Therapy can be a way to find new beginnings, whether you’ve experienced trauma or are interested in career counseling to find your dream job. A therapist can offer a wide range of tools to improve communication, change behavior, manage stress, and achieve personal goals. 

When it comes to finding a therapist, Chico, CA may offer more opportunities than surrounding rural areas, but finding the right therapist can be more complicated than simply reaching out to the nearest clinic. One reason for this is that within the field of psychotherapy, there are many evidence-based therapeutic approaches that target different treatment goals. For example, a therapist that specializes in issues related to eating disorders may not be the right match for someone experiencing delusional behaviors. Just like traditional medicine, psychology has specialization. What you need may not be available nearby. 

This is where online therapy can help. BetterHelp is a platform that offers access to North Valley counseling professionals who specialize in a variety of modalities and have experience working with diverse populations. Simply fill out an online questionnaire and BetterHelp will match you with a therapist that meets your individual needs. And because therapeutic success can depend on your ability to feel comfortable sharing during sessions, if you need to switch therapists at any time you can do so at no additional cost. 

If you live in the Chico, CA area and are interested in learning more about how online therapy can help, whether you’re dealing with conflict, are interested in recovery from addiction, or want to focus on self-discovery, check out the profiles below. These California-licensed professionals can get you started on your mental health and wellness journey. 

This is Amoreena Berg's avatar and link to their profile

Amoreena Berg

Clinical therapist offering therapy in CA, Chico
Counselor License Type(s): LMFT
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesFamily conflictsSleeping disordersDepression
18 years of experience

I am a licensed MFT who has been in practice for over 15 years. I have extensive experience treating a wide variety of issues and psychological disorders from the most mild to the most severe. I work with adults and adolescents. My approach is warm, positive and compassionate. I can help you to achieve your personal goals, more effectively manage your emotions and stressors and develop strategies that will promote positive self-growth and lead you to and a more satisfying life. I have worked in a wide variety of settings in addition to my private practice including schools, residential homes and outpatient treatment facilities. My specialties include anxiety and depressive disorders, stress management, crisis counseling, grief counseling, and relationships. I believe the process of change through therapy should not only involve self-understanding and insight into the past, but beyond that it should also focus on helping clients to learn skills for present-time challenges. Therefore my approach helps clients to develop specific skills for thinking and acting in constructive ways. I am a proponent of therapist actively collaborating with a client to help him/her find ways to manage life better. I have a degree from UC Santa Barbara and a masters in psychology from Golden Gate University. In my spare time I enjoy photography, exercising, spending time with my family and dogs.

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Lauren Miller

Clinical therapist offering therapy in CA, Chico
Counselor License Type(s): LCSW
Stress, AnxietySelf esteemCareer difficultiesDepressionCoping with life changes
5 years of experience

Hello! Asking for help during a difficult time is not easy, so I want to make sure you feel comfortable, heard, respected, and cared for as you process whatever you need help with. I hope to help by creating a safe place to let you explore what you need to feel better now and in the future. I have my Master's in Social Work and am licensed in California and Texas. In a family treatment center, I worked with children, adolescents, and adults struggling with depression, anxiety, suicidal ideation, self-harm, and trauma/abuse. I've also helped adults struggling with developmental disabilities, substance abuse addictions, adjustment disorder, and other mental health challenges discover and reach long and short term personal, emotional, and professional goals. I am a client-centered counselor focused on helping you reach your personal therapeutic goals during our time together. I believe in the power of the therapeutic relationship to help individuals and couples become more self aware and work through challenges they struggle with independently. I am trained in cognitive behavioral therapy, solution focused therapy, mindfulness, and motivational interviewing techniques. These tools help many individuals understand what they want from therapy, and help us work together to get you where you want to be. We go at the pace that you are ready for and I will check in to ensure that you are feeling comfortable with the pace and progress all along this journey. You've taken a great step towards enhancing your emotional and mental health. I look forward to working on the next steps with you.

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Rachel Giles

Clinical therapist offering therapy in CA, Chico
Counselor License Type(s): LCSW
Stress, AnxietySelf esteemCareer difficultiesCoping with life changes
10 years of experience

I am a warm and accepting counselor licensed in California with 10 years of experience working with adults. I have worked with people who experience a wide range of concerns including anxiety, depression, relationship issues, life transitions, and career challenges in the nonprofit sector. I have a passion for working with people and believe deeply in working together to develop a healing place where growth, self- exploration, and change can happen. My style is accepting, nonjudgmental, and interactive. I believe change begins with curiosity and willingness to explore. I strive to create a safe, healing, and positive relationship and space. I combine various approaches to best meet the needs of each person I work with. My goal is to create a space that you feel safe to entrust me with your stories and experiences while we work towards growth, self- exploration, and your goals. Seeking help and creating change is not an easy task. I will be here with you to support, guide, challenge, and empower you during your journey. I look forward to working with you!

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Dr. Emily Eckstein

Clinical therapist offering therapy in CA, Chico
LGBTSelf esteemCareer difficultiesDepressionCoping with life changes
14 years of experience

I am licensed in the state of California with over 14 years of professional clinical experience as a therapist. I have expertise in supporting members in the LGBTQIA2S+ community, as well as clients experiencing depression, anxiety, parenting issues, career difficulties, & coping with life transitions. I work from a place in which I believe you are the expert of your story and that you have many strengths that will assist you in overcoming things that challenge you. 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 and am excited to get started!

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John Marman

Clinical therapist offering therapy in CA, Chico
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsTrauma and abuseSelf esteemCoping with life changes
6 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, coping with addictions, 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. 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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Linda Nugen

Clinical therapist offering therapy in CA, Chico
Stress, AnxietyGriefSelf esteemDepressionCoping with life changes
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, coping with grief and loss, motivation, self esteem, and confidence, & 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. Taking the first step to sign up for therapy can take courage and I am proud of you for getting started!

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Jesse Montes

Clinical therapist offering therapy in CA, Chico
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesTrauma and abuseDepression
16 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 15 years of professional work experience. I have helped many clients with stress, anxiety, depression, addictions, trauma, relationship problems, and anger management . 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.

This is Elizabeth Campos-Martinez's avatar and link to their profile

Elizabeth Campos-Martinez

Clinical therapist offering therapy in CA, Chico
GriefAnger managementSelf esteemDepressionCoping with life changes
6 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 6 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with coping with grief and loss, anger management, motivation, self esteem, and confidence, & 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. Taking the first step to seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process.

This is Amanda Van Dusen's avatar and link to their profile

Amanda Van Dusen

Clinical therapist offering therapy in CA, Chico
Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseDepression
7 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 7 years of professional work experience. 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.

This is Kathleen Lynch's avatar and link to their profile

Kathleen Lynch

Clinical therapist offering therapy in CA, Chico
Trauma and abuseGriefAnger managementCoping with life changesCompassion fatigue
29 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 29 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with trauma and abuse, coping with grief and loss, anger management, & coping with life changes. 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.

How to find a therapist for counseling in Chico

Finding the best therapist close by in Chico 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 Chico 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 Chico. 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 Chico, 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 Chico 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 Chico 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 Chico 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 Chico 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 Chico, elsewhere in Butte, 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 Chico 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 Chico 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 Chico 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 Chico 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 Chico online therapy platform verified?

Therapists in Chico, 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 Chico 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 Chico 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 Chico 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 Chico?

One of the potentially rewarding aspects of working with a Chico 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 Chico 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 Chico 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 95928 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 Chico counselor?

Before seeing your Chico 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. Chico 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 Chico 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 Chico 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 Chico, 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.

Chico 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 Chico, California

To stay up to date with BetterHelp's initiatives through their social channels, you can follow them on PinterestLinkedInInstagramTwitter, and Facebook. For mental health tips, check out the BetterHelp YouTube channel.

Take some time today to learn more about the team of Chico 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 Chico.

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

95926, 95927, 95928, 95929, 95973, 95976

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