Santa Paula, California has been a popular place to film movies over the years. Some of the films that were done here include Leave It to Beaver, Carrie, Georgia Rule, Joe Dirt, Matlock, Bedtime Stories, Bubble Boy, For Love of the Game, Chinatown, Amityville 4, Pure Luck, and The Philadelphia Experiment. 

 

It was also the hometown of actor Steve McQueen, MLB star Jim Colborn, and musician Danny Flores, also known as Chuck Rio. In such a famous town, you may feel like you are all alone, but you aren’t. If you need someone to talk to, contact one of the committed therapists in Santa Paula who can help you right now.  

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Melissa Planas

Offering therapy in CA
License: LCSW
Stress, AnxietySleeping disordersSelf esteemCoping with life changesCompassion fatigue
8 years of experience

Hello and welcome! I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in California (LCSW) and I have been working in the counseling field since 2010. I have experience working in outpatient and residential settings with individuals with a range of ages experiencing depression, anxiety, relationship issues, life transitions, and a wide range of challenges. I use a person-centered, and integrative approach with the individuals I serve. This means that I make consistent efforts to meet you "where you are at". I hope to support you in being a catalyst to progress through your unique process of self-discovery and self-identification. I utilize relationship building, experiential and narrative approaches, and solution-focused therapy. During sessions, we are a team, addressing challenges together to become free from judgment, criticism, and pain. I believe in creating a space where we can have difficult conversations, work on resolving challenges, and collaborate together to identify goals tailored to your personal needs and experiences. It takes a lot of courage and motivation to reach out for support. I am here for you and thank you for trusting me to support you on your team. I am available for unscheduled communication with subscribers Monday - Friday 8am - 6pm. I generally can respond at least once per morning and once per evening, sometimes more! You can also book a live session with me which can range in times throughout the week; please view "Schedule a session with your counselor" to schedule a time for us to live chat, video, or call. Please remember that BetterHelp (or sister site!) is not appropriate if you are in crisis or in immediate need of support. In crisis situations, please call 911 or local emergency services. You can also call 1-800-273-TALK (8255) to talk to someone right away! I look forward to working with you!

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Leonardo Garcia

Offering therapy in CA
License: MS,LMFT
Stress, AnxietyFamily conflictsTrauma and abuseGriefDepression
15 years of experience

Mental health clinicians assist in promoting mental health well being of others however, we also assist clients to connect themselves through their body, mind, and spirit. In observing my client’s psychological growth during their treatment is a wonderful and rewarding experience that confirms the level of strength and resilience they have. Unfortunately, starting psychotherapy treatment can be a struggle in itself. Allow me to assist you in dealing with this delicate and tedious process to overcome this difficult time in your life. My experience is made up of working with teens and their families for the past 15 years. I have experience providing individual therapy and family therapy. I provide services in both English and Spanish. I am committed to working with people from diverse ethnic backgrounds, socioeconomic status, sexual orientation, and religious beliefs. Working in the mental health field has been my passion since 2004. As a strength-based clinician, I have had the opportunity and privilege to assist people in the process of bringing stability and healing to their lives, by helping them to find and recognize their own inner strengths and applying it to their daily lives. I employ an in-depth therapeutic approach, and EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) to provide short-term, and effective symptom reduction. Additionally, for longer-term treatment, solution-focused therapy, mindfulness, Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, (CBT), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy and other treatment modalities tailored to each particular client.

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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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Matthew "Matt" Daues

Offering therapy in CA
License: LCSW
Stress, AnxietyAnger managementSelf esteemBipolar disorderDepression
25 years of experience

Hi, my name is Matt Daues and I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in the States of Missouri and California. I help others with a variety of issues including anxiety, depression, Bipolar Disorder, Schizophrenia, and older adult issues. My counseling style is pretty laid back. I take a holistic approach to helping individuals which means I take the whole person into consideration including emotional and physical health issues, and social-economic issues. I collaborate with individuals to help you make your own choices and develop your own goals to improved health. I use aspects of Motivational Interviewing, Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy, Mindfulness, Solution-Focused Therapy and relaxation techniques. Mindfulness and meditation exercises can even be done in session. My job as a therapist is to listen to you, help you develop goals and assist you in finding solutions and feeling better.

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Laura Moore

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

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

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Timothy Brown

Offering therapy in CA
Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseParenting issuesSelf esteemDepression
10 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 10 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 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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Kenneth C Williams

Offering therapy in CA
Stress, AnxietyLGBTRelationship issuesTrauma and abuseDepression
12 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 12 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, lgbtq+ 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. 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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Dean Wright

Offering therapy in CA
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsRelationship issuesFamily conflictsDepression
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, coping with addictions, relationship issues, & family conflicts. I believe in treating everyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion. I will tailor our dialog and treatment plan to meet your unique and specific needs. Taking the first step to sign up for therapy can take courage and I am proud of you for getting started!

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Melissa Behrends-Gelfman

Offering therapy in CA
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsTrauma and abuseSelf esteemDepression
6 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 6 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, coping with addictions, trauma and abuse, & 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. 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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Felicia Kelley

Offering therapy in CA
Stress, AnxietySelf esteemDepressionCoping with life changesCompassion fatigue
12 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 8 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, motivation, self esteem, and confidence, 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. 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.

How to find counseling in Santa Paula

Finding the best therapist close by in Santa Paula 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 Santa Paula. 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 Santa Paula, 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 Santa Paula 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 Santa Paula 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 Santa Paula, elsewhere in Ventura, 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 Santa Paula area can be found below:

How does the cost of in-person counseling compare to the cost of BetterHelp with a licensed Santa Paula 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 Santa Paula 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 Santa Paula 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 Santa Paula, 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 Santa Paula 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 Santa Paula 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 Santa Paula 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 Santa Paula 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 Santa Paula 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 93060 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 Santa Paula 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 Santa Paula 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 Santa Paula, 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.

Santa Paula 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 Santa Paula.

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

93060, 93061

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