In life, reaching the top of the hills of your life can be a challenge. Anxiety, depression, and other life problems can make it a tough task, especially if you have no ideas of where to go in your life. You need to create a plan, and a person who can help you do so is a counselor based in La Mesa. 

La Mesa’s motto is the “Jewel of the Hills.” You can find your own jewel by climbing to the top of a challenge, but it can be tough for you to do so. A counselor can help you, but you need to listen to them to accomplish your goals.

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Sarah Frohock

Offering therapy in CA
License: LCSW
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesTrauma and abuseIntimacy-related issues
21 years of experience

Do you feel stuck in a relationship, career, or pattern? Are you struggling to find a way to manage a difficult situation? I can work with you to develop the skills to help you regain control of your life and conquer your problems. I will bring all of my experience, compassion, and humor into the process of supporting you in finding solutions. I utilize a strength-based approach to work with you in identifying your natural abilities to tackle your current challenges. I can help you identify your goals, tap into your strengths and create a plan to move forward. I have a wide range of experiences with couples and individuals of all ages. Whether you are struggling with one of life's many changes or a complex and traumatic past, I can help you develop insight and coping skills that will lead to a happier and more fulfilled life. I specialize in helping those who have developed ways of coping that are no longer serving them, particularly addictions of all kinds. I have specialized training in EMDR, Perinatal Mood/Anxiety Disorders, and treatment of sexual issues in both individuals and couples.

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Julie Borden

Offering therapy in CA
License: LCSW
Stress, AnxietyGriefParenting issuesDepressionCoping with life changes
23 years of experience

I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and have been providing counseling for more than twenty years. I have a master's degree in Social Welfare and experience in a wide range of areas, including grief and loss, stress management, parenting challenges, depression, and communication in relationships. I know that making the decision to start therapy, and reaching out to find someone you can trust, is a big step, often one that people think about for a long time before they actually take it. As you take that step today, I would like to offer some ideas about where this journey could take you. From my work with clients over the years, and from my own personal experience as well, I have come to see the process of therapy as something like looking through a new window, one that allows you to see your life and situation more clearly. In all of the challenges we face, big and small, perspective is key. Each of us is looking at our situation from the inside, in the way we have become accustomed to looking at it. This view is often fogged up and blurry. We are so close to it that we can’t see the forest for the trees. Therapy is about getting distance and perspective. This can come through insight, recognizing relationship patterns and being open to changing them, and questioning long-held assumptions that you didn’t realize you had until someone calls your attention to them. But as important as this awareness is, it usually needs to be followed with concrete steps in order to result in true change. Baby steps at first – in my experience we often underestimate the big results that can come from the smallest shifts. As we experiment with new behaviors, we begin to see ourselves differently. One small success doing something you didn’t think you could do can result in a ripple effect of seeing possibilities that you never knew were there before, and that is where real growth happens. My goal is to help people live more authentically, live with intention, and make deliberate and conscious choices rather than following old patterns that they never before thought to question. These ideas have brought me to some of the most important light bulb moments in my own life, and it brings me great happiness to see the moment that someone else begins to see that they have a wider range of options than they ever realized. If it sounds like I might be a good fit for you, I look forward to getting to know you, hearing the unique story that is yours alone, and working as a team as you find the clarity, peace, and confidence that will lead you to a brighter future.

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Jack Gershfeld

Offering therapy in CA
License: MA,LMFT
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesFamily conflictsTrauma and abuseAnger management
6 years of experience

My name is Jack Gershfeld, and I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. I am also the Clinical Director of a non-profit community mental health clinic in Fullerton, California. I work with individuals and couples who experience relationship distress and yearn to reconnect and feel close to each other again. I teach at Pepperdine University and CalState Long Beach and supervise associates and trainees at a community mental health clinic. My approach is rooted in research-based Emotionally Focused Therapy, which focuses on recovering individuals and couples from relationship distress. This approach is grounded in the care, support, and empowerment of people in the relationship. This nonjudgmental approach ensures safety and support for each partner in the relationship and offers a safe and secure environment to heal relationship wounds. I know that it is not easy to decide to start couples therapy. After all, we are expected to know how to make our relationship work! Many couples try for years to restore the tender loving care they had when they met. It seems that the harder you try to reconnect with the person you love, the more difficult it is to stay connected, and fights continue to erupt. After a while, you may feel and see your partner as scary, unloving, and uncaring. Daily fights about insignificant things become a norm, and being close and loving to each other becomes a distant memory. Take the first step toward a fulfilling relationship that removes anger and frustration and replaces it with care, support, love, and understanding. Journey with your partner to where you are both understood, valued, cared for, and respected. I know it isn't easy to take the first step and schedule a session with a licensed marriage and family therapist. Yet, the alternative is a continued struggle and disappointment with your partner. Let's work together to reclaim your relationship and build a strong and trusting bond.

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Michelle Quintanilla

Offering therapy in CA
License: LMFT
Stress, AnxietyFamily conflictsSleeping disordersDepressionADHD
3 years of experience

Hi! My name is Michelle Quintanilla and I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. I have seven years of experience as a therapist in the Community Mental Health model. I earned my Master's degree in Counseling Psychology from Argosy University San Diego. My experience includes working with individuals with anxiety, depression, bipolar, schizophrenia, mood disorder, high risk behavior, trauma, ADHD, behavioral issues and relationship issues. I have experience working with kids, adolescents, and adults. My therapeutical approach can be described as client centered, evidence based, and goal oriented. I strongly believe that therapeutic rapport is essential in order to make you feel safe and comfortable. I like to meet you where you are at and progress at your own pace. I use Cognitive Behavioral therapy, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, and Motivational interviewing to help you set goals and feel empowered once you have met your goals. As you are looking for a therapist that can help you overcome the challenges that you are facing at the moment, I would like to offer you a warm and non-judgemental environment were we can work together to achieve all your therapeutical goals. Allow me to walk by your side and guide you through this process.

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Denise Seidman

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

I am licensed in California with 21 years of professional mental health and coaching experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, coping with grief and loss, 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. 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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Francis Joseph Gallego

Offering therapy in CA
Stress, AnxietyLGBTFamily conflictsTrauma and abuseDepression
20 years of experience

I am licensed in California with more than 20 years of professional work experience (6 in New York, 3 in Hawaii and 11 + in California). I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, LGBTQI-related issues, family conflicts, & trauma and abuse. I believe in treating everyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion. I also believe in the importance of cultural humility, diversity, inclusion and dismantling oppression and how it impacts our lives. I will tailor our dialogue and treatment plan to meet your unique and specific needs. Taking the first step to seeking a more fulfilling life and a life worth living takes courage. I am here to support you in that process and hold space. I also have clinical and therapeutic experience working with women, people impacted by chronic illness (cancer, HIV/AIDS), communities of color; as well as working on processing inter-generational trauma and how it impacts individuals and families.

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Dr. Stephanie Chassman

Offering therapy in CA
Addictions
3 years of experience

Hello! I am a licensed clinical social worker in California with 3 years of professional work experience. I also recently earned my PhD in social work. I work with my clients to create an open and safe environment where thoughts and feelings can be shared without fear of judgment. I utilize cognitive behavioral therapy to help clients better understand the relationship between thoughts and feelings. 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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Antonia Allison

Offering therapy in CA
Anger management
6 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 10 years of professional work experience as a clinician. I have a system for clients wanting to stop being so easily angered. 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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George Calvin

Offering therapy in CA
Trauma and abuseAnger managementSelf esteemCareer difficultiesDepression
24 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 24+ years of professional experience providing individual and family therapy with teens and adults. I have experience in helping clients with trauma and abuse, anger management, motivation, self-esteem, and confidence, & career difficulties, life changes and transitions and helping to develop happiness. I work with my clients to create an open, safe and positive environment where thoughts, feelings and ideas 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!

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This is Nicole "Nikki" Heeren's avatar and link to their profile

Nicole "Nikki" Heeren

Offering therapy in CA
Stress, AnxietyFamily conflictsParenting issuesSelf esteemCoping with life changes
8 years of experience

I have experience working in the field of mental health since 2015, including as a clinical director for a community mental health nonprofit and in private practice. I help individuals with stress and anxiety, family conflicts, parenting issues, motivation, self esteem, confidence, and coping with life changes. Clients describe my approach as warm, supportive, and helpful. I utilize a Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) approach and emphasize mutual respect, empathy, and empowerment. My treatment focuses on Interpersonal Skills, Thought Awareness and Replacement, Behavioral Activation, and Distress Tolerance Skills. Through working together, my hope is that you will feel empowered, confident, and experience improved mood and healthier habits (such as more effective communication and positive coping). I hope the work encourages you to let go of any shame or hopelessness by understanding that mental health is all about skill-building – like working our different muscle groups – each time we bring awareness and practice, these skills get stronger. I work with Adults, Students, Parents, Young Adults, Professionals, Entrepreneurs, and Artists/Writers. I am welcoming, empowering, and affirming of individuals from the LGBTQIA2S+ community. I am humble and self-reflective around issues regarding intersections of culture, ethnicity, race, sexuality, gender, and language. Reach out if you think we would be a good match working together!

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How to find counseling in La Mesa

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

How does the cost of in-person counseling compare to the cost of BetterHelp with a licensed La Mesa 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 La Mesa 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 La Mesa 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 La Mesa, 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 La Mesa 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 La Mesa 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 La Mesa 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 La Mesa 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 La Mesa 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 91941 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 La Mesa 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 La Mesa 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 La Mesa, 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.

La Mesa 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 La Mesa.

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

91941, 91942, 91943, 91944

Popular cities near La Mesa, CA

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