Life is about sustainability. You want to have the right balance in life if you want to succeed, and the fruits of your labor should keep you afloat. However, a dead-end job or depression can make you unsustainable. You may feel like there is no hope. A counselor based in Santee can help you. 

Santee has a motto, which is “Sustainable Santee.” Life is all about being sustainable, but not everyone knows how to be so. One way you can be sustainable is to speak to a counselor based in Santee. They can help you be as sustainable as possible. 

This is Heidi Taugher's avatar and link to their profile

Heidi Taugher

Offering therapy in CA
License: LMFT
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsTrauma and abuseAnger managementDepression
12 years of experience

As an experienced therapist I appreciate the energy it takes to confront issues that feel overwhelming without clear solutions. I take my role seriously in facilitating healing. I care about my clients and do my best to minimize any unpleasant symptoms you are experiencing while we work on strategies that move you towards a more satisfying life. I am authentic, non-judgmental, and direct in my approach. If you are feeling emotionally overwhelmed, stuck, anxious, or have tried to make things better without lasting success, I can help. Connecting with the right therapist is the first step. I have been helping others shift their perceptions, heal from emotional pain, and reach their personal goals for over ten years. I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist who specializes in the treatment of complex trauma, PTSD, substance use, and mood and anxiety-related disorders. I have extensive experience working with interpersonal conflict including domestic violence. I work with individuals, couples, and families seeking relief from the troubling effects of trauma, the negative impacts of unhealthy communication styles, the harmful consequences of substance use, and challenges associated with change. My clinical specialties include treating victims of violent and sexual crimes, adult survivors of early childhood traumas, and substance use specific treatment and recovery. I value and respect diversity and consider myself an LGBTQIA ally. I look forward to hearing from you.

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Heidi Summers

Offering therapy in CA
License: MS,LMFT
Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseGriefDepressionCoping with life changes
26 years of experience

Hello! Thank you for considering the possibility of working together! My name is Heidi and I have been a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist for more than 20 years, having received my Master of Science degree in Clinical and Counseling Psychology in 1998 from California State University, San Bernardino. I am licensed in California. I am certified in EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) and trained in trauma treatment. My professional experience includes individual and group therapy with adults whose issues include being survivors of childhood sexual abuse and victims of sexual assault and domestic violence as well as concerns of depression, anxiety, grief and loss, parenting, relationships, and life changes. My counseling style is empathetic and accepting. My goal is to create a safe and warm environment where clients feel respected and supported in a confidential setting. I use an eclectic approach to therapy using various therapeutic orientations. On a personal note, I'm married with four adult children and six grandchildren. I suffered the loss of my first husband to cancer at age 30 which left me a single parent with three very young, grieving children, while managing my own grief . I remarried several years later to a career US Marine which required relocating several times over the years. I had a fourth child, and with multiple extended deployments of my husband, I was often, in essence, a single parent again. I have found that my varied life experiences have enabled me a unique understanding of many of the issues my clients are facing. Thank you for taking the time to read about my experience. I hope that you will consider working with me!

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Keri Hicks

Offering therapy in CA
License: LCSW
AddictionsLGBTParenting issuesBipolar disorderDepression
17 years of experience

I'm a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) living in Los Angeles. As a therapist and coach I want to partner with you to identify what is causing distress and help you feel better. I specialize in parenting, intimate partner violence and sexual assault, bipolar, psychotic disorders, generalized depression and anxiety, and managing co-occurring medical conditions. I have worked extensively with parents, helping you to manage conflict, build skills, and enjoy your children. My practice has also served many in the LGBTQ community. I'm licensed in California and New York and have worked in schools, in homes, in non-profits, and in private practice. I bring a humanistic and strengths-based approach to our work together and incorporate cognitive-behavioral and dialectical-behavioral skills in my practice. Connecting to therapy can feel like a risk; it's hard to know if a therapist will feel like the right fit. I invite you to reach out and try. We'll always start from a place of comfort and work together to create positive change.

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Julia Westney

Offering therapy in CA
License: LMFT
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsRelationship issuesEating disordersDepression
3 years of experience

I am a family and marriage therapist licensed in California with almost 20 years of experience working as a psychotherapist and eating disorder specialist. I have worked with clients with a wide range of concerns including depression, anxiety, relationship issues, parenting problems, career challenges, postpartum depression, and food and body issues. I also helped many people who are experiencing grief, loss and life transitions. My therapy style is warm and interactive. I believe in treating everyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion, and I don't believe in stigmatizing labels. My approach combines cognitive-behavioral, humanistic, psychodynamic and rational-emotive therapy. I will tailor our dialog and treatment plan to meet your unique and specific needs. It takes courage to seek a more fulfilling and happier life and to take the first steps towards change. If you are ready to take that step, I am here to support and empower you. I look forward to working with you!

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Sona (Frostie) Weber

Offering therapy in CA
Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseSelf esteemDepressionCoping with life changes
20 years of experience

I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) in California with 20 years of professional work experience. I have helped clients with stress and anxiety, trauma and abuse, motivation, self esteem, confidence, and depression. I believe that you are the expert of your story and you have many strengths which will assist you in overcoming aspects of life that challenge you. Taking the first step to sign up for therapy can take courage. I am proud of you for getting started!

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Emily Poulos

Offering therapy in CA
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesTrauma and abuseSelf esteemDepression
3 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 3 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, trauma and abuse, & motivation, self esteem, and confidence. 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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Natalie Demus

Offering therapy in CA
LGBTRelationship issuesAnger managementDepressionCoping with life changes
40 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 40 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with lgbtq+ related issues, relationship issues, anger management, domestic violence, parenting, grief and loss & depression. 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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Michele Koenes

Offering therapy in CA
License: MSW,JD
Stress, AnxietyFamily conflictsTrauma and abuseGriefSelf esteem
9 years of experience

Hello ~ I am a licensed Masters level Social Worker in Michigan, California & New Hampshire with over 10 years of experience. I have worked in both inpatient and outpatient settings with young adults, adults, and older adults with a wide array of mental health concerns. I have also worked as a litigation attorney and as a teacher. These experiences have strengthened my abilities to relate, connect, and provide support to my clients. My counseling style is one of collaboration and responsiveness. I am attuned to my clients unique and individual personalities, situations and needs. I believe that empathy and letting the client set the pace of therapy is imperative to an effective process and the realization of desired outcomes. Therapy is a supportive, safe place where every aspect of you is welcome – even the parts that may be uncomfortable to share. As your therapist, I will strive to build and maintain a space for healing and growth. I am ready to begin the process with you! MI License #6801065517 - CA License #LCSW118004 - NH License #3943

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Miriam Smith

Offering therapy in CA
Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseParenting issuesSelf esteemDepression
5 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 5 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, trauma and abuse, parenting issues, & 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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Phyllis Grannis

Offering therapy in CA
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesParenting issuesSelf esteemCoping with life changes
34 years of experience

Greetings! I'm a licensed therapist from the beautiful state of California, bringing to you 34 years of experience in helping individuals just like you navigate life's challenges. Whether you're grappling with stress, anxiety, relationship dilemmas, parenting challenges, or need a boost in self-esteem and motivation, I'm here to help. My practice creates a warm, open environment where your feelings and thoughts are given the respect and attention they deserve, completely free of judgment. I know the first step towards therapy can seem daunting, and just by being here, you're already winning! I applaud your courage in taking this crucial step. You're not alone in this journey, and I'm here to support you every step of the way!

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How to find counseling in Santee

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

How does the cost of in-person counseling compare to the cost of BetterHelp with a licensed Santee 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 Santee 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 Santee 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 Santee, 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 Santee 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 Santee 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 Santee 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 Santee 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 Santee 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 92071 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 Santee 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 Santee 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 Santee, 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.

Santee 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 Santee.

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

92071

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