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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Sarah Frohock

Offering therapy in CA
License: LCSW
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesTrauma and abuseIntimacy-related issues
21 years of experience

Do you feel stuck in a relationship, career, or pattern? Are you struggling to find a way to manage a difficult situation? I can work with you to develop the skills to help you regain control of your life and conquer your problems. I will bring all of my experience, compassion, and humor into the process of supporting you in finding solutions. I utilize a strength-based approach to work with you in identifying your natural abilities to tackle your current challenges. I can help you identify your goals, tap into your strengths and create a plan to move forward. I have a wide range of experiences with couples and individuals of all ages. Whether you are struggling with one of life's many changes or a complex and traumatic past, I can help you develop insight and coping skills that will lead to a happier and more fulfilled life. I specialize in helping those who have developed ways of coping that are no longer serving them, particularly addictions of all kinds. I have specialized training in EMDR, Perinatal Mood/Anxiety Disorders, and treatment of sexual issues in both individuals and couples.

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Romana Cheang

Offering therapy in CA
License: M.S., LMFT
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesSelf esteemCoping with life changes
11 years of experience

Aloha! I am a Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist in the state of California. I was raised in Oahu, Hawaii and had been living in Southern California for the past 10 years. I completed my Master’s degree from Loma Linda University and I have over 8 years of experience working as a therapist. Previously, I worked in community mental health clinics, elementary & high school settings, and a residential treatment facility. I have experiences with adults, children & teens, and families. My areas of experience are: Stress & anxiety, depressive issues, adult relational problems, communication, and phase of life issues. I would describe my therapy style as strength-based, collaborative, insight-oriented, and use of humor with countless metaphors. With our therapy process, I would like to spend time exploring your life story so I can assist you in "untangling" and/or “fitting those odd puzzle pieces together." My goal is for clients to live a fulfilling life. I was taught that we each carry an “invisible backpack” packed with difficulties, hardships, and personal trauma in life. These growing difficulties result in a heavier backpack in which one day...become almost unbearable. As your therapist, I believe my role is to help unpack so you can rest those shoulders and practice training your “mental muscles.” Sometimes life doesn’t get easier, so you will learn to strengthen your emotional endurance. And your adventure continues.

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Cherie Felzer

Offering therapy in CA
License: LMFT
Stress, AnxietySelf esteemCareer difficultiesDepressionCoping with life changes
11 years of experience

Life is a journey of continually coming home to ourselves. Come home to yourself. to your soul. I have spent the last 20+ years working and playing with conscious personal growth, traversing pathways of dark and light, with 15+years of dance and movement meditation as my main spiritual practice. Throughout many years of traveling, I have learned so much from life, different cultures, and teachers of indigenous traditions, and finally, moved to the bay area in 2007 to pursue graduate studies in somatic counseling psychology, and complete licensure in Marriage and Family Therapy. Since moving to the bay area, I have deepened my relationships with movement, worked somatically with elders living with dementia, business and law students, women in recovery, war veterans, rites of passage with youth and in nature with children. It has been through these lenses that I learned the most about how to be with, accept, and move through stuckness, struggle, and transition. My personal experiences all inform me, offering a greater perspective, and are woven together with my training to create a truly unique practice for us to explore together the magic of the healing journey. I offer this wisdom and experience to you, from my own struggles, so that you know you don't have to do this alone. In a session, I will be your companion as we explore together the best way for you to move forward. I offer a calm, solid presence and reverence & joy for life, inviting and supporting you to be with and move through stuckness, struggle and chaos, inspiring and guiding you to listen to your body & connect to yourself, others & the earth so that you can find lightness, freedom, and aliveness, and help you live your purpose meaningfully in the world with integrity and authenticity! I am here to remind you of your deep connection to the earth, so that it may be a resource for you in times of need, holding you and guiding you, teaching you how to be gentle with yourself. It would be an honor to be a companion along your path. You have the map. I can help you read it.

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Linda Vermeulen

Offering therapy in CA
License: MS MFCC,LMFT
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsDepressionCompassion fatigue
28 years of experience

From Dreams to The Shadow, the Enneagram to the Imago, clients use their therapy hour to connect to their unconscious, and help discover strengths and weakness. I use the Jungian styled psychodynamic approach, and I work with your Enneagram type and Inner Child dynamics to help drive your life forward. I will help you process anxiety and the stressors that come with changes in your family life, by using many different modalities: mindfulness, feeling work, couples Imago therapy. I work to help you access personal themes toward achieving your individuation. Clients who work with me will learn how to identify and love their Inner Child, use Discovery Logs, and process the Persona, to lead to wholeness of Self. I teach you how to accept yourself, and forgive the past. Psychodynamic work is longer term than most approaches, but don't let that scare you!

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Dr. Lynor Jackson

Offering therapy in CA
License: LCSW
Stress, AnxietyFamily conflictsTrauma and abuseGriefDepression
30 years of experience

I have formal education and life experiences in navigating health care, educational and juvenile justice systems. I have approximately 30 years of experience supporting people with crisis intervention, depression, emotional and physical abuse, grief, loss and anxiety. I have collaborated with educational and probation officers in providing support to enhance change in behaviors to move individuals towards navigating life. The therapy I use is cognitive behavior therapy, supportive and interactive and compassion. I believe in empowering and supporting change for the positive. I look forward to assisting people in coping with life in challenging times.

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Gregory Davenport

Offering therapy in CA
License: MA,MS,LMFT
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsSelf esteemDepressionCoping with life changes
10 years of experience

Hello there! I have been working in the mental health and addiction field profession for 10 years. I use an eclectic approach, however, the theoretical frameworks that most define me professionally combine unconditional positive regard, spiritual/faith-based and cognitive-behavioral theory. My style is pragmatic, professional, down-to-earth, and based upon professional and personal-life experiences. I have a unique ability to therapeutically join with clients which is partly due to my personality, style and vernacular. I am an eclectic counselor that utilizes multiple theories such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Rational Emotive Behavioral Therapy, Motivational Interviewing and Solution-Focused Therapy. What is it like to work with me? Humor - Let's face it, therapy, counseling, or whatever you'd like to call it does NOT always have to be so serious. I enjoy the fact that my client's and I can laugh together. I believe that laughter is so important when exploring topics that are difficult and challenging. Culturally Sensitive - I have worked with many clients over the years that come from all walks of life. That includes culturally, ethnically, religiously, spiritually, age, or socioeconomic status, I respect and value all my clients for who they are. The truth is that we all have a history, and that history is part of our story to be told and valued. My Educational Credentials: Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in CA (BBS) Substance Abuse Professional (NAADAC) Master of Science in Addiction Counseling (Grand Canyon University) Master of Arts in Counseling Psychology (Argosy University) For my professional growth, I continuously read related literature, keep myself up to date with the ethical and legal guidelines in the field, and the latest research, and attend trainings. I look forward to working with you and being a part of your journey.

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Mary Baez

Offering therapy in CA
License: LMFT
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsFamily conflictsTrauma and abuseDepression
16 years of experience

Hi my name is Mary Baez. I am a Marriage and Family Therapist registered in the state of California. I have been working in the mental health field for fifteen years in a varieties of settings, giving me a wealth of knowledge on human behavior. Beyond my educational qualifications I have learned and continue to learn from the clients I have had the pleasure and honor of serving throughout my years of clinical practice. The learning never stops and the resiliency of the human spirit is amazing. I also am a clinical supervisor of up and coming therapists. It is of upmost importance to me to build a trusting therapist/client relationship in the beginning of the therapeutic process. This is done by listening with my whole heart in a non-judgmental stance to allow for soulful sharing and feeling heard and understood. My basic approach to therapy is Person Centered, which purports unconditional positive regard. The interventions I use are eclectic and tailored to the unique and individual needs of each client. I work from a holistic and strength based philosophy to assist clients in going within to find their truth and act upon it by living a life worth living based on self-discovery. Clinical Approaches: Trauma Focused Therapy EMDR Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Dialectical Behavioral Therapy Solution Focused Therapy

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Dr. Matthew Meyers

Offering therapy in CA
License: Ed.D,LPCC,NCC
Relationship issuesFamily conflictsSelf esteemCareer difficultiesCoping with life changes
20 years of experience

My experience is working with individuals/ couples, children, and families. I look forward to supporting your journey. I am a Licensed Profesional Clinical Counselor in the states of California, Nevada, Florida, New Mexico, Arizona, Utah, Indiana, Idaho, and a Nationally Board Certified Counselor. My doctorate is in counseling psychology. I have 20 years of counseling experience. My practice focuses on working with individuals, and couples with relationship issues as well as work-related challenges. I work with my clients to create an open and safe environment where issues, thoughts, and feelings can be shared. My goal is to build upon what is working in the client's life and collaborate with my clients to address the needs that they feel should be addressed in a way that they feel comfortable with. I do ask thought-provoking questions during sessions to help engage the client. Scheduling Availability is usually on weekdays evenings or weekends. I am in the West Coast time zone I look forward to working with you!

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Adam Colson

Offering therapy in CA
Stress, AnxietyFamily conflictsParenting issuesAnger managementDepression
10 years of experience

I am a licensed therapist in California with over 10 years of professional work experience. I have experience helping clients with stress and anxiety, depression, dating and relationships, family conflicts, parenting issues, and anger management. I will tailor your treatment plan to meet your unique needs. You are being very brave and strong to face and share your issues and to seek help. If you were to not do this, your problems may not improve. Seeking therapy gives you a good chance to succeed and move past your current challenges. Now a little bit about the therapy we can do together: I have an eclectic approach. That is, I utilizes different modalities with different clients, depending on what is best for them personally. Often I use what's called Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). Briefly, this is identifying how your distressing thoughts create the troubling feelings you are feeling which lead to the behaviors you are probably doing. We will start by listing your goals for therapy, and there will also be homework such as journaling and graphing. I have used these methods to overcome my own problems, so I know they work. Finally, here's a little bit more about me: I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW), licensed to work as a mental health therapist in California. I am a slightly older therapist (59-years-old); in other words, I've lived long enough to help many people and to see a lot of what life can offer us, both positive and negative. I am a straight man, married, and have over 10 years of clinical social work and therapy experience. As both a social worker and therapist, I am qualified to work using a large variety of modalities (techniques) and to address a variety of issues. I hope to hear back from you and begin working with you soon. And, of course, please remember that if for any reason you don't feel comfortable working with me, it's easy to switch therapists, and BetterHelp has a large number of therapists from which you can choose.

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Jonathan Fonseca

Offering therapy in CA
Stress, AnxietyFamily conflictsTrauma and abuseGriefDepression
6 years of experience

I am licensed clinical social worker in California, with 6 years of counseling experience and over 10 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, family conflicts, trauma and abuse, work burnout, & coping with grief and loss. As your licensed therapist, I am here to support you on your journey of self-discovery, healing, and personal transformation. Together, we will explore your thoughts, emotions, and experiences, and work towards fostering resilience, finding clarity, and cultivating a sense of inner peace. I believe that you are the expert of your story and that you have many strengths that will assist you in overcoming things that challenge you. It takes courage to seek out a more fulfilling and happier life and to take the first steps towards a change. Your story matters, and I am honored to walk alongside you as you navigate the complexities of life. Preference of phone/ video sessions.

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 92064 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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