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.)
Jeffrey Steer
I have been working as a Marriage and Family Therapist for 18 years and I have been licensed in the State of California since 2007. I completed my Master of Arts Degree in Psychology with an emphasis in Marriage and Family Therapy at Chapman University in Monterey, California, and have worked with individuals and families in a variety of settings, including community resource centers and residential treatment facilities. I have treated a variety of issues, including mood disorders, anxiety, anger management, stress management, and various adjustment problems. As we have entered an age of solution-focused brief therapy, my treatment approach is strength-based and cognitive-behavioral; however, I tailor-fit my treatment approach to each client in order to treat their individual and unique issues. I begin the therapeutic process by taking time to get to know the client and what he or she addresses in the therapy session so I can meet the client where he or she is at, build on strengths the client possesses, and collaboratively develop a treatment plan with the client in order to help him or her move forward. I believe I can help the client using this approach, especially since successful therapy depends on the therapeutic relationship between client and therapist.
Brianne Walker
I am a Marraige and Family Therapiist licensed in California with over 10 years of experience working with a variety of backgrounds. The variety of people, careers, and experience has helped me develop clinical skills which I use in my current practice. I have experience with all ages from children to adults, to those in end of life situations (palliative and hospice care). I have experience working with many socioeconomic status, race, culture, religions, and beliefs. I have a great deal of experience working with foster youth, adopted families, blended families, Christians, cancer patients and palliative care. I have experinece in substance abuse as well as law enforcement matters. I have been doing counseling for the last 3 years formally. However, I have been a social worker since 2004, graduate level since 2008. I have worked with clients with a wide range of concerns including depression, anxiety, relationship issues, cancer related issues, grief and loss, and forgiveness. I have helped many families and individuals. My counseling style is warm and interactive. I believe in treating anyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion, and I don't believe in stigmatizing labels. My approach combines cognitive-behavioral, humanistic, psychodynamic and rational-emotive counseling. I will tailor our dialog and treatment plan to meet your unique and specific needs. It takes courage to seek for a more fulfilling and happier life and to take the first steps towards a change. If you are ready to take that step I am here to support and empower you. I look forward to working with you!
Camille Helland
I am a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in California. I work with clients who have a wide range of concerns including -- depression, anxiety, addictions, self esteem, lack of motivation, relationship issues, parenting problems, career challenges, loneliness and feelings of isolation. I also help people who have experienced physical trauma or emotional abuse. My counseling style is warm and interactive, mostly using approaches that combine cognitive-behavioral, DBT and humanistic counseling techniques, but I also use a few other eclectic methods when appropriate. It takes courage to seek a more fulfilling, happier life and take the first steps towards change. Together, we will develop goals for your unique and specific needs. If you are ready to take that step, I am here to support and empower you!
Dr. Matthew Meyers
My experience is working with individuals/ couples, children, and families. I look forward to supporting your journey. I am a Licensed Profesional Clinical Counselor in the states of California, Nevada, Florida, New Mexico, Arizona, Utah, Indiana, Idaho, and a Nationally Board Certified Counselor. My doctorate is in counseling psychology. I have 20 years of counseling experience. My practice focuses on working with individuals, and couples with relationship issues as well as work-related challenges. I work with my clients to create an open and safe environment where issues, thoughts, and feelings can be shared. My goal is to build upon what is working in the client's life and collaborate with my clients to address the needs that they feel should be addressed in a way that they feel comfortable with. I do ask thought-provoking questions during sessions to help engage the client. Scheduling Availability is usually on weekdays evenings or weekends. I am in the West Coast time zone I look forward to working with you!
Carolyn White
Welcome! I provide virtual therapy in California, Virginia, and Alabama for anxious high-achievers and recovering perfectionists struggling with finding satisfaction in life, relationships, or work. I help you figure out what’s going on, let go of the panic, and feel more in control of your life by teaching you what to do with your feelings of anxiety, anger, and overwhelm. 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. My approach is warm, compassionate and direct. The therapy process involves learning about yourself, recognizing your patterns, and actively working on making changes to meet your goals. I will make jokes, cheer your wins, listen to your pain, challenge you, and offer practical experiences to build your confidence as you create the life you want. I have over 14 years of specialized experiencing supporting active duty military, first responders, veterans, government professionals, engineers, financial analysts and contracting officers with their unique work-life challenges.
Dana Cole
I am licensed in California with 25 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with relationship issues, family conflicts, intimacy related issues,. I specialize and mostly see couples. 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!
Jasmine Ortiz
I am licensed in California with 15 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, coping with addictions, relationship issues, & trauma and abuse. 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. I am also Bilingual in English and Spanish.
Eugene Yamamoto
I am a licensed clinical social worker LCSW therapist in California with 25 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, motivation, self esteem, and confidence, depression, & coping with life changes. 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!
Toai Griffin
I am licensed in California with 20 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, coping with grief and loss, parenting issues, & motivation, self esteem, and confidence. 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!
Susan Maxfield
I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist specializing in individual and family therapy for children and adults. With over 30 years working in the fields of behavioral health and social services, and as a graduate of California State University, Bakersfield with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology and a Master of Science degree in Counseling Psychology, I serve as a private practitioner working with a broad spectrum of clients. Among my areas of expertise are Depression, Anxiety, Child and Adolescent Disorders, Positive Parenting of challenging behaviors and oppositional defiant children, Grief and Loss Issues, coping with chronic pain and fatigue/Fibromyalgia and other chronic medical problems, and many others. In addition to being a psychotherapist I have worked as a consultant for non-profit organizations in Tulare County. I am an interactive, Cognitive Behavioral and Family System's therapist. My therapeutic approach is to provide support and practical feedback to help clients effectively address personal life challenges. I integrate complementary methodologies and techniques from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Solution Focused Brief Therapy, Behavior Modification Theory, and Positive Parenting among other theoretical approaches, to offer highly personalized treatment tailored to each client. With compassion and understanding, I work with each individual to help them build on their strengths and attain the personal growth they are committed to accomplishing.
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 92078 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:
- National Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-799-SAFE (7233)
- National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-TALK (8255)
- Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741741
- Veterans Crisis Line: Call 1-800-273-8255 (and press 1) or text 838255. For support for the deaf and hard of hearing community, please use your preferred relay service or dial 711 then 1-800-273-8255.
- Trevor Lifeline (LGBTQ Lifeline): (866)488-7386
- SAMHSA National Helpline (Substance Use): (800)662-4357
- National Eating Disorder Association Helpline:1-800-931-2237 (M-Th: 9 AM-9 PM EST, Fri 9 AM - 5 PM EST)
- Child Help Hotline: Call 1-800-422-4453 or use the online chat feature
- National Anti-Hazing Hotline for young adults, adolescents, and adults: 1-888-NOT-HAZE (1-888-668-4293)
- Physician Crisis Support Line: Contact 1-888-409-0141 if you are a first responder or medical provider experiencing crises related to Covid-19
- Sexual Assault Hotline: Call RAINN at 1-800-656-4673
Below are some of the zip codes served by BetterHelp therapists in San Marcos:
92069, 92078, 92079, 92096