Cecilia Sandoval Serna's avatar and link to their profile

Cecilia Sandoval Serna

Offering therapy in CA
Stress, AnxietyAnger managementSelf esteemDepressionCoping with life changes
17 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 17 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, anger management, motivation, self esteem, and confidence, & 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!

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How to find counseling in Chula Vista

Finding the best therapist close by in Chula Vista 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 Chula Vista. 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 Chula Vista, 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 Chula Vista 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 Chula Vista 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 Chula Vista, 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 Chula Vista area can be found below:

How does the cost of in-person counseling compare to the cost of BetterHelp with a licensed Chula Vista 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 Chula Vista 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 Chula Vista 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 Chula Vista, 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 Chula Vista 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 Chula Vista 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 Chula Vista 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 Chula Vista 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 Chula Vista 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 91909 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 Chula Vista 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 Chula Vista 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 Chula Vista, 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.

Chula Vista 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 Chula Vista.

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

91902, 91908, 91909, 91910, 91911, 91912, 91913, 91914, 91915, 91921

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