Life can feel like a dance. When you're mentally prepared, you can dance across anything life throws at you, and end things off with grace. However, when you're mentally unwell, you may stumble, fall, and feel like everyone is throwing tomatoes at you. A counselor based in Encinitas can be the dance instructor you need. 

Encinitas is known for many things, including its ballet. Ballet dancing requires much training and precision, but it can be rewarding. This applies to life as well. If you need someone to help train you, a counselor can help you do just that. Speak to one today and see what you can do. 

This is Lizette Alvarado's avatar and link to their profile

Lizette Alvarado

Offering therapy in CA
License: LCSW
Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseDepression
14 years of experience

Hi welcome to my profile! I'm a Licensed Clinical Social worker with over 10 years of experience working with children, adolescents, adults, and families from diverse backgrounds. I have provided mental health treatment in various settings such as in-home, school setting, and outpatient setting. As a bilingual therapist I have helped clients with a range of concerns including depression, anxiety, dealing with life transitions, working through difficult relationships, parenting issues, and trauma. I have also facilitated parenting groups, social skills groups, sexual abuse groups, and domestic violence groups. I believe in a client- centered approach. What does this mean? It means clients tell their own stories at their own pace and guide the therapeutic process. All the while I will provide a safe, supportive, compassionate environment where you feel you are able to communicate your thoughts and feelings without judgement. My approach combines cognitive-behavioral, humanistic, solution focus, and mindfulness. I'm also certified in Trauma Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. I will work collaboratively to tailor my approach to meet your unique and specific needs. Making the decision to start therapy may be a scary process and it takes a lot of courage, but if you are ready to seek help, I’m ready to support and empower you in this journey.

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Janel Guinane

Offering therapy in CA
License: LCSW
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsParenting issuesSelf esteemDepression
10 years of experience

My career in the helping professions started in 1997 at a residential program in San Francisco working with adults with substance use issues and co-occurring mental health disorders. At this time, one did not need a degree in substance use counseling to work in this area and I was able to gain a great deal of experience. This launched a long road of determination to attain a Bachelor's degree in Social Work in 2008 and then a Master's in Social Work in 2010. Throughout my educational years and afterward, I worked with several different populations such as children, teens, TAY, former foster youth, homeless youth, adults with mental illness, homeless adults, and those arrested for alcohol and/or drug related offenses. I am currently a Program Manager of a Clinic that assesses individuals with mental health disorders for County treatment services as well as a homeless day respite center that connects unhoused persons with housing, food, healthcare, etc. My treatment approach is one that is Client-Centered, Strength's-Based, and Humanistic. I utilize Motivational Interviewing to gain knowledge into my Client's perspective and objectives. I believe that every person in an expert in their own life and that I act only as a guide and collaborator to help my clients reach their goals and enrich their lives. I have had experiences working with those with depression, anxiety disorders, trauma, eating disorders, PTSD, schizophrenia and various other conditions. My goal is to work with the client on their goals and not to give advice, which I find is less than effective. Many times individuals already know what they need and are seeking guidance, clarity, and the care of someone to be authentic and responsive to those needs.

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Susan Johnston

Offering therapy in CA
License: LMFT (California & Indiana),LMHC (Indiana)
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesFamily conflictsSelf esteemCoping with life changes
8 years of experience

Hello, I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in Indiana, a Licensed Mental Health Counselor in Indiana, and a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in California. I was a returning adult student and have been very fortunate to work as a team with individuals and families in office settings, residential and group homes, inpatient mental health care, intensive outpatient treatment, probation, and a college academic environment in my work experience and counselor training. What I learned is that many of us may want and/or need help sometimes. I also have training and experience in addiction treatment, where I enjoyed helping individuals and families work together to believe in themselves and possibility again. I have had the pleasure of working with individuals, couples, and families from nearby places and immigrant and refugee families from around the world, with the help of professional interpreters, and all of us working together to create a team respectful of languages and cultures. My counseling philosophy combines humanistic and experiential theories and emotions and cognitive work grounded in family systems theory. My goal is to work together as a team to individualize treatment and help you meet your goals. Take care, Susan

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Vicki Hart

Offering therapy in CA
License: MA, MSW, LCSW
Stress, AnxietyGriefCareer difficultiesCoping with life changesCoaching
17 years of experience

Hello! My name is Vicki, and I am a licensed clinical social worker (LCSW), executive coach, and management consultant. I began my career in the Neuropsychology Department at Baylor College of Medicine where I conducted cognitive tests for patients with memory impairments. Over the next 15 years, I held progressively responsible clinical and management positions in medical research centers, hospitals, and community settings, working with individuals and families. We focused on managing stress, relaxation techniques, and coping with aging parents, as well as caregiver stress, grief, and loss. I taught Stress Management for 8 years and have specialized training in palliative care, Critical Incident Stress Debriefing, and support for suicide loss survivors. My cross-cultural experience includes living and working in Japan, Singapore, and Germany for 7 years. Along the way, I had the opportunity to establish and provide counseling services to help military personnel and their families living on Army bases overseas, focusing on stress and PTSD. While living in Singapore, I provided community education, counseling, and post-hospitalization aftercare to support the social and emotional well-being of individuals and families. I am dedicated to continuous individual change and professional growth, which provides the focus of my coaching. I believe that executive coaching is the most effective approach to stimulate self-awareness, behavior change, and growth for professionals at all levels in their career. I base my coaching work on tying coaching goals to clear business outcomes. Through feedback, questions, challenges, and discernment, I help my clients to see possibilities, make plans, and take action to reach their goals. I am a published and credentialed executive coach. I love to help. And I welcome a conversation with you! We can explore your concerns, struggles, challenges, and goals - and map a path forward to more calm, peace, and fulfillment. NOTE: I work with clients in California, New Mexico and internationally.

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Dr. Nancy Liu

Offering therapy in CA
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsSelf esteemCoping with life changes
15 years of experience

I am licensed psychologist in California with 15 years of experience providing therapy and psychological evaluations. I've worked in various settings, such as mental health clinics, hospitals, inpatient, and day treatment settings. I have experience helping clients with addictions, adjustment issues, attention/organization problems, body image, mood issues, including perinatal mood, low self-esteem, and stress and anxiety. My approach is eclectic by using elements of Psychodynamic Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Acceptance Commitment, and mindfulness practices. My treatment is individualized and tailored to clients' presenting issues. I work with my clients to create an open and safe environment where thoughts and feelings can be shared without fear of judgment. In the initial phase of therapy, we set treatment goals and outline the purpose of therapy. During the treatment phase, we may explore your thoughts and feelings, learn and practice skills, role-play or work through challenging interpersonal themes, and engage in mindfulness practices. Typical sessions start with check-ins and agenda setting and reviewing worksheets, if applicable. I oftentimes share educational materials and assign worksheets and readings through the chat. Periodically, we will return to your treatment goal(s) to assess progress. I look forward to hearing from you.

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Patricia Castillo

Offering therapy in CA
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesFamily conflictsTrauma and abuseDepression
11 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 11 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!

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Laura Moore

Offering therapy in CA
License: LCSW
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesGriefSelf esteemCoping with life changes
22 years of experience

I knew from a young age that I wanted to be in a profession where I could help others. I have been blessed for over 20 years to work with adult of all ages, children, adolescents and families who want to make positive changes and live a happier and more fulfilling life. I want to walk this journey with you. I am a LCSW (Licensed Clinical Social Worker) in Florida with over 20 years expereince working with a wide range of concerns depression, anxiety, relationship issues, parenting problems, career challenges, self-esteem, trauma and abuse, ADHD, Autism, health issues and grief and loss. I am skilled in multiple therapeatic modalitie, Trauma and Loss Clinical Specialist and a Certified Autism Spectrum Disorder Specialist. As a counselor my goal is to provide you with a safe and supportive space where you can face issues you are experiencing and explore different ways of positively dealing with them. I will be your listening ear, cheer leader and emotioal support. Making the decision to start counseling is not an easy one, but often is one of the best decisions anyone can make. I look forward to working with you and walking this journey with you.

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Christina Fitch

Offering therapy in CA
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsSelf esteemCoachingADHD
3 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, coping with addictions, motivation, self esteem, and confidence, & executive and professional coaching. I also have a lifetime of experience with ADHD and Autism. 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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This is Angeline Hsu's avatar and link to their profile

Angeline Hsu

Offering therapy in CA
Relationship issuesGriefSelf esteemCareer difficultiesCoping with life changes
6 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 6 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with relationship issues, coping with grief and loss, motivation, self esteem, and confidence, & career difficulties. I believe in treating everyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion. Practicing from a person-centered approach, 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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This is Jennifer Merva's avatar and link to their profile

Jennifer Merva

Offering therapy in CA
Stress, AnxietyGriefSelf esteemDepressionCoping with life changes
5 years of experience

Hello! My name is Jennifer Merva and I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) in Long Beach, California. I have 5 years of experience providing direct therapy to children, youth and families with a variety of presenting issues including stress, anxiety and depression, low motivation and self-esteem, grief and loss and relationship and family issues. We live in such a fast-paced society it can be difficult to prioritize our mental health. It’s easy to distract ourselves and bury our issues instead of facing them head-on. I will provide a safe, empathic space for you. I believe relationships and attachments are crucial for healing. Our connections matter. Your environment and relationships are interconnected and can have a huge impact on your thoughts and behaviors. My therapeutic approach is strengths-based. You are already coming in with so many strengths! I am here to help you identify them and use them as skills. You will develop a more positive outlook and improve your resiliency. I am here to help you work though conflict in healthier ways. You will learn skills and strategies to manage the stressors of life. We can work on strengthening your relationships; both with yourself and others. Together we can help you find the joy and happiness of life again. Our therapeutic relationship will be a collaborative one. I will work with you to help reach your goals. I want to thank you for taking the time to tend to your needs. I look forward to meeting you and helping you along this journey. Education • The University of Southern California Los Angeles, CA Master of Social Work May 2019 Department: Children, Youth & Families • The University of San Francisco San Francisco, CA Bachelor of Arts, Psychology; Minor, Child & Youth Studies May 2012 Certificates • Understanding Male's Psychology in Community Mental Health November 2023 • Changing the ADHD Brain: Moving Beyond Medication October 2023 • Art and Play in Therapy February 2023 • The Faraway-Nearby of Loss: How We Mourn October 2022 • Trauma Informed Strategies: Working with Individuals with ID/DD/ASD for Clinical Staff April 2022 • Autism Spectrum Disorder: A Clinical Guide for General Practitioners April 2021 • Providing Clinical Services to African American Men/Youth Experiencing Trauma Grief April 2021 • Providing Care for Clients who Identify as Trans, Nonbinary and/or Gender Nonconforming March 2021 • Domestic Violence in the Lives of Children March 2021 Trainings • Motivational Interviewing (MI) • Problem Solving Therapy (PST) • Compassion Focused Therapy • Trauma-Focused CBT, Bullying • Eating Disorders 101 • Effective Parenting Strategies • Grief and Loss • Suicide Risk Management and Assessment

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How to find counseling in Encinitas

Finding the best therapist close by in Encinitas 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 Encinitas. 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 Encinitas, 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 Encinitas 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 Encinitas 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 Encinitas, 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 Encinitas area can be found below:

How does the cost of in-person counseling compare to the cost of BetterHelp with a licensed Encinitas 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 Encinitas 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 Encinitas 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 Encinitas, 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 Encinitas 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 Encinitas 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 Encinitas 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 Encinitas 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 Encinitas 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 92075 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 Encinitas 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 Encinitas 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 Encinitas, 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.

Encinitas 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 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 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 Encinitas.

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

92007, 92023, 92024, 92075

Popular cities near Encinitas, CA

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