Morro Bay is home to the Morro Bay National Estuary, where a vast variety of plants and animals grow and thrive. Like an estuary, your life is a point where the river of personal struggles and triumphs meets the sea of outside influences. Despite the potential for growth and abundance, you feel empty and distressed.

Events that should be joyous seem sad and desperate. People you care about seem distant. Your emotional pain and mental problems disrupt the life you planned for yourself. Talk to a Morro Bay area counselor to find your way to personal growth.

This is Starr Lee's avatar and link to their profile

Starr Lee

Clinical therapist offering therapy in CA, Morro Bay
Counselor License Type(s): MA,LMFT
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesFamily conflictsDepression
9 years of experience

Hello, my name is Starr Lee, a Licensed Marriage Family Therapist (LMFT) in the state of California. I have nine years of experience as a clinical therapist, working with individuals and families from diverse communities. I worked with a wide range of clients struggling with PTSD, trauma, grief and loss, stress, anxiety, depression and relationship issues. I provide person-centered therapy with the focus of self-awareness and self-acceptance to encourage growth. My therapeutic stance is to encourage self-exploration of thoughts and feelings, looking at every aspect of a person’s life to identify strengths and build resiliency. Therapy is focus on you and exploring the use of your skills and abilities to develop small changes that will lead to bigger changes. I have training in a range of modalities including art therapy, parenting skills, grief counseling, solution-focused, strength-based model, family therapy, existential therapy and cognitive behavioral therapy. I take a holistic approach to therapy, addressing an individual as a whole person. My goal is to build a meaningful relationship with you through unconditional positive regard, empathy, and genuineness on your path to regain health, wholeness and wellness. I am looking forward to getting to know you on your journey of self-discovery and healing.

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Sherie Dechter

Clinical therapist offering therapy in CA, Morro Bay
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesFamily conflictsTrauma and abuseGrief
28 years of experience

HI, I'm a Licensed Clinical Social worker in the Southern California area. For almost 28 years I have worked with people who need extra help to get through tough situations. I have numerous areas of specialty and use techniques that I believe will best fit each client. I am committed to helping people heal, grieve and help people get through periods of crisis in their lives - either expected or unexpected. I want you to feel comfortable with yourself and rise to your full potential. I have worked with children, adults, couples and families as they navigate obstacles and together we create solutions. I strive to create a warm and friendly and supportive environment where you feel heard and understood. I believe the safety of the therapeutic re; relationship allows you to engage in a meaningful exploration of the issues that are impacting your wellbeing. Therapy is a collaborative process and my role is to empower you to reach your goals. I look forward to working together and creating new possibilities.

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Orlee Tugend-Raymond

Clinical therapist offering therapy in CA, Morro Bay
Counselor License Type(s): LMFT MA
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesFamily conflictsParenting issuesSelf esteem
25 years of experience

I am a family and marriage counselor licensed in California with over 25 years of experience in working with families, children and couples. I have worked with clients with a wide range of concerns including depression, anxiety, relationship issues, parenting problems, family dynamics and career challenges. I also have a Jewish background and am here to support Jewish clients that are either looking for spiritual support or would like to talk to a Jewish therapist. I am available to support Hebrew speakers as I speak fluent Hebrew. My counseling style is warm and interactive. My listening skills are excellent and I will hear what you are saying. I believe in treating everyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion, and I don't believe in stigmatizing labels. My counseling approaches include cognitive-behavioral, blended family issues and navigating caregivers. I also do solution focused therapy for those that prefer shorter term therapy. Our dialogue and treatment plan will always be designed to meet your unique and specific needs. It takes courage to take the first steps towards a change. If you are ready to take that step, I am here to support and empower you to get the happier and more fulfilled life that you are looking for. I look forward to working with you! Specialties: Parenting issues and family dynamics blended families stress/anxiety life changes career challenges Caregiver stress

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Dr. Benjamin Lasky

Clinical therapist offering therapy in CA, Morro Bay
Counselor License Type(s): Ph.D.
AddictionsLGBTRelationship issuesFamily conflictsDepression
3 years of experience

I am a licensed psychologist in California and Nevada with over 20 years of experience. I specialize in LGBTQIA issues, my pronouns are ‘he and him.’ I also have worked over 10 years in a psychiatric hospital where I gained expertise with dual diagnosis patients (substance abuse issues + mental health disorder). I was also fortunate enough to work in the adolescent unit of the hospital as well. I earned my Ph.D. from Ball State University in Muncie, Indiana. I am also an educator to graduate students and provide supervision as they pursue their licenses. This helps keep me motivated to stay current with emerging trends in therapy. I mainly utilize cognitive-behavioral techniques as well as client-centered therapy. One of my favorite parts of conducting therapy is seeing diversity and being able to help those in all walks of life. I make no judgments and work hard to see things from the perspective of my clients. I see myself as a facilitator and I help my clients gain insight so they can tap into their strengths. Therapy is serious business, but I always like to use a bit of humor as appropriate. It is very important that everyone I work with feels valued and respected and I fully bring that to each and every session. Thank you for your time and I hope to work with you. Licensed Psychologist PSY 19363 California, PY 0726 Nevada

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This is Dr. Lisa Vaughn's avatar and link to their profile

Dr. Lisa Vaughn

Clinical therapist offering therapy in CA, Morro Bay
Relationship issuesFamily conflictsTrauma and abuseAnger managementSelf esteem
27 years of experience

Have you ever felt overwhelmed with life and just needed someone to talk to. Someone to listen and help you make sense of everything? I specialize in hurting individuals, couples, adolescents and families with an emphasis on relationships, depression, anxiety, family dysfunctional strongholds and trauma. Using an Integrative Psychotherapist approach. Which means that I utilize a variety of orientations and therapies to address the client's individual needs. I provide therapy from a Biblical perspective. I foster an environment where the client can be comfortable without feeling judged or concerned about confidentiality . I am an experienced, competent, professional Marriage and Family therapist. Known for a warm, relaxed, comfortable approach. Working with clients from a strength-based affirming perspective. Addressing issues for personal and emotional growth. My focus is authentic Biblical Counseling. Identifying dysfunctional family history strongholds to help the family obtain a visual perspective on life long generational patterns of abuse and negative consequences.

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Rebecca Santana

Clinical therapist offering therapy in CA, Morro Bay
Stress, AnxietyGriefSelf esteemDepressionCoping with life changes
5 years of experience

With an all-encompassed approach that utilizes traditional psychotherapy informed through a humanistic and postmodern-lens, my practice engages clients in effort to build resilience, promote self-expression & insight, and impart legacy. Within my capacity as a Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist (LMFT 124237) and Registered Art Therapist (ATR 18-484), I demonstrate mastery in working with individuals and families experiencing acute & chronic illness, complex trauma, grief, serious mental illness (SI, HI, ED) and co-morbidity, with a trauma-informed and empathetic approach. You have accomplished so much thus far by reaching out for help, and that is admirable. I can already discern that you are a thoughtful individual who is deserving of the validation and love you put into the world. I hope to have the pleasure of working with you.

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Kevin Reilly

Clinical therapist offering therapy in CA, Morro Bay
Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseSelf esteemDepressionCoping with life changes
10 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 10 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, trauma and abuse, motivation, self-esteem, and confidence, & depression. I believe that you are the expert of your story and that you have many strengths that will assist you in overcoming things that challenge you. It takes courage to seek out a more fulfilling and happier life and to take the first steps towards a change. I am here to support & empower you in that journey.

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Marley Cohn

Clinical therapist offering therapy in CA, Morro Bay
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesSelf esteemDepressionCoping with life changes
10 years of experience

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

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hassan abdullah

Clinical therapist offering therapy in CA, Morro Bay
Stress, AnxietyDepression
8 years of experience

I am a Licensed Marriage and family therapist (LMFT). I have worked with individuals for over 8 years, both online and inpatient/outpatient community mental health settings. I have worked with various issues over the past 8 years and have a client-centered/person centered approach. I believe in providing a safe, welcoming, emphatic, and attentive environment for individuals to think, reflect, and grow. I have realized through previous feedback that this was helpful for people. I utilize an integrative therapy approach to support people achieve their goals and obtain relief. About me: ------------- I migrated from Bangladesh when I was 5 years old. I have experienced many transitions in my life and in my environments. I've gone through my own personal traumas from physical/emotional abuse, to bullying, to witnessing interpersonal violence, to other abuses that I have recovered from after going through my own journey of recovery. So, I definitely can understand and empathize with trauma. I've gone through the pressure of needing to excel and be the best at everything due to cultural/familial/parental expectations. I understand how it can be like to have dual identities, one at home and one outside. I have witnessed mental health in my family, communities and have gone through my own personal journey in mental health. I understand how challenging it is and isolating/stigmatizing it can feel to get help. I also know how hard it is to break the silence and trust another person. I'm very passionate about breaking the stigma of mental health and bringing symptom relief for those that are struggling. You don't have to do it alone. It can be very refreshing realizing that you are not alone in this journey. You can thrive. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, trauma and abuse, depression, spirituality, religious issues & coping with life changes. Once again, my approach is to create an open and safe environment where thoughts and feelings can be shared without fear of judgment. Taking the first step to sign up for therapy can take courage and I am proud of you for getting started!

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This is Oceana Free's avatar and link to their profile

Oceana Free

Clinical therapist offering therapy in CA, Morro Bay
Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseGriefDepression
10 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 10 years of professional work experience in therapy, with 25 years of work experience in human services. I have experience in helping clients with stress, anxiety, depression, trauma, abuse, & coping with grief. I also offer faith-based therapy, including Christian-based therapy, holistic therapy, as well as working with clients who are having issues spiritually and/or religiously. I believe in treating everyone with respect, dignity and compassion. I am here to support & empower you in your journey.

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How to find a therapist for counseling in Morro Bay

Finding the best therapist close by in Morro Bay 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 Morro Bay 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 Morro Bay. 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 Morro Bay, 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 Morro Bay 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 Morro Bay 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 Morro Bay 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 Morro Bay 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 Morro Bay, elsewhere in San Luis Obispo, 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 Morro Bay 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 Morro Bay 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 Morro Bay 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 Morro Bay 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 Morro Bay online therapy platform verified?

Therapists in Morro Bay, 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 Morro Bay 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 Morro Bay 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 Morro Bay 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 Morro Bay?

One of the potentially rewarding aspects of working with a Morro Bay 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 Morro Bay 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 Morro Bay 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 93442 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 Morro Bay counselor?

Before seeing your Morro Bay 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. Morro Bay 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 Morro Bay 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 Morro Bay 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 Morro Bay, 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.

Morro Bay 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 Morro Bay, 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 Morro Bay therapists at BetterHelp to understand the services available to you clearly. If you are new to therapy or have any questions about the services and terms, please reach out to customer service through the contact page or send an email to contact@betterhelp.com.

If you’re ready to sign up for online therapy, consider signing up with a platform like BetterHelp and get matched within 24 to 48 hours.

If you are experiencing a crisis or emergency, don't use this site's online services. If you are in life-threatening danger, call 911. If you require support for a crisis, reach out to the hotlines below:

A woman meets with a therapist online in her home city of Morro Bay.

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

93442, 93443

Popular cities near Morro Bay, CA

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