This is Cheryl Youngblood's avatar and link to their profile

Cheryl Youngblood

Offering therapy in CA
License: LCSW
Stress, AnxietyFamily conflictsTrauma and abuseDepression
4 years of experience

Greetings and welcome. I'm Cheryl Youngblood, a native Californian with over 15 years of experience working with foster and adopted children, and their families. My passion for helping others has been rooted in who I am since I was a child. Working as the director of a foster/adopt agency, and realizing that so many children and families are plagued with trauma, domestic violence, self-injurious behaviors, Post Traumatic Stress Disorder and other mental health concerns, I decided that I wanted to expand my knowledge base, and my capacity for helping others, so I obtained my license in social work. Realizing that anxiety may be fueled by one's inability to live in the present, my client-centered focus is a holistic/talk therapy multicultural, eclectic approach, that I utilize while integrating interventions, based on the here and now, and mindfulness. Creating a safe, nurturing environment that allows my clients to feel supported, and empowered, provides me with a venue to introduce interventions, tools, and ideas that are strength based, client-centered, and derived from living in the moment. Some evidenced based treatments that I have found through the years that have been insightful, and provided calmness to my clients are, guided imagery, breathing techniques, sensory tools, tapping and meditation. Providing an empathetic, ear, in a non-judgmental space, with an eagerness and willing to help, is the basis for my ideals for providing the first step towards healing.

Get started View profile
This is Esther Kennedy's avatar and link to their profile

Esther Kennedy

Offering therapy in CA
License: MSW,LCSW
Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseSelf esteemDepressionCoping with life changes
35 years of experience

Hello and welcome to taking the first steps to changing your life situation. My name is Esther Kennedy and I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, LCSW. I have been in the field of behavior health for over 30 years. My direct services have been providing support to adults, children and adolescents. My expertise is in the areas of; outpatient therapy, individual, family, group, psycho-social assessments, social-emotional development, crisis intervention, case management services, substance misuse/abuse, adaptive life skills and client advocating. Additionally, I have worked with clients on a wide range of concerns such as anxiety, depression, ADHD, parenting concerns, relationship problems, family conflicts, domestic violence, coping with life changes, poor social skills, anger management and trauma induced issues to name a few. My counseling approach combines Client Center Therapy, Mindfulness, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Solution Focused Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, and a Faith-Based Counseling approach. I take pride in my style of a non-judgmental attitude, cultural sensitivity, being warm and caring, being an empathetic listener and responding empathetically can help you work through challenges and life’s issues. If you want to experience more effective ways of coping with life stressors please consider partnering with me to achieve your desired goals.

Get started View profile
This is Audrey Levy's avatar and link to their profile

Audrey Levy

Offering therapy in CA
License: PsyD,MFT
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesGriefDepressionCoaching
42 years of experience

My name is Audrey Levy and I live on a houseboat. My private practice hours are available 24/7 by appointment only and I also make house calls. I am experienced in helping my clients deal with issues such as Loss and Grief Recovery, Substance Abuse, Anger Management, Crisis Counseling, Stress Reduction, Depression and Anxiety. I provide a calm, empathetic, and nurturing environment where you will feel heard, and most importantly, understood. Together we will work on ways to help you understand your feelings and compulsions. My grieving clients experience closure through writing letters to their loved ones who have died. This letter writing is effective for all forms of loss. Reading the letters aloud is very healing as it encourages acceptance, and permits moving on to build a life filled with love and laughter. As a Doctor of Psychology and psychotherapist for 40+ years, I've dealt with my own grief and loss by writing a book series, "The Adventures of the Angel Oleo." I hope you have an opportunity to read one of the books in "The Adventures of the Angel Oleo," and that I get to help you, and someone you know.

Get started View profile
This is Melissa Coulson's avatar and link to their profile

Melissa Coulson

Offering therapy in CA
License: LCSW,Certified Grief Counseling Specialist (CGCS)
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesGriefSelf esteemCoping with life changes
3 years of experience

I am a social worker licensed in California with 4 years of experience working as a medical social worker and clinician. I have assisted clients with concerns including depression, anxiety, grief, chronic pain, and chronic illness among others. I have also worked with clients who just need someone to support them through challenging experiences, emotions, and life changes. My style is direct, positive, and warm with a focus on supporting clients but holding them accountable to their goals for treatment. You are coming here to gain the tools and understanding to deal with something in your life and I would love to be your partner in that! I believe in helping clients to build their mental toolbox to address current issues and be better prepared to meet new challenges with confidence throughout the rest of their lives. My holistic approach includes techniques and components of cognitive-behavioral, client-centered, and humanistic therapies combined with motivational interviewing, mindfulness, and other interventions as needed to address each client's concerns individually . I also have additional training in grief and bereavement, cognitive-behavioral, solution focused, and acceptance and commitment therapies. I will structure our sessions and treatment plan to meet your needs and goals so we can address what brings you to this platform together. My clients say I am easy to open up to, genuine, and a good listener. I would love to connect with you to help you through your current season of life and whatever challenges you are currently facing.

Get started View profile
This is Cathryn Charette's avatar and link to their profile

Cathryn Charette

Offering therapy in CA
License: MS, LMFT
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesTrauma and abuseGriefDepression
5 years of experience

I am a humanistic psychologist. I use an approach that emphasizes an individual's strengths and skills in a wholistic way to address issues that are distressing and limiting in a client's life. I help clients toward self actualization, the ability to better understand self and others, feel confident and secure in their abilities, understand their motivations and personality, address external stressors, and develop personal insight and a life philosophy that guides their decision making and problem solving. I encourage self awareness and mindfulness to help clients respond consciously to events as they unfold, and to remain true to their worldview and values, while negotiating difficult circumstances in this chaotic world. Many of us did not have parenting that taught us conscious healthy boundaries, understanding of self and others, or secure trusting attachment, but these can be learned and amended through therapy. The term "earned security" is a psychology term that denotes an individual who remediates traumatic events, including: childhood trauma, adult trauma, and relationship trauma, and strengthens their core self concept to include greater self esteem, and a strong comfortable attachment system (post traumatic growth). ​ I know this because my experience in self development included all these, as well as a new understanding of self compassion, self acceptance, patience and a process of differentiation of self that allows for both autonomy and deep caring attachment simultaneously. I offer this knowledge in a non judgmental and wellness based framework. I draw from both professional experience and evidence based scientific research. I love to work with people from all walks of life, all ages, and diverse world views and focus on the human commonalities we share, as well as understanding a client's individual and specific experiences, needs, challenges and goals. I am inclusive, and supportive, patient and caring and passionate about helping others.

Get started View profile
This is Ugochi Apakama's avatar and link to their profile

Ugochi Apakama

Offering therapy in CA
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesFamily conflictsTrauma and abuseCoping with life changes
4 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 4 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, & trauma and abuse. 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!

Get started View profile
This is Heather Silva's avatar and link to their profile

Heather Silva

Offering therapy in CA
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesTrauma and abuseIntimacy-related issuesSelf esteem
9 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, relationship issues, trauma and abuse, & intimacy related 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 sign up for therapy can take courage and I am proud of you for getting started!

Get started View profile
This is Elizabeth Row's avatar and link to their profile

Elizabeth Row

Offering therapy in CA
Stress, AnxietyParenting issuesSelf esteemDepressionADHD
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, parenting issues, motivation, self esteem, and confidence, & depression. 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.

Get started View profile
This is Stephanie Wideman's avatar and link to their profile

Stephanie Wideman

Offering therapy in CA
License: MSW,LCSW
Stress, AnxietySelf esteemDepression
20 years of experience

Hi there! I am so glad you are here. Take a moment. Yes, right now, take a deep breath. I’ll be here. Exhale. Be proud of yourself. Today, you showed up. You are here and you are willing to consider taking the next step. Well done! I believe, life is full of emotion. It makes us laugh and cry… sometimes both in the same moment. It can be hard as we journey through it to see the forest for the trees… to see beauty instead of pain. Wherever you are along your journey you do not have to travel alone. My name is Stephanie Wideman. I am a licensed clinical social worker based in Missouri. I have 20 years of experience coming alongside others, from children to older adults, on their journey as a guide. You will always lead, because we are going where you want to go. Together we can forge a path of perspective and self awareness; replacing lies with truth and be able to take in all of the beauty of the journey along the way. Each person's destination and goals are unique. My guidebook (clinical approach techniques) is diverse. Be prepared to roll up your sleeves, because I believe you get out of therapy what you put into it. I am a Christian and draw my clinical approaches heavily from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (known as CBT) aligned with the Biblical principles of grace, love, and mercy. At all times, as your guide it is important to me that you feel safe, respected, heard, encouraged, empowered, and challenged. Yes, we can do hard things. Now, you did not come this far to only come this far. Grab your favorite mug and find a place of solace. Let’s journey through together.

Get started View profile
This is Kenneth Breniman's avatar and link to their profile

Kenneth Breniman

Offering therapy in CA
Stress, AnxietyLGBTTrauma and abuseGriefSelf esteem
19 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 19 years of clinical work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, lgbtq+ related issues, trauma and abuse, & coping with grief and loss. 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 do hope can co-create a brave space for your to support you along your life journey. A growing number of researchers and healthcare professionals agree: the body, mind, and spirit are not separate, but rather parts of an interconnected whole. While I’ve been a licensed clinical social worker since 2005, I’ve come to see that traditional talk therapy can only get a person so far. Likewise, while I respect the DSM, I believe that diagnoses can be somewhat limiting for those looking to do deep, spiritual inner work and explore the big existential questions of their lives. Your pain makes sense. Rather than label you with a diagnosis, my goal is to help you understand how your past may have contributed to your current suffering and give you the space to heal from your pain and move forward. As a lifelong learner, I’ve spent the last two decades exploring the intersection of psychology, yoga, sound healing, death studies, and psychedelic integration. My sessions with clients typically include a few, if not all of these modalities.

Get started View profile

How to find counseling in Vernon

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

How does the cost of in-person counseling compare to the cost of BetterHelp with a licensed Vernon 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 Vernon 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 Vernon 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 Vernon, 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 Vernon 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 Vernon 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 Vernon 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 Vernon 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 Vernon 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 90058 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 Vernon 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 Vernon 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 Vernon, 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.

Vernon 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 Vernon.

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

90058

Popular cities near Vernon, CA

Find the right therapist for your needs
Match with a qualified therapist