Mental health care can be beneficial for almost anyone, for many different reasons. A therapist offers a supportive space and tools to deal with communication issues, learn healthy boundaries, manage stress, and facilitate personal growth.
When it comes to finding a therapist, Santee, Ca may offer more options than surrounding rural areas, but finding the right therapist can be challenging, even in a city. One reason for this is that there are a large number of therapeutic approaches, and client centered therapy can mean finding the right approach for you. For example, a doctoral level therapist may practice right on your street, but they specialize in family therapy, and you want help with a mood disorder. What you want or need may not be available nearby. Some offices may not take your insurance, and don’t offer sliding scale fees. Others may have waiting lists, or may not be taking new patients at all. This is where online therapy can help.
BetterHelp is an online platform that gives you access to a wide variety of online-based therapists in Santee, CA with professional experience in a broad range of therapeutic approaches, and experience offering quality care to diverse populations. Whether you need an associate professional clinical counselor with experience in gender affirming care, or an associate marriage counselor that specializes in divorce, simply fill out an online questionnaire and BetterHelp will match you with the therapist that best meets your needs. And because a strong therapeutic alliance can be essential to success, if you need to change therapists you can do so at no additional cost.
BetterHelp is also a convenient solution for many busy professionals, parents, and students. Online sessions fit easily into any schedule, and with video chat, phone, and text messaging options you can meet with your therapist from the comfort of your own home.
If you live in the Southern California area and have been thinking about therapy for any reason, contact BetterHelp to get started. You can also check out the list of online-based therapists below for more information.

Cindee Oswald
Welcome! Thank you for taking the time to explore what growth opportunities might be in your future. You might be looking for a change, struggling with an important aspect of your life or just wanting a person to validate and share your story with. Finding the right person to ride along on this journey with you is very important. I want to provide you with some information about me in order to help you decide if my experience and style is the right match for you. I have been a social worker for more than 10 years. I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in California and Arizona. I have experience working with children, adolescents, parents, military veterans and their families from all different backgrounds, all over the world, who are struggling with a wide variety of challenges. Most of my experience has been working with people who are struggling with anxiety, trauma, depression, LGBTQ+ issues, substance abuse, the challenges of parenting, the challenges of being connected to or in the military, foster care and adoption issues. I have been told from clients that I am nurturing, nonjudgmental and accepting of them. I can be expected to stand with you through what ever struggles you are facing and assist with deeping the connection you have with yourself in order to create the peace and life you want. I will always provide a positive framework but honestly provide you feedback. I am a person-centric therapist that will let you set the goals you want to work towards. We will be working at your speed of emotional safety. I will try to push you to rethink some of the limits you place on yourself so you can step into who you want to be. You are the one that will be doing the hard work. I will just be navigating you with a nurturing heart through the process. Think of it as if you are the person in the driver seat and I am the person in the passenger seat with the maps ready to provide navigation. Most of my availability is in the evenings and weekends, but I do check my messages at least twice a day. I will do my best to respond to you within 24 hours. It takes courage to ask for help and discover a more peaceful and happier life. If you are ready to take that step I am here to support and empower you. I would be honored to work with you.

Michael Tidstrand
I specialize in providing compassionate support to individuals navigating a spectrum of mental health challenges. Drawing from both professional training and personal experiences, I understand the complexities of these struggles firsthand. Clients can expect a nonjudgmental and empathetic environment where they can freely express themselves without fear of stigma or shame. My approach is rooted in creating a secure space where clients feel heard and valued. As a licensed Professional Clinical Counselor with a Master's in Clinical Psychology from Pepperdine University, I prioritize active listening, curiosity, and reflection. By employing techniques such as mindfulness and cognitive-behavioral therapy, I help clients explore the intricate connections between their thoughts, emotions, and behaviors. My goal is to empower clients on their journey towards healing and self-discovery. Together, we'll uncover the underlying reasons behind presenting issues, fostering meaningful insights and personal growth. I eagerly anticipate the opportunity to support you in your path towards a more fulfilling life.

Dr. Brenda Davis
I am a licensed clinical social worker in California, Kentucky, Idaho, and Oregon with over 30 years of experience working as a therapist and life coach. I have worked with clients with a wide range of concerns including depression, anxiety, relationship issues, work conflicts, and day to day problem solving. My therapy style is strength based. I believe in treating people with respect, sensitivity, and compassion. My approach combines cognitive-behavioral considering the person in their environment. Often what is needed is a safe place to be heard. I will tailor our dialog and treatment plan to meet your unique and specific needs. It takes courage to seek a more fulfilling and happier life and to take the first steps towards change. If you are ready to take that step, I am here to support and empower you. I look forward to working with you!

Alaina Bigger
I am a nationally licensed Clinical Social Worker, but practice on the Board of Behavioral Science for California (LCSW) & Ohio (LISW) with 16 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, & coping with grief and loss. My therapeutic orientation/expertise lies within the modalities of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Psychodynamic, and Systemic Therapy. I enjoy working with the family, as well as with the individual client to provide a holistic approach to care. I believe that you are the expert of your story and that you have many strengths that will assist you in overcoming things that challenge you. Taking the first step to sign up for therapy can take courage and I am proud of you for getting started!

Megan Quinn
I am licensed in California with 5 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, parenting issues, depression, & coping with life changes. 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!

Cynthia Kruk
I am licensed in California with 3 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and 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. 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.

Chula Tran
I am licensed in California with 11 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with family conflicts, trauma and abuse, parenting issues, & bipolar disorder. 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!

Elizabeth Janca
Hello, my name is Elizabeth Janca. I knew from an early age that I wanted to be a counselor after my own experiences in play therapy and counseling. Having that safe space meant so much to me that I wanted to provide that opportunities for others. Born and raised south of Houston, TX, I pursued a Bachelor’s in Psychology from Texas A&M University followed by a Master’s in Counseling and Development at Texas Woman's University north of Dallas, TX. Over the last ten years I have had experience in direct therapy as an ABA therapist for children aged 2-12, play therapy with children aged 4-10, activity therapy with adolescents, talk therapy with adolescents and adults, and group therapy with adolescents and adults. Aside from my experience as a counselor, I also have three years’ experience in middle school education as an Academic Counselor and Administrator. I joined BetterHelp and Global Teletherapy with the hope of being able to continue to offer guidance and a safe space for children (5-12), teens (13-18), and young adults (19-35) as they navigate the challenges they encounter in life and school through client centered counseling. I primarily work out of Person/Client Centered Counseling, also known as Rogerian, which focuses on where the client drives the session in a nonjudgement space that facilities reflection. I also utilize Cognitive Behavioral Therapy which focuses on challenging and changing unhelpful cognitive thoughts and behaviors, improving emotional regulation, and develop coping strategies. I look forward to working with you!

Leslie LaMay
Hi there! My name is Leslie and I'm so excited to meet you. I am a licensed professional in California (LCSW 123946). My areas of expertise include working with the impacts of trauma and abuse, stress and anxiety, relationship issues, motivation, and self esteem. During my day job, I oversee a therapy program for teens and young adults at a local non profit. I believe in treating everyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion - and my sessions will always be a safe space. My approach is humanistic and person-centered, and I customize my chosen interventions based off the individual needs that we'll identify together. Taking the first step to seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process.

Darlene Melendez
I am licensed in California with 10 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress, anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, 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
What types of therapists are available to clients in Santee?
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 Santee that can offer psychodynamic therapy, cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), therapeutic 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 Santee available through BetterHelp are accredited as psychologists to help individuals and couples. Santee 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, Santee therapists are trained in any type of therapy in the Santee region and in the state of California.
How can a therapist help you destress, manage your emotions, and guide you towards the life you want?
Therapists in Santee 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 Santee may also provide a safe place and validation for clients experiencing emotional pain, or that simply want a psychological assessment.
Is it better to find a mental health counselor or therapist in Santee offering online therapy or in person?
Studies show online therapy can be just as effective as in-person counseling. Online therapy with licensed counselors is often more affordable, with BetterHelp pricing ranging from $65-$100 weekly, while in person therapy can cost up to $200 per session.