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.)

Amoreena Berg
I am a licensed MFT who has been in practice for over 15 years. I have extensive experience treating a wide variety of issues and psychological disorders from the most mild to the most severe. I work with adults and adolescents. My approach is warm, positive and compassionate. I can help you to achieve your personal goals, more effectively manage your emotions and stressors and develop strategies that will promote positive self-growth and lead you to and a more satisfying life. I have worked in a wide variety of settings in addition to my private practice including schools, residential homes and outpatient treatment facilities. My specialties include anxiety and depressive disorders, stress management, crisis counseling, grief counseling, and relationships. I believe the process of change through therapy should not only involve self-understanding and insight into the past, but beyond that it should also focus on helping clients to learn skills for present-time challenges. Therefore my approach helps clients to develop specific skills for thinking and acting in constructive ways. I am a proponent of therapist actively collaborating with a client to help him/her find ways to manage life better. I have a degree from UC Santa Barbara and a masters in psychology from Golden Gate University. In my spare time I enjoy photography, exercising, spending time with my family and dogs.

Melissa Coulson
I am a social worker licensed in California with 4 years of experience working as a medical social worker and clinician. I have assisted clients with concerns including depression, anxiety, grief, chronic pain, and chronic illness among others. I have also worked with clients who just need someone to support them through challenging experiences, emotions, and life changes. My style is direct, positive, and warm with a focus on supporting clients but holding them accountable to their goals for treatment. You are coming here to gain the tools and understanding to deal with something in your life and I would love to be your partner in that! I believe in helping clients to build their mental toolbox to address current issues and be better prepared to meet new challenges with confidence throughout the rest of their lives. My holistic approach includes techniques and components of cognitive-behavioral, client-centered, and humanistic therapies combined with motivational interviewing, mindfulness, and other interventions as needed to address each client's concerns individually . I also have additional training in grief and bereavement, cognitive-behavioral, solution focused, and acceptance and commitment therapies. I will structure our sessions and treatment plan to meet your needs and goals so we can address what brings you to this platform together. My clients say I am easy to open up to, genuine, and a good listener. I would love to connect with you to help you through your current season of life and whatever challenges you are currently facing.

John Alilovich
Hello my name is John Alilovich. I am a Licensed Professional Therapist in California. I worked for over fifteen years for our county mental health department with children and families. I focused on areas of substance addiction, domestic violence, marriage and relationship issues, various forms of abuse, parenting issues, and LGBTQ families. I concurrently started working in my private practice where I continue seeing an array of clients going on 40 years now. My style of therapy is warm and personal. I work by getting to know you as a person since you are the expert on your own life. Together, we can jointly come up with goals and solutions that are going to work for you. I will treat you with sensitivity, respect, and warmth by getting to know you as a unique individual. I like to use Emotion Focused Therapy, Internal Family Systems, mindfulness, and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. By getting to know you, we can figure out which modalities are going to be most beneficial for you. Seeking therapy is not an easy decision to make, and I want to commend you for wanting to create a better life for yourself. I would love to support you and be part of your journey towards the goal of a more fulfilling life.

Robert Aerts
My name is Robert Aerts, I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. I hold a master’s in counseling psychology and 8 years’ experience working in the Mental Health Field. I have over 30 years’ experience working in Human Services. I have worked with a diverse population through the years. I am LGBTQ friendly and understand the stigmas that come with being LGBTQ. My therapeutic approach varies on what is presented to me. I practice from a Cognitive Behavioral Theory approach. I provide individual therapy. My communication is open and honest. If I am not equipped in assisting the presenting issue, I will discuss alternative resources and supports that can be a better fit.

Neil Martin
I am licensed in California with 25 years of professional work experience. I work solely with clients dealing with porn and sex addiction. I am nonjudgemental and I treat everyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion. I will tailor our sessions 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.

Dr. Merilee Lovejoy
I am licensed in the state of California as a clinical psychologist. I have over 13 years of experience providing therapy to clients in various settings from private practice, to outpatient, to inpatient settings. I have experience helping clients with stress and anxiety, depression, relationship issues, family conflicts, and addictions. I believe in treating everyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion. 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 proud of you for getting started!

Janna Chin
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.

Kathy-Ann Dougan
I am licensed in California with three decades of professional work experience with 10 of those years as a licensed therapist helping clients with stress, anxiety, relationship problems, self esteem, confidence issues, and coping with grief and loss. In an open and safe environment 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 change. I am here to support you in that process.

Heather Lopez
I am licensed in California and New York with 11 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress, anxiety, depression, relationship issues, family conflicts, communication deficits, addiction and eating disorders. I use evidence-based therapeutic interventions such as Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). My goal in treatment is for us to work through the fear and anxiety in order for you to understand yourself on a deeper level, emotionally and behaviorally. I use compassion and take a nonjudgmental stance while balancing change and acceptance by encouraging clients to gently work toward their own individual goals.

Denise Huipio
I am licensed in California with 7 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress, anxiety, trauma, abuse, parenting issues, motivation, self esteem, & confidence. I also have experience working with 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!
Find a therapist serving clients in California
Types of therapists available to clients in San Marcos
Understanding the type of therapy you'd like to search for is crucial before finding a therapist or psychologist. Be sure to narrow your search for therapists in San Marcos that can offer psychodynamic therapy, cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), talk therapy, group therapy, marriage and family therapy for individuals or couples, or couples therapy depending on your needs.
Licensed therapists & mental health professionals available through BetterHelp's online platform
Mental health therapists in San Marcos available through BetterHelp are accredited to help individuals and couples. San Marcos therapists' credentials can include licensed marriage and family therapist (LMFT), licensed clinical social worker (LCSW), and clinician or doctor of psychology (PsyD). Regardless of their licensure, San Marcos therapists are trained in any type of therapy in the San Marcos region and in the state of California.
How a therapist can help you destress, manage your emotions, and guide you towards the life you want
Therapists in San Marcos can help clients in improving healthy relationships, communication skills, working through life transitions, couples challenges, managing a mood disorder, improving coping skills, self help tips, offer life coaching, family life, or change in negative thinking patterns. A therapist in San Marcos may also provide a safe place and validation for clients experiencing emotional pain, or that simply want a psychological assessment.