Warm weather, a beautiful view of the ocean, and friendly people are sometimes all you need to live a good life. The people of El Segundo, California should know. They have the fortune of living on the scenic shores of the Pacific.

Sometimes, warm weather and a beautiful view just aren’t enough to keep you feeling your best. When that happens, El Segundo-area therapists are here to help. Whether you need someone to talk to, intensive therapy, or crisis intervention, qualified mental health professionals can assist in helping you take a beautiful view on life again.

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Thomas Cagle

Offering therapy in CA
License: MS,LMFT
Stress, AnxietyFamily conflictsGriefSelf esteemDepression
25 years of experience

I am a Marriage and Family Therapist licensed in the State of California. I have over 24 years of experience working with clients with a varying range of issues including schizophrenia, bi-polar disorder, depression, substance abuse, anxiety, bereavement/grief, and relationship issues. I've also helped many individuals who have experienced emotional, physical and sexual abuse, as well as those who are experiencing divorce and family custody issues. My style of counseling is to be empathic, understanding. and genuine. Respect and compassion are also core to establishing a healthy and trusting relationship. My approach is primarily cognitive behavioral, but I also incorporate psychodynamic, DBT, person-centered and rational emotive treatment. I strongly believe it is imperative to be aware of cultural, LGBTQIA+ and lifestyle differences, and to be sensitive to these issues. I will design our sessions and treatment plan to address these issues as well as your specific goals and needs. Taking the first step to enhancing and making changes to our lives can be difficult, but it is also a powerful step in seeking a more fulfilling and happier life. I can provide you with the support and guidance you need as you enter the next chapter of your life, and I look forward to working with you.

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Marta Herrera-White

Offering therapy in CA
License: MSW, LCSW
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsTrauma and abuseGriefDepression
18 years of experience

Hello and congratulations on making the first steps towards your healing and transformative journey! If you are ready to take that step, I am here to support and empower you. I am a licensed clinical social worker with 18+ years of clinical experience. I am also a certified Interpersonal Psychotherapist (IPT) and Maternal Mental Health Certified (MMH-C). My approach combines cognitive-behavioral, humanistic, psychodynamic and mindfulness therapy. My therapy style is warm and interactive. 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. I have worked in several clinical settings including nonprofits, hospitals, and schools. I have experience with counseling couples, individuals both adults and youth. I also have experience working with mothers with high-risk pregnancies and postpartum issues, as well as pregnancy loss and pregnancy termination. I have received specialized training in maternal and infant health, as well as women's health and reproductive issues. My goal is to help you on your journey by providing a safe, authentic, non-biased and compassionate healing space with an individualized therapy experience. I look forward to working with you! Marta

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Samuel Bruno

Offering therapy in CA
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesTrauma and abuseGriefDepression
40 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 40 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with anxiety and depression as well as coping with grief and loss . I work with couples to help them repair and restore their trust for each other. 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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Dana Wogahn

Offering therapy in CA
Family conflictsTrauma and abuseSelf esteemDepressionCoping with life changes
5 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 5 years of professional work experience. I take a client-centered approach to therapy that is driven by YOUR needs and YOUR feedback! Let me know what is helpful to you and what is not; let's adjust our sessions as we go so that you are getting services that are tailor-made for you. Whether you are looking for constructive feedback, a listening ear, or some therapeutic insight (or possibly all 3), I want to work with you to ensure you are heard and supported throughout our sessions!

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Dolores Aguilar

Offering therapy in CA
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsLGBTSelf esteemDepression
6 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 6 years of professional work experience. Some of my experience is in helping clients with stress and anxiety, lgbt-related issues, motivation, self esteem, trauma, and confidence. I also have experience working with depression. I believe in treating everyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion. My approach is Solution Focused/ Strength Based however I do have training in Motivational Interviewing, DBT, and CBT. My goal is to help you build on skills and strengths you already possess and I utilize a Trauma Informed approach. 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 glad you are getting started! My current practice hours are 8:00am—5:00pm Monday- Friday. I generally can respond at least once per morning and once per evening, sometimes more! You can also book a live session with me ahead of time, if you do not see an open slot please message and I’ll try my best to accommodate you. Please remember that BetterHelp (or specialty site!) is not appropriate if you are in crisis or in immediate need of support. In crisis situations, please call 911, 988 or local emergency services. You can also call 1-800-273-TALK (8255) to talk to someone right away! CANCELATION/NO SHOW POLICY This counselor encourages at least 24-hour notice of appointment cancellation. Should an individual need to cancel an appointment, the individual will inform the counselor at their earliest convenience. Should the individual need to cancel fewer than 24 hours before their appointment, the cancellation will be reported as a “no-show/late cancellation” and they will receive an auto-generated alert email from BetterHelp indicating this. This counselor will wait 15 minutes after the scheduled appointment start time, if the individual does not come online prior to that time, the counselor will consider the individual as a no-show and the session will need to be rescheduled. After 2 late cancellations/no-shows within a month, the counselor may not be able to continue to accommodate preferred session times and dates. If this occurs, the counselor will not allow scheduling during “premium hours” such as Early Morning (before 10 am), Late Afternoon (after 3 pm). The counselor will require attendance at 2 consecutive appointments in order to begin to allow scheduling during “premium hours” again. Should there be 3 late cancellations/no-shows within a 6-week span, the counselor may recommend that the individual seek in-person treatment and/or switch counselors on the BetterHelp Platform.

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Dr. Tammy Occhipinti

Offering therapy in CA
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsRelationship issuesGriefDepression
22 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 22 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, coping with addictions, relationship issues, & coping with grief and loss. 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. 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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Pat Staten

Offering therapy in CA
Stress, AnxietySelf esteemDepressionCoping with life changesCoaching
25 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 25 years of experience as a therapist, as well as years of experience working for major companies in several different industries. I have experience helping clients with stress and anxiety, work- and career-related issues, and coping with life changes. I treat 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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Dr. Stephanie McVea

Offering therapy in CA
License: LPC,PhD
Stress, AnxietyFamily conflictsTrauma and abuseParenting issuesDepression
19 years of experience

I was born in Dallas and I have lived in several urban cities including: New Orleans, LA; Washington, D.C.; Jersey City, NJ; and New York City. I received my Ph.D. in Counseling Psychology from Howard University. I am particularly sensitive to the challenges of children and adults with mental health and challenges, including domestic/family violence and child abuse. I have over 15-years experience as a therapist. Contemplating counseling for the first time can be a scary decision. Many people have no idea what to expect. The counseling process requires developing a trustworthy relationship between the therapist and the client; and it is the therapist’s responsibility to develop and cultivate that relationship. As a therapist, it is my responsibility to unconditionally accept you as you are, which includes not being judgmental. Thus, creating a safe and nurturing counseling relationship. As human beings, our experiences are unique to us. We experience and view the world from our lens, which impacts how we perceive ourselves and others. Unfortunately, because we are all unique, people around us also develop perceptions about us which may not be an accurate representation of who we are or our true intentions. Sometimes, our perceptions lead to miscommunication and misconceptions; thereby impacting our ability to connect and develop healthy relationships. Typically, perceptions are based on our experiences and our experiences are not always favorable or pleasant. Occasionally, our experiences are traumatic and abusive. For some, trauma and abuse occur so regularly that it becomes the norm and ultimately impacts social, interpersonal, and intimate relationships. Counseling is the process of becoming awakened to our true selves to better understand how our personal experiences influence who we are. Our personal experiences are impacted by our family of origin, racial and cultural/ethnic group, religious beliefs, sexual orientation, socioeconomic status, etc. Because many aspects of one’s life may be explored, including childhood experiences, the process of counseling may feel uncomfortable and intrusive, at times. However, it is important to trust the process and know that every counseling session will not feel good. There are times that as a client, you may feel sad or hurt and become tearful; you may be excited and feel happy; you may be confused and feel hopeless. However, know that in the end, if you trust the process, you will hopefully learn something new about yourself that you never considered. Thus, leading to fulfillment in your life in areas including your relationships and family dynamics that ultimately, enhance your self-worth.

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Lynaia Freund

Offering therapy in CA
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsTrauma and abuseGriefDepression
20 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 20 years of professional work experience. I am Certified in EMDR, a highly researched and, highly respected form of psychotherapy. I have advanced training in the use of "EMDR/Flash", an EMDR therapy technique that can help you to desensitize difficult or painful thoughts, emotions or experiences. I have helped many people recover from trauma, childhood abuse, cope with grief and loss, stress, panic and anxiety using my expertise in EMDR to help people unfreeze or get un-stuck so they can move forward enabling them make the changes they desire to improve their life. I can help you with issues of motivation, self-esteem, and self confidence, as well. I also have extensive training and expertise plus many years of experience working with addiction recovery in both on a medical rehab unit and as a therapist in private practice. I spent 14 years as a Clinical Hospital Chaplain at a Major Trauma Center in Southern California. I also have extensive training and years of experience integrating spirituality and psychotherapy. I work with my clients to create an open, safe and compassionate environment where thoughts, feelings and challenges can be shared without fear of judgment. Taking the first step to sign up for therapy can take courage! I understand that and I am proud of you for getting started! Good for you!

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This is Lucinda Beckley's avatar and link to their profile

Lucinda Beckley

Offering therapy in CA
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesTrauma and abuseParenting issuesAnger management
25 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 25 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, trauma and abuse, & parenting 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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How to find counseling in El Segundo

Finding the best therapist close by in El Segundo 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 El Segundo. 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 El Segundo, 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 El Segundo 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 El Segundo 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 El Segundo, 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 El Segundo area can be found below:

How does the cost of in-person counseling compare to the cost of BetterHelp with a licensed El Segundo 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 El Segundo 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 El Segundo 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 El Segundo, 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 El Segundo 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 El Segundo 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 El Segundo 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 El Segundo 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 El Segundo 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 90245 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 El Segundo 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 El Segundo 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 El Segundo, 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.

El Segundo 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 El Segundo.

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

90245

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