Living in the sunshine state of California, it does not seem like anyone would be unhappy or stressed out. But, it does not matter where you live or how sunny it is, you can get depression or anxiety from a chemical imbalance or it could be inherited. The counselors based in Imperial Beach are dedicated to help those with mental health disorders like anxiety or depression.
The mission statement of Imperial Beach is to maintain a classic southern California beach-oriented community. The town is focused on being safe and rich in culture and natural resources. This is the kind of town you want to raise a family in. But, if you have depression or anxiety, it's important to speak with a therapist so you can start feeling better.

Dr. Arlene Unger
No one really gets through life's ups and downs unscathed. Change has a way of bringing out the best and worst in all of us. I serve folks from all walks of life, and both young and old. You might be seeking coping tools for an immediate life challenge, chronic stress, early trauma, or loss. Drawing from my background in Cognitive Behavioral, Emotional Brain Training and Acceptance Commitment Therapies, I'm here to help you find hope and relief in daily living. With a PhD in Clinical Psychology and certification in nutrition, wellness, mindfulness, life coaching and substance abuse, I'm better able to understand and assist you in finding balance, identifying as well as supporting their need for change and working collaboratively with you through the healing process. Please check out my 7 mindfulness visualization exercise books and numerous articles at http://drarleneunger@com. I'm ready to empower you. The first step takes courage but knowing I'm only a text, phone call or video session away makes reaching out for help much easier. I’m here for you right now!

Elizabeth Owens
I am a family and marriage counselor licensed in California with over 10 years of experience working as a psychotherapist both privately and in the clinic setting. I have had the honor of working with clients from children to senior adults, couples and groups. In this experience, I have worked with clients who have had visits of depression; anxiety; trauma; family issues; religious crisis; parenting challenges and self-harm thoughts. I have been trained in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR). My preferred approaches include: Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT), Person Centered, Psychodynamic and Family Therapy. Although I do not provide pastoral counseling, I assist clients whom are Christian with issues that may challenge their faith. I pray with clients (at their request) and provide Biblical scriptures as a foundation. My counseling style is warm and interactive and I may challenge clients at times where we both agree may be barriers to moving forward. I do not give advice to clients, but assist them in finding what works for them. Psychotherapy involves hard work, being true to yourself and awareness that real change is done outside of the therapeutic relationship. "Anything you work hard for, you appreciate more." I look forward to working with you!

Dr. Aprile Coleman
**[SUMMER/FALL 2024] • Current Availability: - TUESDAYS: EARLY AM, MIDDAY - WEDNESDAYS: EARLY AM, MIDDAY • Current Session Times: -9AM-2:30PM Eastern / 5AM-11:30AM Pacific • Clients: - INDIVIDUALS - ADULTS (22+) - POC, WOC, BLKM, BIPOC -------------------- Hello. I am a psychotherapist based in South Florida. I talk with you about whatever matters most to you. I support those who are ready for change. I specialize in Stress, Trauma, Anxiety, and Depression. I help you remember that, despite difficult ordeals, it is possible to move forward. I also remind you that talking helps. My top work entails... "Positive Mental Health by Understanding Ourselves" – I work closely with clients going through Depression, Anxiety, and Trauma. Together we discuss the memories and feelings that you're struggling with and figure out healthy ways to talk and cope. Plus, lots of conversation on creating healthy habits, seeing a doctor, when medication is necessary, and how to sustain peace, calm, and balance inside and out. "Situational Depression and Anxiety" – Covid put all of us in different places, situations and changes--some positive, some not so positive. Its repercussions are still present today. This is where you share with me what is going on in your life triggering difficulty in coping with current circumstances. I do mental health assessments, and together we discuss what you're going through, how to express your feelings, and how to lift your mood and focus on thoughts, actions, and behaviors despite how life unfolds. You will learn resilience... essentially how to respond versus react and follow your life values and make decisions accordingly. "Couples Therapy for One" - I am a big proponent to healing relationships if that is a part of your goals. I work with *individuals* as they work to better their relationships or move through relationship conflict, breakup, or even divorce. Some call it "couples therapy" despite it being with just one person present as my client. "Professional Growth/Entrepreneur Mental Health" – I work with those struggling through Stress and Burnout. Particularly to those who are entrepreneurs, business owners, and high achieving professionals facing unique challenges of that lifestyle. Also, this is ideal for those in the helping and caregiving professions such as nurses, therapists, counselors, and first responders. "Health Focused" – Also, I am a medical family therapist. I can talk with you about your chronic pain and/or illness struggles along with medical facets to your diagnosis, treatment and recovery. *MORE ABOUT ME:* I believe mindfulness and self-care are powerful and freeing. I practice solution focused, person-centered, positive psychology everyday. I am enthralled with the stars (of the sky), live for music and travel, and frequently am found taking walks in the South Florida sunshine. In the meantime, I love working with my clients, and supporting them through growth. How can I help you?

Jodi Pallett
I am licensed in California and Maryland with 18 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, coping with grief and loss, motivation, self esteem, and confidence, & depression. I believe that you are the expert of your story and that you have many strengths that will assist you in overcoming things that challenge you. Taking the first step to seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process.

Dolores Aguilar
I am licensed in California with 6 years of professional work experience. Some of my experience is in helping clients with stress and anxiety, lgbt-related issues, motivation, self esteem, trauma, and confidence. I also have experience working with depression. I believe in treating everyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion. My approach is Solution Focused/ Strength Based however I do have training in Motivational Interviewing, DBT, and CBT. My goal is to help you build on skills and strengths you already possess and I utilize a Trauma Informed approach. 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 glad you are getting started! My current practice hours are 8:00am—5:00pm Monday- Friday. I generally can respond at least once per morning and once per evening, sometimes more! You can also book a live session with me ahead of time, if you do not see an open slot please message and I’ll try my best to accommodate you. Please remember that BetterHelp (or specialty site!) is not appropriate if you are in crisis or in immediate need of support. In crisis situations, please call 911, 988 or local emergency services. You can also call 1-800-273-TALK (8255) to talk to someone right away! CANCELATION/NO SHOW POLICY This counselor encourages at least 24-hour notice of appointment cancellation. Should an individual need to cancel an appointment, the individual will inform the counselor at their earliest convenience. Should the individual need to cancel fewer than 24 hours before their appointment, the cancellation will be reported as a “no-show/late cancellation” and they will receive an auto-generated alert email from BetterHelp indicating this. This counselor will wait 15 minutes after the scheduled appointment start time, if the individual does not come online prior to that time, the counselor will consider the individual as a no-show and the session will need to be rescheduled. After 2 late cancellations/no-shows within a month, the counselor may not be able to continue to accommodate preferred session times and dates. If this occurs, the counselor will not allow scheduling during “premium hours” such as Early Morning (before 10 am), Late Afternoon (after 3 pm). The counselor will require attendance at 2 consecutive appointments in order to begin to allow scheduling during “premium hours” again. Should there be 3 late cancellations/no-shows within a 6-week span, the counselor may recommend that the individual seek in-person treatment and/or switch counselors on the BetterHelp Platform.

Tommi Graening
I am licensed in California with 10 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress, anxiety, relationship issues, trauma, abuse, motivation, self esteem, & confidence. I also have experience working with 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!

Kathleen Lynch
I am licensed in California with 29 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with trauma and abuse, coping with grief and loss, anger management, & coping with life changes. I work with my clients to create an open and safe environment where thoughts and feelings can be shared without fear of judgment. Taking the first step to seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process.

Cesar Garcia Herrera
I am licensed in California with 6 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, lgbtq+ related issues, relationship issues, & trauma and abuse. I work with my clients to create an open and safe environment where thoughts and feelings can be shared without fear of judgment. Taking the first step to seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process.

Lacey Rodriguez
I am licensed in California with 5 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, motivation, self esteem, and confidence, & depression. I believe that you are the expert of your story and that you have many strengths that will assist you in overcoming things that challenge you. Taking the first step to sign up for therapy can take courage and I am proud of you for getting started!

Tiffani Walton
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, coping with grief and loss, & motivation, self esteem, and confidence. 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.
Find a therapist serving clients in California
What types of therapists are available to clients in Imperial Beach?
Understanding the type of therapy you'd like to search for is crucial before finding a therapist or psychologist. Be sure to narrow your search for therapists in Imperial Beach that can offer psychodynamic therapy, cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), therapeutic talk therapy, group therapy, marriage and family therapy for individuals or couples, or couples therapy depending on your needs.
Licensed therapists & mental health professionals available through BetterHelp's online platform
Mental health therapists in Imperial Beach available through BetterHelp are accredited as psychologists to help individuals and couples. Imperial Beach therapists' credentials can include licensed marriage and family therapist (LMFT), licensed clinical social worker (LCSW), and clinician or doctor of psychology (PsyD). Regardless of their licensure, Imperial Beach therapists are trained in any type of therapy in the Imperial Beach region and in the state of California.
How can a therapist help you destress, manage your emotions, and guide you towards the life you want?
Therapists in Imperial Beach can help clients in improving healthy relationships, communication skills, working through life transitions, couples challenges, managing a mood disorder, improving coping skills, self help tips, offer life coaching, family life, or change in negative thinking patterns. A therapist in Imperial Beach may also provide a safe place and validation for clients experiencing emotional pain, or that simply want a psychological assessment.
Is it better to find a mental health counselor or therapist in Imperial Beach offering online therapy or in person?
Studies show online therapy can be just as effective as in-person counseling. Online therapy with licensed counselors is often more affordable, with BetterHelp pricing ranging from $65-$100 weekly, while in person therapy can cost up to $200 per session.