In life, you may feel like your goals are unattainable. No matter how hard you try, it just feels like no one will listen or allow you to live a better life of opportunity. It can be a challenge to voice your thoughts, especially when you have depression or stress. A counselor based in Poway can help. 

Poway is a beautiful town to live in, encapsulating all of what California has to offer. If you want to enjoy the town, speak to California today and learn what you can do. You can improve yourself and be a better person

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Crystal Folk

Offering therapy in CA
License: LMFT
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesGriefSelf esteemDepression
13 years of experience

I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in California with over 10 years of experience. I have worked clients across the life span; my experience ranges from toddlers to young adults in foster care, school aged kids, college student, couples, families, homeless and the elderly population. I have worked with a wide range of client concerns including depression, anxiety, ADHD, relationship issues, parenting problems, career challenges, self-esteem, and grief and loss issues just to name a few. I also helped many people who have experienced physical trauma or emotional abuse. My counseling style is warm and interactive. I believe in treating anyone with respect, being sensitive, and meeting you where you are at. My approach combines a few theories that I pull from but I will primarily use Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Solution Focused, and Client Centered Therapy. I will tailor our dialog and treatment plan to meet your unique and specific needs and goals. I like to provide feedback, share suggestions, and encourage home practice from our previous sessions so you can see the interventions used in action. I also believe in the healing process of therapy and I am also comfortable with focusing on helping you to heal by being a supportive presence. It takes a lot to seek help for a more fulfilling and happier life, I applaud you for taking the first step towards a change. I am here to support and empower you, and I look forward to working with you! You don’t have to see the whole staircase, you just need to take the first step. –Martin Luther King

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Dr. Richard LeGassick, Ph.D.

Offering therapy in CA
License: PhD
Relationship issuesFamily conflictsGriefParenting issuesCoping with life changes
35 years of experience

Hello. I am a Licensed Clinical Psychologist with a broad range of experience of over 35 years. I have found that when people reach a personal life impasse, they often benefit from developing increased self-understanding and an outside impartial opinion. My primary interest is in providing Humanistic psychotherapy to those people who want to invest the time to explore and understand themselves. My emphasis has focused on helping clients resolve the difficulties of Life Transitions: Family Separations (Divorce, Child Custody/ Reunification); Career changes; Marital and pre-marital; and Blended families. My clients learn to understand and resolve Depression and Anxiety and Grieve the Loss of loved ones. I am also a consultant in areas of Couple Communication, and Parenting; with First Responders; USA Military Service Members and their families. My approach is Humanistic/Cognitive/ Interpersonal; Learning to cope with Traumatic Life Changes. Throughout my career, I have worked in community Mental Health centers, and on crisis teams within the community. I provide the most useful guidance through guiding the development of Self-Awareness, Self-Acceptance, and Independence; learning one's Strengths and Coping/problem-solving, and improving Communication. I value the impact of Positive Psychology as well as Mindfulness and Meditation. [Note: I currently schedule 9:00-6:00 PST weekday appointments]

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John Johnson

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

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

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Dr. Pegah Lahijanian

Offering therapy in CA
License: M.S. ,LMFT ,Psy.D.
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesParenting issuesSelf esteemDepression
11 years of experience

Hello! If you're here, then it means that you're looking to better help yourself. Finding the right therapist can be hard, but I strongly believe that the key is finding a genuine connection and a sense of comfort with your therapist. Whatever has led you to this point, I commend you. I’m excited for you to begin this journey, whether it’s with me or with another therapist. Here’s some information for you to decide if you would think we would be a good match to work together. I'm a licensed marriage and family therapist, and have been working in the field for the past 11 years. I received my MFT from California State University, Northridge, and my doctoral degree in applied clinical psychology from The Chicago School of Professional Psychology. A large majority of my initial training and experience has been working with adults dealing with anxiety, depression, communication problems, and relationship issues. My counseling style is welcoming, warm, empowering, and interactive. My approach combines a mix of psychodynamic, cognitive behavioral, and solution focused counseling. I strongly believe that everyone goes through this process at their own speed. My main focus is to help guide you and tailor your treatment plan to meet your specific needs. It takes a lot of courage to want to make changes and work on yourself. If you’re ready to take the next steps, I’m here and ready to work with you.

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Robert Aerts

Offering therapy in CA
License: LMFT
Stress, AnxietyLGBTParenting issuesSelf esteemDepression
8 years of experience

My name is Robert Aerts, I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. I hold a master’s in counseling psychology and 8 years’ experience working in the Mental Health Field. I have over 30 years’ experience working in Human Services. I have worked with a diverse population through the years. I am LGBTQ friendly and understand the stigmas that come with being LGBTQ. My therapeutic approach varies on what is presented to me. I practice from a Cognitive Behavioral Theory approach. I provide individual therapy. My communication is open and honest. If I am not equipped in assisting the presenting issue, I will discuss alternative resources and supports that can be a better fit.

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Dr. Stephen Lovato

Offering therapy in CA
LGBTRelationship issuesParenting issuesBipolar disorderDepression
41 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 40 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with LGBT-related issues, relationship issues, parenting issues, & bipolar disorder. 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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Kristen Burton

Offering therapy in CA
Compassion fatigue
20 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 20+ years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, motivation, self esteem, and confidence, & coping with life changes. 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. **On this platform, I focus on providing short term therapy, for adjustment and phase of life concerns. Currently, I’m only accepting clients for chat/messaging sessions. ***

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Melissa Beck

Offering therapy in CA
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesIntimacy-related issuesSelf esteemCoping with life changes
14 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 14 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, intimacy related 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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Linda Rivadeneyra

Offering therapy in CA
Stress, AnxietyFamily conflictsTrauma and abuseSelf esteemDepression
26 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 26 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress, anxiety, trauma, depression, childhood abuse, difficult family relationships and transitions. I meet with individuals only, no couples or families. I believe that you have strengths that will assist you in overcoming things that challenge you, with support from a therapist. 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 Dobson

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

I am licensed in Florida with 5 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with depression, 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. Taking the first step to seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process.

How to find counseling in Poway

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

How does the cost of in-person counseling compare to the cost of BetterHelp with a licensed Poway 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 Poway 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 Poway 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 Poway, 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 Poway 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 Poway 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 Poway 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 Poway 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 Poway 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 92074 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 Poway 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 Poway 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 Poway, 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.

Poway 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 Poway.

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

92064, 92074

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