In life, reaching the top of the hills of your life can be a challenge. Anxiety, depression, and other life problems can make it a tough task, especially if you have no ideas of where to go in your life. You need to create a plan, and a person who can help you do so is a counselor based in La Mesa. 

La Mesa’s motto is the “Jewel of the Hills.” You can find your own jewel by climbing to the top of a challenge, but it can be tough for you to do so. A counselor can help you, but you need to listen to them to accomplish your goals.

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Lauren Ball

Offering therapy in CA
License: MSW, LCSW
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesFamily conflictsTrauma and abuseParenting issues
21 years of experience

I think that each of us at one time or another struggles with self worth, coping with crisis, interpersonal conflicts, or problematic behaviors and can benefit from a caring counselor who understands, helps identify solutions, and who doesn't judge. Together we will work as a team towards the goals that you set, and assess our progress as we go. The hardest part is recognizing the need for help and having the courage to get started. I look forward to taking the next steps with you. My style is to focus on the here and now, with practical strategies for making meaningful changes that fit you and your situation. I rarely dwell on the past, although at times it may lend helpful insight or identify patterns or beliefs that are affecting you today. My approach is to focus on strengths and solutions - without psychobable. I am licensed in California, with over 20 years of experience in helping individuals, couples, and families experiencing life changes, parenting challenges, family conflicts, relationship problems, or substance use issues. I also have expertise and experience working with people who are experiencing difficulties with recent or past traumatic experiences. Advanced Training: Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), Trauma Resiliency Model (TRM), Collaborative Problem Solving (CPS)

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Rachel Rosen

Offering therapy in CA
License: MA,LMFT
LGBTParenting issuesSelf esteemDepressionADHD
10 years of experience

I am a licensed psychotherapist (LMFT #101188) with over 10 years of experience working with individuals and families in a variety of therapeutic settings, with a wide range of concerns including depression, anxiety, relationship issues, parenting, career challenges, OCD and ADHD as well as Autism. My counseling style is warm, grounded and nurturing. I value respect, sensitivity, compassion and exploration; I treat people as such. My approach combines humanistic, psychodynamic, and depth perspectives; utilizing cognitive-behavioral, mindfulness, and body-centered practices to cultivate greater awareness and a deeper understanding of yourself. I ensure a safe, supportive, and non-judgmental environment that encourages curiosity, openness, and acceptance of whatever arises. In this way, we work together to relieve suffering or dis-ease, develop the tools you need and enable you to experience empowerment to make clearer and more thoughtful choices in each moment, bringing more meaningful relationships, satisfaction and joy into your life. If you are ready to courageously step into your life, I am here to support and empower you.

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This is LaVonne Ricks's avatar and link to their profile

LaVonne Ricks

Offering therapy in CA
License: LCSW
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesSelf esteemDepressionCoping with life changes
5 years of experience

Circumstantially, there are numerous reasons as to why individuals reach out to professionals such as myself. Similarly, this is my primary reason for choosing to educate and establish my credential as a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, so that when an individual seeks support I can provide emotional support and effective guidance. My areas of expertise include: • Depression • Stress and Anxiety • ADD/ADHD • Relationship Issues • Family Conflict • Trauma and Abuse • Coping with Grief and Loss • Multigenerational and Racial Trauma In addition, my therapeutic approach for practice is a blend of cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), and solution-focused questioning, which provides psychoeducation on how individuals’ thoughts, feelings, and behavioral patterns that may affect self-reflecting and relationships with others. Another key element of my practice is to highlight how trauma can affect individuals’ viewpoints towards future goals. Without a doubt, I will patiently listen and walk humbly alongside you as we explore the best tactics for your life future. Equally important, it is imperative to understand that it is normal to feel afraid, uncertain, or lonely when life is not going according to your plans. On a positive note, the services that I offer will tailor expectations for us working together to come up with an effective plan that is personalized to your actual needs.

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Tina Logan

Offering therapy in CA
License: LMFT
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesFamily conflictsAnger managementADHD
12 years of experience

Tina A Logan Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT Verified by Psychology Today I provide video and phone sessions. Worries, nervousness and anxiety can be over-whelming. Uncertainty, during unknown times can make us anxious and depressed. I’m here to help. I am blessed to have the opportunity to help many of you during these unprecedented times. I am interactive, giving you suggestions, options, tools and hope for your future. My style is relaxed, supportive, encouraging, compassionate, caring and positive. I am non-judgmental and culturally diverse. I have experience working with children, families, adults and couples. I specialize with trauma, grief & loss, relationship issues & personal, work, parenting, family and friends. Most recently, I am working with a mom that is challenged in working from home while caring for children and home. I’ve worked with several different diagnosis and issues. I utilize the cognitive- behavioral, evidence based therapeutic approach to manage & teach behaviors and new skills. I speak, write and understand some Spanish. I would like the opportunity to meet with you and begin to understand your needs. I look forward to our first session, in your journey to a new chapter that we will write together. T

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Erin Robertson

Offering therapy in CA
License: M.S. ,LMFT
Stress, AnxietyParenting issuesDepressionADHD
8 years of experience

I am a family and marriage counselor licensed in California with over 8 years of experience working as a therapist. I have worked with clients with a wide range of concerns including depression, anxiety, ADHD, relationship issues, parenting problems, behavioral issues, gender and sexuality, and college and career challenges. I have also helped many people who have experienced physical trauma, emotional and physical abuse, chemical dependency, homelessness, and divorce. I have over five years of experience serving children, adolescents, and teens, through a variety of concerns including depression, anxiety, divorce, ADHD, and academic and behavioral challenges. I have a client-centered approach and I believe that you are the author of your own story; I am merely here to help lead your sessions, and support you along your journey. I believe in treating everyone whom I have the pleasure of working with respect, sensitivity, and compassion--and I will show up for you wherever you are at in your life. My approach combines Dialectic Behavioral Therapy (DBT), cognitive-behavioral, humanistic, and psychodynamic counseling. I will tailor our dialog and treatment plan to meet your unique and specific needs. I don't believe that any of us were created to do life alone. We were not created to feel lonely, or pained by sadness or confusion from our past. I look forward to creating a relationship with you that will inspire and empower you, helping to promote healing, growth, and change. I look forward to working with you!

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Carson Winn

Offering therapy in CA
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsGriefDepressionCompassion fatigue
16 years of experience

I am licensed in Alabama, Florida and California with many years of professional work experience as a therapist. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, mood instability, overcoming addictions, and healing trauma. Our human condition is one that requires guidance and compassion. Helping my clients elevate out of depression, enduring grief and resolving loss are among the most common services I provide. I work with individuals, couples and families to create a safe space where thoughts and feelings can be explored without fear of judgment. Starting the therapy process, switching therapists, or returning to therapy after a period of time can be challenging. To be vulnerable is to be courageous and to do this often requires help. My skills are designed to help my clients achieve a sense of strength and to have a more consistent state of peace and joy. I do this with a variety of methods. I tailor my model of therapy based on the clients’ needs and individual goals, allowing authentic growth and sustaining mental health. Often simply identifying goals can create immediate shifts in how we think, in turn changing the way we feel. Whether the therapy is brief and efficient to push toward immediate mobility, or the therapy is instead a more long-term plan, depends on my clients’ needs and desires. I am available to help you with your future and therapy process.

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Denise Lowery

Offering therapy in CA
Trauma and abuseGriefSelf esteemDepressionCoping with life changes
10 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 10 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with trauma and abuse, coping with grief and loss, 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. 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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Shirley Sotelo

Offering therapy in CA
Relationship issuesFamily conflictsTrauma and abuseDepression
14 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 14 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with relationship issues, family conflicts, & trauma and abuse. I also have experience working with depression. 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. 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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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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Julie Markowitz

Offering therapy in CA
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsRelationship issuesTrauma and abuseIntimacy-related issues
6 years of experience

I believe in all people’s innate capacity to heal. To me, all symptoms that we experience whether it be chronic pain, anxiety, depression, panic attacks, etc can be explained by trauma. Trauma does not have to be big events. Trauma can be if we are not attuned to emotionally as children or if our parents have their own unprocessed trauma—this sort of trauma often leads to deep seeded beliefs that we are unloveable and bad. Our healing comes from teaching our parts that we are loveable and accepted just as we are.

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How to find counseling in La Mesa

Finding the best therapist close by in La Mesa 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 La Mesa. 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 La Mesa, 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 La Mesa 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 La Mesa 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 La Mesa, 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 La Mesa area can be found below:

How does the cost of in-person counseling compare to the cost of BetterHelp with a licensed La Mesa 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 La Mesa 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 La Mesa 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 La Mesa, 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 La Mesa 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 La Mesa 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 La Mesa 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 La Mesa 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 La Mesa 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 91942 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 La Mesa 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 La Mesa 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 La Mesa, 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.

La Mesa 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 La Mesa.

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

91941, 91942, 91943, 91944

Popular cities near La Mesa, CA

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