Surrounded by the Santa Monica Mountains, Simi Hills, San Gabriel Mountains, Chalk Hills, and Verdugo Mountains, the City of San Fernando is nestled within the Valley to which it lent its name as the region’s first town. No matter where you look, there are amazing picturesque views.  

However, if you have a mental illness like depression, you may have trouble just getting yourself out of bed, let alone appreciating the gorgeous landscape. It is important to get treatment for your depression to prevent it from getting worse. Talk to one of the San Fernando mental health professionals to see what you can do to feel better. 

This is Kaynaz Nasseri's avatar and link to their profile

Kaynaz Nasseri

Offering therapy in CA
License: LCSW
Stress, AnxietySelf esteemDepressionCoping with life changesCoaching
22 years of experience

I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) in California with over 20 years of experience. My clinical expertise include working with individuals, families and teens. I also have many years of supervisory and leadership skills, working in executive management to develop an organizational environment. People pursue therapy for a variety of reasons. Some may enter therapy to address major life changes, such academic/career difficulties, marriage/divorce, loneliness, and others may seek help in managing mental health conditions, like depression and anxiety. Many clients are ordinary people struggling with common, everyday issues. My therapeutic style is interactive and supportive. I strongly believe in treating everyone with respect and compassion. I am highly committed and trained, providing a combination of different treatment modalities depending on your individualized and unique needs. In my work, I practice the leading psychological modalities, such as, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavior Therapy, Solution-Focused Therapy, Interpersonal Therapy, and Motivational Interviewing approaches. It takes courage to attend therapy and it takes dedication to see it through. There are solutions to your situation. Through engagement, insight and reorientation, we can determine the goals of therapy, and if the therapy should be short or long-term. In many cases we will explore much more than just the presenting problem. I look forward to working with you and helping you to recognize the steps you need to take to reach your ultimate goal, improve relationships, and empower long lasting self-growth.

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Diana Medrano

Offering therapy in CA
License: MA,LPCC
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsTrauma and abuseBipolar disorderDepression
10 years of experience

Welcome! My name is Diana and I am a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor in the State of California. I have over 10 years’ experience working in the mental health field. I have worked in a variety of settings including residential, school based, adult outpatient, and in the Mental Health Drug Treatment court with Dually Diagnosed individuals. Although that seems like a mouthful, it simply means that I have had experience working with a broad range and severity of clinical issues. I have the most experience working with anxiety, panic disorder, manic episodes, and complex trauma/abuse. I also have experience working with depression, adjustment disorders, gender identity issues, all LGBTQ2S+ populations, and trauma related to long-term incarceration. I'm certified in QIPS: Queer Intentional Peer Supporter and currently work with individuals from our local LGBTQ Gender clinic. I have experience working with individuals in different stages of identity/transition and trained in SOGIE: Sexual Orientation, Gender Identity, and Expression. I’m currently a clinical program manager where I manage a mental health clinic and I am ready to see some clients of my own outside of work. My dedication to the field of mental health stems from my personal experience with it. I grew up with close loved ones living with mental illness and addictive behaviors. I know firsthand that getting help can be a challenge but if you have come this far, I hope you can come a little farther. There’s still lots of stigma associated with mental health and know that this may be your first time or the 15th time. Nevertheless, meeting a stranger and getting help, can be a daunting process. Here’s how I operate to help ease your mind in your therapeutic journey with me. I use a person-centered, holistic, multicultural, and integrative approach in treatment. This means I begin where you are and tailor the treatment approach to your needs, while being sensitive to how your individual cultural identities and lifestyle choices impact your experience. I primarily use evidence based techniques including cognitive-behavioral therapy, mindfulness, motivational interviewing, and solution-focused counseling. I would describe my style as warm, supportive, flexible, transparent and use humor along the way when appropriate to do so. If you’re ready, I’m ready. Collaboration is key in this process and by working together, we can establish concrete goals and steps necessary to live a little better. Thank you for taking the time in learning about me and hope to learn about you soon.

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Souphaphone "Sandy" Hagan

Offering therapy in CA
Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseGriefSelf esteemDepression
5 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 5 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, trauma and abuse, coping with grief and loss, & 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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Alena Kaldunski

Offering therapy in CA
Stress, AnxietyLGBTDepressionCompassion fatigueADHD
6 years of experience

Hello there! I'm Alena Kaldunski! I have over 6 years of experience in the field of counseling and mental health therapy. If you are seeing this, then I am glad you have taken the first steps towards seeking to improve your life and personal experience. I would be glad to help be a part of cooperative effort between the two of us. 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. I have a Masters degree in Counseling and am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist through the California Board of Behavioral Sciences. My counseling style is an interactive blend of education and reframing to help you explore and understand your own values, assumptions, and ideals in a non-judgmental and open conversation.

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Misty Johnson

Offering therapy in CA
LGBTRelationship issuesFamily conflictsIntimacy-related issuesParenting issues
4 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 4 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with lgbt-related issues, relationship issues, family conflicts, & intimacy related issues. 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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Jessica Manio

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

My name is Jessica and I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) in the state of California. I earned my Bachelor’s in Psychology from the University of California, Riverside (UCR) in 2006. I earned my Master of Social Work degree from California State University San Bernardino (CSUSB) in 2012 and became a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in 2019. My pronouns are she/her. I began my career more than 17 years ago working in Child Welfare. For the past 10 years, I have spent my career working in healthcare with people who are dealing with serious, chronic and/or life-limiting illness/disabilities, and their loved ones. I have a passion for providing support to people coping with grief/loss, trauma, illness, adjustment to life changes, depression, anxiety, and caregiver burnout. I integrate a variety of psychotherapeutic models in my practice, including, but not limited to cognitive-behavioral therapy, dialectical-behavioral therapy, psychodynamic therapy, narrative therapy, and solutions focused therapy. I am culturally sensitive and 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 life and to take the first steps towards change. I can offer a safe and non-judgmental space where you feel seen, supported and empowered as you progress towards self-improvement and healing.

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Joycelyn Stallworth

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

Hello, My name is Joycelyn Stallworth I am a LMFT. I have a background working as a school based clinician, community based clinician, and private practice clinician. I am a solution focused/short term therapist. This means that I believe that you are the expert in your own life. Please feel free to email or call me for availability to get you scheduled as soon as possible.

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Quinsea Pratt

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

Hello! I'm a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and have historically served clients who have experienced domestic violence, sexual assault, incarceration, homelessness and/or have serious mental health disorders. I have worked as a professional in community mental health for nine years and am excited to now be using my knowledge to offer private individual sessions. What can you expect when working with me? Each session is individualized to meet your unique needs. We'll first have a discussion of what brings you to therapy and go from there. We'll develop goals to help guide our conversations and ideally meet once a week. It's important for me to see each person as an individual with complex needs and histories. My goal is to work besides you and support you while you navigate life's challenges. Depending on your identified needs, I can use Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Narrative Therapy, Solution Focused all from a trauma informed lens.

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Ashby "Brooks" Larsen

Offering therapy in CA
Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseGriefSelf esteem
24 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 24 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, trauma and abuse, & coping with grief and loss. I also have experience working with 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. 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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Mosi Williams

Offering therapy in CA
Stress, AnxietySelf esteemCareer difficultiesDepressionCoping with life changes
20 years of experience

I am licensed in California (one year) with over 20 years of counseling experience in hospitals, K-12, military bases, university counseling centers and with athletes, teams and patients with disabilities. I have a background in helping clients with stress and anxiety, depression, motivation, self-esteem, racial discrimination, confidence and career difficulties. 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. I will try my best to help you in your journey. You can do this! Taking the first step to seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process. Take care out there.

How to find counseling in San Fernando

Finding the best therapist close by in San Fernando 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 San Fernando. 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 San Fernando, 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 San Fernando 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 San Fernando 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 San Fernando, elsewhere in Los Angeles, 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 San Fernando area can be found below:

How does the cost of in-person counseling compare to the cost of BetterHelp with a licensed San Fernando 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 San Fernando 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 San Fernando 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 San Fernando, 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 San Fernando 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 San Fernando 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 San Fernando 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 San Fernando 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 San Fernando 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 91340 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 San Fernando 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 San Fernando 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 San Fernando, 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.

San Fernando 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 San Fernando.

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

91340, 91341

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