In La Mirada, CA, finding the right therapist for your needs can be easily found through online therapy. Licensed therapists including LMFT La Mirada professionals are equipped to address a wide range of issues including emotional distress or relationship challenges.

Therapy often focuses on fostering an open and safe environment, where individuals can explore their feelings and begin to heal from old wounds. A therapeutic setting is designed to support those who might feel an emptiness inside, with therapists giving their best effort to help clients develop greater resilience and foster personal growth. Whether you are dealing with complex emotional issues or simply seeking to enhance your overall well being, local therapists can walk alongside you, utilizing their professional experience to guide your journey.

Please see the therapist profiles below for more information on the different therapists available online.

This is Dennis Forfa's avatar and link to their profile

Dennis Forfa

Clinical therapist offering therapy in CA, La Mirada
Counselor License Type(s): MA,LMFT
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesGriefSelf esteemCoping with life changes
15 years of experience

When you feel like you're spinning your wheels, therapy can provide traction you need to get your life moving forward. Therapy can help you learn how to stop struggling with creative stagnation, worry, self-doubt, lack of motivation, loneliness, homesickness, or the pain of loss. Therapy can help get you unstuck from repeated struggles with yourself and difficulties with others. In our meetings, you and I will work together to identify roadblocks that keep holding you back. I will assist you in creating permanent strategies for getting past those roadblocks, empowering you to: * Navigate life's transitions with clarity and intention * Strengthen relationships, improve communication skills, and cultivate more meaningful connections * Process grief and come to peace with losses * Foster resilience and mental toughness to face challenges with determination * Unleash creativity and problem-solving by exploring new perspectives, embracing your unique talents, and tapping into your deepest artistry * Embody your core values and show up for life with integrity and purpose Together, we will work on unlocking your potential to build a more complete, fulfilling, dynamic, and purposeful life. I am available for live sessions (video or phone) from early morning through afternoon on weekdays. Early risers, take note! Depending on the day, I may have morning appointments available as early as 4:00 AM Pacific/5:00 AM Mountain/6:00 AM Central/7:00 AM Eastern, and sometimes earlier. I am licensed to provide therapy when you are physically located in California, Nevada, Idaho, Montana, Wyoming, Utah, Arizona, Colorado, Wisconsin, Michigan, Indiana, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Vermont, or Maine.

Get started View profile
This is Barbara Hibbits's avatar and link to their profile

Barbara Hibbits

Clinical therapist offering therapy in CA, La Mirada
Counselor License Type(s): LMFT
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsLGBTTrauma and abuseDepression
15 years of experience

Hello, my name is Barbara A Hibbits. I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, License #113585. I began working in the mental health field in Alaska in my early 20’s, working in Special Education transportation, teaching drivers and bus attendants how to interact and care for special needs children. While I was working on my undergraduate degree in psychology, I began working with teenagers with emotional and behavioral needs due to trauma and abuse. Upon moving to California in 2008, I started working in the field of dual diagnosis treatment. I worked in dual diagnosis treatment for over 12 years, working with all types of mental health issues and substance abuse. I have been driven by my passion to fight addiction and to offer people the hope that they can live a healthy and happy life. I am adept at multiple treatment modalities including Experiential Therapy, Equine Therapy, LGBT Therapy, PTSD and trauma, and the Behavioral therapies (CBT, DBT, REBT).

Get started View profile
This is Tony Lee's avatar and link to their profile

Tony Lee

Clinical therapist offering therapy in CA, La Mirada
Stress, AnxietyLGBTGriefDepressionCompassion fatigue
3 years of experience

Hello. My name is Tony Lee. I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with over 20 years of professional work experience, including suicide prevention service, crisis intervention, and general counseling. I received a master’s degree in Social Work from the University of South Florida. I have worked with individuals of all ages dealing with chronic medical conditions, end-stage illnesses, and physical disabilities. Also, I have experience helping clients with general stress, anxiety, self-esteem/self-confidence, motivation, coping with loss/grief, and LGBT-related issues. I use Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy with Client-Centered and Solution-Focused approach. If you're interested in mindfulness techniques, I can guide your practice. I believe in treating everyone with respect, empathy, and compassion. I will tailor the treatment plan to meet your unique and specific needs while being mindful of cultural values. 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 Linda Nugen's avatar and link to their profile

Linda Nugen

Clinical therapist offering therapy in CA, La Mirada
Stress, AnxietyGriefSelf esteemDepressionCoping with life changes
25 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 25 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, 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 sign up for therapy can take courage and I am proud of you for getting started!

Get started View profile
This is Rosalba Rios's avatar and link to their profile

Rosalba Rios

Clinical therapist offering therapy in CA, La Mirada
Stress, AnxietyFamily conflictsTrauma and abuseGriefDepression
12 years of experience

I am a licensed Marriage & Family Therapist with over 12 years of professional experience coming alongside clients on their journey towards change and wholeness. 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. It takes courage to seek out a more fulfilling and satisfying life. On a professional level, my experience encompasses working with adults and college-age young adults with stress, relational conflict, anxiety, trauma, and grief/loss. I pay attention to how client's past experiences may present themselves in the client's present realities and assist clients gain greater awareness of these dynamics. I also incorporate a culturally competent approach to therapy that can include a client’s faith tradition or spirituality, ethnic and cultural background, disability identity, and/or sexual and gender identity. I am here to support and empower you through your journey.

Get started View profile
This is Cheri Atkinson's avatar and link to their profile

Cheri Atkinson

Clinical therapist offering therapy in CA, La Mirada
Stress, AnxietyGriefSelf esteemDepressionCompassion fatigue
40 years of experience

I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in California with 40 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, as well as depression. My specialty has been in the area of working with children, parents and adults, who are dealing with disabilities, chronic illness, and medical, physical and emotional changes, following accidents, and life changing events. I work with my clients to create an open and safe environment where thoughts and feelings can be shared without fear of judgment, and I work to help my clients, develop effective emotional coping skills, to deal with the challenges, that they are experiencing in their lives. My therapeutic approach is geared to the needs of my clients. 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 this journey.

Get started View profile
This is Paula Scallions's avatar and link to their profile

Paula Scallions

Clinical therapist offering therapy in CA, La Mirada
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsSelf esteemDepressionCoping with life changes
4 years of experience

I am licensed in North Carolina with 5 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, coping with addictions, 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. 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 Greg Petropoulos's avatar and link to their profile

Greg Petropoulos

Clinical therapist offering therapy in CA, La Mirada
Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseSelf esteemDepressionCoping with life changes
30 years of experience

I was born & raised and continue to live in southern California with my therapist wife. As a young boy I discovered I was a gifted natural athlete. Sports was my passion that required me to be disciplined, and that earned me recognition from local kid teams through competing on the intercollegiate level. After High School I attended a local community college, then transferred to a university in the Midwest where I earned a degree in Social Work. I then began an 18-year journey in the business world that had a more promising financial future. I started out as a shipping clerk to finally culminating with the responsibility of representing various sized companies as a regional sales manager, working throughout the majority of the western states. In the late 80's I attended a social and business networking event where I had the good fortune of meeting my future wife and business partner. With her encouragement and support I returned to school to earn a master's degree in clinical psychology, and eventually achieved the license to practice as a master's level therapist. We then opened our first joint counseling private practice clinic in the eastern area of Los Angeles County. A few years later I began to have a dream of working with the men & women who protect our way of life, and the privilege of our freedoms. I joined the California State Military Reserve as a part-time commissioned Officer providing counseling services for the returning men & women of the National Guard & Army Reservists from middle east deployments. After several months of this volunteer work, I then was offered an opportunity to work part-time as a civilian contractor therapist at various Army Installations in the US and overseas in Europe. I continued working with the Army personnel until 2016, when the contract changed too much for my tastes. All the while my wife and I continued with our private practice, as well as teaching a multiday intensive personal growth workshop for selected clients of ours. We offered it three to four times a year and continued for nearly the next 30-years. When COVID struck in early 2020, we did the prudent thing by closing our private practice clinic and without skipping a beat we began having clients virtually from the safety and comfort of our home. That's why working with Betterhelp seemed like such an easy addition to what we were already doing. One of the things I learned about myself during all those years in business, and most especially being a therapist, regardless of when I was teaching a workshop, or working at an Army Installation. I love being of service to others. My message to those of you who are stepping up to participate in counseling, some of you for the first time: I believe if you are able to change your thinking, you can change not only your behavior, and also the trajectory of your life. If you're looking for an easy way to make this happen, it doesn't exist! It might be the most difficult things you ever do is change. It takes a lot of courage to talk with a perfect stranger about the most gut-wrenching traumas, emotionally painful & scary experiences of your life! If you're willing to face your fears, and feel your feelings about your situation, change can happen. What I know and believe, is that you are far more powerful, loving, caring & happy than you realize. Nothing changes, if nothing changes! See you soon, Greg

Get started View profile
This is Soua Vang's avatar and link to their profile

Soua Vang

Clinical therapist offering therapy in CA, La Mirada
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesTrauma and abuseSelf esteemCoping with life changes
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, relationship issues, trauma and abuse, & 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 seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process.

Get started View profile
This is Rashida Khan's avatar and link to their profile

Rashida Khan

Clinical therapist offering therapy in CA, La Mirada
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesGriefSelf esteemDepression
11 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 11 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, 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. Taking the first step to seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process.

Get started View profile

How to find a therapist for counseling in La Mirada

Finding the best therapist close by in La Mirada 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 La Mirada 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 La Mirada. 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 La Mirada, 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 La Mirada 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 La Mirada 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 La Mirada 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 La Mirada 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 La Mirada, elsewhere in Los Angeles, 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 La Mirada 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 La Mirada 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 La Mirada 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 La Mirada 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 La Mirada online therapy platform verified?

Therapists in La Mirada, 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 La Mirada 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 La Mirada 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 La Mirada 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 La Mirada?

One of the potentially rewarding aspects of working with a La Mirada 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 La Mirada 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 La Mirada 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 90639 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 La Mirada counselor?

Before seeing your La Mirada 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. La Mirada 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 La Mirada 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 La Mirada 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 La Mirada, 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.

La Mirada 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 La Mirada, 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 La Mirada 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 La Mirada.

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

90637, 90638, 90639

Popular cities near La Mirada, CA

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