If you’re looking for a therapist in Hayward, CA, consider an online platform like BetterHelp. BetterHelp has been making therapy more available for over a decade. After signing up, most people are matched with a mental health professional in less than 48 hours. You can attend sessions online from anywhere you have an internet connection and switch providers anytime for free until you find the right therapist. 

BetterHelp therapists use a person-centered approach and genuine warmth to help you learn the coping tools and new skills you need to deal with life challenges. Whether your present challenges include family conflict, low self-esteem, a lack of personal growth, or feeling stuck, a BetterHelp therapist located in the Castro Valley can help guide you through your new journey.

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Rebecca Hathorn

Clinical therapist offering therapy in CA, Hayward
Counselor License Type(s): LCSW
Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseSelf esteemDepressionCoping with life changes
17 years of experience

Hello! Welcome to Better Help. You are probably wondering how this can be helpful and/or how is is different than traditional therapy. I wondered the same thing when I was looking into it. Better Help provides a unique experience for someone who may need help but can't find the time that fits into a "normal" schedule, can't find a therapist that is a good fit or maybe someone who isn't ready to be face to face with a therapist but still wants a professional, outside perspective. My name is Rebecca Hathorn and I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in the state of California. I have been working in the helping profession for 26 years and have been a licensed therapist for 20. I spent many years working with foster youth, foster parents and biological parents. I have a great deal of experience working with transition age youth, ages 13-24, and specialize in depression, anxiety, trauma, stress related to work, school, family and relationships as well as grief and loss and attachment disruptions. I recognize the inequities in the world, especially as it relates to people of color and LGBTQ, and the amount of stress and trauma these can cause. I also have experience working with parents . I understand, first hand, the stress of being a working parent and how the anxiety that comes along with parenting impacts all aspects of your life. I believe that the most important aspect of "good therapy" is the relationship that is formed between therapist and client. It is important that you feel comfortable talking with your therapist about everything. In order to do this, you need to feel a sense of trust and genuine acceptance. I consider myself to be a therapist who is "real". I am able to support you in meeting your goals and coming to your own conclusions and I do this through listening and offering reflections and suggestions. You are welcome to message me anytime through Better Help. One of the many great things about this mode of therapy is the frequency with which you can have access to a therapist throughout the day. I usually check messages twice each day, seven days per week. At this time, I only offer messaging and live chat sessions. Please note that what you see in my calendar may not reflect my only availability so you always want to check that out with me through messaging first. I look forward to working with you!

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Merrill Tamiya Moreno

Clinical therapist offering therapy in CA, Hayward
Counselor License Type(s): LMFT,PPS
Relationship issues
16 years of experience

Relationship help is here! Hello, and thank you for stopping by in your search for support. Although I am a California Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT), I am practicing as a Relationship Coach on the Betterhelp platform. You will receive the same exact support and expertise from me as a licensed therapist, but since I only currently offer live messaging sessions with no diagnosing or formal treatment planning, on this platform I will solely be practicing as your Relationship Coach. Any questions about this? Don’t hesitate to ask! :) A little bit more about my professional background: I have 16 years of experience as a mental health provider. I am deeply rooted in a psychodynamic, insight-oriented approach, with a focus on relationships. As your coach, we will dive into uncovering subconscious messages and drives from early life and we will explore ways this has impacted your adult life and relationships in particular. Together we’ll develop insight into what’s really going on and figuring out the root causes behind those relationship obstacles or patterns you may wish to change. If this sounds like the type of coaching you would be interested in engaging in, I would be more than happy to join you on your journey!

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Kristin Green

Clinical therapist offering therapy in CA, Hayward
Counselor License Type(s): LCSW
Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseParenting issuesDepressionCoping with life changes
13 years of experience

Hello-thank you for reading my profile! I have been a Licensed Clinical Social Worker since 2009 and have been passionate about doing counseling/therapy since I was in college. Currently I am licensed in the state of CA and have been working in the field of mental health since graduating from UCLA with my M.S.W. in 2000. I truly believe in counseling as a tool to assist people in becoming more fulfilled, happier, less anxious, or whatever the client's goals may be. I believe counseling should be client-centered, focusing on their goals and desires, and I focus on the strengths of the person in order to help realize each person's full potential. It is the client's strength and self-determination that will guide the process, as I actively listen, ask questions that will help me to understand better, and provide a different perspective that may lead to insight by the client.

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Alaina Bigger

Clinical therapist offering therapy in CA, Hayward
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesFamily conflictsGriefDepression
14 years of experience

I am a nationally licensed Clinical Social Worker, but practice on the Board of Behavioral Science for California (LCSW) & Ohio (LISW) with 16 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, & coping with grief and loss. My therapeutic orientation/expertise lies within the modalities of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Psychodynamic, and Systemic Therapy. I enjoy working with the family, as well as with the individual client to provide a holistic approach to care. 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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Maura Callary

Clinical therapist offering therapy in CA, Hayward
AddictionsTrauma and abuseParenting issuesSelf esteemDepression
20 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 20 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with parenting issues, pregnancy and birth, dual diagnosis, addiction, anxiety, depression, autism, foster care, and the juvenile justice system. 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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Doreen Diego

Clinical therapist offering therapy in CA, Hayward
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsRelationship issuesDepressionCoping with life changes
25 years of experience

I am licensed in Texas with 25 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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Andrew Jones

Clinical therapist offering therapy in CA, Hayward
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesParenting issuesAnger managementDepression
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, moods, relationship issues, parenting issues, anger management & personality disorders. 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. At this time I am only accepting clients who are willing to do video sessions.

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Dr. LaQuista Erinna

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

I am licensed in New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Georgia, Connecticut, North Carolina, Massachusetts, California, and Georgia with over 8 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, 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. 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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Diane Wilson

Clinical therapist offering therapy in CA, Hayward
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesTrauma and abuseGriefSelf esteem
6 years of experience

I am licensed in California with almost seven 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, and codependency. 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!

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Jennifer Maland

Clinical therapist offering therapy in CA, Hayward
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesEating disordersDepressionCoping with life changes
14 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 20 years of professional experience in the mental health field, including 14 years providing therapy. I have experience in helping clients with eating disorders, relationship issues, depression, stress, and anxiety. I believe in treating everyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion. I will work collaboratively with you to tailor a treatment plan to meet your unique and specific needs. It takes courage to seek out a more fulfilling and happier life and to take the first steps towards a change. I am here to support & empower you in that journey.

How to find a therapist for counseling in Hayward

Finding the best therapist close by in Hayward 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 Hayward 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 Hayward. 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 Hayward, 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 Hayward 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 Hayward 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 Hayward 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 Hayward 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 Hayward, elsewhere in Alameda, 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 Hayward 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 Hayward 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 Hayward 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 Hayward 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 Hayward online therapy platform verified?

Therapists in Hayward, 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 Hayward 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 Hayward 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 Hayward 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 Hayward?

One of the potentially rewarding aspects of working with a Hayward 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 Hayward 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 Hayward 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 94542 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 Hayward counselor?

Before seeing your Hayward 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. Hayward 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 Hayward 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 Hayward 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 Hayward, 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.

Hayward 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 Hayward, 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 Hayward 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 Hayward.

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

94540, 94541, 94542, 94543, 94544, 94545, 94557

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