Being near the Pacific Ocean can be great, but sometimes the ocean in your head can be tough to traverse. Luckily, with the help of a counselor in Pacifica, you’ll be able to easily create the life that you want.

Pacifica is actually spread along a 6-mile stretch of beaches all along the coast, and it even has small valleys. It’s a popular surfing location, with many visiting because of how fun it is. You can ride the waves of life in your own way, and with the help of a counselor, it’s definitely possible. 

This is Kaitlyn McNulty's avatar and link to their profile

Kaitlyn McNulty

Offering therapy in CA
License: LCSW
Stress, AnxietyFamily conflictsTrauma and abuseParenting issuesSelf esteem
8 years of experience

Hello and Welcome! I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in the state of California. I started my work as a therapist in New York after obtaining my Masters Degree in Social Work from New York University. I have been working as a therapist in California for the last eight years. I have experience working with a wide variety of individuals in different settings including within community agencies, in homes, and in schools. One of my primary goals is to work with you to improve your overall quality of life. Over my career I have dedicated myself to ongoing study and have obtained training and certifications in several evidenced based treatment interventions. Some of these include Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Parent Child Interaction Therapy, Trauma Based Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, and Seeking Safety. I continue to attend training to further gain knowledge and provide the best treatment for my clients. My approach to therapy is to create a partnership with you to work towards an agreed upon goal. I hope to be able to create a situation together where you will feel comfortable and confident to meet your goals. I often check my messages daily and will respond as soon as I can to all outreach. Additionally, if you do not see a time available that works for you, please feel free to contact me I am flexible to see if we can find a better time for you!

Get started View profile
This is Emily Vierra's avatar and link to their profile

Emily Vierra

Offering therapy in CA
License: LMFT
Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseGriefDepression
13 years of experience

Welcome! My name is Emily Vierra and I'm a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in California. Many of us experience difficulties at different points in our lives and need help to overcome these obstacles. It takes courage to ask for help and I commend you for reaching out. Many of us need a safe place to share our feelings and I am here to help you talk openly without judgment. I approach therapy with respect, compassion, and empathy. I will work collaboratively with you to help you identify your needs and work through these difficult experiences. I have over 13 years experience working with individuals, families, and couples dealing with a wide range of issues in numerous settings. I have experience working with all ages, from very young children to elderly adults. I am currently working with foster children ages 0-18 in an outpatient clinic as well as their parents, foster parents, and other family members. I also am currently working in a private practice setting with children and adults who have been a victim of a crime. This includes sexual/physical abuse, domestic violence, and the death of a loved one. Prior to this, I have experience working at a hospice clinic, an outpatient clinic with individuals, couples, and families dealing with daily life stressors, and a clinic with at-risk children displaying behavioral issues at home/school. These positions have given me extensive experience treating depression, anxiety, stress, suicidal/homicidal ideations, PTSD, trauma and abuse, relationship issues, family conflict, parent/child issues, adjustment disorders, anger management, at-risk behaviors, conduct disorders, self-esteem/self-worth issues, and so forth. I take an eclectic approach with therapy and will tailor my treatment based on your specific needs and goals. I will utilize different modalities including Cognitive-Behavioral, Solution-Focused, Family Systems, Humanistic, Client-Centered, etc. In terms of availability, I check and respond to messages several times a day. I am flexible with my schedule and understand that you may have obligations during the day and am happy to accommodate most schedules, including nights and weekends. I look forward to working with you!

Get started View profile
This is Venecia Ebneof's avatar and link to their profile

Venecia Ebneof

Offering therapy in CA
Relationship issuesFamily conflictsAnger managementSelf esteemCoping with life changes
5 years of experience

I am transparent, authentic and present in interactions. I am fully licensed as a Marriage family and child therapist in California. I am an eclectic clinician meaning I use a variety of approaches from CBT, DBT, SFT . I can help by providing tools to assist with coping with adjusting to changes and current stressors.

Get started View profile
This is Alaina Bigger's avatar and link to their profile

Alaina Bigger

Offering therapy in CA
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesFamily conflictsGriefDepression
14 years of experience

I am licensed in California & Ohio with 14 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, & coping with grief and loss. My therapeutic orientation/expertise is cognitive behavioral therapy and psychodynamic and systems. I enjoy working with the family, as well as with the individual client to provide a holistic approach to care. I believe that you are the expert of your story and that you have many strengths that will assist you in overcoming things that challenge you. Taking the first step to sign up for therapy can take courage and I am proud of you for getting started!

Get started View profile
This is Michael Hammer's avatar and link to their profile

Michael Hammer

Offering therapy in CA
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesTrauma and abuseParenting issuesBipolar disorder
27 years of experience

My passion is helping people move out of any "stuck" place. I have a practical and multidisciplinary approach to emotional wellness and will help you progress soon. I am well-versed in specialized treatments and openly talk about treatment options so that you decide what is the best fit for you. Because of my experience, I will offer referrals when you may benefit from more specialized treatment. Of course, how you want to process with your care is up to you. I have almost 30 years of experience working in various mental health settings. I have worked with children, teens, adults, and families. I have the most experience helping clients with addictions, relationship issues, trauma, bipolar disorder and depression, anxiety, ADHD, and self-confidence. I use a strength-based approach to assist you in overcoming things that challenge you or interfere with your life. My methods are based on proven principles, current practice standards, neuroscience, and developmental/attachment theories. I am familiar with attachment-based therapy, psychodynamic psychotherapy, Internal Family Systems therapy, trauma, cognitive behavioral therapy, mindfulness, and solution-focused therapy. I will tailor our dialogue 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 glad that you are getting started!

Get started View profile
This is Anim Aweh's avatar and link to their profile

Anim Aweh

Offering therapy in CA
Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseSelf esteemDepressionCoping with life changes
16 years of experience

I am licensed in Georgia with 16 years of professional work experience. I have experience helping clients with stress and anxiety, trauma and abuse, motivation, self-esteem, and confidence, & depression. I am passionate about holding space for the BIPOC community. 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 a more fulfilling and happier life and to take the first steps toward change. I am here to support & empower you in that journey.

Get started View profile
This is Melanie Almada's avatar and link to their profile

Melanie Almada

Offering therapy in CA
Stress, AnxietyGriefSelf esteemCareer difficultiesCoping with life changes
9 years of experience

I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in California. As a therapist my main objective is to create a therapeutic space that promotes growth. There are many reasons to seek therapy; be it a recent transition, difficulty coping with past negative experiences, or experiencing an increase in unpleasant symptoms. No matter the reason, it is always important to invest in your personal growth and wellness. Since each individual is unique I utilize a variety of therapeutic methods to fit your needs. I offer experience gained from diverse and varying settings including: schools, out-patient, and medical clinics. It would be my pleasure to support as you work towards your goals!

Get started View profile
This is Dr. Colleen Kelly's avatar and link to their profile

Dr. Colleen Kelly

Offering therapy in CA
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsRelationship issuesFamily conflictsSelf esteem
28 years of experience

My individual clients are struggling with anxiety, getting sober, have long term sobriety, or are expats adjusting to their new country. They are struggling in a relationship, family, or marriage and want to feel connected and joyous with those that they love. I will not sit there and nod and ask, "how does that make you feel?" I am very active in therapy and we will work together to create the life you want. I interweave assessment with psychodynamic, family systems, humor, attachment focused therapy with coaching techniques and Mindfulness to provide personal individualised treatment. I'm a queer therapist married to my husband 29 years with 2 grown kids. I have 31 years in recovery from alcoholism. We are all struggling in life. It's freaking incomprehensible a lot of the time. I truly respect you. I will work collaboratively with you not through some weird hierarchy. You know what is best for you and we will find out exactly what that is so you can live a life of peace, joy, and fulfilment.

Get started View profile
This is Sheiaundra Brady's avatar and link to their profile

Sheiaundra Brady

Offering therapy in CA
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesFamily conflictsTrauma and abuseDepression
8 years of experience

I am Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in the state of California with 8 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, & trauma and abuse. I work with my clients to create an open and safe environment where thoughts and feelings can be shared without fear of judgment. It takes courage to seek out a more fulfilling and happier life and to take the first steps towards a change. I am here to support & empower you in that journey.

Get started View profile
This is Mania Hekmati's avatar and link to their profile

Mania Hekmati

Offering therapy in CA
Stress, AnxietyGriefSelf esteemDepressionCoping with life changes
24 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 24 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, coping with grief and loss, motivation, self esteem, and confidence, & depression. I believe that you are the expert of your story and that you have many strengths that will assist you in overcoming things that challenge you. Taking the first step to sign up for therapy can take courage and I am proud of you for getting started!

Get started View profile

How to find counseling in Pacifica

Finding the best therapist close by in Pacifica 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 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 in Pacifica. Perhaps you're interested in narrowing your search for a psychotherapist that can offer psychodynamic, cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), talk therapy, provide group therapy, marriage and family therapy for individuals or couples, or couples therapy. Each type of therapy can offer various benefits and address or treat different disorders. If you're still unsure or are new to counseling in Pacifica, 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. 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 to treat individuals and couples counseling, and sometimes children, in any type of therapy. Find a therapist under any of these distinctions and know that the sessions they offer can provide a safe place to heal.

Mental health professionals working through their own in- person therapy practice in Pacifica or online may assist clients in improving healthy relationships, communication skills, working through life transitions, managing a mood disorder, improving coping skills, or change in negative thinking patterns. They may also provide a safe place and validation for clients experiencing emotional pain. 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 Pacifica area in different types of therapy, including:

  • CBT
  • DBT
  • Substance use therapy
  • Couples therapy

When you're ready to start your search and find therapists, have in mind what type of therapy 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 Pacifica, elsewhere in San Mateo, or in the greater state of California.

Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

Some other commonly asked questions on therapy with a licensed counselor and BetterHelp serving the Pacifica area can be found below:

How does the cost of in-person counseling compare to the cost of BetterHelp with a licensed Pacifica therapist?

The average price of an in-person therapy session in the US is $100 to $200 per hour. These prices may be higher in Pacifica due to a higher cost of living. 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 Pacifica 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 BetterHelp or clinicians 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).

How is a licensed therapist on this online therapy platform verified?

Therapists in Pacifica, 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. They 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, they 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 psychiatrists to prescribe a drug as treatment, or perform psychological assessments.

How does working with a counselor in BetterHelp online therapy sessions work?

BetterHelp clinicians treat clients online across the United States (individuals and couples) through life transitions, inner child exploration, long term depression or anxiety, and more. An online mental health professional, including the therapists in Pacifica 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 lead by a therapist in Pacifica helping individuals on topics including managing life transitions, symptoms affecting sexual health, behavioral health, coping skills for anxiety or depression, trauma, stress, marriage counseling, and more. 

What mental health issues can psychotherapy address?

BetterHelp's verified Pacifica 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.

Specialties on BetterHelp include:

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 Pacifica therapy provider through BetterHelp's sister platform, ReGain, which is dedicated to couples and spouses worldwide. 

How do I know if online counseling is right for my family?

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.

A psychologist 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 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 Pacifica 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 lot of people in CA, providers 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 94044 or the surrounding zip codes, consider others available through the BetterHelp site. No matter if you are seeking help in your area or beyond, online therapy can be a great option.

How should I prepare for my first therapy session with a Pacifica counselor?

Before seeing your therapist, prep for your session by reading to understand the therapy 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, let them know if you have any concerns about therapy or feel unsure about what to talk about. They may help guide you with open-ended therapeutic questions. 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 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 therapy entails. Although psychologists often support people with mental health conditions, you do not need a diagnosis or condition to attend therapy. You can discuss grief, relationship concerns, stress, or life changes and ask for general feedback and advice. A Pacifica 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 through therapy 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.

Is mental health care and therapy worth it? 

Therapy 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 professional 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 Pacifica, 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.

Pacifica has many clinicians who practice person or client-centered individual therapy in-person and through online therapy 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?

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

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 therapy or have any questions about the services and terms, please reach out 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 Pacifica.

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

94044

Popular cities near Pacifica, CA

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