In life, your mental state is important. Having a good mental state and confidence about yourself can help you navigate your life. If you don't have control over your mental health, you may feel like you're unable to find yourself. What can you do in that case? A counselor based in Carlsbad can help you sail out and find that beach. 

Carlsbad is a beautiful seaside resort, but not everyone here is relaxing. We all have our internal and external struggles, and sometimes we need someone who can help us make sense of them all. A counselor based in Carlsbad can help you do just that. Just speak to one today and see what they can do for you.

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Dr. Alexandra Duffy

Offering therapy in CA
License: Psy.D.
Stress, AnxietySelf esteemBipolar disorderDepressionADHD
15 years of experience

Hi there! I am Alexandra Duffy a clinical psychologist with licenses in California, Massachusetts, North Carolina, and Washington. Thanks for taking a moment to learn how my counseling and therapy can be a useful tool for yourself or someone you care about. Therapy is a way to invest in yourself, have support during difficult times and deal with past issues that impact your current life and relationships. Together, we discover healthy ways to help cope with the unknown and things outside of our control. I specialize in treating depression, anxiety, panic disorder, ADHD, eating /body image issues and Bipolar Disorder. I also work with students of all ages (and even parents) to address issues with learning, such as dyslexia, ADHD, learning disabilities and executive functioning issues (e.g., time management, procrastination, prioritizing work, regulating emotions, etc.), which can be especially challenging right now with Online and Distance Learning. I have extensive experience with the evaluation and diagnosis of ADHD, dyslexia and learning disabilities to improve overall functioning and also provide documentation for academic and test accommodations. My therapy style is warm, interactive and collaborative. I tailor our sessions and treatment plan based on your individual needs and take into consideration your prior experience with counseling. I utilize an eclectic style incorporating psychodynamic and evidence-based modalities including cognitive-behavioral, interpersonal, and mindfulness-based interventions. I integrate healthy lifestyle techniques to improve emotional health and overall well-being by addressing sleep habits, exercise and eating patterns. I also help manage electronic media usage to find a balance between being informed and feeling worried or overwhelmed by the 24-hour news cycle and uncertainty in our lives right now. I earned my Doctor of Clinical Psychology degree (Psy.D) from the George Washington University and Postdoctoral Master of Science in Clinical Psychopharmacology from the California School of Professional Psychology. I completed a Post-Doctoral Fellowship at Harvard University’s Bureau of Study Counsel. I have worked in inpatient/residential treatment, private practice and as a Staff Psychologist at UCLA and the Georgetown University Law Center. Some of my clinical interests include identity development, perfectionism, mastering attention regulation concerns, and learning styles/strategies to improve academic performance. I am also interested in helping actors and individuals in the creative arts to improve self-awareness, explore emotions and use relaxation techniques in the creative process, as well as to cope with rejection, criticism and stress. I have taught workshops to improve self-esteem and reduce anxiety for students, professional and healthcare workers, as well as during the audition and interview process. I have enjoyed leading Finding Focus groups and the Art of Public Speaking wellness group. These skills and techniques are beneficial during individual counseling sessions as well to increase personal effectiveness.

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Daniel Romo

Offering therapy in CA
License: M.A., LMFT
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesTrauma and abuseParenting issuesDepression
9 years of experience

Welcome, My name is Daniel Romo and I am in the field of helping people feel that they matter. I was born and raised in Southern California. I completed my undergraduate degree in Psychology at California State University Fullerton and Masters of Marriage and Family Therapy (MFT) with a Specialization in Trauma and Latinx Studies at Pacific Oaks College. I started practicing therapy and completed my trainee-ship providing School-Based services to elementary and secondary schools in the Pasadena area and DIS Designated Instructional Services for a non-public school and a Non-profit organization in the Pasadena area in 2015. In 2011 I started working in the mental health field servicing at-risk youth and families at a residential level 14 facility as a Mental Health Wellness Specialist providing life skills and helping youth improve their cognitive functioning. I have utilized the skills I have gained through my education and prior positions as a Mental Health Therapist at various non-profit agencies and as a Community Wellness Specialist by assisting clients in planning short-term and long-term goals, while being sensitive to their backgrounds and specific needs. I believe that individuals of all backgrounds require assistance and support in setting goals and meeting them, from a professional who is cognizant and accommodating of limitations and diversity. My experience working at various non-profits has afforded me the opportunity to develop therapeutic skills and expand on personal attributes vital to the therapeutic process. Providing therapeutic services with various non-profits has also enabled me to interact with and assist at-risk youth through individual, family, and group counseling on issues ranging from severe mental health diagnoses like depression disorders, psychotic disorders, attention and impulse-control disorders, anger management, interpersonal relationship difficulties and substance abuse. As a result, I have become more adept at interacting with clients from a variety of backgrounds including the Deaf and Hard of Hearing community and have developed a passion for helping clientele that might not otherwise have access to therapeutic services, except through a community agency. I am dedicated to fostering a safe environment and working with each individual to develop customized plans to improve their quality of life. As a Mental Health Therapist, my approach is client and culturally centered. I have worked at various non-profit agencies and have been trained in a variety of approaches: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Trauma-Focused CBT, Family Systems, Object Relations, Existential/Humanistic, and what I have found in working with individuals and families is approaching therapy by fostering a safe environment and working with each individual to develop a customized plan to improve their quality of life.

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Sally Millsap

Offering therapy in CA
License: 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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Russell Pippin

Offering therapy in CA
License: LMFT
Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseSelf esteemDepression
27 years of experience

Welcome. My name is Russell Pippin. I am living and working in California as a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. I have over 25 years of clinical experience in a variety of settings from Private Practice to working at a County Behavioral Health Agency to working as a clinical Supervisor for an agency that provides school systems with mental health services. I have a deep abiding faith in God that has grown over the past 48 years. That faith has led me to my calling to help empower, heal, and discover what is best in each person and commission each to live their best life. It is my belief that by providing a safe authentic and compassionate clinical setting we can work together to achieve your goals. Please contact me at your earliest convenience. I look forward to hearing from you. Russell Pippin LMFT EDUCATION Bachelor’s degree Simpson Bible College San Francisco Graduated in 1982 Major in Christian Education Master’s degree Fresno State University Fresno Graduated in 1994 Major in Counseling-Marriage,Family and Child Counseling SPECIALTIES: Stress, Anxiety Self esteem Depression Coping with Life Changes Anger Management Communication problems- Imago therapy certificatied Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. EMDR level II trained since 2007 CLINICAL APPROACHES Client-Centered Therapy Cognitive Behavioral Therapy EMDR Therapy Solution Focused Therapy Imago-Couples Therapy Years of Experience 23 LANGUAGE English LICENSING LMFT40133

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Thomas Lyon

Offering therapy in CA
License: LMFT
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesAnger managementDepressionCoping with life changes
23 years of experience

Hello and thank you for looking at my profile and considering me for doing therapy together. My name is Tom Lyon. I am a Marriage and Family Therapist licensed in the state of California since 1998. My personality is generally warm, sensitive, gentle, and caring. My nature is to treat everyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion. But with this comes the responsibility to not be afraid to work with you on the seemingly overpowering experiences of your life. The type of therapy I practice is called Depth Psychotherapy and it refers to helping people work through deep inner processes within themselves that affect them personally and in relationship with others. I help engage the various parts of a person’s self that have been neglected, hurt, undeveloped, unappreciated and hidden away. I provide a safe, non-judgmental space where you will experience being heard and understood. In collaboration, we will listen deeply to utilize your thoughts, feelings, thoughts, intuitions, and sensations, all of which offer valuable insight into parts of your inner wisdom. Our sessions are where you can explore your struggles as well as your dreams and desires. As painful and confusing experiences are explored in a safe way, you can connect more honestly and compassionately with your struggle, becoming the true person you want to be. I want to hear your story, and about what is bringing you to this therapeutic conversation. While I can facilitate helping you find specific solutions that you may be looking for, I provide therapy with a holistic view to listen and see you and accept everything you wish to discuss, to hear your story. I will tailor our therapeutic time together to develop a beneficial treatment plan to meet your unique and specific needs. As with many things in life, therapy may be too intense for you, or I may not have the skills to work as effectively with you as I would like, or for some other reasons. Through our interaction, we may come to the conclusion that we would not be able to work together therapeutically to achieve your goals. Hopefully, we will have a better idea about this during our first session. But as the adage says . . . "nothing ventured, nothing gained." The development of your personality, your own uniqueness, to engage the world in a useful, purposeful, meaningful way in psychotherapy is often a courageous undertaking and I am hopeful that we can develop a trust and rapport to confidently help you grow in a process that unfolds over time. It may be one of the most unique, and at times most difficult, collaborations of your life and together we can explore your hopes and goals, determine the pace of your work, and explore the stories, struggles, and questions you bring into a session. I look forward to working with you! Tom

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Francisco Arreola

Offering therapy in CA
Parenting issuesAnger managementSelf esteemCoping with life changesADHD
7 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 7 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with parenting issues, anger management, motivation, self esteem, and confidence, & coping with life changes. 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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Loretta Abbott

Offering therapy in CA
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsLGBTTrauma and abuseDepression
14 years of experience

I am licensed in Montana and California with 14 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, those coping with addictions, lgbt-related issues, & trauma and abuse. 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. I fully believe in each individual's inner wisdom and work with clients to help them better access that wisdom through the use of compassionate interviewing and listening. I primarily employ therapeutic tools from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Rational Emotive Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, and Mindfulness. I have completed the first weekend training for EMDR, working with a EMDR consultant and registered for the second weekend in March 2024 in order to apply for EMDR certification.

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Jeremy Sinkinson

Offering therapy in CA
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesFamily conflictsGriefParenting issues
13 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 13 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, & coping with grief and loss. 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.

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Dr. Denise Renye

Offering therapy in CA
Relationship issuesIntimacy-related issuesCareer difficultiesCoaching
19 years of experience

I am a certified sexologist and a licensed psychologist in California and Colorado with over 20 years of professional work experience. I have experience working with people in my private practice providing long term depth therapy and personally tailored coaching programs. I help people with sexuality, career and executive coaching and consultation, intimacy related issues, & career considerations. I have worked diligently to collaborate with my clients to create an open and safe environment where thoughts, feelings, and emotions 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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Frances Kong

Offering therapy in CA
Stress, AnxietyFamily conflictsParenting issuesDepressionCoping with life changes
13 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 13 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, family conflicts, parenting issues, & depression. I work with my clients to create an open and safe environment where thoughts and feelings can be shared without fear of judgment. 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.

How to find counseling in Carlsbad

Finding the best therapist close by in Carlsbad 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 Carlsbad. 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 Carlsbad, 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 Carlsbad 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 Carlsbad 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 Carlsbad, elsewhere in San Diego, 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 Carlsbad area can be found below:

How does the cost of in-person counseling compare to the cost of BetterHelp with a licensed Carlsbad 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 Carlsbad 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 Carlsbad 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 Carlsbad, 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 Carlsbad 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 Carlsbad 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 Carlsbad 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 Carlsbad 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 Carlsbad 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 92008 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 Carlsbad 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 Carlsbad 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 Carlsbad, 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.

Carlsbad 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 Carlsbad.

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

92008, 92009, 92010, 92011, 92013, 92018

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