Life can feel like a dance. When you're mentally prepared, you can dance across anything life throws at you, and end things off with grace. However, when you're mentally unwell, you may stumble, fall, and feel like everyone is throwing tomatoes at you. A counselor based in Encinitas can be the dance instructor you need. 

Encinitas is known for many things, including its ballet. Ballet dancing requires much training and precision, but it can be rewarding. This applies to life as well. If you need someone to help train you, a counselor can help you do just that. Speak to one today and see what you can do. 

This is Andrea Perez Portillo's avatar and link to their profile

Andrea Perez Portillo

Offering therapy in CA
License: LCSW
Family conflictsParenting issuesCoping with life changesCompassion fatigue
4 years of experience

I am a licensed clinical social worker licensed in California with experience working with immigrant, Communities of Color, and LGBTQIA2S+ folks across the lifespan. I have predominantly worked with youth and families and operate from a person-in-environment, relational and liberatory approaches that recognize the impact systems of oppression, historical, and personal trauma have on marginalized communities. My communication style is collaborative and empathetic. My role is to create a safe space for exploration and affirmation of your life and experiences therein and build upon your strengths. Together we can identify goals and supportive strategies along the way to help you live your best life. I look forward to working with you!

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Dr. James Chavers

Offering therapy in CA
License: PsyD,MACP
Stress, AnxietyLGBTRelationship issuesDepressionCoping with life changes
9 years of experience

It is by suffering that human beings become angels. – Victor Hugo Hello, my name is James Chavers. Thank you for taking the time to read my counselor profile. I am a clinical psychologist licensed and living in California. I earned my masters and doctorate in clinical psychology at Antioch University Santa Barbara. I have worked and trained in locked settings (jails and prisons), community health clinics, and colleges and universities for 9 years. I have worked with older adults living with HIV, addiction, and life course diseases, inmates of all genders preparing to transition out of locked settings, and students from 18-50+ navigating the difficulties of college life. Collaborating with my patients, we have worked through relationship, substance abuse, family, gender, sexuality, sexual assault, mood, and trauma issues, to name a few. My clients and I have worked together using a variety of modalities including Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Solution-Focused Therapy (SFT), Motivational Interviewing, and Client-centered Therapy. Incorporating Humanistic philosophies in my work, I believe that every person is deserving of love and respect. Each person is the expert of their own life. My purpose as a therapist is to support, suggest, and succor as needed. Finding the right counselor is akin to meeting a great friend. You want someone in your life who accepts you unconditionally, but is not afraid to call you out when you do something stupid. This friend takes the time to listen carefully to what’s going on, and then if you like, shares some insight. This friend is solidly in your corner and makes you feel like you are the most important person in the room. This friend stands by you and walks by your side as you work through your challenges. I have been blessed to have people like that in my life. If you give me the privilege, I would like to pay those experiences forward…to you. James Chavers PSY32025 Pronouns: He, him, his

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Dr. Lavarez Harris

Offering therapy in CA
License: LMFT,CLC,CSFC
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesFamily conflictsTrauma and abuseIntimacy-related issues
15 years of experience

Hi! My name is Dr. Lavarez Harris (Hint: My first name rhymes with my last name). I have been providing therapy and other behavioral health services for the past 15 years. I have a Master's Degree in Counseling, a Doctorate in Clinical Psychology and I am a Certified Life Coach. I am also a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in both States of Arizona and California. Academics aside, my life experience has also contributed to my empathy and passion for helping others for as long as I can remember. I bring a rich and diverse background to my work as my family is multicultural. I see my clients as the experts in their journey to resolve life challenges. As a therapist, I work with clients to identify their unique needs and the obstacles that may be causing clients to experience anxiety, stress, depression, trauma, unsuccessful relationships or career goals, and a myriad of other difficult issues. My primary clinical approaches are Cognitive Behavioral, Family Systems and Solution Focus. My clinical goal is always the safety and well-being of my clients first. In therapy, I assist clients to reach their goals by increasing self-awareness, confidence, exploring and managing how they think and behave are interconnected. I work to increase the client's ability to make more informed positive choices and/or changes for the client's maximum growth and benefit. I also work with clients to develop a strategic treatment plan with detailed activities that focus on accomplishing goals at the client's pace. When appropriate, I use films, articles, music, and humor to keep the client’s therapeutic journey to healing and growth, creative and interesting.

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Dawn Pesso

Offering therapy in CA
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesGriefDepressionCoping with life changes
20 years of experience

I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in California. My experience in the counseling field is extensive, varied and spans over 20 years. I am passionate about the field of Psychology, about people, and relationship. For me there is nothing more important than this work, and I consider it an honor and a privilege to be able to do this work with you. My approach is warm and empathic. My goal is to create a safe environment for you to be able to reach your goals. My methodology is Client Centered and Psychodynamic. As it may be called for, I would at times use a Solution Focused, or an Existential approach as well. I work mainly with adults who either have reached some type of a crossroads in their life, or are experiencing a big change in their life.   There is often a loss of an important relationship or unhappiness in a relationship, or sometimes there is a general sense of unhappiness . Sometimes people find themselves questioning where they are in their lives.  Maybe they are questioning themselves, or a relationship, or their career.   Whatever you may be dealing with, we can talk about it and gain the understanding around it that you may need.

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Alexander "Alex" Dannin

Offering therapy in CA
License: LMFT
Relationship issuesSelf esteemCareer difficultiesCoaching
5 years of experience

Greetings! It’s my passion and pleasure to assist any person wishing to make a significant change to how they’re thinking and/or feeling. I start with the premise that every individual’s natural state of being is healthy (feeling at peace, worthy, capable etc.). It’s our negative experiences in life that temporarily shift us away from our natural state to one of imbalance. We inherently know something isn’t right based on our “negative” feelings (anger, sadness, fear etc.). I consider all feelings (and emotions) to be inherently neutral—they’re really just indicators to help us know that we’re either in alignment with our natural self or out of alignment. In other words, our feelings don’t exist in a vacuum. They are meant to serve us by drawing our awareness to what we believe about ourselves and whatever situation we’re experiencing. It’s my job to find the beliefs generating the “negative” feelings and to assist the individual with making the necessary changes in thoughts, behavior, actions to facilitate the shift to their natural self. In terms of modalities, I generally use tools and techniques from: CBT, Solution-Focused, Client-Centered, Psycho Dynamic, and Rapid Resolution Therapy. I’m not attached to a specific model. In other words, I don’t try to fit the client into my model. Instead, I try to use whatever system (tools and techniques etc.) that benefits the client. I reside in San Diego and I’m licensed as a Marriage Family Therapist in California (LMFT). I have 5 years of experience in the field and have served the following populations: active-duty, first responders, corporate professionals, retirees, young adults, and the homeless. Prior to working in mental health, I worked in several corporate positions in information technology and finance. Although it took me a while, I switched careers to follow my passion!

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This is Dana Wogahn's avatar and link to their profile

Dana Wogahn

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

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

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This is Petrea Huynh's avatar and link to their profile

Petrea Huynh

Offering therapy in CA
Relationship issuesGriefSelf esteemDepressionCoping with life changes
10 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 10 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with relationship issues, coping with grief and loss, motivation, self esteem, and confidence, & depression. 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 seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process.

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This is Baotran Amanda Nguyen's avatar and link to their profile

Baotran Amanda Nguyen

Offering therapy in CA
Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseAnger managementSelf esteemDepression
4 years of experience

I am a licensed marriage and family therapist with 11 years of professional experience. I first obtained my BA in Psychology at San Francisco State University and was intrigued with motivational and positive psychology. Once I graduated, I started off working with adolescents with Autism for 5 years, then expanded my experience working in Mental Health as a Behavior Specialist. I acquired my MA in Counseling Psychology at John F. Kennedy University. I have experience working with a variety of diagnoses (Depression, Anxiety, PTSD, Bipolar, Impulse Disorders, ADHD, and Psychosis). I am specialized in helping clients and families with stress, anxiety, trauma, grief, abuse, anger management, motivation, self-esteem, and confidence. I am also bilingual in English and Vietnamese. I believe in treating everyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion. I will tailor our dialog and treatment plan to meet your unique and specific needs. It takes courage and patience 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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This is Ani Sargsyan's avatar and link to their profile

Ani Sargsyan

Offering therapy in CA
Stress, AnxietyAnger managementSelf esteemCoping with life changesCoaching
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, anger management, motivation, self esteem, and confidence, & coping with life changes. 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.

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This is Melissa Forrest-Garcia's avatar and link to their profile

Melissa Forrest-Garcia

Offering therapy in CA
Stress, AnxietyLGBTTrauma and abuseDepressionCompassion fatigue
17 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 17 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, lgbtq+ related issues, trauma and abuse, & 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.

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How to find counseling in Encinitas

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

How does the cost of in-person counseling compare to the cost of BetterHelp with a licensed Encinitas 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 Encinitas 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 Encinitas 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 Encinitas, 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 Encinitas 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 Encinitas 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 Encinitas 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 Encinitas 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 Encinitas 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 92075 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 Encinitas 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 Encinitas 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 Encinitas, 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.

Encinitas 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 Encinitas.

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

92007, 92023, 92024, 92075

Popular cities near Encinitas, CA

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