Living in fear all the time is no way to live. Being afraid to go outside or talk to anyone can make some people have a panic attack. This can be a sign of social anxiety disorder or another type of mental health condition and you can find out how to deal with it from one of the therapists based in Benicia. 

The town of Benicia, California is in the San Francisco Bay area and much of the community spends lots of time at the beach, sunning, swimming, fishing, or camping. However, those who have an anxiety disorder does not want to be around other people and crowds can cause a major meltdown. Talk to a Benicia counselor today to start feeling better tomorrow. 

This is Leonard Burns's avatar and link to their profile

Leonard Burns

Clinical therapist offering therapy in CA, Benicia
Counselor License Type(s): M.A. LMFT
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesFamily conflictsTrauma and abuseGrief
33 years of experience

I have been a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in California since 1990. My background includes a combination of family systems and psychodynamic approaches, seasoned with many years of experience. What I have come to understand over the years is that the bedrock of successful psychotherapy is a strong, honest relationship between therapist and client. Only upon this foundation of trust is change possible.     I have many years of experience assisting clients in recovering from complex PTSD, anxiety, depression, relationship issues, cancer survivorship, and finding peace with identity in a world that is often unkind to those whose lifestyles would not be described as traditional. I know from my personal journey that change is possible, while often difficult and terrifying. If you are ready to commit to the journey, I am here to be at your side along the rocky path.

Get started View profile
This is Sherry Farrell's avatar and link to their profile

Sherry Farrell

Clinical therapist offering therapy in CA, Benicia
Counselor License Type(s): LMFT
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesFamily conflictsTrauma and abuseDepression
6 years of experience

My name is Sherry Farrell. I am a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in California. I earned a bachelor's degree from San Francisco State University in Clinical Psychology and went on to earn a Masters in Counseling Psychology from the University of San Francisco. My story is unique in that I worked in the field of psychology for roughly 5 years and then turned to teaching young people while raising my own children. This allowed me to gain a broad understanding of how children and families operate in a clinical, educational and social setting. I am now prepared to take that knowledge and apply it once again toward my work with clients. I have provided therapy in a clinic, alternative and mainstream school setting. In my work with children, I have helped those struggling with Conduct Disorder, ADHD, depression, social isolation, anxiety, suicide ideation, abuse and family stress. I have worked with couples and families facing addiction, infidelity, parenting challenges, mood disorders, physical challenges and divorce. My work with individuals mainly dealt with anxiety, depression, PTSD, OCD, and navigating life transitions. In session I rely on a variety of therapeutic techniques and styles which include Solution Focused, Client Centered, Narrative, Motivational, Existential and Cognitive Behavioral therapy. I thoroughly enjoy getting to know every client I meet on a deep level. I value creating a relationship built on compassion, understanding, safety and respect. I believe my role is to meet clients where they are and work as a team to process difficulties and create strategies that will lead to positive, lasting change. Seeking therapy can bring up feelings of fear and uncertainty. Once you make that first step, you are embarking on a journey of self discovery that will allow us to work as a team to move from a place of stress and discomfort to one of hope, relief and enduring change. I can't wait to meet you! Years of clinical experience: 5

Get started View profile
This is Jillianne Boyd's avatar and link to their profile

Jillianne Boyd

Clinical therapist offering therapy in CA, Benicia
Counselor License Type(s): MS, LMFT
Stress, AnxietyLGBTRelationship issuesTrauma and abuseGrief
16 years of experience

Hello, I am Jillianne Paladino Boyd and I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. Therapy is a unique journey for each individual and I consider it an honor to assist you in your voyage of self-discovery. I support my clients with empathy and caring, having compassion to walk through pain and darkness with you. Exploring hope, connection and purpose can be an important part of improving self-awareness and the relationships around you. I come from a humanistic approach to assist individuals in developing a strong sense of self and healing from past trauma. Using strength-based approaches, I want to assist you in developing coping and increasing a sense of inner peace and harmony. We will work together to prioritize your goals to fit your values and beliefs. My Specialties Include: Trauma Shame/Guilt Veterans/Military Families Substance Use Disorders Relationship issues Anxiety Depression Grief For Trauma treatment I use Mindfulness techniques and Trauma Release Exercises.

Get started View profile
This is Rosa Ogas's avatar and link to their profile

Rosa Ogas

Clinical therapist offering therapy in CA, Benicia
Counselor License Type(s): LCSW
Stress, AnxietyParenting issuesSelf esteemDepression
17 years of experience

I am an experienced Licensed Clinical Social Worker with over 15 years of experience in a variety of social work settings. I am experienced and trained to work within multicultural communities, facilitating problem resolution, providing behavioral intervention services, and working with all age groups. I am bicultural and speak fluent Spanish. I have experience and understanding of issues related to acculturation, acculturation guilt, and family systems issues. I have experience providing therapy using cognitive behavioral therapy, client centered therapy and trauma focused therapy dialectical behavioral therapy as well as mindfulness therapy and interventions to support clients. I have supported clients with a variety of issues related to anxiety, depression, self-injurious behaviors, post traumatic stress disorder, parenting and impulse control issues. I provide a strength based approach to therapy and am able to support clients to build and develop tools to help them better cope with the issues that bring them to therapy.

Get started View profile
This is Bonnie Yoo's avatar and link to their profile

Bonnie Yoo

Clinical therapist offering therapy in CA, Benicia
Stress, AnxietyGriefDepressionCoping with life changes
12 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 12 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, trauma and abuse, cancer journey, recovery after cancer, coping with grief and loss, & 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!

Get started View profile
This is Chelsy Duffer-Dunbar's avatar and link to their profile

Chelsy Duffer-Dunbar

Clinical therapist offering therapy in CA, Benicia
Stress, AnxietyGriefParenting issuesSelf esteemDepression
7 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 7 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, coping with grief and loss, parenting issues, & 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.

Get started View profile
This is Dr. Thomas Browne PhD's avatar and link to their profile

Dr. Thomas Browne PhD

Clinical therapist offering therapy in CA, Benicia
Stress, AnxietyFamily conflictsTrauma and abuseDepressionCoaching
25 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 25 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, family conflicts, trauma and abuse, & depression. I work with my clients to create an open and safe environment where thoughts and feelings can be shared without fear of judgment. It takes courage to seek out a more fulfilling and happier life and to take the first steps towards a change. I am here to support & empower you in that journey.

Get started View profile
This is Hong Zhang's avatar and link to their profile

Hong Zhang

Clinical therapist offering therapy in CA, Benicia
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesTrauma and abuseGriefParenting issues
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, relationship issues, trauma and abuse, & coping with grief and loss. 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.

Get started View profile
This is Elizabeth Kotkin's avatar and link to their profile

Elizabeth Kotkin

Clinical therapist offering therapy in CA, Benicia
Counselor License Type(s): LMFT
AddictionsTrauma and abuseGriefSelf esteemDepression
35 years of experience

My name is Beth Kotkin. I am a Licensed Marriage and Family therapist in New York and California with more than 30 years experience. I spent half of my career in the San Francisco Bay area, working with families impacted by alcohol and drug issues, as well as trauma survivors and those with depression. I also specialize in inner child work and those who struggle with codependency and family of origin issues. I trained with John Bradshaw and designed and directed one of his programs in the Bay Area. I moved back to my home town of NYC in 2009 and have been working with clients in both New York and California since then. I would describe my approach as warm, empathic and collaborative. I will listen to your needs in a nonjudgemental atmosphere, and tailor my approach to meet what works for you individually. I utilize a motivational approach with an emphasis on finding mutually agreed-upon goals and solutions. I am focused on providing counseling to individuals and families who are touched by alcohol, drug or other addictive problems. I also specialize in treatment for abuse and trauma survivors. I have experience with adults in a supportive strength-based trauma-informed approach. My specialties include depression, grief, anxiety, drug and alcohol abuse and recovery, codependency, survivors of abuse and trauma, and healing the inner child.

Get started View profile
This is Tyson Smith's avatar and link to their profile

Tyson Smith

Clinical therapist offering therapy in CA, Benicia
Stress, AnxietyLGBTRelationship issuesAnger managementDepression
10 years of experience

I am licensed in Utah with 10 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, lgbt-related issues, relationship issues, & anger management. I work with my clients to create an open and safe environment where thoughts and feelings can be shared without fear of judgment. It takes courage to seek out a more fulfilling and happier life and to take the first steps towards a change. I am here to support & empower you in that journey.

Get started View profile

How to find a therapist for counseling in Benicia

Finding the best therapist close by in Benicia 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 with therapists in Benicia that work best for you in order to begin your personal journey towards emotional healing with a therapist.

Understanding the type of therapy you'd like to search for is crucial before finding a therapist or psychologist in Benicia. Perhaps you're interested in narrowing your search for a psychotherapist that can offer psychodynamic, cognitive-behavioral (CBT), talk therapy, provide group therapy, marriage and family therapy for individuals or couples, or couples therapy. Each type of support of this kind with BetterHelp therapists can offer various benefits and address or treat different disorders. If you're still unsure or are new to counseling in Benicia, 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 for therapists. 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 able to treat individuals and couples counseling, and sometimes children, in any type of therapy in the Benicia region and in the state of California. Find a therapist under any of these distinctions and know that the sessions they offer can provide a safe place to heal.

A mental health counselor working through their own in-person therapy practice in Benicia or online may assist clients in improving healthy relationships, communication skills, working through life transitions, couples counseling, managing a mood disorder, improving coping skills, self help tips, offer life coaching, family therapy, or change in negative thinking patterns. A Benicia therapist may also provide a safe place and validation for clients experiencing emotional pain, or that simply want a psychological assessment. Verified providers and therapists 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 Benicia area offering:

  • CBT
  • DBT
  • Substance use therapy
  • Couples therapy

When you're ready to start your search keep in mind what support 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 Benicia, elsewhere in Solano, or in the greater state of California. Get matched with one of the therapists working on the BetterHelp platform today.

Frequently asked questions (FAQs) about therapists and mental health services

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

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

The average price of an in-person therapy session in the US with most therapists is $100 to $200 per hour. These prices may be higher in Benicia due to a higher cost of living, and a limited number of therapists taking new clients. 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 Benicia 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 a BetterHelp therapist throughout the state of California you can expect significantly more affordable options, with therapists sessions ranging from $65 to $100 per week (billed every four weeks). 

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

Therapists in Benicia, 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. Therapists 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, therapists here 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 Benicia psychiatrists to prescribe a drug or medication as treatment, or perform psychological assessments and other psychiatric services.

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

BetterHelp clinicians and therapists treat clients online across the United States (individuals and couples) through life transitions, inner child exploration, long term depression or anxiety, post traumatic stress disorder, and more. An online mental health professional, including the therapists in Benicia 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 helping individuals on topics including managing life transitions, symptoms affecting sexual health, behavioral health, coping skills for anxiety, depression, trauma, stress, marriage counseling, and more. Get matched today.

What mental health issues can psychotherapy address with the help of psychologists?

BetterHelp's verified 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.

Our therapists specialties on BetterHelp include:

  • Cognitive behavioral therapy - This is provided by professional counselors, helping clients identify and change negative thought patterns through structured sessions.
  • Behavior therapy - Behavior therapy techniques are used to help clients modify harmful behaviors and develop healthier habits, often through the guidance of a professional counselor.
  • EMDR therapy - EMDR therapists assist clients in processing traumatic memories to alleviate emotional distress and improve overall well-being, utilizing the expertise of a professional counselor.
  • Talk therapy - Clients explore their feelings and develop strategies for dealing with various mental health issues, often guided by a professional counselor.
  • Depression - This counseling is designed to help individuals manage symptoms of depression and improve their mood and functioning, often working closely with a professional counselor.
  • Anxiety disorders - Sessions for anxiety disorders, offer strategies to manage and reduce anxiety symptoms effectively, often through counseling sessions with a professional counselor.
  • Stress - Tools and techniques to help clients cope with stress and improve their mental resilience, frequently under the supervision of a professional counselor.
  • Eating disorders - Professionals experienced in eating disorders offer specialized counseling to address unhealthy eating patterns and body image issues, with the support of a professional counselor.
  • Grief - Support and guidance are offered to clients experiencing grief, helping them navigate the stages of loss, often in collaboration with a counselor.
  • Attachment therapy - Therapists use this to help clients understand and improve their emotional bonds and relationships, often with the assistance of a counselor.
  • Relationships - Therapists work with clients to improve communication, resolve conflicts, and strengthen their connections with others, often using the skills of a counselor.
  • Children, adolescents, and teens - Therapists specializing in youth therapy address the unique mental health needs of children, adolescents, and teens, often involving a counselor in the process.
  • Addiction (substance abuse) - Therapists offer counseling for addiction, helping clients overcome substance abuse and maintain long-term recovery, often under the guidance of a counselor.
  • Divorce - Therapists support individuals through the emotional and practical challenges of ending a marriage, often working with a psychologist to provide comprehensive care.
  • Trauma or PTSD - Therapists specializing in trauma and PTSD help clients process traumatic experiences and reduce their symptoms, frequently collaborating with a psychologist.
  • Bipolar disorder - Therapists provide counseling to manage the mood swings and challenges associated with bipolar disorder, often in consultation with a psychologist.
  • Psychodynamic treatment - Therapists use psychodynamic treatment to explore unconscious processes and how they affect current behavior, often guided by psychologists.
  • Career counseling - Therapists assist clients in making informed decisions about their professional paths and resolving work-related issues, often with the help of psychologists.
  • Alcohol use disorders - Therapists offer specialized counseling to help clients manage and overcome alcohol use disorders, frequently under the supervision of psychologists.
  • OCD - Therapists provide strategies and support to manage obsessive-compulsive disorder symptoms, often via psychotherapy.
  • ADHD - Therapists offer counseling to help clients with ADHD improve focus, organization, and overall functioning, often via psychotherapy.
  • Mood disorders - Therapists work with clients to stabilize and improve mood through various therapeutic approaches, frequently in psychotherapy.
  • Sex addiction
  • Complex trauma
  • Life transitions

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 Benicia provider through BetterHelp's sister platform, ReGain, which is dedicated to couples and spouses worldwide with licensed therapists. 

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

One of the potentially rewarding aspects of working with a Benicia 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 and therapists are trained to respond to various concerns, symptoms, and mental health conditions.

Therapists 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 Benicia 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 Benicia 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 psychotherapist.

With a lot of people in CA, therapists may be booked out with clients. Through the list of profiles or therapists 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 94510 or the surrounding zip codes, consider others available through the BetterHelp site where you can schedule a session based on your and the therapist's schedule. No matter if you are seeking help from therapists in your area or beyond, online therapy can be a great option.

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

Before seeing your Benicia therapist, prep for your session by reading to understand the 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, you can let our therapists know if you have any concerns or feel unsure about what to talk about. Benicia therapists here may help guide you with open-ended therapeutic questions while offering mental health services. 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 for therapy 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 it might entail. Although psychologists often support people with mental health conditions, you do not need a diagnosis or specific condition. You can discuss grief, relationship concerns, stress, or life changes and ask for general feedback. A Benicia 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 with a Benicia counselor 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 that a counselor can help with.

Is mental health care and therapy with a therapist worth it?

Therapy with a licensed counselor 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 therapist 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 Benicia, 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.

Benicia has many clinicians who practice person or client-centered individual therapy in-person and through online sessions 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 during telehealth appointments?

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 for Benicia, California

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 Benicia 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 to customer service 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 Benicia.

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

94510

Popular cities near Benicia, CA

Find the right therapist for your needs
Match with a qualified therapist