Lake Forest 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 trying it online, you might also be able to meet with providers all over the United States and change 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 treatment.
Therapy is an effective resource for individuals seeking solace during difficult times, helping people to navigate personal challenges, overcome obstacles, gain self confidence, and regain mental and emotional clarity. A therapist is trained in the field of psychology, where they learn to support patients in various ways, offering them compassion, guidance, treatment, and insights into their mental and emotional states. Together, patients and their therapists can create long lasting solutions to improve their mental and emotional health, whether it’s fostering relationships with a marriage family therapist, developing executive functioning skills during executive functioning therapy, or receving treatment for a medical condition.
There are a variety of affordable and accessible options available if you’re looking for a therapist in Lake Forest, CA, especially if you’re open to online therapy. The convenience of online therapy allows you to speak with a licensed therapist or counselor from the comfort of your own home, which can be especially helpful if you live outside the city center, such as in Newport Beach, Mission Viejo or the Laguna Hills. The comfort of home can be a safe environment for working through some of life’s challenges with a therapist. Despite being commonly challenged, online therapy has been shown to be an effective form of treatment for patients in the community. If you’re currently in hospital or receiving regular treatments for an existing conditions, there are also therapists that offer support in the medical field, counseling patients towards improved health and well-being in times of need.
If you've decided to work with a therapist, Lake Forest, CA, has some compassionate, licensed professionals wh are offering their services online. Below you can explore some of their profiles to see if any seem like a good fit for you. If you are hoping to minimize the cost of therapy, feel free to contact them to see if they accept insurance.
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Dr. Trina Hamas
Welcome! My name is Dr. Trina Hamas and I am a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in the state of California. I have over ten years of experience providing therapeutic services for individuals, couples, and families. My expertise lies in alleviating symptoms related to depression, anxiety, abuse, trauma, grief and loss, family dysfunction, relationship issues, chronic pain, as well as issues related to motivation, self-esteem, and confidence. My style of therapy is collaborative, integrative, and considerate of cultural influences. I believe the most effective treatment is one that encourages the active participation of my clients so that my understanding of their needs is thorough and accurate, and therapeutic goals are meaningful and realistic. I want my clients to feel welcomed, listened to, and empowered. I strive to understand their cultural and personal backgrounds so they feel the changes they are working towards are consistent with their values and beliefs. I am trained extensively in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, which means I tend to focus on the connection between thoughts and behaviors. I find the use of CBT is effective in helping clients understand their dysfunction in practical ways and allows them to gain a sense of authority and agency over their lives. I am also an expert in Family Systems Theory and am partial to Virginia Satir's work, specifically her theories related to communication and human validation. I use CBT and Satir approaches together to create a safe and effective place for clients to feel comfortable while working through their issues in a practical way. I may also draw from other interventions, such as mindfulness practices and relaxation techniques. I also “practice what I preach.” I believe in the importance of self-care and healthy relationships. I do not ask of my clients that which I am unwilling to ask myself. If you are ready to begin your journey, I am here to support you along the way.
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Dr. Alexandra Duffy
Hi there! I am Alexandra Duffy a clinical psychologist with licenses in California, Massachusetts, North Carolina, and Washington. Thanks for taking a moment to learn how my counseling and therapy can be a useful tool for yourself or someone you care about. Therapy is a way to invest in yourself, have support during difficult times and deal with past issues that impact your current life and relationships. Together, we discover healthy ways to help cope with the unknown and things outside of our control. I specialize in treating depression, anxiety, panic disorder, ADHD, eating /body image issues and Bipolar Disorder. I also work with students of all ages (and even parents) to address issues with learning, such as dyslexia, ADHD, learning disabilities and executive functioning issues (e.g., time management, procrastination, prioritizing work, regulating emotions, etc.), which can be especially challenging right now with Online and Distance Learning. I have extensive experience with the evaluation and diagnosis of ADHD, dyslexia and learning disabilities to improve overall functioning and also provide documentation for academic and test accommodations. My therapy style is warm, interactive and collaborative. I tailor our sessions and treatment plan based on your individual needs and take into consideration your prior experience with counseling. I utilize an eclectic style incorporating psychodynamic and evidence-based modalities including cognitive-behavioral, interpersonal, and mindfulness-based interventions. I integrate healthy lifestyle techniques to improve emotional health and overall well-being by addressing sleep habits, exercise and eating patterns. I also help manage electronic media usage to find a balance between being informed and feeling worried or overwhelmed by the 24-hour news cycle and uncertainty in our lives right now. I earned my Doctor of Clinical Psychology degree (Psy.D) from the George Washington University and Postdoctoral Master of Science in Clinical Psychopharmacology from the California School of Professional Psychology. I completed a Post-Doctoral Fellowship at Harvard University’s Bureau of Study Counsel. I have worked in inpatient/residential treatment, private practice and as a Staff Psychologist at UCLA and the Georgetown University Law Center. Some of my clinical interests include identity development, perfectionism, mastering attention regulation concerns, and learning styles/strategies to improve academic performance. I am also interested in helping actors and individuals in the creative arts to improve self-awareness, explore emotions and use relaxation techniques in the creative process, as well as to cope with rejection, criticism and stress. I have taught workshops to improve self-esteem and reduce anxiety for students, professional and healthcare workers, as well as during the audition and interview process. I have enjoyed leading Finding Focus groups and the Art of Public Speaking wellness group. These skills and techniques are beneficial during individual counseling sessions as well to increase personal effectiveness.
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Merrill Tamiya Moreno
Relationship help is here! Hello, and thank you for stopping by in your search for support. Although I am a California Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT), I am practicing as a Relationship Coach on the Betterhelp platform. You will receive the same exact support and expertise from me as a licensed therapist, but since I only currently offer live messaging sessions with no diagnosing or formal treatment planning, on this platform I will solely be practicing as your Relationship Coach. Any questions about this? Don’t hesitate to ask! :) A little bit more about my professional background: I have 16 years of experience as a mental health provider. I am deeply rooted in a psychodynamic, insight-oriented approach, with a focus on relationships. As your coach, we will dive into uncovering subconscious messages and drives from early life and we will explore ways this has impacted your adult life and relationships in particular. Together we’ll develop insight into what’s really going on and figuring out the root causes behind those relationship obstacles or patterns you may wish to change. If this sounds like the type of coaching you would be interested in engaging in, I would be more than happy to join you on your journey!
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Dr. Carol Antosh
Hello: My name is Dr. Carol Antosh and I am licensed in the state of California as an Educational Psychologist as well as Marriage and Family Psychotherapist. I am also board certified as a School Neuropsychologist and have have significant experience with neuro-diversity and autism . My educational background includes receiving a Ph.D. in Psychology; and I enjoy enhancing my knowledge and treatment approaches with continuing education. I maintain over 30 years of professional work experience. Most recently, I have focused on helping clients to best cope with grief and loss, relationship issues, family conflicts. and motivational issues related to depression and loneliness. I maintain the position that the therapeutic setting must be 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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Dr. Skultip Sirikantraporn
I am licensed in New York and California with 10 years of professional work experience. As a licensed psychologist and a yoga instructor, I see the healing journey for all of us as holistic, fresh, and full of growing and healing possibilities for both our mind and body. I truly believe in everyone's full potential to create a healthy, happy, and fulfilling life, despite hardships and struggles. In fact, often it is the hardships and struggles that motivate us to get in touch with our strengths to overcome and thrive to live life to the fullest. I would like to have the honor to work with you in discovering ways to create life that is peaceful, meaningful, and joyful for you. My approach is a blend of cognitive behavioral, humanistic, and mind-body integrative interventions with your unique needs and style at the center of my work. I hope to get to work with you on your journey. If you are ready to take that step, I am here to support and empower you. I look forward to working with you!
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Marissa Ruiz
I am licensed in California with 3 years of professional work experience. My name is Marissa Ruiz and a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. Some of my other titles include mother, wife, ex-wife sister, daughter, niece, grandmother and friend. Sharing these titles are important to me because it shares with you the client how I can relate to you with my experience. There are several people dealing with grief and loss in their lives. The loss of a parent, loss of a child, friend or even a pet can be hard to process. Therapy gives you that time to work on managing those emotions and finally acceptance of the loss. Relationships can be rewarding but they take a lot of work. Most of my clients I have worked with had communication issues, boundaries and sometimes other things. However, as a therapist I work with you together to find out what you want to work on and get a resolution. I believe in therapy and have worked with couples to overcome obstacles in communication and improve regulating their emotions. I have worked with clients who have faced loss and are grieving. In addition, clients who are dealing with depression. I believe I can work with you and support you in your difficult times and make a treatment suitable to your goals. Lastly most of my clients I have worked with includes impulsivity and anxiety.
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Dr. David Morehead
I am licensed in California with 17 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, trauma and abuse, coping with grief and loss, & anger management. 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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AnneMarie Winic
I am licensed in California with 24 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress, anxiety, relationship issues, parenting issues, motivation, self esteem, & confidence. I also have experience working with depression. I believe in treating everyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion. I will tailor our dialog and treatment plan to meet your unique and specific needs. It takes courage to seek out a more fulfilling and happier life and to take the first steps towards a change. I am here to support & empower you in that journey.
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Jeanette Garza
I am licensed in California with 28 years of professional work experience in the area of perinatal mental health. I have provided emotional support to countless clients adjusting to new parenthood, processing birth trauma, and coping with unexpected events during and after delivery, including having a premature or medically fragile baby in the NICU. I also have experience in helping clients with stress, anxiety, coping with addictions, relationship issues, coping with grief, & coping with loss. 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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Rosa Shetty
I have been in the field of trauma healing and recovery since 2007. I specialize in helping women heal from complex childhood trauma stemming from sexual abuse. I have advanced training in research-based trauma recovery models: EMDR, Havening, Sensorimotor Psychotherapy, Internal Family Systems, and Trauma-Focused Yoga Therapy.
How to find a licensed therapist serving clients in Lake Forest, California
Finding the best therapist close by in Lake Forest can feel challenging, but know that once you narrow your search for a counselor serving your area. You can get connected with a clinician 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 that work best for you in order to begin your personal journey towards emotional healing.
Understanding the type of therapy you'd like to search for is crucial before finding a therapist or psychologist. 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, feel free to contact the provider via email to find out which methods they practice.
Licensed therapists & mental health professionals available through BetterHelp
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 clinician or doctor of psychology (PsyD). Regardless of their licensure, they are trained able to treat individuals and couples, and sometimes children, in any type of therapy in the Lake Forest 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 professional working through their own in-person therapy practice in Lake Forest or online may assist clients in improving healthy relationships, communication skills, working through life transitions, couples challenges, managing a mood disorder, improving coping skills, self help tips, offer life coaching, family life, or change in negative thinking patterns. A may also provide a safe place and validation for clients experiencing emotional pain, or that simply want a psychological assessment. Verified providers can provide licensed marriage and couples therapy, tailor to individual needs, and create a therapeutic relationship as a National Certified Counselor.
There are all kinds of therapists working with clients today across the United States and in the greater Lake Forest area offering therapy for:
- CBT
- DBT
- Substance use
- Couples
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 Lake Forest, 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 licensed therapists and mental health services
Some other commonly asked questions on therapy with a licensed counselor and BetterHelp serving the Lake Forest area can be found below:
How does the cost of an in-person therapist compare to BetterHelp?
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 Lake Forest 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:
- With a psychiatrist: $150-$500
- With therapists: $100-300
- With a clinician: $100
While many psychologists in Lake Forest 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 sessions ranging from $65 to $100 per week (billed every four weeks).
Read more about this cost related question here. Contact us now for help, and supportive personalized mental health services. BetterHelp will help you find and connect to a licensed professional counselor helping people. Get started today to book a personalized consultation appointment online.
How are therapists on a Lake Forest online therapy platform verified?
Therapists in 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.
Please note BetterHelp does not offer or provide care from Lake Forest psychiatrists to prescribe a drug or medication as treatment, or perform psychological assessments and other psychiatric services.
Read more about this license question here. Contact us now for help, and supportive personalized mental health services. BetterHelp will help you find and connect to a licensed professional counselor helping people. Get started today to book a personalized consultation appointment online.
How does BetterHelp online therapy work?
BetterHelp clinicians 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 Lake Forest 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 for in person sessions.
Through BetterHelp, 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, and more. Get matched today.
Read more about this question here. Contact us now for help, and supportive personalized mental health services. BetterHelp will help you find and connect to a licensed professional counselor helping people. Get started today to book a personalized consultation appointment online.
What mental health issues can a therapist address?
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.
Lake Forest therapists' specialties available through the BetterHelp platform
- Cognitive behavioral
- Behavior
- EMDR
- Talk therapy
- Depression
- Anxiety disorders counselor
- Stress
- Eating disorders
- Grief
- Attachment
- Relationships
- Children, adolescents, and teens
- Addiction (substance abuse)
- Divorce
- Trauma or PTSD
- Bipolar disorder
- Psychodynamic treatment with a counselor
- Career
- Alcohol use disorders
- OCD counselor
- ADHD
- Mood disorders
- Sex addiction
- Complex trauma
- Life transition
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 provider through BetterHelp's sister platform, ReGain.us, which is dedicated to couples and spouses worldwide with licensed therapists.
Read more about this psychotherapist question here. Contact us now for help, and supportive personalized mental health services. BetterHelp will help you find and connect to a licensed professional counselor helping people. Get started today to book a personalized consultation appointment online.
Is BetterHelp right for me?
One of the potentially rewarding aspects of working with a therapist is the validation and active listening they can provide. Your friends and loved ones may also be available to listen, but you may feel that they may lack the skills to provide objective guidance. Counselors are trained to respond to various concerns, symptoms, and mental health conditions.
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 therapy in Lake Forest 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 therapist can help you confront these concerns and open up through unique methods of support. There are also many types of 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 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 92610 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 around or in your area or beyond, online therapy can be a great option.
Read more about this family question here. Contact us now for help, and supportive personalized mental health services. BetterHelp will help you find and connect to a licensed professional counselor helping people. Get started today to book a personalized consultation appointment online.
How should I prepare for my first therapy session with a Lake Forest therapist?
Before seeing your therapist near you, 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. therapists near you 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 how to best help and support you.
Read more about this first session question here. Contact us now for help, and supportive personalized mental health services. BetterHelp will help you find and connect to a licensed professional counselor helping people. Get started today to book a personalized consultation appointment online.
Should I find a Lake Forest 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 Lake Forest 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 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.
Read more about this question here. Contact us now for help, and supportive personalized mental health services. BetterHelp will help you find and connect to a licensed professional counselor helping people. Get started today to book a personalized consultation appointment online.
Is therapy 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. An experienced clinician 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 licensed clinician in Lake Forest, 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.
Counseling with an online Lake Forest provider
Do therapists judge you in therapy?
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 BetterHelp, the leading therapist platform serving the population of 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 therapists at BetterHelp to understand the services available to you clearly. If you are new to BetterHelp 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.
- Thehotline.org - National Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-799-SAFE (7233)
- Suicidepreventionlifeline.org - National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-TALK (8255)
- Crisistextline.org - Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741741
- Veteranscrisisline.net - 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.
- Thetrevorproject.org - Trevor Lifeline (LGBTQ Lifeline): (866)488-7386
- Samhsa.gov/find-help/national-helpline - SAMHSA National Helpline (Substance Use): (800)662-4357
- Nationaleatingdisorders.org/help-support/contact-helpline - National Eating Disorder Association Helpline :1-800-931-2237 (M-Th: 9 AM-9 PM EST, Fri 9 AM - 5 PM EST)
- Childhelphotline.org/resources-for-teens/ - Child Help Hotline: Call 1-800-422-4453 or use the online chat feature
- Fraternallaw.com/help-us-stop-hazing - National Anti-Hazing Hotline for young adults, adolescents, and adults: 1-888-NOT-HAZE (1-888-668-4293)
- Physiciansupportline.com - Physician Crisis Support Line: Contact 1-888-409-0141 if you are a first responder or medical provider experiencing crises related to Covid-19
- Rainn.org - Sexual Assault Hotline: Call RAINN at 1-800-656-4673
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