Grief is a difficult thing to describe and it is even harder to understand, especially if you are the one trying to deal with it. Losing someone you love is not something that you can just get over and it affects everyone differently. Luckily, the City of Capitola, California has many of the best counselors in the state who can help.

Like many places in California, Capitola has some awesome beaches to enjoy including Capitola Beach, New Brighton State Beach, and Twin Lakes State Beach. You may also enjoy the Capitola Historical Museum where you can learn a lot about the city. Talk to a Capitola counselor today so you can start enjoying life again.

This is Maria Rios's avatar and link to their profile

Maria Rios

Offering therapy in CA
License: MA,LMFT
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsRelationship issuesParenting issuesDepression
12 years of experience

HELLO! I am a licensed psychotherapist in California (LMFT) and I have been in practice since 2012. Before graduating with my Master’s degree in Counseling Psychology, I was a Montessori teacher in Cambridge, MA and San Diego, CA for 9 years and I enjoy working with children and parents who seek guidance in parenting skills and are in need of an emotional support. As a psychotherapist, I have worked in residential and outpatient settings, providing individual and group therapy to adults and adolescents, and I run my own private practice in office and online. My areas of expertise include: depression, anxiety, relationships and parenting, crisis, and life adjustments. I specialise in depression, self-esteem issues, substance dependency. In my work with clients, I use some of the leading psychological modalities, such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), Internal Family Systems (IFS), and Solution-Focused Therapy. My approach is person-centered, compassionate, and problem solving. Establishing trust in a therapeutic environment is paramount for deep and rewarding work as it promotes healing and insight for a desired change. I value authenticity and perseverance no matter what challenges life brings and I focus on helping clients increase their self-esteem and self-acceptance by practicing healthy boundaries and improving communication styles. I also use a Psychodynamic approach to delve into the earlier years of self, make sense of the past events, and explore all the parts of your personality that make you so unique. I look forward to working with you and support you in meeting your goals! Crisis Line: 1-800-273-8255 (1-800-273-TALK) Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741-741

This is Deborah Bowe's avatar and link to their profile

Deborah Bowe

Offering therapy in CA
License: LMFT
Stress, AnxietyGriefAnger managementSelf esteemCoping with life changes
20 years of experience

I have had a long career in human services in community mental health in Los Angeles, CA and Miami FL. I am a seasoned therapist both in years and experience. For over the past 20 years I have had the privilege to work with individuals, families and couples and support them through their concerns and challenges. My counseling style is warm and interactive. I work in a collaborative fashion and respect that you as the client have the answers. I view my role as your guide providing a safe, trusting, empathic environment so you will have the freedom to find out for yourself and make the changes you would like to see in your life. My approach combines cognitive-behavioral, humanistic, and psychodynamic counseling. I use Motivational Interviewing, Mindfulness and Solution focus modalities. My experience has been with working with individuals /families with anger management, anxiety, grief loss, depression, trauma focus work, PTSD and all forms of abuse. I will tailor our dialogue and treatment plan to meet your specific and unique necessities. During our time together I will provide strategies and schemes as well as feedback to lend support and encouragement throughout the process of change. 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!

This is Jennifer Philips's avatar and link to their profile

Jennifer Philips

Offering therapy in CA
Stress, AnxietyFamily conflictsGriefParenting issuesCoping with life changes
8 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 8 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, family conflicts, coping with grief and loss, & parenting issues. 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.

This is Dr. William Conti's avatar and link to their profile

Dr. William Conti

Offering therapy in CA
Stress, AnxietyLGBTRelationship issuesDepressionCoping with life changes
30 years of experience

I am licensed in Hawaii, California and Pennsylvania with 30 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, lgbt-related issues, relationship issues, & 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 sign up for therapy can take courage and I am proud of you for getting started!

This is Kimberly Jackson-Massaro's avatar and link to their profile

Kimberly Jackson-Massaro

Offering therapy in CA
Stress, AnxietyGriefSelf esteemCoping with life changesCompassion fatigue
14 years of experience

I am a licensed clinical social worker in the state of California with 14 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress, anxiety, coping with grief and loss, motivation, self esteem, confidence, & coping with life changes. I believe that you have the resources you need inside to move through life’s challenges and together we will explore how to utilize these strengths. Taking the first step to sign up for therapy takes courage and I am grateful to be with you on this journey.

This is Christine Rios's avatar and link to their profile

Christine Rios

Offering therapy in CA
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesTrauma and abuseDepression
6 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 6 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, & trauma and abuse. I also have experience working with 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 seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process.

This is Sarah Hevezi's avatar and link to their profile

Sarah Hevezi

Offering therapy in CA
Stress, AnxietyDepression
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 & 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.

This is Jennifer Buer's avatar and link to their profile

Jennifer Buer

Offering therapy in CA
Stress, AnxietyFamily conflictsSelf esteemDepressionCoping with life changes
10 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 10 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, 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 sign up for therapy can take courage and I am proud of you for getting started!

This is Sara Irwin's avatar and link to their profile

Sara Irwin

Offering therapy in CA
License: MS,LMHP,LADC
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsRelationship issuesTrauma and abuseDepression
14 years of experience

"There is hope, even when your brain tells you there isn't" Hello! I am glad you are here and I look forward to working with you. I am a licensed mental health and addiction therapist in with over 10 years of experience in the field. I graduated from Creighton University in 2008 with a Master's degree in Community Counseling. I have worked with all ages in clinic setting and private practice on various issues including substance abuse, anxiety, trauma, depression, relationship issues, grief, parenting struggles, stress management, and poor impulse control. In addition, I am also trained as a certified Clinical Trauma Professional. My therapeutic style is based on being genuine and understanding with clients. I believe it is essential to actively listen and effectively problem solve with my clients. My therapeutic foundation is a mix of cognitive-behavioral, humanistic, and rational-emotive theories. There are so many benefits from seeking out therapy. It can be the beginning of a powerful change for a person's life. I enjoy helping people reach their goals or resolve what is bothering them. I encourage you to start today to change your life for the better by allowing me to help your through your journey. When I am not working, I stay busy with my family. I have two little guys, so I am always on the go with these two. I also love running, traveling, reading, learning new things, and being outdoors. I am here to help you get unstuck and live your best life!

This is Heather Salazar's avatar and link to their profile

Heather Salazar

Offering therapy in CA
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsFamily conflictsSelf esteemDepression
8 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 8 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, coping with addictions, family conflicts, & 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 seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process.

How to find counseling in Capitola

Finding the best therapist close by in Capitola 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 that work best for you in order to begin your personal journey towards emotional healing.

Understanding the type of therapy you'd like to search for is crucial before finding a therapist or psychologist in Capitola. Perhaps you're interested in narrowing your search for a psychotherapist that can offer psychodynamic, cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), talk therapy, provide group therapy, marriage and family therapy for individuals or couples, or couples therapy. Each type of therapy can offer various benefits and address or treat different disorders. If you're still unsure or are new to counseling in Capitola, 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. 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 to treat individuals and couples counseling, and sometimes children, in any type of therapy. Find a therapist under any of these distinctions and know that the sessions they offer can provide a safe place to heal.

Mental health professionals working through their own in- person therapy practice in Capitola or online may assist clients in improving healthy relationships, communication skills, working through life transitions, managing a mood disorder, improving coping skills, or change in negative thinking patterns. They may also provide a safe place and validation for clients experiencing emotional pain. Verified providers 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 Capitola area in different types of therapy, including:

  • CBT
  • DBT
  • Substance use therapy
  • Couples therapy

When you're ready to start your search and find therapists, have in mind what type of therapy 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 Capitola, elsewhere in Santa Cruz, or in the greater state of California.

Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

Some other commonly asked questions on therapy with a licensed counselor and BetterHelp serving the Capitola area can be found below:

How does the cost of in-person counseling compare to the cost of BetterHelp with a licensed Capitola therapist?

The average price of an in-person therapy session in the US is $100 to $200 per hour. These prices may be higher in Capitola due to a higher cost of living. 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 Capitola 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 BetterHelp or clinicians throughout the state of California you can expect significantly more affordable options, with sessions ranging from $65 to $100 per week (billed every four weeks).

How is a licensed therapist on this online therapy platform verified?

Therapists in Capitola, 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. They 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, they 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 psychiatrists to prescribe a drug as treatment, or perform psychological assessments.

How does working with a counselor in BetterHelp online therapy sessions work?

BetterHelp clinicians treat clients online across the United States (individuals and couples) through life transitions, inner child exploration, long term depression or anxiety, and more. An online mental health professional, including the therapists in Capitola 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 lead by a therapist in Capitola helping individuals on topics including managing life transitions, symptoms affecting sexual health, behavioral health, coping skills for anxiety or depression, trauma, stress, marriage counseling, and more. 

What mental health issues can psychotherapy address?

BetterHelp's verified Capitola 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.

Specialties on BetterHelp include:

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 Capitola therapy provider through BetterHelp's sister platform, ReGain, which is dedicated to couples and spouses worldwide. 

How do I know if online counseling is right for my family?

One of the potentially rewarding aspects of working with a 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 are trained to respond to various concerns, symptoms, and mental health conditions.

A psychologist 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 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 Capitola 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 lot of people in CA, providers may be booked out with clients. Through the list of profiles 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 95010 or the surrounding zip codes, consider others available through the BetterHelp site. No matter if you are seeking help in your area or beyond, online therapy can be a great option.

How should I prepare for my first therapy session with a Capitola counselor?

Before seeing your therapist, prep for your session by reading to understand the therapy 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, let them know if you have any concerns about therapy or feel unsure about what to talk about. They may help guide you with open-ended therapeutic questions. 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 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 therapy entails. Although psychologists often support people with mental health conditions, you do not need a diagnosis or condition to attend therapy. You can discuss grief, relationship concerns, stress, or life changes and ask for general feedback and advice. A Capitola 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 through therapy 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.

Is mental health care and therapy worth it? 

Therapy 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 professional 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 Capitola, 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.

Capitola has many clinicians who practice person or client-centered individual therapy in-person and through online therapy 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?

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

To stay up to date with BetterHelp's initiatives through their social channels, you can follow them on PinterestLinkedInInstagramTwitter, and Facebook. For mental health tips, check out the BetterHelp YouTube channel.

Take some time today to learn more about the team of 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 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 Capitola.

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

95010

Find the right therapist for your needs
Match with a qualified therapist