Living in the sunshine state of California, it does not seem like anyone would be unhappy or stressed out. But, it does not matter where you live or how sunny it is, you can get depression or anxiety from a chemical imbalance or it could be inherited. The counselors based in Imperial Beach are dedicated to help those with mental health disorders like anxiety or depression. 

The mission statement of Imperial Beach is to maintain a classic southern California beach-oriented community. The town is focused on being safe and rich in culture and natural resources. This is the kind of town you want to raise a family in. But, if you have depression or anxiety, it's important to speak with a therapist so you can start feeling better. 

This is Melissa Morais Parr's avatar and link to their profile

Melissa Morais Parr

Offering therapy in CA
License: LMFT
Stress, AnxietyParenting issuesDepression
11 years of experience

Hello, I am a Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist in the state of California and have an online therapy practice. I completed my Masters in Marriage and Family Therapy from Alliant International University in 2009. I have worked in various settings including outpatient, school-based, and residential, and have provided therapy to a diverse group of clientele on a wide-range of concerns. I specialize in providing therapy to individuals, teens, couples and families who are struggling with life stressors, relationship concerns, parenting difficulties, depression, and anxiety. I approach therapy by looking at each person as part of a larger family system. The way we each grow up influences our thoughts, feelings, and behaviors throughout our life. Some of these influences are positive and others can cause us difficulties and get in the way of the person we want to be and the relationships we want to have. I utilize a combination of CBT (Cognitive-Behavior-Therapy), Psychoeducation, and Mindfulness practices within my therapy in order to help my clients obtain knowledge and develop skills to assist them in difficult times. I believe we all have the ability to grow and overcome our personal difficulties and life stressors to live the life we want to have. Therapy is a great tool to help one learn more about themselves and guide them to a better and happier self. I’m excited to be on this journey with you!

Get started View profile
This is Amoreena Berg's avatar and link to their profile

Amoreena Berg

Offering therapy in CA
License: LMFT
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesFamily conflictsSleeping disordersDepression
18 years of experience

I am a licensed MFT who has been in practice for over 15 years. I have extensive experience treating a wide variety of issues and psychological disorders from the most mild to the most severe. I work with adults and adolescents. My approach is warm, positive and compassionate. I can help you to achieve your personal goals, more effectively manage your emotions and stressors and develop strategies that will promote positive self-growth and lead you to and a more satisfying life. I have worked in a wide variety of settings in addition to my private practice including schools, residential homes and outpatient treatment facilities. My specialties include anxiety and depressive disorders, stress management, crisis counseling, grief counseling, and relationships. I believe the process of change through therapy should not only involve self-understanding and insight into the past, but beyond that it should also focus on helping clients to learn skills for present-time challenges. Therefore my approach helps clients to develop specific skills for thinking and acting in constructive ways. I am a proponent of therapist actively collaborating with a client to help him/her find ways to manage life better. I have a degree from UC Santa Barbara and a masters in psychology from Golden Gate University. In my spare time I enjoy photography, exercising, spending time with my family and dogs.

Get started View profile
This is Kasimu-Richard Harley's avatar and link to their profile

Kasimu-Richard Harley

Offering therapy in CA
License: LMFT,Ed.D.
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesFamily conflictsTrauma and abuseDepression
27 years of experience

I am an American with African roots who grew up in Pennsylvania. My journey to become a Licensed Marriage Family Therapist in California is a composite of all the life experiences that I have had privilege of having. I am a husband, father, brother, uncle, and son who has served in the United States Marine Corps (USMC) during the Vietnam Era. I am a student of life and the opportunities it provides individuals to rise above adversity and trauma. For more than two decades I have helped individuals and groups address the intrinsic social and emotional barriers that hinder their ability to thrive. A core belief that I have is we are all born, ‘Awesome’ and oftentimes we encounter pivotal events in our lives that cause our personal and emotional growth to become stunted. I served as a mental health therapist in both outpatient and residential treatment facilities serving adolescents and adults with substance use and mental wellness issues. My work in educational settings focused on removing socio-emotional barriers that impeded student learning. In addition, I provided stress reduction and work-balance coaching to teachers and administrators. The treatment approach that I utilized is systemic and eclectic. Using cognitive therapy, motivational interviewing, and mindfulness practices I can help individuals work through depression, anxiety, grief, trauma, and loss, etc. Let us work together to empower you to “Walk in Your Awesomeness”.

Get started View profile
This is Dr. kathy cox's avatar and link to their profile

Dr. kathy cox

Offering therapy in CA
License: LCSW, Ph.D.
Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseGriefDepressionCompassion fatigue
30 years of experience

Hello, my name is Kathy. I am a licensed clinical social worker with 25 years of counseling experience. If you decide to work with me, my goals will be to establish a trusting relationship and fully understand your needs, concerns. and aims for counseling. I am skilled at connecting with the strengths in my clients that, with support, allow them to overcome their challenges. I have ample experience working with young, middle-aged, and older adults who struggle with depressed/anxious moods, anger, grief and loss, relationship issues, compassion fatigue or secondary traumatic stress. I am also trained in trauma focused cognitive behavioral therapy. In addition to being a therapist, I am a semi-retired social work professor. I have published 2 books; one is focused on social work practice and the other on self-care for professional counselors. In my spare time, I enjoy yoga, swimming, and playing with my dogs. I am widowed and have 3 adult children. I look forward to working with you and participating in your healing and growth!

Get started View profile
This is Nikkole Brown's avatar and link to their profile

Nikkole Brown

Offering therapy in CA
Stress, AnxietyParenting issuesSelf esteemDepressionCoping with life changes
6 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 6 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, parenting issues, 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. 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.

Get started View profile
This is Heidi Schlig's avatar and link to their profile

Heidi Schlig

Offering therapy in CA
Stress, AnxietyFamily conflictsParenting issuesCareer difficultiesADHD
12 years of experience

I am licensed in California with over 12 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, family conflicts, parenting issues, & career difficulties. 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 Elana Rezmovitch's avatar and link to their profile

Elana Rezmovitch

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

I am licensed in California with 23 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!

Get started View profile
This is Jessica Hanson's avatar and link to their profile

Jessica Hanson

Offering therapy in CA
License: MSSW
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesFamily conflictsGriefDepression
10 years of experience

Hello and welcome! As a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, I believe in a strength based approach to personal healing and growth. As a therapist, I respect the opportunity to work with individuals and families struggling with grief and loss by providing a safe place to share, learn and heal. I foster empathy and acceptance as patients and families address life changing diagnoses and care needs. With over ten years of experience providing support to individuals and caregivers struggling with dementia and mood related issues, I utilize an integrated approach including, but not limited to, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Solution Focused Therapy, and Psychotherapy. I seek to empower individuals and families with the knowledge and tools they need to promote dignity and wellness. Finally, my background in grief and loss counseling has also prepared me to address the unrecognized and often untreated issues associated with pet loss, specifically the complicated and overwhelming emotions associated with chronic and terminal care of a pet, related end of life issues, and the emotionally challenging process of pet surrender. Thank you for taking the time to read my profile. Your insight and willingness to seek support is the first step toward healing and growth. I wish you the best on your journey!

Get started View profile
This is Jacqueline Shannon's avatar and link to their profile

Jacqueline Shannon

Offering therapy in CA
Stress, AnxietyLGBTRelationship issuesSelf esteemCoping with life changes
10 years of experience

Hello! My name is Jackie Shannon and I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and Certified Alcohol and Drug Counsellor III. Well before I pursued a formal education in Marriage and Family Therapy, I felt a strong pull to support individuals in addressing some of life’s most difficult challenges. In 2004, I supported the start-up of a grassroots organisation and proceeded to work in community mental health settings. For nearly 20 years I have worked with adults and teens experiencing mood, anxiety and addictive disorders. Since my initial introduction to the field of addiction and mental health I have worked to refine my skill set. Over the past 5 years I have spent a significant amount of time working in leadership to guide and train those developing clinical skills. I have recently returned to pursue that which I am most passionate about, providing therapy to individuals, couples and families seeking support and change. I make use of humanistic and existential approaches through a variety of experiential modalities. By creating a safe space for individuals to experience the discomfort of life’s challenges, I support individuals in developing relationship through trust, empathy, direct and candid inquiry, and down to earth humor. I encourage intuitive exploration through integrating talk therapy with present moment awareness. Through therapeutic collaboration, individuals gain greater access to insight, motivation and empowerment thus improving the way that they see and experience the world. I am a passionate and experienced therapist and have been told I bring sensitivity, humor, keen attentiveness, and enthusiasm to my work. I specialize in working with transitional age youth, adults, families and couples. I welcome the opportunity to serve people from all races, religions, sexual orientations, gender identities and expressions, abilities, ethnicities, socioeconomic backgrounds, and am inclusive of all people without judgement.

Get started View profile
This is Julianne Moreno's avatar and link to their profile

Julianne Moreno

Offering therapy in CA
Stress, AnxietyFamily conflictsParenting issuesSelf esteemCoping with life changes
11 years of experience

I became a therapist in 2013 after my own personal journey with therapy, so I believe in the process! I have learned and benefitted from incredible therapists who have partnered with me throughout the years, and I truly believe that therapy can be life changing. Some of the key aspects are trust between a therapist and client so that honesty and true reflection can take place. Directness, authenticity, understanding, and compassion are all key characteristics I bring into session, with a genuine desire to support you in reaching the goals you're seeking to achieve. I look forward to working with you!

Get started View profile

How to find counseling in Imperial Beach

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

How does the cost of in-person counseling compare to the cost of BetterHelp with a licensed Imperial Beach 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 Imperial Beach 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 Imperial Beach 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 Imperial Beach, 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 Imperial Beach 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 Imperial Beach 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 Imperial Beach 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 Imperial Beach 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 Imperial Beach 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 91933 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 Imperial Beach 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 Imperial Beach 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 Imperial Beach, 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.

Imperial Beach 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 Imperial Beach.

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

91932, 91933, 92154

Popular cities near Imperial Beach, CA

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