Sometimes, you may feel like you're at the center of it all, for better or for worse. When you're dealing with depression, it can feel like the world is out to make you sad. When you have a life change, you may feel like life is against you. It can be difficult to get out of that mindset, but a counselor based in National City can help you. 

National City has a motto that is known as “In the Center of it All.” You can learn how to realize how to be in the center of everything good in life, and a counselor can help. 

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Aparna Bell

Offering therapy in CA
License: MS ,LPC
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsAnger managementSelf esteemDepression
13 years of experience

Welcome! I am a Licensed Professional Counselor in California with over 10 years of experience in mental health and substance use treatment. I work with individuals who struggle with depression, anxiety, low self-esteem, addiction, stress, and relationship issues. My experience includes providing therapy in outpatient and residential dual diagnosis programs and recovery programs in San Francisco. I earned my master’s degree in rehabilitation counseling from San Francisco State University in 2009. My passion is helping others to achieve greater health and happiness in life, by letting go of negative thoughts and patterns and creating new insights and self-understanding. As a counselor I am engaged, supportive, intuitive, empathetic and a good listener. I enjoy working with people from diverse cultures and backgrounds and welcome people from all walks of life. I offer a safe, non-judgmental space to talk about your thoughts and feelings and can help guide you on your journey of self-discovery. My theoretical approach to counseling is person-centered, strength-based, and eclectic, incorporating psychodynamic theory into treatment. I tailor my interventions to the individual and utilize cognitive-behavioral techniques to help identify and change negative thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. I use reflective listening and look for patterns and underlying issues that may be the cause of distress, and work with clients on their goals. I would describe my counseling style as authentic and caring, with a friendly and warm approach. I support my clients in developing healthier coping skills, and new ways of thinking and feeling. Learning how to communicate more effectively, practicing healthy boundaries and self-care can be helpful tools. When working with addictions and recovery there are many underlying issues to be worked through and resolved, such as depression, anxiety, and trauma. I help people to understand and cope with these feelings, which often have been buried for a long time. I support my clients with harm reduction or abstinence related goals and together we work through resistance and ambivalence. I understand that addiction and recovery are a process that takes time and that compassion is necessary. There is a lot of stigma, shame and fear associated with addiction and I provide a safe place to address your concerns. Many of us have faulty beliefs that hold us back from having the life we want. I believe that we all have the potential to change and we all need support at times. Often, we feel stuck in old patterns and behaviors and it takes time to change. Sometimes we need to let go of old resentments or painful memories. By letting go of dysfunctional thinking and behavior patterns, we can create a healthier, happier life. I look forward to working with you and helping you through this process of healing. Thank you, Aparna

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Melissa Innocenzi

Offering therapy in CA
License: LMFT
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsGriefIntimacy-related issuesDepression
23 years of experience

Welcome! Thank you for taking the time to read my profile. I am a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with over 25 years of clinical experience. I hold a Bachelor's Degree from the University of Texas in art in 1991 as well as a Masters Degree in Marriage and Family Therapy from Phillip's Graduate Institute (California) in 2008. My post-graduate studies focused on client-centered therapy as well as narrative therapy and grief work. I have additional training on evidence based practices in grief recovery. I have worked in a private practice and in clinics with clients with a wide range of issues, including; but not limited to grief recovery, relationship problems, anxiety, and depression. I have worked with children, adolescents, couples and adult clients. It often takes courage to seek therapy. Congratulations on taking the first step. Together we will look for solutions and resources to help you with what you are going through. My style of therapy is warm, solution-focused and interactive. I am a humanistic therapist who believes that you are the center of therapy. My approach is combine talk therapy with activities you will complete and bring back to therapy to reach your goals in both brief and long term therapy. Of course, if your preference is just talk therapy, we can focus on that solely. I look forward to working with you.

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Karen Cairel

Offering therapy in CA
Stress, AnxietyParenting issues
25 years of experience

Hello! I am a licensed clinical social worker in California with 25 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients in a variety of areas. I look forward to working with you to decrease the stress in your life. It is an honor for me to work with clients around issues such as anxiety, life transitions (new parent, job change, caregiver role), parenting stress, infertility challenges, and other areas that are important to you. I work with my clients to create an open and safe environment where thoughts and feelings can be shared without fear of judgment. The professional relationship we build is vital to the success of treatment. Taking the first step to seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process. I look forward to meeting you. :)

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Marcellus Rose

Offering therapy in CA
Stress, AnxietyLGBTRelationship issuesTrauma and abuseSelf esteem
14 years of experience

I am licensed in Illinois and California with 14 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, lgbt-related issues, relationship 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 sign up for therapy can take courage and I am proud of you for getting started!

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Jerome Hoffman

Offering therapy in CA
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesTrauma and abuseSelf esteemDepression
20 years of experience

As a therapist whose been seeing clients for over 20 years in a variety of settings, I feel that I can be helpful in the majority of circumstances you might find yourself in. I tend to work from a Cognitive Behavioral Framework (which basically means to bring one's thoughts, actions and feelings together to challenge problem areas). I believe that providing a place of trust, safety and support is key to doing the hard work. I am also a person of Faith and if this is important to you please let me know. Otherwise, our work together will focus on the problem areas we identify. Trouble areas may include anxiety issues, sadness, loneliness, family dynamics, past traumas and/or abuse, or any other roadblocks preventing you from achieving your goals. I look forward to meeting you and assisting you in finding the solutions that will create a new future.

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Jack Light

Offering therapy in CA
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesFamily conflictsSelf esteemDepression
28 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 28 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 believe in treating everyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion. I will tailor our dialog and treatment plan to meet your unique and specific needs. This will include helping you develop strategies and skills which you can implement throughout your life. It takes courage to seek a path towards wellness and to take the first steps towards understanding and healing oneself. I am here to walk with you on what will be an empowering journey. With couples I provide practical tools and strategies to improve communication, resolve conflicts, and rebuild trust and walk with both of you to take proactive steps towards a stronger resilient relationship. Couples seeking clarity discover unspoken concerns and issues stemming from navigating major life transitions. This joint path towards rediscovering shared values and the joy that brought you together. Where I have unique insight and expertise are with individuals and families experiencing emotional challenges in caring for an adult loved one with cognitive impairments, i.e., dementia, or Alzheimer’s disease. Also, I experience success with my clients in bridging interpersonal and cross generational concerns of persons and their families from diverse cultures, in addressing challenges of acculturation, assimilation, and acceptance of persons struggling with gaining a sense of community. Lastly, if you are a parent and there are concerns about relating to you children, of any age, I can address these challenges with you also from a developmental and experiential perspective. I congratulate you on your decision to seek out help and wish you success on this fulfilling journey.

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Dr. Robynne Lute

Offering therapy in CA
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsCareer difficultiesDepressionCompassion fatigue
13 years of experience

Robynne M. Lute, PsyD is an experienced licensed psychologist in MO and CA with over two decades in the field. Robynne is highly respected for her expertise in working with individuals with a variety of presenting concerns and diagnoses in a non-judgmental, effective, and warm-hearted manner. She uses brief solution-focused therapy as well as traditional longer-term individual therapy for individuals aged 18 and older, including older adults . Dr. Lute works hand-in-hand with each client to develop efficacious, evidence-based, and tailored interventions and plans to help clients meet their goals for treatment. With a diverse background in healthcare and university settings, Dr. Lute has gained deep insights into the complexities of mental health. Throughout her career, she has worked with a wide range of individuals of all ages and varying demographics, and she embraces the rich diversity of her clients. She's successfully helped those dealing with life changes, academic stressors, ADHD, and adjustment challenges, as well as more severe and persistent mental health concerns, including anxiety, depression, bipolar mood disorder, and substance use and misuse, among others. Additionally, Dr. Lute has extensive training and expertise in helping individuals manage the behavioral aspects of conditions such as chronic pain, weight management, smoking cessation, insomnia, and diabetes. At the heart of her practice is her exceptional ability to drive behavior change for overall wellness. Dr. Lute recognizes the connection between mental and physical well-being, empowering clients from all walks of life to make lasting changes that go beyond therapy. Guiding individuals to manage their mental health while fostering healthy and thriving lifestyles is a key aspect of her approach. Dr. Lute's unwavering commitment is to improve the well-being of those with whom she works.. Her empathetic approach, strong commitment, and ability to inspire hope make a difference for clients.

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Arielle Manganiello

Offering therapy in CA
License: MS,MA,LPC
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesFamily conflictsSelf esteemCoping with life changes
3 years of experience

I am a licensed professional counselor licensed in the state of Pennsylvania. I have experience with family and couples therapy. I have worked with many different age populations including parents, couples, adolescents, and children, for example. I have worked with clients bringing a wide range of concerns to the table including relational and intimate issues, depression, anxiety, addiction, self-esteem, parenting problems, career change and life transitions, among others. My therapeutic style is warm and interactive and tailored to your needs at the time. I am trained in a variety of therapeutic approaches including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment, Mindfulness, and Eco-systemic structural family therapy. I also draw on Positive Psychology and the Jungian Approach. With my many hats, my plan is to utilize a unique approach, drawing on my experience and expertise, that works and fits best for you. Through our work together, in therapy, I am committed to helping and supporting you to make the changes you want to see in your life. Collaboratively, the essence of our work includes making meaning of your experiences and relationships and the thoughts and feelings that accompany them. My goal is that through our work, struggles and patterns will become illuminated, and by identifying these areas change becomes possible. Together, we can identify the areas that you wish to improve in your life and come up with a plan together on how to address them. Our work together will adapt as your life changes and progress occurs. We are in this therapeutic dance together. It takes a lot of bravery to show up to do the work in therapy. You should be proud of yourself for wanting to take this step. I look forward to working with you in this space.

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Kathryn Eden

Offering therapy in CA
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesDepressionCoping with life changesCoaching
34 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 34 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, depression, & 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! I provide psychotherapy in a caring, compassionate and comfortable atmosphere.Clients are treated as unique individuals, never losing sight of the fact that their issues are not expected to fit a specific diagnostic code, but instead are varied and distinct in every case. This requires, demands and deserves a client-centered therapeutic approach that is the cornerstone of my practice.I have dedicated my profession to improving and enhancing the mental health and well-being of my clients. Adhering to the guiding principle that a healthful mind is inextricably bound to physical health and merits, at the very least, the same level of care and concern. I work with adults, young adults, particularly those transitioning to living independently or coping with the demands of college. Focus: adjustment difficulties, relationships, developmental challenges, anxiety,depression. I collaborate with clients to increase self-awareness, process their emotions, and learn new skills.I use insight-oriented, supportive, mindfulness-based,cognitive behavior therapy approaches, The human-animal bond is a mutually beneficial, dynamic relationship between people and animals that positively influences the health of clients and pet therapy is helpful in reducing anxiety and depression. While this is an online forum I support your bond to your pets to help reduce current distressing symptoms.. An emerging body of research is recognizing the impact the bond can have on individual and community health. More information on credentials see : https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/therapists/kathryn-eden-providence-ri/191923

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Candace Walls

Offering therapy in CA
Relationship issuesFamily conflictsParenting issuesSelf esteemCoping with life changes
7 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 7 years of professional work experience in assisting children and families. My expertise includes helping youth clients and their caregivers manage stress and anxiety, resolve family conflicts, address trauma and abuse, and navigate parenting issues. I am committed to treating everyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion. I will customize our dialogue and treatment plan to address your unique and specific needs. It takes courage to seek a more fulfilling and happier life and to take the first steps towards change. I am here to support and empower you on that journey.

How to find counseling in National City

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

How does the cost of in-person counseling compare to the cost of BetterHelp with a licensed National City 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 National City 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 National City 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 National City, 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 National City 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 National City 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 National City 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 National City 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 National City 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 91950 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 National City 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 National City 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 National City, 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.

National City 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 National City.

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

91950, 91951, 92136

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