In Rancho Santa Margarita, CA, those looking for support in the mental health field can find therapists who specialize in various approaches, including clinical psychology and life coaching. Many therapists offer a client-centered approach that prioritizes the unique needs and goals of each individual. This personalized focus often enables more effective symptom relief and fosters personal growth.

The therapy options available cover a broad spectrum, from traditional therapy to innovative techniques aimed at helping individuals live their best life. For example, a solution-focused approach can assist clients in tapping into their inner wisdom to find actionable solutions to their challenges. This method can be particularly empowering for those seeking to make significant life changes or improve their overall well-being.

In addition to serving the general population, many therapists in Rancho Santa Margarita are attentive to the needs of the BIPOC community, ensuring culturally sensitive care that respects and understands diverse backgrounds. Finding the right therapist is crucial, and the local area, part of the broader Orange County, offers a variety of professionals skilled in addressing the specific issues that clients bring to therapy sessions.

 

This is Joyce Caroll's avatar and link to their profile

Joyce Caroll

Clinical therapist offering therapy in CA, Rancho Santa Margarita
Counselor License Type(s): LMFT
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesTrauma and abuseGriefDepression
22 years of experience

I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in California and Nevada. I have worked with individuals, couples and families over the past 20 years in both private practice and community agencies. I have supervised over 100 interns and held clinical director titles. I returned to counseling therapy last year to assist people with a wide range of needs and concerns including depression and anxiety, physical and emotional abuse, couples counseling, career challenges and recently Pandemic fear and overwhelm. My counseling style is compassionate yet directive. I believe in treating everyone with respect and sensitivity, but don't shy away from honesty. My approach combines Humanistic, Cognitive Behavioral, Solution Focused, Psychodynamic and Mindfulness theories. Recently I have started using principles of Relational Life Therapy to boost people's ability to find accountability, vulnerability and empathy. When working with couples, this promotes an environment where fast change can often happen. So if you are ready to take the next step, let's get started. I look forward to working with you!

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Dr. Maura Castellanos

Clinical therapist offering therapy in CA, Rancho Santa Margarita
Counselor License Type(s): PsyD
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsAnger managementDepressionCoping with life changes
12 years of experience

Hi I’m Dr. Mo (she/her). I started my career in mental health as a chemical dependency technician in a dual diagnosis treatment facility. over 10 years ago. I quickly realized I wanted to do more to help and went back to school to get my masters degree in clinical psychology with an emphasis in marriage and family therapy and then my doctorate in clinical psychology. I gained experience in a variety of clinical settings including but not limited to private practice, community clinics, hospitals, and correctional settings. I have worked with children, adolescents, and adults providing psychological assessment and intervention services for a wide array of psychological concerns. I have assisted diverse clientele presenting with issues including abandonment issues, alcoholism, anger, anxiety, caregiver stress, compassion fatigue, depression, existential crisis, family of origin issues, intellectual disabilities, isolation, life changes, parenting issues, postpartum depression, relationship issues, stress, substance abuse, trauma, women's issues, and young adult concerns. I work from a client-centered approach valuing the authentic whole person and collaborating with them in order to meet their treatment needs. I use a multidimensional integrative approach planning treatment to address the needs of the unique person in front of me. I look forward to getting to know you.

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This is Rodney Lackey 's avatar and link to their profile

Rodney Lackey

Clinical therapist offering therapy in CA, Rancho Santa Margarita
Stress, AnxietyLGBTRelationship issuesAnger managementDepression
60 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 60 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, lgbt-related issues, relationship issues, & anger management. 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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Fiona Glas

Clinical therapist offering therapy in CA, Rancho Santa Margarita
GriefSelf esteemBipolar disorderDepressionCoping with life changes
23 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 20 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with coping with grief and loss, motivation, self esteem, and confidence, bipolar disorder, & 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. 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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Shannan OConnor

Clinical therapist offering therapy in CA, Rancho Santa Margarita
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesFamily conflictsIntimacy-related issuesSelf esteem
5 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 5 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, & intimacy related issues. 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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Maria Ward

Clinical therapist offering therapy in CA, Rancho Santa Margarita
Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseAnger managementDepression
13 years of experience

I am licensed in the state of California with 13 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress, anxiety, trauma, abuse. I am also certified in "Trauma Focus" a treatment modality to treat trauma. I have experience working with parents who might be having parenting challenges, anger management, depression, mood shifts, challenges with interpersonal relationships. I believe that you are the expert of your story and that you have many strengths that will assist you in overcoming and manage life's challenges. I am here to support you and provide you with additional tools to support your in this journey. Taking the first step to sign up for therapy can take courage, by taking the first step, is the first and most important step. I will be here to support you, collaborate, listen and provide you the support that you need. Tengo mas de 13 anos de terapista, mantengo mi liensiatura en el statdo de California. Tengo experiencia y proeido el suporte a varias populaciones que sufren de estres, anxieda, trauma, Tanbien estoy certificada en la modalidad llamada "Trauma Focus" para tratar a personas que han sufrido de trauma. Tengo experiencia trabajando con familias, padres que esten pasando por etapas con sus hijos dificiles, con parejas que tienen y quieren estableser una familia con sus hijos de las dos partes. Tengo experiencia trabajando con personas que sufren de adiciones, problemas en manejar sus emociones como el coraje, frustracion, depression. Aqui estoy para darte el suporte, proveer las destreszas que nesesites y trabajar juntos para que alcanzes tus metas y objectivos. Tu eres el experto de tu hisotria, yo aqui estoy para darte el suporte que tu nesesitas y quieras obtener, estoy qui para darte ese suporte durante tu camino. El primer paso, es el mas importante, darte tienpo para ti y empesar es el primer paso.

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This is Luke Meier's avatar and link to their profile

Luke Meier

Clinical therapist offering therapy in CA, Rancho Santa Margarita
Counselor License Type(s): LCPC
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesSelf esteemDepressionCoping with life changes
10 years of experience

Hello, my name is Luke. I am a 38-year-old father and husband who has been counseling since 2013. I was in the military from 2003-2010 and previously worked at a veterans hospital. Along with my counseling education and experience with various individuals, I have a Master's Degree in Theological Studies. Studying theology helps me incorporate these beliefs into sessions. I have experience in substance abuse disorders, including pornography addiction and eating disorders. I have experience with depression management, anxiety, mindfulness techniques, practical coping skills, and providing a listening ear. My areas of employment include substance abuse and mental health in treatment centers, private practice, and contract work. I have a TEDxLincoln talk titled Avoiding the Quick Fix from my experience as a nutritional counselor and have a few published pieces in those areas as well. Though I am formally trained in MI, MET, DBT, CBT, ACT, EMDR, and many other acronyms, my approach is to be constantly curious about your life. I like to ask difficult questions getting you to reflect on your thinking. I like to address behaviors both of us notice that interfere with what you want in life. You are the expert in your life. Therapy is not a teaching moment where I am right, and you listen, but rather something we explore together. Overall, therapy is a relationship. You should feel comfortable sharing whatever is on your mind with your therapist. Please, choose someone you connect with rather quickly. I look forward to meeting with you and viewing old, stagnant beliefs in your life differently.

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Johnathon Sanchez

Clinical therapist offering therapy in CA, Rancho Santa Margarita
AddictionsRelationship issuesTrauma and abuseSelf esteemCoping with life changes
5 years of experience

I am licensed MFT in California with a Master’s in Marriage and Family Therapy, and am finishing my Doctorate (ABD) in Marriage and Family Therapy. I have over 5 years of professional experience in a wide variety of settings. I specialize in EMDR, and helping clients with childhood and complex trauma and abuse, PTSD, existential purpose and meaning, relational 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. My goal in therapy is to empower you to be your authentic self, while challenging you to face your past and overcome the issues that affect your mind, body, and spirit!

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This is Carole Whitty's avatar and link to their profile

Carole Whitty

Clinical therapist offering therapy in CA, Rancho Santa Margarita
Stress, AnxietyFamily conflictsAnger managementSelf esteemCoping with life changes
6 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 6 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, family conflicts, anger management, & 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!

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This is Verena DeMuro's avatar and link to their profile

Verena DeMuro

Clinical therapist offering therapy in CA, Rancho Santa Margarita
Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseCareer difficultiesDepressionCompassion fatigue
9 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 9 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, trauma and abuse, career difficulties, & depression. 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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How to find a therapist for counseling in Rancho Santa Margarita

Finding the best therapist close by in Rancho Santa Margarita 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 Rancho Santa Margarita 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 Rancho Santa Margarita. 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 Rancho Santa Margarita, 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 Rancho Santa Margarita 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 Rancho Santa Margarita 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 Rancho Santa Margarita 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 Rancho Santa Margarita 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 Rancho Santa Margarita, elsewhere in Orange, or in the greater state of California. Get matched with one of the therapists working on the BetterHelp platform today.

Frequently asked questions (FAQs) about therapists and mental health services

Some other commonly asked questions on therapy with a licensed counselor and BetterHelp serving the Rancho Santa Margarita 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 Rancho Santa Margarita 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 Rancho Santa Margarita 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 Rancho Santa Margarita 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 Rancho Santa Margarita online therapy platform verified?

Therapists in Rancho Santa Margarita, 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 Rancho Santa Margarita 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 Rancho Santa Margarita 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 Rancho Santa Margarita 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 Rancho Santa Margarita?

One of the potentially rewarding aspects of working with a Rancho Santa Margarita 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 Rancho Santa Margarita 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 Rancho Santa Margarita 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 92679 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 Rancho Santa Margarita counselor?

Before seeing your Rancho Santa Margarita 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. Rancho Santa Margarita 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 Rancho Santa Margarita 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 Rancho Santa Margarita 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 Rancho Santa Margarita, 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.

Rancho Santa Margarita 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 Rancho Santa Margarita, 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 Rancho Santa Margarita 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 Rancho Santa Margarita.

Below are some of the zip codes served by BetterHelp therapists in Rancho Santa Margarita:

92679, 92688

Popular cities near Rancho Santa Margarita, CA

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