Therapists in California

Hello and thank you for learning about me! I am a California and Oregon state Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist with over 30 years of experience in a wide variety of settings, working with differing populations and ages. I have helped others who are looking to start or maintain their healing journey or are experiencing obstacles such as depression, anxiety, relationship conflict, addictions and trauma (including multi-generational trauma). My current clinical focus is on individual adult men and women from various ethnic backgrounds. What has become abundantly clear to me, especially since working within a Telehealth format which reaches people far and wide, is that no matter where we are from we all have in common the needs for purpose, meaning and value in our lives. Those who have worked with me on BetterHelp know that I pay close attention to words, love metaphors, and use humor when it is appropriate to do so. My style is warm and actively engaging and my approach pulls from various sources including solution-focused, dialectical behavior, narrative, and experiential therapies. I can't believe it has been 4 years already since I joined BH. I have developed a model "in honor" of this milestone. I hope it brings clarity to you as to how I may approach your situation. I look forward to meeting you: Joy’s CHIPS Model© … Chipping away at human problems Cognitive Distortions - checking in on narratives Communication - listening vs hearing Comparisons - soul killer Compassion - Kindness towards Self? Others? Regret & Resentments Context - environment, culture, religion, health Control - can/can’t (anxiety/panic, codependency, addictions) Healthy Distractions - Skills & Tools Honesty - transparency Humility - gratitude? narcissism? I - Am I making it all about me? codependency? narcissism? I - Interpretations & Assumptions Patience Paying Attention - and Mindfulness Petrified - including fear of feeling better Physical - health, including its cause for MH issues Projection - onto others & forecasting Proof - of assumptions Purpose Self-Awareness Self-Sabotage Substances Support System "Don't cling to a mistake just because you spent a lot of time making it." ― Aubrey de Grey “To live a creative life, we must lose our fear of being wrong.” ~ Joseph Chilton Pearce

Dr. Brenda Bridges has spent her life using her own personal and career experiences to help individuals overcome challenges and stressors. Dr. Bridges has vast experience in PTSD, Military Culture, and treating Mental Illnesses. Dr. Bridges is able to genuinely provide support and hope, especially when their life seem to be more than they can handle. As the Marines veteran, she knows how post-traumatic stress can affect every facet of one’s life as well as the lives of their loved ones. While her focus is on veteran care, she also provides services for children, teenagers, adults , couples and families who are dealing with traumatic situations of their own. I have worked with clients with a wide range of concerns including depression, anxiety, relationship issues, parenting problems, career challenges. I also helped many people who have experienced physical trauma or emotional abuse. My counseling style is warm and interactive. I believe in treating anyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion, and I don't believe in stigmatizing labels. My approach combines cognitive-behavioral, humanistic, psychodynamic and rational-emotive counseling. I will tailor our dialog and treatment plan to meet your unique and specific needs. Dr. Bridges has experience in many modalities and is trained in EMDR. Dr. Bridges knows there is no single approach that works for everyone, so she continues to educate herself on emerging therapies and psychological trends to provide the most comprehensive program that works for each of her client’s individual needs. Dr. Bridges received her education at Argosy University, earning her Doctorates in Counseling Psychology. Dr. Bridges earned her Masters with Brandman University Clinical Psychology with emphasis in Marriage & Family Therapy. She also holds a Bachelor’s in Social Psychology from Park University.

My name is Alyssa Vida and I'm a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT#96704). I’m so glad you’ve made the decision to start personal therapy through BetterHelp. Not only is therapy a wonderful opportunity for problem solving, but it can also serve as a catalyst for personal growth and improved quality of life. I strongly believe most problems have solutions and sometimes all it takes is a fresh perspective. I also believe that you are the “expert of you,” meaning you know yourself best. My approach is collaborative, so I will let you set the agenda for each session. As we work together we will discuss your current challenges as well as barriers to your goals, and we will use this increased insight to develop attainable solutions that work for you. I most often utilize a "client-centered approach" but draw heavily from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Solution Focused, and Family Systems frameworks. My ultimate goal will be for you to leave each session feeling more capable, confident, and empowered to make changes. My main job will be to assist you with setting goals for yourself and identifying any unhelpful thoughts/ patterns of behavior which are getting in the way of you leading the life you’d like to lead. I will also help you to identify more personal strengths and teach you coping skills for stressors as they arise. As a Licensed Marriage Family Therapist, I'm trained to work with individuals, couples, family units, and children. I have vast experience in the field of counseling and have been fortunate to work in a variety of settings ranging from community mental health, to private practice, to school-based, and most recently, for the military. I hold a Masters degree in Clinical Psychology from Azusa Pacific University and a special certification in Trauma Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT). I'm passionate about empowering individuals with tools for self advocacy, problem solving, increased self awareness, and resiliency, and look forward to working with you! Specialties: Anger Management Anxiety, Stress, and Depression Autism Spectrum Disorders Crisis Intervention Domestic Violence Family Systems Special Needs/ Social Skills Trauma Treatment Approach/ Orientation: Trauma Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT) Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) Solution Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT) Strength Based

Hi there! My name is Alexis, I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) in the state of California. I have been working as a mental health professional since 2016 in a non-profit setting with individuals from all different walks of life. Much of my experience conducting therapy includes providing individual and family therapy, in-office and online, in an outpatient setting. I have worked with and am comfortable working with clients presenting with depression, anxiety, relationship and parenting issues, teen concerns, and a wide range of challenges including grief/loss, insomnia, trauma, abuse, behavioral issues, as well as personal growth, adjustment issues, and crisis. I am trained and competent in working with folks who have experienced homelessness, chronic or severe trauma, or have self injurious thoughts or behaviors. My hope for our therapeutic relationship is to meet you "where you are". I am a believer that you are the expert of your own life and therefore should play the leading role in decision making. When working with clients I often use modalities such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Solution Focused Therapy (SFT), and Motivational Interviewing (MI), however I also use Narrative approaches and mindfulness techniques. My hope is to support others in finding what makes their life worth living. I strive to create a safe, non-judgmental, and supportive space so that you are able to work through challenging situations, emotions, or behaviors. You are not alone! My Educational Credentials include: - Licensed by the State of California, Board of Behavioral Sciences (BBS) - Alliant International University Masters in Marriage and Family Therapy To further my education I am regularly seeking trainings, seminars, and conferences to expand my knowledge and expertise. I love to read and explore new topics to better serve my clients. I look forward to starting this journey with you!

I am warm, down-to-earth, intuitive, and often humorous in my approach. My work is highly relational, and is informed by the use of mindfulness, attachment theory, parts work, as well Depth Psychology. I focus not only on the obvious symptoms, but also existential issues and the unconscious. Taking each client’s unique experiences and needs into account, I tailor my approach to meet you where you are, providing a deeply non-judgmental, spacious, yet practical therapeutic container. I have two MA degrees: one in East-West Psych and one in Counseling Psych.

I am licensed in California with 7 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with family conflicts & parenting issues. I have experience in helping neurologically diverse clients, including but not limited to those on the Autism spectrum, Down's Syndrome, and ADHD/ADD. 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 am licensed in California and Arizona with over 20 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, coping with addictions, relationship issues, & family conflicts. 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 as you transcend to new levels of insight. **Currently only accepting clients with Men's Issues and LGBTQIA+ members**

I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, licensed in California and Georgia with 19 years of professional experience. I currently serve a broad spectrum of clients. Among my areas of expertise are trauma, abuse, anxiety, stress, relationship issues, co-dependency and self-esteem. I am an interactive therapist. My therapeutic approach is to provide support and practical feedback to help clients effectively address personal life challenges. I integrate complementary methodologies and techniques to offer a highly personalized approach tailored to each client. With compassion and understanding, I work with each individual to help them build on their strengths and attain the personal growth they are committed to accomplishing. Today you are one step closer to a new you where you feel empowered and on a positive path to growth and well-being. I understand that taking the first step toward seeking support is a significant decision, and I am here to guide you on your journey. While we can’t change difficult situations of the past, we can work together to better understand and resolve challenges in your life. Whether you are looking for extra support and guidance through a challenging situation or you’re just ready to move in a new direction in your life, I look forward to working with you to achieve your goals.

I am a licensed psychologist in the states of Washington and California with over 30 years of professional work experience. I am also a member of PSYPACT. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, coping with addictions, relationship concerns, and dealing with life changes. While my approach utilizes Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy (REBT) and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) techniques, I'm primarily a Client-Centered psychologist. 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 step toward a change. I am here to support and empower you in that journey.

Hello, and thank you for choosing BetterHelp for your therapy needs. I am Dr. Paul Fernandez. I have been a licensed therapist and psychologist for more than 30+ years. I have spent my career concentrating on providing mental health services to the Latino/Hispanic community in Southern California, with a special emphasis in substance abuse, addiction recovery, anxiety/stress, depression, and anger management. In my thirty years of experience providing mental health services, I have found that I match best with other members of the Spanish-speaking Latino community. I have tailored my mental health practice to provide therapy from a spiritual, Latino perspective that concentrates on the unique cultural issues faced by the Hispanic community. However, I am open and eager to work with anyone needing help and assistance. I try to provide a very non-judgmental, safe environment where you can feel secure in discussing any issues that you feel are most important to be addressed in your life. Hola y gracias por elegir BetterHelp para sus necesidades de terapia. Soy el Dr. Pablo Fernández. He sido terapeuta y psicólogo autorizado durante más de 30 años. He pasado mi carrera concentrándome en brindar servicios de salud mental a la comunidad latina/hispana en el sur de California, con especial énfasis en abuso de sustancias, recuperación de adicciones, ansiedad/estrés, depresión y manejo de la ira. En mis treinta años de experiencia brindando servicios de salud mental, he descubierto que coincido mejor con otros miembros de la comunidad latina de habla hispana. He adaptado mi práctica de salud mental para brindar terapia desde una perspectiva latina espiritual que se concentra en los problemas culturales únicos que enfrenta la comunidad hispana. Sin embargo, estoy abierto y dispuesto a trabajar con cualquiera que necesite ayuda y asistencia. Intento brindar un entorno seguro y sin prejuicios donde usted pueda sentirse seguro al discutir cualquier tema que considere más importante abordar en su vida.