Sometimes, you may feel like you're at the center of it all, for better or for worse. When you're dealing with depression, it can feel like the world is out to make you sad. When you have a life change, you may feel like life is against you. It can be difficult to get out of that mindset, but a counselor based in National City can help you. 

National City has a motto that is known as “In the Center of it All.” You can learn how to realize how to be in the center of everything good in life, and a counselor can help. 

This is Dr. Dov Paz's avatar and link to their profile

Dr. Dov Paz

Offering therapy in CA
Stress, AnxietyGriefDepressionCoping with life changesCoaching
21 years of experience

Hello I am a Clinical Psychologist practice in Los Angeles with years of experience treating individuals, couples and families with a wide array of issues. Forming a trusting relationship and a therapeutic alliance is the base for a therapeutic and coaching process. Together we will unpack and examine the immediate challenges that you might be facing. We will be working on increasing self awareness and insight while creating a conceptual framework that will foster personal growth. I practice a non-judgmental eclectic reality based therapy that is based on acceptance and a positive goal oriented psychological and philosophical approach in helping you to negotiate your life’s journey.

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Dr. Karin Hudson

Offering therapy in CA
License: PsyD,MA
Stress, AnxietyGriefSelf esteemDepressionCoping with life changes
15 years of experience

Welcome and congratulations on taking this step. I am a licensed Clinical Psychologist in California and have been working in the counseling field for close to 20 years. Prior to my counseling career I was an International Montessori Teacher for more than a decade. I am originally from Austria and moved to California 25 years ago. I have also worked a great deal in animal assisted therapy including Equine Therapy and am strong believer that animals provide meaningful emotional support. My training is deeply rooted in attachment theory and I have an existential-humanistic approach to life, which means I would like to support you in the present moment with interventions that work for you "right now" and potentially explore life patterns that are keeping you from reaching your full potential. My clients tell me that I have a down to earth approach, direct but warm and with concrete goals to lessen your symptoms. I believe in treating people with dignity, respect and compassion and am not a big believer in stigmatizing labels. My approach includes a variety of counseling styles such as cognitive-behavioral, humanistic and psychodynamic interventions and I will tailor your treatment plan to your unique specific needs. If you think we could be a good fit - connect with me and we will find out. I look forward to working with you

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Luis Martinez

Offering therapy in CA
License: MA,LMFT
Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseParenting issuesSelf esteemDepression
5 years of experience

Hello, my name is Luis Martinez and I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in the state of California. I have been in the Mental Health field for over 5 years and have worked in a variety of settings which has been able to provide me with the experience to better understand my clients. Using a client centered approach together we can decide on an appropriate treatment plan to help you overcome the struggles you are facing and tackle your challenges head-on. My preferred modality is Solution Focused Therapy, which is based on what you are already doing well an to help you realize that your strengths are the answer to your concerns and sometimes you just need help seeing them. Therapy in reality boils down to these few things, you want consistency, structure, and to an extent some predictability in your life. The uncertainty and the day to day stressors have all piled up and you just want to be free of everything getting in your way that's keeping you from your ideal future or perhaps your ideal state of mind. Weird thing is you already have what it takes to achieve your desired outcome, you just need someone to guide that process.

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Catherine (Cathy) Groh

Offering therapy in CA
License: MSW,LCSW
Stress, AnxietyFamily conflictsGriefDepressionCoping with life changes
10 years of experience

Hello, I am a licensed clinical social worker with 25 years experience in the field. I have worked with clients of all ages, ethnicities and sexual orientation, presenting a wide range of concerns including depression, anxiety, relationship issues, parenting problems, career challenges, change of life circumstances and eating disorders. I have also worked with many people who have experienced physical trauma and emotional abuse. My approach to therapy is warm and interactive. I believe in treating clients with respect and dignity and will provide a safe, nonjudgmental environment to explore your concerns. I mainly utilize a client centered approach to therapy, this allows you to direct the course of therapy and I to guide you. I recognize the courage it takes to seek help and take steps toward leading a happier and more fulfilling life. I am here to support you and look forward to working with you.

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Diane Salka

Offering therapy in CA
License: LMFT,MBA
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsRelationship issuesFamily conflictsSelf esteem
8 years of experience

Congratulations on your decision to grow and excel. Whether your challenges are individual, interpersonal, or professional, I am here to help. I have extensive experience and education to help you on YOUR journey. Together, we will move the obstacles in your life so you can move forward to find peace, fulfillment, and achievement. I am a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist who chose this profession after a successful career in the business world due to my own desire to learn how to create a better life/work balance and to grow personally and to have more fulfilling relationships. I have extensive experience in treating mood disorders (specifically depression and anxiety, including bipolar, social anxiety, and panic attacks); personality disorders (specifically attachment , narcissistic, and codependent); and addiction (drug, alcohol, porn, and cyber); and professional interpersonal conflict and personal relationship difficulties. As a former entrepreneur, I also enjoy providing Career, Life/Balance, and Leadership Coaching. My therapeutic approach is ultimately Solution-focused, using Humanistic, CBT (Rational Emotive Behavioral Therapy (REBT) specifically), Narrative, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), Motivational Interviewing, Effective Communication skills and Emotionally-Focused Therapy to help you navigate your own life's challenges and overcome obstacles that are preventing you from living your most joyous and fulfilling life. I will encourage you to set your own goals and to discover and grow at your own pace to ensure that our sessions are enjoyable and rewarding. If I can be happy about one thing about getting older, it would have to be the varied and extensive experience (professional and personal) I have gained throughout life that extends well beyond my education alone. Those experiences allow me to approach your challenges with a combination of understanding, compassion, and wisdom together with formal education and training to provide superb therapeutic results. You can do this - I can help.

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Amye Cole

Offering therapy in CA
Stress, AnxietySelf esteemCareer difficultiesCoping with life changesCompassion fatigue
7 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 7 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, motivation, self esteem, and confidence, career difficulties, & 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. 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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Dr. Justin Lutz

Offering therapy in CA
AddictionsLGBTAnger managementSelf esteemCoping with life changes
23 years of experience

I am a firm believer that therapy is a process and starting therapy can be overwhelming and anxiety provoking. From finding a good fit between yourself and a clinician to being open and vulnerable with another person – the prospect is at times a lot to take in and can feel monumental. Regardless of what it is that brings you to therapy, reaching out is the first step and I wanted to congratulate you on the courage it took to take those steps. I approach my work with warmth, compassion and empathy to build a safe environment where clients can feel secure and free to engage with all aspects of their emotional lives that may not otherwise be accessible. In this judgement free zone, my goal is to provide clients with the opportunity to re-author personal narratives, create space for healing and to generate the potential shift of emotional, occupational and interpersonal patterns. My extensive clinical training includes working with system impacted teenagers involved in juvenile justice. I work with teens and adults dealing with substance abuse, anxiety, depression, and family/childhood trauma. In addition, I support, assist and advocate for clients whose personal identity lies on the LGBTQIA2S+ spectrum while they explore, investigate, or plan the rest of their life journey as their authentic self. Contact me to schedule a phone consultation so I can hear more about what is bringing you to therapy and answer any questions you might have about the process!

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This is Thomas "Tom" Prinz's avatar and link to their profile

Thomas "Tom" Prinz

Offering therapy in CA
AddictionsRelationship issuesTrauma and abuseGriefAnger management
40 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 40 years of professional work experience. Prior to having a private practice as a Marriage and Family Therapist for 35 years I was a school psychologist for 5 years. Currently I volunteer to teach a class on addictions and anger management at City Team, Oakland, Ca., a residential program for men. I have been a volunteer at city team for over 4 years. I have experience in helping clients with coping with addictions, relationship issues, trauma and abuse, & coping with grief and loss, parenting, marriage, domestic violence, anxiety and depression. I have written and published 6 books on personal, parenting and marriage issues. My most recent books are; Changes, one person can make a difference and The first pictorial self help book for men who don’t read. Two other books I have written are: Winning at a Losing Game and The Lost Aspect of Love. I encourage my clients to follow up each session with specific homework that I can provide.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. My wife, Pam, and I have been married for 55 years, we have three adult children and 4 grandchildren.

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Angelina Rey

Offering therapy in CA
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesFamily conflictsParenting issuesCoping with life changes
4 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 4 years of professional work experience. I am Level 3 Gottman Trained and specialize in relationships and parenting. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, & 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 sign up for therapy can take courage and I am proud of you for getting started!

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This is Tina Johnson Hollman's avatar and link to their profile

Tina Johnson Hollman

Offering therapy in CA
Stress, AnxietySelf esteemDepression
13 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 13 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, motivation, self esteem, and confidence, & depression. 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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How to find counseling in National City

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

How does the cost of in-person counseling compare to the cost of BetterHelp with a licensed National City 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 National City 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 National City 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 National City, 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 National City 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 National City 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 National City 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 National City 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 National City 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 91950 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 National City 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 National City 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 National City, 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.

National City 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 National City.

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

91950, 91951, 92136

Popular cities near National City, CA

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