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. 

This is Dr. Arti Nigam's avatar and link to their profile

Dr. Arti Nigam

Offering therapy in CA
License: PhD
Family conflictsGriefParenting issuesCareer difficulties
12 years of experience

I have been working as a licensed psychologist in California since 2006. I have worked with children and teens as well as with adults, including the elderly. I work to help people deal with both internal and external emotional challenges. These include issues of anxiety, depression, life crisis or acute trauma, life transitions, cultural adjustment, interpersonal conflict at home or at work, feelings of loneliness or hopelessness, and fears that carry over from the past. My therapeutic approach is informed by cognitive-behavioral and humanistic theories. I believe that the power to heal is within each of us. When you feel accepted as you are, when you feel unconditional positive regard, you can feel safe, and allow yourself to trust enough to let go of mental filters that keep you stuck. With some guidance, you can identify thought and behavior patterns that might prevent things from changing; you can identify ways to make things better, as well as finding ways to make peace with those things that can not change.

Get started View profile
This is Anika Garcia's avatar and link to their profile

Anika Garcia

Offering therapy in CA
License: MA,LPCC
Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseSelf esteemDepressionCoping with life changes
6 years of experience

"I couldn't heal because I couldn't admit that I was hurt." This is a statement that I personally relate to, and find that it speaks to many first time clients. If you are someone (like me) who values strength, resiliency and a positive attitude you too might be finding it hard to admit the emotional pain of past traumas and their impact upon your daily functioning and relationships. Trusted relationships are the foundation for achieving personal goals and experiencing lasting emotional healing. The client-therapist relationship provides the privacy, objectivity, and intimacy to safely uncover the deepest parts of our being. Together we can explore ways to be more connected to ourselves and others as we seek to live life to the fullest.

Get started View profile
This is Janie Parra-Salaz's avatar and link to their profile

Janie Parra-Salaz

Offering therapy in CA
License: MA,LMFT
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesTrauma and abuseDepressionCoping with life changes
9 years of experience

Welcome! My name is Janie Parra-Salaz and I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist #123952 in the state of California . As mental health therapist, I am available to listen, support and help deal with crisis, stressors and trauma that have occurred. My hope is to provide a warm, inviting, safe and non-judgmental environment for all my clients. My clinical experience has allowed me to work with those who have been dealing with depression, anxiety, PTSD, life transitions and family relational issues. I have gain additional experience in areas of sexual assault/abuse, domestic abuse/violence and have worked with at-risk youth and families through my clinical experiences. I am fluent in English and Spanish and am able to provide therapy sessions in either language. I incorporate modalities such as Strength based techniques, Solution Focus and Client Centered techniques based on the needs of my clients. I work collaboratively with clients throughout their counseling process and journey to support them in their healing. I look forward in meeting you soon! Beginning 9/16/2022: Weekdays: 6am to 12noon Weekends: 7pm to 10pm (live chat clients)

Get started View profile
This is Mary Baez's avatar and link to their profile

Mary Baez

Offering therapy in CA
License: LMFT
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsFamily conflictsTrauma and abuseDepression
16 years of experience

Hi my name is Mary Baez. I am a Marriage and Family Therapist registered in the state of California. I have been working in the mental health field for fifteen years in a varieties of settings, giving me a wealth of knowledge on human behavior. Beyond my educational qualifications I have learned and continue to learn from the clients I have had the pleasure and honor of serving throughout my years of clinical practice. The learning never stops and the resiliency of the human spirit is amazing. I also am a clinical supervisor of up and coming therapists. It is of upmost importance to me to build a trusting therapist/client relationship in the beginning of the therapeutic process. This is done by listening with my whole heart in a non-judgmental stance to allow for soulful sharing and feeling heard and understood. My basic approach to therapy is Person Centered, which purports unconditional positive regard. The interventions I use are eclectic and tailored to the unique and individual needs of each client. I work from a holistic and strength based philosophy to assist clients in going within to find their truth and act upon it by living a life worth living based on self-discovery. Clinical Approaches: Trauma Focused Therapy EMDR Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Dialectical Behavioral Therapy Solution Focused Therapy

Get started View profile
This is Amye Cole's avatar and link to their profile

Amye Cole

Offering therapy in CA
Stress, AnxietySelf esteemCareer difficultiesCoping with life changesCompassion fatigue
7 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 7 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, motivation, self esteem, and confidence, career difficulties, & 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. 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.

Get started View profile
This is Diana Chambers's avatar and link to their profile

Diana Chambers

Offering therapy in CA
Relationship issuesGriefEating disordersBipolar disorderCoping with life changes
34 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 34 years of professional work experience. Most often I have worked with clients coping with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, grief and loss, & unstable moods. I strive to create an open, trusting environment in which thoughts and feelings can be explored without fear of judgment. Taking the first step to sign up for therapy can take courage; I applaud you for getting started!

Get started View profile
This is Dr. Michelle Andersen 's avatar and link to their profile

Dr. Michelle Andersen

Offering therapy in CA
Stress, AnxietySleeping disordersSelf esteemCoping with life changesADHD
15 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 15 years of professional experience. I enjoy helping clients with stress and anxiety, sleeping disorders, motivation, self esteem, and confidence, & coping with life changes….and eventually rendering myself irrelevant. I know…strange job description. Generally, I believe people are doing the best they can in life but occasionally hit a sand trap, finding themselves more deeply entrenched with the struggle. If this is you, welcome to the human race :-) Taking the first step to seeking a more fulfilling and meaningful life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process and do my best as a fellow, flawed human being to help you.

Get started View profile
This is Susan Davis's avatar and link to their profile

Susan Davis

Offering therapy in CA
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesGriefParenting issuesDepression
35 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 35 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, coping with grief and loss, & parenting issues. 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!

Get started View profile
This is Kim Roberts's avatar and link to their profile

Kim Roberts

Offering therapy in CA
Relationship issuesIntimacy-related issues
8 years of experience

I am licensed in California, Florida, New York and Virginia with 8 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with relationship issues & intimacy related issues. I believe in treating everyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion. I will tailor our dialogue 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!

Get started View profile
This is Elizabeth Valenti's avatar and link to their profile

Elizabeth Valenti

Offering therapy in CA
Stress, AnxietyCoping with life changesCompassion fatigue
8 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 8 years of experience. Perhaps you don't feel like yourself anymore and even powerless at times. In my practice, I guide you in creating an authentic relationship with yourself. We focus on empowerment in your healing journey. We discover what is keeping you stuck, like thoughts of the past and anxiety about the future. I cultivate a safe and affirming environment for all who are willing to make changes. Let's honor your fears and hopes as you step into your next chapter. I am licensed in California with 8 years of experience.

Get started View profile

How to find counseling in Imperial Beach

Finding the best therapist close by in Imperial 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 that work best for you in order to begin your personal journey towards emotional healing.

Understanding the type of therapy you'd like to search for is crucial before finding a therapist or psychologist in Imperial Beach. Perhaps you're interested in narrowing your search for a psychotherapist that can offer psychodynamic, cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), talk therapy, provide group therapy, marriage and family therapy for individuals or couples, or couples therapy. Each type of therapy can offer various benefits and address or treat different disorders. If you're still unsure or are new to counseling in Imperial 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. 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 to treat individuals and couples counseling, and sometimes children, in any type of therapy. Find a therapist under any of these distinctions and know that the sessions they offer can provide a safe place to heal.

Mental health professionals working through their own in- person therapy practice in Imperial Beach or online may assist clients in improving healthy relationships, communication skills, working through life transitions, managing a mood disorder, improving coping skills, or change in negative thinking patterns. They may also provide a safe place and validation for clients experiencing emotional pain. Verified providers 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 Imperial Beach area in different types of therapy, including:

  • CBT
  • DBT
  • Substance use therapy
  • Couples therapy

When you're ready to start your search and find therapists, have in mind what type of therapy 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 Imperial Beach, elsewhere in San Diego, or in the greater state of California.

Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

Some other commonly asked questions on therapy with a licensed counselor and BetterHelp serving the Imperial Beach area can be found below:

How does the cost of in-person counseling compare to the cost of BetterHelp with a licensed Imperial Beach therapist?

The average price of an in-person therapy session in the US is $100 to $200 per hour. These prices may be higher in Imperial Beach due to a higher cost of living. 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 Imperial 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 BetterHelp or clinicians throughout the state of California you can expect significantly more affordable options, with sessions ranging from $65 to $100 per week (billed every four weeks).

How is a licensed therapist on this online therapy platform verified?

Therapists in Imperial 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. They 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, they 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 psychiatrists to prescribe a drug as treatment, or perform psychological assessments.

How does working with a counselor in BetterHelp online therapy sessions work?

BetterHelp clinicians treat clients online across the United States (individuals and couples) through life transitions, inner child exploration, long term depression or anxiety, and more. An online mental health professional, including the therapists in Imperial 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 lead by a therapist in Imperial Beach helping individuals on topics including managing life transitions, symptoms affecting sexual health, behavioral health, coping skills for anxiety or depression, trauma, stress, marriage counseling, and more. 

What mental health issues can psychotherapy address?

BetterHelp's verified Imperial Beach 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.

Specialties on BetterHelp include:

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 Imperial Beach therapy provider through BetterHelp's sister platform, ReGain, which is dedicated to couples and spouses worldwide. 

How do I know if online counseling is right for my family?

One of the potentially rewarding aspects of working with a 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 are trained to respond to various concerns, symptoms, and mental health conditions.

A psychologist 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 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 Imperial 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 lot of people in CA, providers may be booked out with clients. Through the list of profiles 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 92154 or the surrounding zip codes, consider others available through the BetterHelp site. No matter if you are seeking help in your area or beyond, online therapy can be a great option.

How should I prepare for my first therapy session with a Imperial Beach counselor?

Before seeing your therapist, prep for your session by reading to understand the therapy 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, let them know if you have any concerns about therapy or feel unsure about what to talk about. They may help guide you with open-ended therapeutic questions. 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 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 therapy entails. Although psychologists often support people with mental health conditions, you do not need a diagnosis or condition to attend therapy. You can discuss grief, relationship concerns, stress, or life changes and ask for general feedback and advice. A Imperial 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 through therapy 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.

Is mental health care and therapy worth it? 

Therapy 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 professional 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 Imperial 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.

Imperial Beach has many clinicians who practice person or client-centered individual therapy in-person and through online therapy 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?

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

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 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 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 Imperial Beach.

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

91932, 91933, 92154

Popular cities near Imperial Beach, CA

Find the right therapist for your needs
Match with a qualified therapist