In El Centro, CA, people seeking mental health services can find mental health professionals who specialize in fostering emotional growth. Through therapy sessions, clients can learn to pay attention to the thoughts that drive their personal belief systems and their emotional responses to daily situations. A therapist will know how to help the client feel safe and comfortable opening up in sessions. 

A therapist can help clients make positive changes in their lives by using solution-focused therapy methods that help foster self-awareness. Psychologists and licensed therapists also work with people who have lived a traumatic life experience, who experience depressive disorders, and who struggle with substance use disorders to help them cope with symptoms and live a fulfilling life. 

A licensed therapist will have completed a bachelor’s degree and a master’s degree, and will have acquired a license to practice in the state in which they reside and work. Whether you’re looking for family counseling services, couples counseling, or individual psychotherapy, if you’re looking to connect with a licensed therapist, El Centro, CA has options. 

You may be an ideal candidate for therapy if you are feeling anxious or experiencing emotional pain and want to find ways to cope. 

The following licensed therapists, counselors, psychologists, and social workers offer internet-based mental healthcare in El Centro, CA. To learn more about a therapist, open their profile to read about their experience, areas of expertise, and licensure.

This is Dr. Laura Thoreson's avatar and link to their profile

Dr. Laura Thoreson

Clinical therapist offering therapy in CA, El Centro
Counselor License Type(s): PsyD,MTh
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesGriefSelf esteemCoping with life changes
11 years of experience

Thank you for taking the time to review my profile! I am honored to be a part of the BetterHelp therapist site. There are many talented therapists to choose from and this decision is an important one. Hopefully the information provided below will help your decision making process. I earned a doctorate in clinical psychology and a masters in theology. My education and clinical experiences have introduced me to a crucial question: what does it mean to be human? Being human incorporates emotions, behaviors, thoughts, spirituality, relationships, and physical health. It is impossible to divorce these aspects of humanity from each other, although at times it may appear desirable to do so. Growing in understanding of how these pieces of humanity interact and impact each other is important in improving: stress management, communication and interaction with loved ones, pain management, adjusting to life changes, grieving, identity development, and personal growth. The training and professional experience I have received focuses in 3 areas: health and clinical psychology, and spirituality. Health: chronic pain, insomnia, hypersomnia, fatigue, weight loss, medication/ treatment compliance, and cancer diagnosis/treatment. Clinical: depression, anxiety, grief/loss, change/transition, stress management, marital/couples concerns, identity changes, and body image concerns. Spirituality: understanding the role of suffering, seeking renewal in spiritual journey, desiring spiritual community, pursuing an intimate spiritual relationship, healing from spiritual community wounds, and spiritual practices/disciplines. I look forward to the opportunity to meet you and come alongside you in your pursuit of support, growth, and transformation!

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This is Ida Whitaker's avatar and link to their profile

Ida Whitaker

Clinical therapist offering therapy in CA, El Centro
Counselor License Type(s): MA,LMFT- CA,LMFT- MT
AddictionsRelationship issuesTrauma and abuseAnger managementADHD
8 years of experience

I am a 2017 graduate from Azusa Pacific University; with my MA in Psychology- Marriage and Family Therapy and have been working in my field for the last 8 years. I am licensed as a LMFT in both California and Montana. I have conducted individual and group therapy in office and online, with my main focus on outpatient treatment settings with clients who have a wide range of concerns including: Depression, Drug & Alcohol Addition, Chronic Homelessness, Veteran and Military related issues, Relationship problems, Parenting concerns, and Childhood related trauma. Education Credentials Include: Licensed by the State of California, Board of Behavioral Sciences (BBS) Licensed by the State of Montana, Board of Behavioral Health (BBH) Trauma Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy- Behavioral Heath Services (BHS) San Diego Substance Abuse Training- Palomar Family Counseling Service, INC. Emotional Focused Therapy: Triage, Alliant International University San Diego I feel honored to be part of your healing process without judgement. I am here for you and thank you for entrusting me with sensitive situations to help work through your most personal issues. You're Courageous and I look forward to working with you as a team.

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This is Dr. Carole Matlen's avatar and link to their profile

Dr. Carole Matlen

Clinical therapist offering therapy in CA, El Centro
Counselor License Type(s): PhD
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesTrauma and abuseIntimacy-related issuesEating disorders
20 years of experience

I am a licensed clinical psychologist in California for over 20 years . I have a teaching and ministry background that I also bring to help you. I have worked in many different clinical settings that affords me a wide, accepting, thoughtful view of helping people. I have a commitment to helping in the areas of increased levels of anger, anxiety and depression, eating disorders, body dysmorphia, women independence and empowerment, domestic violence (men as well as women as victims), grieving and loss, family dysfunction (conflict resolution, isolation and abandonment, parenting problems ), sexual abuse, emotional and physical trauma, and relationship issues (separation, divorce, death of a spouse). My way of helping is to foster your strengths and self confidence. I have used Cognitive Behavioral (" here and now" reality based) , Humanistic (client-centered) , Psychodynamic( your beginning emotional roots), Mindfulness, Trauma Focused Therapy , Existential Therapy approaches in a combined way that "suits just you." I look forward to working with you , as a team, to help make your life much better!

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This is Kristen Edmonston's avatar and link to their profile

Kristen Edmonston

Clinical therapist offering therapy in CA, El Centro
Counselor License Type(s): LCSW
Stress, AnxietySelf esteemDepressionCoping with life changes
19 years of experience

Hello and Welcome, Thank you for taking the time to read about who I am and how I might be able to help you. You have taken the first step to feeling better. The process of therapy can alleviate many life stressors. I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with over 20 years of experience in the field. I received my degree from the University of California, Berkeley and have had a therapy practice since 2007. Since 2001, I have worked with schools as a Director of Mental Health support for the public schools. The most essential component in therapy is the alignment between therapist and client. I provide a warm, supportive, nonjudgemental space that allows people to open up and share. Having been in the field for a long time, I believe essentially there are no issues that can not be helped with a strong therapeutic environment. I have worked with many issues over the years including, anxiety, depression, other mood disorders, grief/loss, relationship and identity stressors. Each person is a unique individual with unique strengths and challenges. I get to know each and every person and work in collaboration with you to alleviate your stressors. “Anything that’s human is mentionable, and anything that is mentionable can be more manageable. When we can talk about our feelings, they become less overwhelming, less upsetting, and less scary. The people we trust with that important talk can help us know that we are not alone.”― Fred Rogers

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This is Sandra Perry's avatar and link to their profile

Sandra Perry

Clinical therapist offering therapy in CA, El Centro
Counselor License Type(s): MS, LMFT, AAMFT Approved Supervisor
Relationship issuesFamily conflictsTrauma and abuseGriefParenting issues
21 years of experience

I am a marriage and family therapist licensed in the state of North Carolina. I have worked for eighteen years in the area of mental health, in which the role of family relationships is central. I have worked with clients on a wide range of issues including childhood trauma, behavioral and emotional disorders, anxiety, divorce, domestic violence, parenting, family conflict, loss, and grief to name a few. Open communication is very important to the successful outcome of therapy. You will be encouraged to discuss your issues in a safe and caring environment, in order to develop strategies and skills to reach your goals and cope with difficult situations. A counseling plan will be highly specific to your needs. I look forward to working with you!

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This is Lara Justice's avatar and link to their profile

Lara Justice

Clinical therapist offering therapy in CA, El Centro
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesTrauma and abuseSelf esteemDepression
21 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 21 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 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.

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This is Christian Butler's avatar and link to their profile

Christian Butler

Clinical therapist offering therapy in CA, El Centro
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsRelationship issuesFamily conflictsDepression
12 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 12 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. 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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This is Richelle Rojas-Basuil's avatar and link to their profile

Richelle Rojas-Basuil

Clinical therapist offering therapy in CA, El Centro
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesTrauma and abuseSelf esteemDepression
3 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 7 years of professional work experience working with adolescents in school settings, and experience with crisis intervention, at-risk youth, and youth who have struggled with anxiety, social anxiety, depression, and trauma. I have 3 years of experience providing individual and group therapy. I maintain a nonjudgmental and trauma-informed approach when working with you. I am here to support you with where you are at in this process of meeting your goals and to learn your hopes for therapy.

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This is Megan Murphy's avatar and link to their profile

Megan Murphy

Clinical therapist offering therapy in CA, El Centro
Trauma and abuseGriefCareer difficultiesDepressionADHD
7 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 6 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with trauma and abuse, coping with grief and loss, career difficulties, & 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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This is Randi Halcon's avatar and link to their profile

Randi Halcon

Clinical therapist offering therapy in CA, El Centro
Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseSelf esteemDepressionCoping with life changes
12 years of experience

Hello, I am Randi and I have been helping people work through life challenges since 2012. I received my Masters Degree in Marriage and Family Therapy from California Lutheran University. Most of my experience comes from working with adults as they navigate symptoms of depression, anxiety, addiction, trauma, relationship challenges or just wanting to become a better version of themselves. I view therapy as a collaborative relationship where I am helping people find resolution in their current struggles. I approach therapy as a place where we can work together to reach goals that are established early on in therapy. I utilize a person centered approach in session combined with various therapy modalities including CBT, Solution Focused, Motivational Interviewing and EMDR. Using these interventions and modalities in session we will work towards gaining insight and better coping skills that will help achieve therapy goals and extend new methods of coping towards better functioning for the future. When you leave sessions with me my hope is that you have better insight, tools to help decrease any negative feelings, and feel more confident in your ability to manage challenges that life throws our way.

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How to find a therapist for counseling in El Centro

Finding the best therapist close by in El Centro 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 El Centro 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 El Centro. 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 El Centro, 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 El Centro 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 El Centro 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 El Centro 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 El Centro 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 El Centro, elsewhere in Imperial, 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 El Centro 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 El Centro 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 El Centro 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 El Centro 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 El Centro online therapy platform verified?

Therapists in El Centro, 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 El Centro 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 El Centro 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 El Centro 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 El Centro?

One of the potentially rewarding aspects of working with a El Centro 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 El Centro 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 El Centro 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 92243 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 El Centro counselor?

Before seeing your El Centro 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. El Centro 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 El Centro 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 El Centro 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 El Centro, 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.

El Centro 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 El Centro, 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 El Centro 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 El Centro.

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

92243, 92244

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