Momentous changes in life can take a toll on us and transition can be hard, especially if our support system isn't close by. Counselors serving the McFarland area can help you navigate through the changes you face in life no matter how big or small so that you can feel confident and supported.

McFarland was founded by a man who moved across the country from Ohio on a whim to start a walnut farm and get into real estate. Perhaps your ambition is fading, or your luck has run out. Talk to a nearby counselor today to get back on track with your goals and dreams.

This is Amanda Garrick's avatar and link to their profile

Amanda Garrick

Offering therapy in CA
License: LCSW
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsFamily conflictsTrauma and abuseDepression
17 years of experience

Hello I'm Amanda and I am very excited about this opportunity to connect with you through Better Help. I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) with over 20 years of work experience in the field of mental health and social services. I received my Bachelor of Science in Human Development with an emphasis in Applied Developmental Psychology and a Minor in Psychology from California Polytechnic State University in San Luis Obispo, California. I later received my Master of Social Work (MSW) from California State University Long Beach and obtained my LCSW in 2005. I have worked primarily in Los Angeles County provided treatment to individuals experiencing symptoms of depression, anxiety, trauma related disorders, substance use disorders, and severe, persistent mental illnesses. I am very passionate about my work and feel it is essential that clients feel accepted and supported during the therapeutic process. I have training in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy , Problem Solving Treatment and Mindfulness Therapy and have a great deal of experiencing doing crisis intervention, risk assessment, and empowering others to develop and enhance their coping strategies. I know how difficult it can be for people to seek mental health treatment but believe this is the beginning of the healing process and the first step toward self improvement. I am truly looking forward to working with you and supporting you through this journey.

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This is Dr. Paula Alvarez's avatar and link to their profile

Dr. Paula Alvarez

Offering therapy in CA
License: EdD,LCSW,MBA
Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseAnger managementBipolar disorderDepression
30 years of experience

Greetings! I am a licensed clinical social worker (LCSW) in the states of California, Illinois, and Missouri, and I have a doctorate in Organizational Psychology. I have worked in locked and outpatient mental health facilities for the last 30 years. I facilitated group treatment of domestic violence perpetrators in Spanish and English for eight years. I specialize in treating trauma-related symptoms, anxiety and depression, anger management, geriatric well-being, mental health recovery, cultural diversity issues, and self-esteem issues. My doctorate degree (EdD) In Leadership and Learning with a specialization in Organizational Psychology was conferred on May 27, 2021. I use a client-centered approach (Carl Rogers), and I know that the client is the expert. I tailor my therapy sessions to what the client wants. I used cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) with those who like CBT interventions. I offer homework assignments and bibliotherapy for those clients who want those interventions. I also use Brief-Solution Focused Therapy, Trauma-Informed Therapy, and Motivational Interviewing techniques. I invite you to contact me to see if I am a good fit to help and empower you on your journey to better living.

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John Johnson

Offering therapy in CA
License: LMFT,MA,LMT
Relationship issuesEating disordersSleeping disordersCoaching
25 years of experience

Hello. I appreciate you taking the time to get to know more about me. I have been on planet earth for a long time. I so appreciate having the opportunity to see the consciousness of mankind expand in many ways. And in many ways, it has stayed the same. I would like to think that my life experience has allowed me to experience a range of emotions, trials and tribulations that contributes to my ability to listen and empathize with your situation. The primary trait I bring to the table is that of the wounded healer. I grew up in an abusive atmosphere, and spent most of my life trying to "figure it out". I have experienced many different types of therapy, many of them cathartic and body oriented. I have always found a sense of home in my body. We now know that the heart and the gut both have more neurotransmitters than the brain. I also try to convey the power of Mother Earth to support you on your journey. You are never really alone. The mind is not always the best place to look for solutions, especially for body issues and trauma. Research has proven this to be the case. I have lived in many places, travelled the world, and look forward to spending my elder years sharing what i have learned. I love the West Coast. I grew up in New York City. while there I was a teacher, a dog trainer, a professional dancer, and I performed off off Broadway doing Primal Theatre. I performed for many years doing Playback Theater, a wonderful form where we played back audience member's stories for them. I have been an entrepreneur and business owner for decades, providing tools and information to help people live a happy, healthy, long life. I have coached and worked with many business owners and family businesses. I am confident that I can provide you with a compassionate ear, be a witness to your areas of concern, and help move you towards your goals and aspirations.

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This is Gary Santorella's avatar and link to their profile

Gary Santorella

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

My training is in brief cognitive-behavioral therapy. This means that we will deal in the here and now. When we discuss family history, it will be in the context of understanding how over-learned behaviors are influencing you current situation, then develop new ways (behaviors and thinking) to deal with the challenges you are facing. I work best with clients who have a specific goals that they are trying to achieve. That doesn't mean that we can't spend some time figuring this out. But once we do, we will come up with a jointly derived game plan and measures to determine if we've gotten there. Besides being a therapist, I'm a Lean implementation specialist, have been an executive coach for 25 years, and have extensive experience helping people improve their leadership/people skills and working through difficult workplace issues. I have also treated victims of trauma and have a great deal of experience working with PTSD. I co-authored a paper titled: Occupational Exposure of Healthcare Workers to HIV: Stress Reactions and Counseling Interventions which appeared in the journal Social Work in Healthcare. I have also authored a professional book titled Lean Culture for the Construction Industry: Building Committed and Responsible Teams published by Taylor & Francis.

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This is Donald Bliss's avatar and link to their profile

Donald Bliss

Offering therapy in CA
License: LCSW
AddictionsLGBTRelationship issuesSelf esteemDepression
30 years of experience

(Falo português também.) Hello, my name is Don. I have both a bachelor's degree and a master's degree in Social Work, and I have over forty years of experience in the field of mental health and addictions treatment, both in direct services and in program management -- even longer if you count the foster children I grew up with and the community work that I did as a teenager. I am endlessly curious and have lived abroad in Africa and South America, and in the North, South, East and West of the United States, and am fluent in Portuguese and have studied a few other languages. I love meeting people and learning their stories, and helping my clients find their joy again -- or to find it for what might be the first time. I believe in doing my part to make this a world that works for everyone, and doing what I can to help my clients feel happy and satisfied in their lives. Throughout the years I have been employed or volunteered in private and public-benefit ("non-profit") corporations and in government agencies, and have worked in various clinical settings ranging from outpatient treatment facilities and private practice to inpatient psychiatric hospitals, residential treatment centers, community agencies and employee assistance programs. I have worked in direct services as well as case management and program management, design and evaluation. My experience encompasses an incredibly diverse range of client populations and problems, and includes individual, couple, family and group psychotherapy. My areas of clinical expertise include but are not limited to: relationship and family issues; brief, solution-focused therapy; workplace and organizational issues; addictions and unhealthy dependencies; cross-cultural communications and relations; sex and sexuality; and HIV/AIDS (and chronic illness). My Bachelor of Social Work degree is from George Williams College, now part of Aurora University, and I earned a Certificate in International/Intercultural Studies during those studies as well. My master's degree is from the University of Maryland at Baltimore, one of the largest schools of Social Work in the country. I am a firm believer in life-long professional development and have attended countless conferences and continuing education programs, and continue to do so. I have also served on several non-profit and government planning boards, and have managed a number of programs in the public-benefit sector. In addition, I help facilitate personal/spiritual growth trainings, and have published guest and relationship advice columns in newspapers and magazines. My educational and professional experiences have been broad and wide-ranging, but beyond that I have extensive life experience which I consider equally significant in terms of how it informs my approach with clients. As a therapist, my goal is to support, encourage and challenge you to find your joy. Your life is your own and you have your own dreams, wishes and desires. I want to help you achieve them, and to assist you in taking whatever positive steps it takes for you to get there. I don't believe that there is any particular road that you have to take to get there, as people are not made from cookie-cutters and what works for one person might not work for another. Therefore, my pledge is to help you find your path to happiness and contentment, and to explore with you new options for thinking, feeling, doing or being along the way. Thank you!

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This is Tina Hendizadeh's avatar and link to their profile

Tina Hendizadeh

Offering therapy in CA
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesFamily conflictsIntimacy-related issuesCareer difficulties
18 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 18 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, & intimacy related issues. 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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This is Dr. Katarina Thomas's avatar and link to their profile

Dr. Katarina Thomas

Offering therapy in CA
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesFamily conflictsSelf esteemCareer difficulties
35 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 35 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, & motivation, self esteem, and confidence. 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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This is Maureen Hosier's avatar and link to their profile

Maureen Hosier

Offering therapy in CA
Stress, AnxietyLGBTRelationship issuesCareer difficultiesCoping with life changes
32 years of experience

I am a psychologist who has been in practice for many years. My interest has been in helping couples to make their relationships work for both partners. Many of us have grown up in a household where one parent has held the most importance because they were the “boss”. That means that one person was in charge of the decision making in their relationship.. That means one person was the boss. That may mean one of you is the “boss” in your relationship and it’s not working for you both. Or it might mean that you both are arguing and fighting. And you both are "IN IT". Neither one of you knows how to stop that “IN IT” moment between you when you both are arguing and blaming and yelling and demanding each other to hear me. To meet my needs. To take care of me. To love me! Hopefully, you both have come to learn and realize that that interaction does not work. But couples keep doing it over and over again until their resentment and anger is out of control. And one of you leaves the relationship. You both are emotionally reactive to most moments of contention between you. That's when you both realize you need some help. The issue you are arguing about is not the issue. Both of your ways of handling the issue is the problem between you. I can help.

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This is Carl Fuller's avatar and link to their profile

Carl Fuller

Offering therapy in CA
GriefSelf esteemCareer difficultiesCoping with life changesCoaching
11 years of experience

I am licensed in California with over 11 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with coping with grief and loss, motivation, self esteem, and confidence, career difficulties, & coping with life changes. I believe that you are the expert of your story and that you have many strengths that will assist you in overcoming things that challenge you. Taking the first step to sign up for therapy can take courage and I am proud of you for getting started!

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This is Kurt Kozma's avatar and link to their profile

Kurt Kozma

Offering therapy in CA
Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseParenting issuesSelf esteemCoping with life changes
37 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 37 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, trauma and abuse, parenting issues, & motivation, self esteem, and confidence. 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.

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How to find counseling in McFarland

Finding the best therapist close by in McFarland 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 McFarland. 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 McFarland, 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 McFarland 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 McFarland 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 McFarland, elsewhere in Kern, 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 McFarland area can be found below:

How does the cost of in-person counseling compare to the cost of BetterHelp with a licensed McFarland 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 McFarland 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 McFarland 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 McFarland, 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 McFarland 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 McFarland 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 McFarland 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 McFarland 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 McFarland 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 93250 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 McFarland 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 McFarland 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 McFarland, 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.

McFarland 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 McFarland.

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

93250

Popular cities near McFarland, CA

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