Huntington Beach, CA, also known as “Surf City,” is a mid-size beachside city with beautiful weather, surfing waves, and the beach culture that goes along with them. While a laid-back popular tourist destination doesn’t seem like a stressful place to be, people can be affected by mental health challenges in any environment. 

When it comes to finding a therapist, Huntington Beach, CA may be a better place than most, but even in a thriving city it’s not always easy to find the right therapist. The therapeutic process requires more than just getting a free consultation at the nearest clinic. Specific concerns may require certain types of therapy to be successfully treated, and the therapy you need may not be nearby. 

Online therapy through a platform like BetterHelp offers a wide variety of choices. BetterHelp has access to over 30,000 mental health providers who offer professional help for everything from treating mood disorders to offering guidance on building a more fulfilling life. So, whether you need a CBT practitioner, a substance use counselor, or a marriage/family therapist, simply fill out an online questionnaire and BetterHelp will match you to the therapist who best meets your needs. And because having a good rapport with your therapist can make all the difference in your success, if you need to change therapists you can do so at no additional cost. 

For many, online sessions are also a convenient option. Online sessions can fit easily into any schedule, and with video chat, phone, and text messaging options you can talk to your therapist in a safe, non-judgmental environment…your own home. Some people may not be ready to walk into an office environment to open up, and for those people online therapy can be a solution for getting the help they need while still feeling secure. 

If you’re in the Orange County or Newport Beach area and have been looking to start therapy, consider reaching out to BetterHelp. Therapy can help to resolve challenges, teach you to communicate more effectively with friends and family members, increase well-being and just help you to build a more fulfilling life in general.

 

This is Manisha Chulani's avatar and link to their profile

Manisha Chulani

Clinical therapist offering therapy in CA, Huntington Beach
Counselor License Type(s): MS, LMFT, PPS
Stress, AnxietyGriefParenting issuesSelf esteem
4 years of experience

Hi, My name is Manisha and I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist based out of California. My style of counseling is empathetic, non-judgmental, and patient. I feel our lives have patterns starting from childhood and I hope to uncover some of those patterns in your life. Also, we tend to live in a very fast past world and with a lot of images of how we should be. I try to help you uncover your true essence and for you to gain self compassion and love. It is to help you gain that secure sense of self. As a teenager, I used to like to go online and chat and I feel that virtual communication helps sometimes create that sense of safety which maybe harder when your meeting someone face to face and your anxiety might kick in. I utilize many modalities but I feel in a virtual platform, empathy, cognitive behavioral therapy, guided meditations, and solution focused is most applicable.

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Cynthia Rolf

Clinical therapist offering therapy in CA, Huntington Beach
Counselor License Type(s): LMFT
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesSelf esteemDepressionCoping with life changes
9 years of experience

I am a family and marriage counselor licensed in California with nine years of experience working as a psychotherapist. I have worked with clients with a wide range of concerns, including depression, anxiety, relationship issues, divorce/separation, phase of life issues, and family conflict. I have also helped many people who have experienced anger issues, physical trauma, and emotional abuse. My counseling style is warm and interactive. I believe in maintaining a secure and safe environment so anyone can express themselves. I treat everyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion, and I don't believe in stigmatizing labels. My approach combines humanistic, cognitive-behavioral, psychodynamic, and Jungian counseling. I will tailor our dialog and treatment plan to meet your unique and specific needs. I welcome you to a judgment-free zone that fosters self-discovery and personal growth utilizing an integrative approach tailored to your needs. I look forward to working with you!

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Holly Adema

Clinical therapist offering therapy in CA, Huntington Beach
Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseSelf esteemDepressionCoping with life changes
13 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 13 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, trauma and abuse, motivation, self esteem, and confidence, & depression. I believe in treating everyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion. I believe humans are resilient and capable of great change. It is my goal to offer an empowering, client-centered approach to therapy that is tailored to meet the needs of each individual. 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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Timothy Cunningham

Clinical therapist offering therapy in CA, Huntington Beach
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesSleeping disordersSelf esteemDepression
4 years of experience

My therapeutic approach aims to meet my clients where they are at with what they are struggling with. Whether that is stress, depression, anxiety, sleep related issues or motivation, the goal is improvement and tools to manage these issues. I look to provide support with the situations that are currently affecting client’s health and progress towards a better life and more positive future. I am trained in art therapy techniques as well as sleep healthcare. I excel in finding personal strengths, support and strategies to manage life’s difficulties in a non-judgmental, safe space. Your health is important, I hope to become a part of your journey towards the self you want to be.

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Gia Castiglia Schwarzer

Clinical therapist offering therapy in CA, Huntington Beach
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesGriefParenting issuesSelf esteem
7 years of experience

I am a California licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) with 7 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress, anxiety, relationship and parenting issues. I believe that you are the expert of your story and that you already have many of the strengths that will assist you in overcoming the challenges in your life. I obtained my undergraduate degrees, a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in Psychology and Political Science from U.C. Irvine and I earned my Master of Arts (M.A.) in Psychology from Chapman University in Orange, CA. After getting my license and working in the field of psychotherapy, I took time off to have a family before returning to counseling. I have worked in private practice and in schools. I am also dually certified in Equine Assisted Growth and Learning Association (EAGALA) as both a Mental Health Practitioner and an Equine Specialist. My therapeutic approach is based in working with the client to help guide them in finding, within themselves, the solutions that best meet their needs. As mentioned above, I believe you are the expert on you and uncovering solutions that you will most naturally and comfortably use is the goal. Becoming aware of and tapping into those hidden resources and then connecting them to your life situations will be part of our work together. I do use some Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy as well as Interpersonal Therapy resources to assist in recognizing and uncovering solutions. Taking that first step to sign up for therapy can take courage and shows your willingness to tackle some areas of your life that just aren't working the way you would like. I am proud of you for getting started!

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Joann Meshamel

Clinical therapist offering therapy in CA, Huntington Beach
Stress, AnxietySelf esteemDepressionCoping with life changesADHD
8 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 8 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, motivation, self esteem, and confidence, depression, & coping with life changes. 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! Thank you for being brave.

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Van Palmer

Clinical therapist offering therapy in CA, Huntington Beach
Stress, AnxietyGriefAnger managementDepressionCoping with life changes
35 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 30 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, coping with grief and loss, anger management, & depression. I work with my clients to create an open and safe environment where thoughts and feelings can be shared without fear of judgment. It takes courage to seek out a more fulfilling and happier life and to take the first steps towards a change. I am here to support & empower you in that journey. Prevention, remediation and enhancement of person in situation. My belief is during exploration and discovery, as destructive, inhibiting and nonproductive behaviors must first be identified to favorably impact the future of therapeutic change.

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Lindsey Hersh

Clinical therapist offering therapy in CA, Huntington Beach
Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseGriefEating disordersDepression
10 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 10 years of professional work experience in the school setting and in private practice. I have experience in helping clients with stress, mood disorders, anxiety, trauma and abuse, coping with grief and loss, eating disorders and more. I believe in treating everyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion. I will tailor our dialog and treatment plan to meet your unique and specific needs. It takes courage to seek out a more fulfilling and happier life and to take the first steps towards a change. I am here to support & empower you in that journey.

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This is Mauricio Mairena's avatar and link to their profile

Mauricio Mairena

Clinical therapist offering therapy in CA, Huntington Beach
Counselor License Type(s): LCSW
AddictionsTrauma and abuseAnger managementSelf esteemBipolar disorder
20 years of experience

I received my Master in Social Work at University of Southern California in 2006. I have fifteen years experience providing therapeutic services to youth, teens, adults and families in different settings including clinics, hospitals, and private offices. I like to take a non judgmental, collaborative and holistic approach where all areas are considered when improving an individual's quality of life. These areas include physical, mental, emotional and spiritual. I enjoy being part of the journey of health with others.

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

Sandra Leon

Clinical therapist offering therapy in CA, Huntington Beach
Stress, AnxietySelf esteemDepressionCoping with life changesCompassion fatigue
3 years of experience

I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in California, and I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, motivation, self-esteem, and confidence, depression, & coping with life changes. 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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How to find a therapist for counseling in Huntington Beach

Finding the best therapist close by in Huntington Beach 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 Huntington Beach 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 Huntington Beach. 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 Huntington Beach, 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 Huntington Beach 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 Huntington Beach 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 Huntington Beach 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 Huntington Beach 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 Huntington Beach, elsewhere in Orange, 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 Huntington Beach 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 Huntington Beach 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 Huntington Beach 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 Huntington Beach 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 Huntington Beach online therapy platform verified?

Therapists in Huntington Beach, 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 Huntington Beach 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 Huntington Beach 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 Huntington Beach 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 Huntington Beach?

One of the potentially rewarding aspects of working with a Huntington Beach 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 Huntington Beach 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 Huntington Beach 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 90742 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 Huntington Beach counselor?

Before seeing your Huntington Beach 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. Huntington Beach 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 Huntington Beach 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 Huntington Beach 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 Huntington Beach, 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.

Huntington Beach 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 Huntington Beach, 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 Huntington Beach 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 Huntington Beach.

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

90742, 92605, 92615, 92646, 92647, 92648, 92649

Popular cities near Huntington Beach, CA

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