Therapy can be the first step toward a more fulfilling life. If you’re looking for a therapist in San Marcos, CA, it can be beneficial to consider online treatment. While there may be various settings that offer support, like a community mental health center or local practice in your area, barriers to in-person therapy, like transportation challenges or a lack of available counselors, can make it challenging for some people to get support. With an online therapy platform like BetterHelp, you can attend sessions remotely at a time that fits your schedule. 

BetterHelp therapists use a person-centered approach to ensure that they understand your unique challenges. An online therapist can create a nurturing environment so you get the help you need to lead a more meaningful life. Your therapist will work with you to determine the best therapeutic approach to help you manage your unique challenges. Please note that while BetterHelp does not provide therapy to families as a whole, individual treatment can help you learn how to navigate family conflict if you feel overwhelmed.

Whether you need support as you work through the healing process or want to be proactive about overcoming old patterns, connect with a San Marcos-based therapist below to learn more. (If you need crisis intervention, see our Get Help page for resources you can connect with for immediate assistance.)

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Jared Maloney

Clinical therapist offering therapy in CA, San Marcos
Counselor License Type(s): MA,LMFT
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesSelf esteemDepressionCoping with life changes
6 years of experience

Hello and welcome. Allow me to share with you a little bit about my experience and how I approach therapy. I have five years of experience working as a therapist with teens, adults, couples and families. Helping people manage their thoughts and emotions in a healthy way that improves their experience in the world. I’ve worked with clients who were worried, anxious, grieving, feeling lost, sad, depressed, struggled with self worth, intrusive thoughts, addiction, relationships and anger management. I’ve also helped coach people on how to reach goals, find what direction they wanted to go in and create a deeper sense of meaning and purpose in their life. I’m always willing to find the style or technique that will be the most helpful for my clients but here are style I use the most: Client centered- letting you guide us to what you feel needs to be addressed and working on that together. Holistic - including all the parts that make you who you are, such as your thoughts, feelings, physical sensations, hopes, spirituality and relationships. Depth Psychology- explores what things mean for you, why you react to things the way you do, what is your unconscious may be saying to you. Psychosynthesis – working with all the parts of your personality healthy way, building personal recourses to improve your life. Solution focused – building self esteem by setting and achieving goals and knowing your self worth. CBT- becoming more aware of your thoughts and what you can do to change them. Some of the techniques I’ve incorporated in the past are journaling, art, guided meditations, dream analysis, mindfulness practices, somatic exercises (I don’t mean going to the gym, but that could be helpful) and role-play. My goal is to help you find your way through whatever it is you’re going through and to develop tools and skills that you can use for the rest of your life. If this sounds like something that would be helpful for you I look forward to hearing from you.

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Andres Hoyo

Clinical therapist offering therapy in CA, San Marcos
Counselor License Type(s): LMFT
Stress, AnxietyFamily conflictsParenting issuesDepressionCoping with life changes
8 years of experience

Hi, my name is Andres Hoyo. I am a Marriage and Family Therapist licensed in California with over 7 years of experience working as a psychotherapist. I have worked with clients with a wide range of concerns, including depression, anxiety, interpersonal relationship issues, parenting challenges general life stressors, and adverse perceptions of self-esteem. My counseling style is client-centered and non-judgmental. I believe in allowing my clients to take more of a lead during sessions, and I perceive the therapeutic process as a collaborative effort between myself and my clients, with my client’s perspective as the primary guide to self-discovery. I strive to encourage and support my clients to find their own solutions and identify their own personal strengths and resources, while providing them a comfortable and safe environment to process their emotions and thoughts. I think it takes courage to seek help, when we are feeling inadequate, unfulfilled, lonely, or managing any other negative emotions impacting our ability of live happy and fulfilling lives, so I strive to provide a comfortable environment for my clients to feel heard, safe and understood. So, if you are thinking about reaching out for help and need to feel safe and comfortable, I hope I can be of service to you to provide you with the support you need to take steps to improve your overall sense of well-being.

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Melissa Innocenzi

Clinical therapist offering therapy in CA, San Marcos
Counselor License Type(s): LMFT
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsGriefIntimacy-related issuesDepression
23 years of experience

Welcome! Thank you for taking the time to read my profile. I am a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with over 25 years of clinical experience. I hold a Bachelor's Degree from the University of Texas in art in 1991 as well as a Masters Degree in Marriage and Family Therapy from Phillip's Graduate Institute (California) in 2008. My post-graduate studies focused on client-centered therapy as well as narrative therapy and grief work. I have additional training on evidence based practices in grief recovery. I have worked in a private practice and in clinics with clients with a wide range of issues, including; but not limited to grief recovery, relationship problems, anxiety, and depression. I have worked with children, adolescents, couples and adult clients. It often takes courage to seek therapy. Congratulations on taking the first step. Together we will look for solutions and resources to help you with what you are going through. My style of therapy is warm, solution-focused and interactive. I am a humanistic therapist who believes that you are the center of therapy. My approach is combine talk therapy with activities you will complete and bring back to therapy to reach your goals in both brief and long term therapy. Of course, if your preference is just talk therapy, we can focus on that solely. I look forward to working with you.

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Thurma Stewart

Clinical therapist offering therapy in CA, San Marcos
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsRelationship issuesFamily conflictsTrauma and abuse
12 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 12 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, coping with addictions, relationship issues, & family conflicts. 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. I have an extensive background in working with vulnerable and specialized populations. We all deserve opportunities to rediscover joy, happiness, and harmony with self and others. 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 speaking with you and supporting your therapeutic journey.

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Kendra Theroith

Clinical therapist offering therapy in CA, San Marcos
Stress, AnxietyGriefSelf esteemDepressionCoping with life changes
13 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 13 years of professional work experience. I'm a down to earth therapist that will meet my clients where they're at. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, coping with grief and loss, motivation, self esteem, and confidence, & depression. More importantly, I have experience working with teenagers and LGBTQ population. 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.

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Lois Mallory

Clinical therapist offering therapy in CA, San Marcos
Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseGriefDepressionCoping with life changes
27 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 20 years of professional work experience. 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 congratulate you for getting started!

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Charlene Black

Clinical therapist offering therapy in CA, San Marcos
Stress, AnxietyFamily conflictsTrauma and abuseParenting issuesDepression
9 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 8 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, family conflicts, trauma and abuse, & parenting 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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Vaughn Baker

Clinical therapist offering therapy in CA, San Marcos
Relationship issuesAnger managementSelf esteemCoping with life changesCoaching
30 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 30 years of professional work experience. I have experience working with Individuals and Couples, as well as resolving conflict in all types of relationship issues, Parenting education, Anger management/Domestic violence issues, Motivation, Self esteem and Confidence building, & Coping with life changes, and Stress/ Anxiety. 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.

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Janna Chin

Clinical therapist offering therapy in CA, San Marcos
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesGriefSelf esteemDepression
10 years of experience

Welcome. I'm glad you are here. I know it's not easy reaching out for support. My name is Janna and I'm a licensed marriage and family therapist. I'm a graduate of John F. Kennedy University. If you're struggling and unhappy with your life and relationships... there is hope. Sometimes we just need someone to talk to and listen without judgement. Sometimes we just need to be accepted for who we are. Sometimes we just need support from a caring, professional to help us figure out what is getting in the way so we can heal from past hurts, heartbreak, trauma, and disappointments. I've worked with individuals, couples, and families in a variety of mental health settings including, schools, non-profits, outpatient, and inpatient facilities. It is possible to create the life, career, and relationships you want. I'm here to help you be the best person you can be and feel the best you can feel. Here is one of my favorite quotes... "People will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel." ~ Maya Angelou Together, lets get you feeling better.

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Tina Kelley

Clinical therapist offering therapy in CA, San Marcos
Stress, AnxietyLGBTParenting issuesDepressionCompassion fatigue
12 years of experience

Tina Kelley is an LMFT in California with over a decade of professional experience. She has experience working with children, teens, young adults, members of the LGBTQ+ community, parents, and those on the autism spectrum, and their families. She supports her clients moving through feelings of depression, and anxiety, codependency, family conflicts, and burnout. Tina uses an integrative and trauma informed approach to therapy.

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How to find a therapist for counseling in San Marcos

Finding the best therapist close by in San Marcos 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 San Marcos 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 San Marcos. 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 San Marcos, 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 San Marcos 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 San Marcos 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 San Marcos 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 San Marcos 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 San Marcos, elsewhere in San Diego, 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 San Marcos 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 San Marcos 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 San Marcos 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 San Marcos 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 San Marcos online therapy platform verified?

Therapists in San Marcos, 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 San Marcos 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 San Marcos 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 San Marcos 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 San Marcos?

One of the potentially rewarding aspects of working with a San Marcos 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 San Marcos 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 San Marcos 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 92079 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 San Marcos counselor?

Before seeing your San Marcos 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. San Marcos 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 San Marcos 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 San Marcos 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 San Marcos, 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.

San Marcos 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 San Marcos, 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 San Marcos 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 San Marcos.

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

92069, 92078, 92079, 92096

Popular cities near San Marcos, CA

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