In life, cooperation is important. As we’re dealing with all of life’s problems, we need to find someone who can cooperate with us and allow us to be the best person we can be. This not only applies to cooperating with people around you, but also cooperating with yourself. Depression and anxiety, as well as your own self doubts, can make cooperation a challenge. A counselor in Watsonville can make that challenge easier. 

Watsonville’s motto mentions “unity through cooperation.” You can be one with yourself if you learn how to cooperate. You just need to speak to a counselor and see how they can help you.

This is Sally Millsap's avatar and link to their profile

Sally Millsap

Clinical therapist offering therapy in CA, Watsonville
Counselor License Type(s): MSW,LCSW,CCM
Family conflictsTrauma and abuseGriefParenting issuesCoping with life changes
30 years of experience

Hi, My name is Sally. I have been a social worker for over 30 years. I attended Graceland College and graduated with a BSW in Social Work and a minor in Psychology. I attended the University of Iowa and graduated with a Masters in Social Work. Most of my work has been as a medical social worker. I have worked in four different states. My first job after graduate school was at an inpt. Rehab Center. I counseled patents and their families who had strokes, spinal cord injuries and head injuries. I then worked at a high risk OB unit and a NICU. I worked with drug exposed babies and their families, high risk pregnant women and NICU families. I held a support group for the parents of the NICU babies. I counseled females who were considering adoption, who had fetal demise, those involved in domestic violence relationships, post partum depression and those with pregnancy issues. I then moved to CA 13 years ago and began working at a Children's Hospital. I work primarily on the Child Protection Team and co-facilitate a grief support group. I also work with parents of children with chronic medial issues and those going through life changes. One of my strengths is working with diverse populations. I enjoy working with people from all ages.

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Jeremee (Mimi) Bouchard

Clinical therapist offering therapy in CA, Watsonville
Counselor License Type(s): LCSW
Stress, AnxietyFamily conflictsSelf esteemDepressionCoping with life changes
15 years of experience

As a therapist, I create a warm, safe, nonjudgmental environment for people to be able to open up and share their feelings and make sense of what is troubling them. I strive to empower people and help them realize the strength and potential they possess. My experience has prepared me well to be able to interact and connect with a wide variety of individuals from diverse backgrounds. I have 21 years experience working in the mental health field, 18 years of which as a therapist. I have a great deal of experience focusing on areas like relationship issues, parenting, communication skills, mood management, and conflict resolution. In my practice, I utilize a number of theoretical orientations and therapy styles, as I find that different techniques work with different people. I primarily draw from humanistic, positive psychology, cognitive behavioral, and solutions focused theories. My approach to therapy is meeting the client where they're at, I follow your lead. I begin by asking questions to get a sense of what kinds of things you're struggling with, and see if we can figure out a direction we want to move in. We go at a pace that you're comfortable with. Sometimes just having someone to talk with to help you identify and process your feelings can provide some relief, especially if there's a lot of stuff bottled up. Then we can work toward identifying areas of your life that you're not satisfied with, and develop some basic goals to drive our work together. *Please note that I currently only have availability Monday - Friday in the mornings/early afternoons.

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Patricia Temple

Clinical therapist offering therapy in CA, Watsonville
Counselor License Type(s): LMFT
Relationship issuesFamily conflictsIntimacy-related issuesParenting issues
40 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 25years and more of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with relationship issues, family conflicts, & intimacy related issues. I also have experience working with parenting issues. Working with each individual within the family brings in their unique personality and characteristics which makes this particular group also unique and exciting to work with. 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!

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Michelle Clisby

Clinical therapist offering therapy in CA, Watsonville
Relationship issuesFamily conflictsSelf esteemDepressionCoping with life changes
15 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 10 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with relationship issues, family conflicts, motivation, self esteem, and confidence, & 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 seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process.

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Fiona Glas

Clinical therapist offering therapy in CA, Watsonville
GriefSelf esteemBipolar disorderDepressionCoping with life changes
23 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 20 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with coping with grief and loss, motivation, self esteem, and confidence, bipolar disorder, & 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. Taking the first step to sign up for therapy can take courage and I am proud of you for getting started!

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Jill Sheetz

Clinical therapist offering therapy in CA, Watsonville
AddictionsFamily conflictsTrauma and abuseGriefDepression
20 years of experience

I am a Marriage and Family Therapist licensed to practice in California. I have twenty years of experience in the mental health field. I have experience in helping clients of various ages in coping with depression, anxiety, trauma, loneliness, family relationships, substance use disorders and grief and loss amongst other concerns. I am a strength-based, client centered therapist who constantly strives to create an open and safe environment where individuals can share their experiences without fear of judgment. It takes courage to look inside oneself in order to pursue a more fulfilling life. I am here to support you in this process of growth and change.

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Deyanira Garcia

Clinical therapist offering therapy in CA, Watsonville
Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseGriefDepressionCoping with life changes
6 years of experience

Hi there, I'm Deyanira! Hello, my name is Deyanira Garcia, Dey for short. I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (132462). I provide therapeutic services to adolescents and adults who are struggling with depression, anxiety, relational issues, and trauma. I use a variety of approaches to build understanding of your inner dialogue, your values, and assist in processing difficult experiences. My approach My therapeutic style begins with building a trusting relationship and assisting clients with processing and making connections by asking intentional questions. My approach includes processing unaddressed emotions, challenging unhelpful narratives, and building coping skills to manage life stressors. My focus My experience consists of supporting counseling and education for children ages 0-5 who display emotional and behavioral symptoms that may lead to serious mental health problems and children 5-18 years old who have experienced trauma through abuse, neglect, abandonment, or as a victim of a crime. In addition to working with children, I also work with adults who struggle with depression, anxiety, relational issues, PTSD, and other life stressors. My communication style I pride myself on providing a safe and empathetic space for my clients throughout their journey. Taking the first step can be difficult, therefore, I like to provide a space where you allow yourself to be yourself free of judgment. I am grateful for the opportunity to stand by your side during your therapeutic journey. My journey to mental healthcare I knew from a young age that I wanted to work in a field where I had the opportunity to help others. The greatest moments in my career consist of seeing the transformations and resilience of my clients. My goals for you I emphasize the importance of going at your pace and assisting you set goals for yourself. We will work collaboratively to help you meet those goals. My first session with you The first session is focused on getting to know each other, making sure that you feel comfortable, and a chance for you to tell your story and explain the problems you are experiencing.

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This is Sasha Khalili's avatar and link to their profile

Sasha Khalili

Clinical therapist offering therapy in CA, Watsonville
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesTrauma and abuseDepressionCoping with life changes
4 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 4 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, trauma and abuse, substance abuse, existentialism, & depression. I work with my clients to create an open and safe environment where thoughts and feelings can be shared without fear of judgment, while also taking ownership of one's life. It takes courage to seek out a more fulfilling and happier life and to take the first steps towards a change or understanding yourself on a more intimate level. I am here to support, empower, and walk alongside you in your journey.

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Angelique Cameron

Clinical therapist offering therapy in CA, Watsonville
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesFamily conflictsGriefSelf esteem
11 years of experience

My name is Angelique Celestine Cameron, and I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with 11 years of experience working with children, adolescents, and adults. I am passionate about assisting individuals in identifying and replacing negative coping strategies with positive ones, aiming to eliminate undesirable behaviors and promote academic success. My expertise includes helping clients manage stress and anxiety, resolve relationship issues, address family conflicts, and cope with grief and loss. I believe you are the expert of your own story, and with the right guidance and new tools, your strengths can help you overcome the challenges you face. By seeking therapy, you've taken the first courageous step toward a more fulfilling and happier life. I am here to support you throughout this journey.

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Jason Winton

Clinical therapist offering therapy in CA, Watsonville
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsParenting issuesDepression
15 years of experience

I am licensed as a Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) in California with 15 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, coping with addictions, & parenting issues. I also have experience working with depression. I believe in treating everyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion. My treatment approach can be described as strengths-based, cognitive-behavioral, and contemplative. I often use treatment strategies from Motivational Interviewing, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavior Therapy, Narrative Therapy, Solution-Focused, and spirituality from the 12-step tradition. 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!

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How to find a therapist for counseling in Watsonville

Finding the best therapist close by in Watsonville 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 Watsonville 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 Watsonville. 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 Watsonville, 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 Watsonville 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 Watsonville 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 Watsonville 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 Watsonville 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 Watsonville, elsewhere in Santa Cruz, 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 Watsonville 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 Watsonville 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 Watsonville 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 Watsonville 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 Watsonville online therapy platform verified?

Therapists in Watsonville, 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 Watsonville 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 Watsonville 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 Watsonville 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 Watsonville?

One of the potentially rewarding aspects of working with a Watsonville 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 Watsonville 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 Watsonville 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 95076 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 Watsonville counselor?

Before seeing your Watsonville 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. Watsonville 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 Watsonville 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 Watsonville 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 Watsonville, 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.

Watsonville 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 Watsonville, 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 Watsonville 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 Watsonville.

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

95019, 95076, 95077

Popular cities near Watsonville, CA

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