Known as the ‘Queen of the Southern Mines,’ Sonora California was a gold rush town with a wild reputation. As the value of gold decreased, Sonora’s population dwindled as well. No longer a boomtown, Sonora prides itself on being the closest city to Yosemite National Park.
Like the city of Sonora, many of us have been through life changes that through no fault of our own have left us reeling. You may be struggling with figuring out a way to rise out of theashes or conquer the setbacks that have caused you to start the ‘reset’ button more times than you would like. If so, reaching out to a Sonora area mental health professional is one of the most valuable decisions you could ever make.

Sonia Blue
Change is possible and we DO get better! I have experienced this personally and have witnessed it again and again in my 30 years as a psychotherapist. I have been privileged to accompany countless individuals, couples and families on their journey to health and wholeness. Healing the past, relating to others with greater intimacy and authenticity, communicating more effectively and creating meaning as we grow and change are just some of the possibilities positive, compassionate and effective therapy can offer. If your problems could be solved by good advice alone, you would have figured them out long ago. Problems that are difficult confound your efforts to move forward leaving you stuck. Let's have a DIFFERENT KIND OF CONVERSATION one that moves you towards clarity, changes behaviors and results in your feeling and doing better. I provide a confidential environment for you to come as you are and discover the internal resources that you already possess. I offer the patience for you to work through the difficulties that constrict you and I'll give the wisdom, empathy and support you deserve for the willingness it takes to begin this journey. *If you have questions about the benefits of psychotherapy watch this short animated clip called "Psychotherapy" on Vimeo. https://vimeo.com/134193131

Melissa Morais Parr
Hello, I am a Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist in the state of California and have an online therapy practice. I completed my Masters in Marriage and Family Therapy from Alliant International University in 2009. I have worked in various settings including outpatient, school-based, and residential, and have provided therapy to a diverse group of clientele on a wide-range of concerns. I specialize in providing therapy to individuals, teens, couples and families who are struggling with life stressors, relationship concerns, parenting difficulties, depression, and anxiety. I approach therapy by looking at each person as part of a larger family system. The way we each grow up influences our thoughts, feelings, and behaviors throughout our life. Some of these influences are positive and others can cause us difficulties and get in the way of the person we want to be and the relationships we want to have. I utilize a combination of CBT (Cognitive-Behavior-Therapy), Psychoeducation, and Mindfulness practices within my therapy in order to help my clients obtain knowledge and develop skills to assist them in difficult times. I believe we all have the ability to grow and overcome our personal difficulties and life stressors to live the life we want to have. Therapy is a great tool to help one learn more about themselves and guide them to a better and happier self. I’m excited to be on this journey with you!

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.

Laura Denham-Evans
I am licensed in California with 9 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, & trauma and abuse. 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!

Ashley Duckgeischel
I am licensed in California with 7 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, motivation, self esteem, and confidence, & depression. 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. As a Christian, I acknowledge the importance of individual faith as a important reference point in each individuals lives. When requested, I find it helpful to use Scripture and other Biblical principles to help clients identify important value systems to bring them greater strength, joy, and peace in their lives.

Gail Shurtleff
I am licensed in California with 30 years of professional work experience. I'm an ally to the LGBTQIA2s community;I have experience in helping clients coping with grief and loss smf depression. I also understand how bipolar affects families. I've worked with the disabled and disability issues. I also have experience working with faith transitions.I'm familiar with issues surrounding cult involvement. I’m a student of the Enneagram, Iand will use it in working with people if it’s requested. I have spent a great deal of my work doing insight therapy with clients, and I believe life is a journey that unfolds in powerful ways. I believe in treating everyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion. I will tailor our dialog and treatment plan to meet your unique and specific desires. You are your own expert and we can use that to help you get to where you want to go. Taking the first step to seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support your process.

Katy Caslav
I am licensed in California with 8 years of professional work experience. I specialize working with women struggling in areas of stress and anxiety, motivation, self esteem, and confidence, career difficulties, & 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. 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.

Shari Sinwelski
I am licensed in California with over 30 years of experience in mental health. I help clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, trauma and abuse (including sexual assault and domestic violence) & coping with grief and loss. I have worked with many people who are experiencing thoughts of suicide or a suicide attempt as well as those who care about someone who is dealing with those concerns or who has lost someone to suicide. I also love to help people with life transitions such as exploring a new career or life goal. 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 seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to empower you in that process.

Melissa 'Elle' Ortega
Hello and welcome. My name is Melissa “Elle” Ortega (she/her) and I am a licensed clinical social worker LCSW (109661), MSW, MPH in California. As a highly skilled and compassionate clinician, I come with a decade-long history of hospital-based care as a medical social worker; supporting patients and their families in both in-patient care and outpatient care settings, including: in-patient psychiatry, emergency medicine, ICU, urgent care, internal and family medicine, nephrology peritoneal dialysis (PD), oncology, palliative medicine, med/surg, NICU, Labor and Delivery (L&D), and Family-centered care (FCC). With such a strong foundation, I understand first-hand the impact of disability on one's mental health, wellness, and relationships with others; and strive to support my clients through it. Through a strengths-based approach, I strive to meet my clients where they are and offer a safe space to be heard, process difficult emotions, and find empowerment. I utilize Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Motivational Interviewing (MI), Solutions Focused Therapy intervention(s), and yes a lens in medical social work in session, to tailor to client’s individual need(s). I truly believe we aren’t meant to live this life alone; and with support, our darkest hours can be met with the light of resilience, if only we are brave enough to ask for help and support. So whether you are experiencing stress, anxiety, relationship issues, coping with grief and loss, and/or depression; I am here to support you in that process. So what do you say? Let’s face it together.

Deneta Jones-Udefi
I am licensed in California with 13 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with relationship issues, parenting issues, motivation, self esteem, confidence, executive coaching, & professional coaching. I also have experience working with compassion fatigue. 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.
Find a therapist serving clients in California
What types of therapists are available to clients in Sonora?
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 Sonora 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 Sonora available through BetterHelp are accredited as psychologists to help individuals and couples. Sonora 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, Sonora therapists are trained in any type of therapy in the Sonora 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 Sonora 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 Sonora 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 Sonora 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.