Dr. Lusa Hung
Hello there and welcome to BetterHelp! Thank you for reading about me and the work that I do. I am Dr. Lusa Hung and I am a licensed Clinical Psychologist serving clients who reside in California, Washington, and New York. I received my Doctor of Psychology (Psy.D.) degree at Argosy University/Honolulu in 2005, with a specialization in Diversity. I have been a licensed psychologist since 2008. Psychology has always been a passion of mine in some shape or form. Helping people live their most vibrant and fulfilling lives with meaning and purpose is my aim. I have 12 years of clinical experience working with culturally diverse populations in international and domestic settings. I would describe my approach to be mindfulness-based with a blend of cognitive behavioral strategies, a person-centered stance, and Motivational Interviewing techniques. I have expertise treating a wide range of psychological and life challenges spanning the spectrum of depression, trauma, anxiety, life adjustments, grief and loss, relationship challenges, and improving health behaviors, serving people across the lifespan and in different clinical settings. I have served individuals in the U.S., China and Germany and have come to understand how universal and connected all human experiences are. At the same time, I also appreciate how each person has a unique way of living these shared experiences. I am mindful about any contributions from the individual's social-cultural background, taking time to see from that person's perspective and not my own assumptions. My clients are my biggest therapy teachers, helping me balance theory with what really works in real life. Not only do my clients learn from me, I also learn from them, both as my clients and as fellow human beings. Therapy is a dance between the client and the therapist, sometimes the client leads, sometimes they follow. The journey is not always pleasant or easy but with openness and courage, you will find that things will become more clear and you can then set your intention and take purposeful steps to live life in the way you actually want. I believe that the therapist can provide guidance, support and expertise within a unique and safe relationship and can shape the conversations to promote the changes that the client wants to make. I help people reframe challenging and often painful events in their lives so that not only does the frame change, so does the picture. Turning pain and loss into wisdom, guilt into gratitude, and shifting from avoidance to awareness are ways that can be helpful. I wish you luck on your journey of well-being. I hope I can be of help to you. Be well!
Angelique Gettle
As a marriage and family therapist licensed in the state of California, I have over 25 years experience working with a diverse population; That experience has led me to help people with trauma, PTSD, women's issues, grief, addictions and attachment related disorders. I also utilize art therapy and animal therapy in my clinical practice. My counseling style is warm and interactive. I believe in treating everyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion, believing that every client is unique in their own perception and life experience. My approach combines a more humanistic, dynamic approach. I also enjoy rational-emotive based therapy and Minuchin’s Structural approach. It takes courage to seek therapy and to take those first steps toward actual change. If you are ready to take that step I am here to listen, support, and empower you to do so. I look forward to working with you!
Holly Henderson
Welcome! It's a big step to seek out counseling, and I want to share about my experience so you can decide whether I might be a good match for your counseling needs. I am available for counseling by text, chat, video, and phone. At this time I am offering live sessions on weekend mornings (until 12pm Eastern time) and messaging at anytime. I have a Master's Degree in Clinical Psychology from Antioch University Seattle, following a Bachelor's degree in Psychology from the University of Florida, with a minor in Women's Studies and Gender Issues. I have been working in the field since 2003 in a variety of settings -- ranging from inpatient, mobile crisis, and triage to community-based counseling, home-based counseling, residential, and telehealth; with children, adolescents, adults, and families. My passion lies in working with clients to uncover their true identity -- who they really are and who they can become once the severity of depression, anxiety, and trauma have been processed and alleviated. I approach therapy from a strengths-based, client-centered perspective, offering every client unconditional positive regard, respect, encouragement, and hope. Some of the tools I use include CBT, Trauma-Focused CBT, knowledge of family systems and intergenerational trauma, communication skills, and mindfulness. Also, I believe that humor in therapy is seriously underrated... We are a team, and my goal is to help you achieve your goals. My hope is for you to bring your whole self to therapy so that we can work together to help you be as whole as you can be. Let's do this.
Connie St. James
Do you ever feel alone and overwhelmed when facing life decisions? This could involve a relationship, your work/career, the aging process, or anything else that creates anxiety and stress for you. I can help. Of course, you will want to know my educational and licensing background: I received a Batchelor’s degree in Psychology from California State University, Northridge in 1987 and a Master’s degree in Marriage, Family and Child Therapy in 1989 from California Family Study Center (now known as Phillips Graduate University). After completing a 3000-hour internship, I took my state written and oral examinations and, in 1992, I received my license from the State of California as a Marriage and Family Therapist. You will also want to know my counseling background: During my internship, I worked with clients who expressed dissatisfaction with parts of their lives and a desire to make their lives better. Most of their discontent was due to problems in various types of personal and work-related relationships, and we worked together to alleviate feelings of anxiety and stress. During my internship, I also spent some time training in a psychiatric hospital setting, in a drug/alcohol abuse center and in a facility for abused children. Once my internship was completed, I had a small private practice in West Los Angeles. Eventually, I met my now-husband, moved to Palm Desert, and had a small private practice there until we moved to Santa Barbara. In addition to a private practice in Palm Desert I worked in a hospital there facilitating groups which focused on issues with major depression. My husband’s work took us to Santa Barbara, and I changed my license status to inactive so I could help him in his business. After five years in Santa Barbara, my husband retired, and we moved to Auburn in Northern California where I worked for over twenty years in real estate. Although I did not work as a counselor since we moved from Palm Desert, I continued to rely on my education and experience as a counselor in both my personal and work-related relationships. In addition, I have used those tools as I have faced my own aging process. Now that I am in my own “winter years,” I have had a strong desire to be of help once again to people who want to make their lives better. I am confident that my 60+ years of life experience along with my education and previous counseling experience give me what is needed to help others with their relationship issues, motivation, self-esteem, confidence, and coping with life changes. Finally, you will want to know what my approach to counseling is: I rely on a combination of Person-Centered, Cognitive, and Behavioral theories. I am patient, empathic, and non-judgmental. My objective is to create a safe space where you can discover how to make your life better. Together, we will work on defining and understanding “your story.” You will provide the content by telling me “your story.” What is working. What isn’t working. Your goals. Your expectations for counseling. Your story will include your joy, your sadness, your anger, and your fear. I will focus on your feelings as well as your thoughts and your behaviors so we can figure out how these things may contribute to your unhappiness, disappointments, frustrations, and life dissatisfaction. I will help you identify feelings that you can’t. I will help you identify any detrimental thoughts and behaviors. Sometimes I will ask for clarification to make sure I understand. Sometimes I will probe to help expand the content of “your story” and help you edit it as needed to create clarity. You will decide if/when your goals change and when counseling should come to an end. Although ‘your story’ will continually change throughout all your life, you will decide when you are ready to work on “your story” on your own. When that time comes, you will let me know so that we can start the process of ending our work together. I will tailor our work together so that it meets 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! I look forward to joining you for a little while on your journey to a happier, more contented life.
Hazel Gonzalez
I am licensed in California with 23 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, family conflicts, 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. I am bilingual in English and Spanish.
Reina Menasche
I am licensed in California with 30 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, & motivation, self esteem, and confidence. I also have experience working with 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.
Elena Zacarias de Palacios
I am licensed in California with 30 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with trauma and abuse, coping with grief and loss, parenting issues, & motivation, self esteem, and confidence. 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!
Paul Karkoska
I am licensed in California with 4 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with lgbtq+ related issues, trauma and abuse, & motivation, self esteem, and confidence. I also have experience working with coping with life changes. 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.
Kevin Huntington
I am licensed in California with 21 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, depression, relationship issues, parenting issues, & motivation, self esteem, and confidence. I believe that you are the expert of your story and that you have many strengths that will assist you in overcoming things that challenge you. Taking the first step to seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process.
Lakeina Ferguson
I am licensed in California with 8 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with coping with addictions, family conflicts, trauma and abuse, & coping with grief and loss. 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.
How to find a therapist for counseling in Montague
Finding the best therapist close by in Montague 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 Montague 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 Montague. 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 Montague, 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 Montague 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 Montague 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 Montague 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 Montague 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 Montague, elsewhere in Siskiyou, 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 Montague 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 Montague 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 Montague 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 Montague 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 Montague online therapy platform verified?
Therapists in Montague, 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 Montague 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 Montague 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 Montague 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 Montague?
One of the potentially rewarding aspects of working with a Montague 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 Montague 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 Montague 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 96064 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 Montague counselor?
Before seeing your Montague 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. Montague 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 Montague 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 Montague 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 Montague, 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.
Montague 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 Montague, 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 Montague 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 Montague:
96064