When it comes to finding a therapist, Irvine, CA seems like the place to look. With a large population and close proximity to LA, counseling services shouldn’t be difficult to find. However, it isn’t always so easy finding the right therapist to meet your needs. With all of the evidence-based therapeutic approaches available, there’s no guarantee that a therapist who practices the one that works best for your mental health needs will be nearby, or even taking new clients. 

Online therapy through a platform like BetterHelp allows you to connect with over 30,000 mental health professionals who work with mental wellness across a number of specialties, including marriage/family therapists for family conflict, therapists who treat mood disorders, including guidance during and after ketamine therapy, and therapists who are experts on healing the effects of trauma and other emotional stress. By filling out a simple online questionnaire, BetterHelp will match you with a therapist to meet your individual needs. And because therapeutic alliance is an essential factor in success, if for any reason you don’t feel that your therapist is a good match you can switch at no extra cost. 

Online therapy can also be a convenient option for many. Sessions can easily fit into a busy schedule, and video chat, phone, and text messaging options allow you to talk to your therapist from the comfort of your own home or office. 

Mental wellness is a common goal for most of us, and while there is help available, often the first step of the healing process is the most difficult one to take. Whether you’re looking for a compassionate therapist to help you manage symptoms of a mental health condition, heal a past trauma, or simply want to take a more holistic approach to your overall health and well-being, BetterHelp can offer support and guidance in taking that important first step. 

This is Dr. Kym Codallos's avatar and link to their profile

Dr. Kym Codallos

Clinical therapist offering therapy in CA, Irvine
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesGriefParenting issuesADHD
20 years of experience

I am licensed in California, Colorado, and Wyoming with 16 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, coping with grief and loss, parenting issues, and substance use disorders. 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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This is Dr. William Conti's avatar and link to their profile

Dr. William Conti

Clinical therapist offering therapy in CA, Irvine
Stress, AnxietyLGBTRelationship issuesDepressionCoping with life changes
30 years of experience

I am licensed in Hawaii, California and Pennsylvania with 30 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, lgbt-related issues, relationship issues, & depression. I believe that you are the expert of your story and that you have many strengths that will assist you in overcoming things that challenge you. Taking the first step to sign up for therapy can take courage and I am proud of you for getting started!

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Michele Kahn

Clinical therapist offering therapy in CA, Irvine
Relationship issuesIntimacy-related issuesSelf esteemCareer difficultiesCoping with life changes
25 years of experience

I am licensed in Arizona with 25 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with relationship issues, intimacy-related issues, motivation, self-esteem, and confidence, & career difficulties. I believe that you are the expert on your story and have many strengths that will assist you in overcoming things that challenge you. I have many years of experience in the creative arts and like to incorporate different tools . I believe everyone has the ability to make a wonderful life for themselves. Sometimes we need help! Taking the first step to sign up for therapy can take courage, and I am proud of you for getting started!

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This is Cynthia "Cindi" Christiansen's avatar and link to their profile

Cynthia "Cindi" Christiansen

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

I am licensed in California with 21 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, coping with addictions, relationship issues, & 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.

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Rita "Elizabeth" Kovacevich

Clinical therapist offering therapy in CA, Irvine
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesTrauma and abuseGriefDepression
40 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 40 years of professional counseling experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, trauma, coping with grief and loss and life transitions. I also have extensive experience working with couples to understand their dynamics and improve their relationship in terms of communication, level of closeness, sharing and intimacy. I believe that you are the expert in your own life story and that you inherently have many strengths that can assist you in overcoming life’s challenges. I am here to help you discover and build upon these strengths as well as empower you along your journey. I look forward to meeting you.

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Linda MacInnes

Clinical therapist offering therapy in CA, Irvine
AddictionsRelationship issuesTrauma and abuseGriefDepression
7 years of experience

I am licensed marriage and family therapist (LMFT#145910) located in Southern California with 6 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with relationship issues, trauma, abuse, coping with grief and loss, families dealing with dementia/alzheimers, addiction and the challenges of sobriety. Additionally, I have worked with individuals going through major life changes (ie., divorce, marriage, having children, losing a job, losing a parent or child). My goal is to create an open and safe environment where thoughts and feelings can be discussed without fear or judgment. It takes courage to seek a more fulfilling and happier life and I am happy to support you in that process.

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Rachel Bivens

Clinical therapist offering therapy in CA, Irvine
Relationship issuesFamily conflictsTrauma and abuseParenting issuesSelf esteem
8 years of experience

As a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in California, my mission is to educate and empower individuals and families. My approach emphasizes advocacy, communication, and personal engagement, recognizing the unique genetic and cultural differences of each family, couple, child, and individual. My aim is to build enduring relationships within the community, families, couples, caregivers, parents, children, and on a personal level. I seize every chance to leverage my expertise for a positive social impact. My objective is to support families, couples, children, and individuals in overcoming their challenges, empowering them to enact lasting changes, and contributing to a thriving, productive, safe, and healthy community through one-on-one engagement. I am a firm advocate of holistic self-improvement, believing in the necessity of intentional daily life and self-betterment. My role involves equipping and empowering communities, families, couples, parents, caregivers, children, and individuals with the knowledge and skills to strengthen interpersonal relationships and pursue self-actualization in their personal lives, within the community, their families, as caregivers, parents, and children, using an educational, preventive, and strength-based approach. With over a decade of experience aiding clients with relationship issues, family conflicts, trauma and abuse, and parenting concerns, I hold the conviction that you are the master of your narrative and possess numerous strengths that will aid you in surmounting your challenges. Initiating therapy requires bravery, and I commend you for taking that first step. Personally, I identify primarily as an African American woman with deep spiritual beliefs, a mother of nine, and a Ya-Ya (grandmother) of seven. My life experiences, professional background, and education have equipped me to actively engage in advocacy, empowerment, and self-sufficiency for communities, families, caregivers, parents, and children, perpetuating a cycle of change to make a difference in the world.

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Cheryl Martin

Clinical therapist offering therapy in CA, Irvine
Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseGriefSelf esteemCoping with life changes
15 years of experience

Hello and thank you for considering me as your therapist. I am a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in California with over 15 years of clinical experience, and I’ve worked in community mental health for more than 20 years. Throughout my career, I’ve supported clients facing a range of challenges, including depression, anxiety, stress, family conflicts, trauma, self-esteem issues, and motivation struggles. My approach is centered on creating a safe, open space where you can share your thoughts and feelings freely, without fear of judgment. I understand that taking the first step toward a more fulfilling and meaningful life can be difficult, but it’s also a courageous and empowering decision. I’m here to support you every step of the way as we work together toward your healing and personal growth. I look forward to partnering with you on your journey to wellness. For additional information, please visit my webpage: www.journeytowellnessandhealing.com

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This is Carolina Vargas's avatar and link to their profile

Carolina Vargas

Clinical therapist offering therapy in CA, Irvine
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesParenting issuesSelf esteemCoping with life changes
10 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 10 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, parenting issues, & motivation, self esteem, and confidence. I work with my clients to create an open and safe environment where thoughts and feelings can be shared without fear of judgment. Taking the first step to sign up for therapy can take courage and I am proud of you for getting started!

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This is Dr. Helen Antoniak's avatar and link to their profile

Dr. Helen Antoniak

Clinical therapist offering therapy in CA, Irvine
Counselor License Type(s): MSW,PhD,LCSW
Grief
40 years of experience

I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker committed to compassionate communication with people who seek my help. In terms of my education, I obtained an AA from the University of San Diego, a BA from UCLA, an MSW from San Diego State University and a Ph.D. from the University for Humanistic Studies. I bring a wide variety of experiences to my counseling practice. My most recent work was with military reservists returning from deployment. Before that, I worked as Protective Services Worker for the County of San Diego Health and Human Services Agency. I have worked with teenagers in a residential treatment program. I helped create the Adoption Center of San Diego. I served as resident manager in a home for women and children who had been homeless. As a Community Development Specialist, I created a non-profit organization, The Widowed to Widowed Program, to help individuals grieving the death of their spouse. I worked as a social worker for a residential mental health training center called Rancho Pino. I supervised foster grandparents at Home of the Guiding Hands. All of these experiences have contributed to my ability to assess client needs and develop therapeutic plans. My particular areas of support include adoption , career guidance, clarity in goal setting, grief guidance and stress reduction.

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How to find a therapist for counseling in Irvine

Finding the best therapist close by in Irvine 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 Irvine 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 Irvine. 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 Irvine, 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 Irvine 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 Irvine 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 Irvine 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 Irvine 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 Irvine, 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 Irvine 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 Irvine 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 Irvine 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 Irvine 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 Irvine online therapy platform verified?

Therapists in Irvine, 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 Irvine 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 Irvine 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 Irvine 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 Irvine?

One of the potentially rewarding aspects of working with a Irvine 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 Irvine 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 Irvine 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 92697 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 Irvine counselor?

Before seeing your Irvine 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. Irvine 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 Irvine 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 Irvine 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 Irvine, 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.

Irvine 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 Irvine, 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 Irvine 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 Irvine.

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

92602, 92603, 92604, 92606, 92612, 92614, 92616, 92617, 92618, 92619, 92620, 92623, 92650, 92697, 92698

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