If you want to begin therapy, it can be challenging to know where to start. Barriers to treatment, like a lack of available providers or long commutes, can make finding in-person mental health care difficult. With an online platform like BetterHelp, you can meet with a provider in the comfort of your home at a time that fits your schedule.
While BetterHelp does not currently have providers treating children, the therapists on the platform have extensive experience working with adults using cognitive behavioral techniques and other treatment approaches. Teletherapy can help you learn how to manage the effects of mental health conditions like anxiety disorders or support you as you work to improve self-esteem or overcome past trauma. Plus, with so many therapists available on the platform, you can change providers at any time for no fee until you find one that suits your personal style.
Whether you need help with stress management or working through difficulties with a family member, starting therapy can help. If you’re looking for a therapist, Laguna Niguel, CA, has many online options available. The following providers offer online therapy in the San Juan Capistrano, San Clemente, Laguna Beach, or Dana Point area and can help you on your journey of personal growth.
Sonia Blue
Change is possible and we DO get better! I have experienced this personally and have witnessed it again and again in my 30 years as a psychotherapist. I have been privileged to accompany countless individuals, couples and families on their journey to health and wholeness. Healing the past, relating to others with greater intimacy and authenticity, communicating more effectively and creating meaning as we grow and change are just some of the possibilities positive, compassionate and effective therapy can offer. If your problems could be solved by good advice alone, you would have figured them out long ago. Problems that are difficult confound your efforts to move forward leaving you stuck. Let's have a DIFFERENT KIND OF CONVERSATION one that moves you towards clarity, changes behaviors and results in your feeling and doing better. I provide a confidential environment for you to come as you are and discover the internal resources that you already possess. I offer the patience for you to work through the difficulties that constrict you and I'll give the wisdom, empathy and support you deserve for the willingness it takes to begin this journey. *If you have questions about the benefits of psychotherapy watch this short animated clip called "Psychotherapy" on Vimeo. https://vimeo.com/134193131
Ruben Martinez
Ruben Martinez Jr. is an experienced Bicultural and Bilingual Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist. Ruben is skilled in behavioral and mindfulness therapies and highly experienced conducting individual, family, group, and life-skills counseling. Ruben is also trained and experienced in early childhood services and has experience working with youth, adolescents and adults adjusting to important life domains including self-care, home living, academic, health, self-direction, leisure, spirituality, social/interpersonal skills, use of community resources, and vocation. Ruben is also an experienced Clinical Trainer on various overall wellness topics, including early childhood, trauma, and resilience at the university level. Ruben has worked with many individuals and families, seeking support in building resilience, positive coping, and managing challenging symptoms in his training and practice. Ruben helps his clients build awareness around what they are thinking, feeling, and doing while supporting the coping tools necessary to create change and build resilience. If you feel ready to connect with a professional who can provide specialized services tailored to your needs, reach out to Ruben for support. Ruben has a love for sports, travel, music, art, and animals.
Dr. Megan Tsang
I am a clinical psychologist in the state of California, and I have been licensed since 2009. I have trained and worked in a variety of settings helping individuals with a range of concerns including depression, anxiety, stress, adjustment disorders, as well as other mental health diagnoses such as bipolar disorder. I enjoy helping and supporting others through challenging episodes in their life. My therapy style can be described as judgment free and supportive yet goal oriented and solution focused. The approaches to therapy that I often utilize include cognitive behavioral therapy, solution focused therapy, and client centered therapy; however, depending on the presenting concerns and goals may sometimes utilize an analytical or existential approach. I think that seeking out support takes courage, and my goal is to create a safe and welcoming experience. I look forward to working with you.
Claudia Figueroa
I am licensed in California with 12 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, trauma, depression, anger management, 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.
Melissa Filla
I am licensed in California with 12 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!
Melanie Bien
I am licensed in California with 14 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, trauma and abuse, sleeping disorders, & 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.
Tracy Bowens
I am a licensed professional with over 10 years of experience in social service and clinical fields. I have worked with children, adolescents and adults in a variety of settings: schools, jails, in-home, in-office and online. My approach is person-centered and solution-focused. No two people are the same, and as such, responses to different treatment approaches and modalities may differ. Therefore, I meet you where you are and work with you to determine what will work best to achieve desired outcomes. I believe we are all powerfully equipped to improve our overall wellbeing.
Dr. Alicia Irvin
Welcome! I'm Alicia. I have a Doctorate in Psychology and a license in Marriage and Family Therapy in California with 17 years of professional work experience. I have a passion for helping individuals navigate life's challenges. I believe in creating a supportive, non-judgmental space where you can explore your feelings, improve communication, and build stronger relationships with others and yourself. Whether you are dealing with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, self-esteem, confidence, or coping with life changes, I'm here to guide you on your journey towards healing and well-being. 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.
Elana Berman
I am licensed in California with 11 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, motivation, self esteem, and confidence, career difficulties and coping through life changes. I believe that you are the expert of your story and that you have many strengths that will assist you in overcoming things that challenge you. Taking the first step to seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am available to support you in that process.
Evelyn Saavedra-Funes
Hello, I'm Evelyn! I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT 52303) in California. I have been serving children, adolescents, adults and families of various ethnic and cultural backgrounds for over 17 years. I aim to work collaborately with those I serve to improve their quality of life and overall functioning. I utilize a Client-Centered approach, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, Narrative Therapy, Solution-Focused, trauma-informed/focused approach and a family systems approach. I specialize with working with children, adolescents, parents and young adults. I also work with adults and families. I treat diagnoses such as anxiety, depression, trauma, grief and loss, interpersonal relationship struggles and phase of life issues, as well as several other diagnoses. When working with me your voice will be heard and privileged. You will have a protected space that is non-judgmental and protected. Treatment will be centered on your needs and goals to improve your overall emotional and relational functioning. I take on a collaborative approach with goal setting with clients. We will identify your current stressors and symptoms and identify what changes you want to make to improve your functioning and quality of life. You can expect to share about your symptoms and the impact they have on your daily functioning. I will ask about what you want to focus on in treatment and how you want your life to improve. We will also discuss your treatment plan and treatment goals. I will answer any questions about how we will go about reaching your goals.
How to find a therapist for counseling in Laguna Niguel
Finding the best therapist close by in Laguna Niguel 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 Laguna Niguel 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 Laguna Niguel. 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 Laguna Niguel, 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 Laguna Niguel 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 Laguna Niguel 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 Laguna Niguel 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 Laguna Niguel 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 Laguna Niguel, 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 Laguna Niguel 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 Laguna Niguel 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 Laguna Niguel 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 Laguna Niguel 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 Laguna Niguel online therapy platform verified?
Therapists in Laguna Niguel, 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 Laguna Niguel 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 Laguna Niguel 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 Laguna Niguel 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 Laguna Niguel?
One of the potentially rewarding aspects of working with a Laguna Niguel 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 Laguna Niguel 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 Laguna Niguel 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 92677 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 Laguna Niguel counselor?
Before seeing your Laguna Niguel 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. Laguna Niguel 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 Laguna Niguel 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 Laguna Niguel 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 Laguna Niguel, 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.
Laguna Niguel 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 Laguna Niguel, 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 Laguna Niguel 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:
- National Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-799-SAFE (7233)
- National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-TALK (8255)
- Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741741
- Veterans Crisis Line: Call 1-800-273-8255 (and press 1) or text 838255. For support for the deaf and hard of hearing community, please use your preferred relay service or dial 711 then 1-800-273-8255.
- Trevor Lifeline (LGBTQ Lifeline): (866)488-7386
- SAMHSA National Helpline (Substance Use): (800)662-4357
- National Eating Disorder Association Helpline:1-800-931-2237 (M-Th: 9 AM-9 PM EST, Fri 9 AM - 5 PM EST)
- Child Help Hotline: Call 1-800-422-4453 or use the online chat feature
- National Anti-Hazing Hotline for young adults, adolescents, and adults: 1-888-NOT-HAZE (1-888-668-4293)
- Physician Crisis Support Line: Contact 1-888-409-0141 if you are a first responder or medical provider experiencing crises related to Covid-19
- Sexual Assault Hotline: Call RAINN at 1-800-656-4673
Below are some of the zip codes served by BetterHelp therapists in Laguna Niguel:
92607, 92677