Surrounded by the Santa Monica Mountains, Simi Hills, San Gabriel Mountains, Chalk Hills, and Verdugo Mountains, the City of San Fernando is nestled within the Valley to which it lent its name as the region’s first town. No matter where you look, there are amazing picturesque views.  

However, if you have a mental illness like depression, you may have trouble just getting yourself out of bed, let alone appreciating the gorgeous landscape. It is important to get treatment for your depression to prevent it from getting worse. Talk to one of the San Fernando mental health professionals to see what you can do to feel better. 

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Paul Remmele

Offering therapy in CA
License: MA, LMFT
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesFamily conflictsParenting issuesDepression
14 years of experience

As a psychotherapist I am, above all, client directed. I believe in clients’ innate wisdom regarding their inner life. So, my first and primary job as a therapist is to help clients find their true voice. I am then guided by their voice to best help them achieve their therapeutic goals in a collaborative way. Some people respond best by processing emotions, others by a thoughtful discussion that generates cognitive insights and others by changes in behavior. So, my approach is eclectic. However, even though I find value in a variety of approaches, I believe that a feeling focused psychotherapy can be the quickest and most effective path for healing, and growth. So much of our depression, anxiety and low self-esteem is the result of the pain and hurt that most of us carry around - from our childhood and /or more recent experiences. Expressing and unloading this pain in a safe and supportive environment can provide much relief. And an empathetic psychotherapist can greatly facilitate this process. I have been extensively trained in attachment and feeling orientated therapies. Over the years, I have demonstrated an ability to be with clients through the depths of their most difficult emotions. Although it’s important to recognize and empathize with a client’s pain and vulnerabilities, it’s equally important to recognize and build on their strengths and unique abilities. People with low self-esteem generally underestimate their very real accomplishments, strengths, and potentials. They greatly benefit from a therapist who can provide encouragement and support while helping them reframe their life story from that of a victim to a survivor who has courageously overcome many obstacles. I have significant experience working with a wide variety of people. I have worked with individuals from many different ethnic and socio-economic backgrounds. I love working with children of all ages, including mother and toddler dyads. I enjoy working with families and couples, often finding this more dynamic and productive than working with an individual. I have worked successfully with clients who have had attachment issues, troubling emotional issues (e.g., grief, anger, fear) as well as trauma issues. I also have significant experience working with people on the autistic spectrum, as well as those who are socially challenged. All people have the need to bond with other human beings starting from early childhood when our ability to survive and thrive hinged on a secure attachment to our mothers and fathers. As adults, we continue to need the love and security found in relationship. Unfortunately, many of us have had insecure attachments as children and as a result we suffer insecurity and loneliness as adults. The good news is that insecure adults can now heal attachment issues though the therapeutic relationship. Decades ago my life was dramatically transformed through psychotherapy and now I am motivated to help others transform their lives in a similar way.

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Dr. Marva Bourne

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

Hello. I am a licensed marriage and family therapist with almost twenty years experience working with individuals, couples, and families. In my capacity as a therapist I address issues related to trauma, grief and loss, depression, anxiety, relationship issues, and parenting issues. My education and training includes a a doctoral degree in Marriage and Family Therapy from Loma Linda University, a masters degree in Marriage and Family Therapy, and a masters degree in Education Counseling. My experience has broadened to encompass social work, and in this capacity I have been afforded the ability to work with troubled teens and families who have fostered or adopted children. I work using the modalities of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Trauma Focused Therapy, Solution Focused Therapy, and Emotion Focused Therapy. My area of focus is on the neurobiological effects of early childhood trauma and how this impacts an individual's life trajectory and outcomes. I invite you to take this journey of self-discovery to awareness and healing with me.

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Charlene Edwards

Offering therapy in CA
License: LMFT
Relationship issuesAnger managementSelf esteemCoping with life changesCompassion fatigue
10 years of experience

Becoming your best self can be complicated. Defining "best" for you is the beginning . The amazement of it all is that each and everyone gets to decide and design what best means to them. Creating a safe space for that level of exploration and actualization is a challenge that I readily accept. The experience may not feel good or light all of the time, but it will be safe. As a Marriage and Family Therapist with over 20 years experience integrating psychotherapy, spirituality and self development interventions, I enjoy working with those interested in doing more of what works and less of what is not working. The areas of concern can be career related, intimate partnerships, strained family dynamics, phase of life challenges or a feeling of unfulfillment that you cannot muster the strength to shake off. I have an eclectic practice that is specific to individual needs and perspective, such as Cognitive Behavioral, Solution Focused Brief Therapy, and Transpersonal . I view the commitment to therapy as courageous and oftentimes frightening. The assurance of knowing you have space to reveal all your hidden places in pursuit of bringing into the light that which needs healing and elevating can be life altering. I encourage you to be willing to explore the possibility of a better you through counseling. If you decide that my approach resonates, I look forward to working with you to assess your current needs and refine skills and methods necessary for the mastery of life’s adventures.

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Yvette Carreon

Offering therapy in CA
License: LCSW
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesTrauma and abuseDepressionCoaching
24 years of experience

24 plus years experience in the mental health field providing therapy and trained in evidence based practices. My approach is integrating components from different types of modalities. Therapy does not have to be daunting. Let's blaze a trail to new pathways of coping, self discovery and mastery. Let us have a conversation and work together to come up with practical and applicable approaches to your everyday life challenges. Couples therapy is full, California residents only, Limited availability at nights only.

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David Alanis

Offering therapy in CA
License: MS., LMFT
Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseGriefSelf esteemDepression
12 years of experience

I was born and raised in the greater Fresno area and attended CSU-Fresno for my undergraduate work in Criminology and Master’s in Counseling-Marriage and Family Therapy. My clinical orientation is a mix of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy; Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), Client Center, Motivational Interviewing and Solution Focus Therapeutic Modalities. I have extensive training and experience in working with people struggling with the criminal justice system (in and out of the legal system), Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), Anxiety and Depression disorders, as well, as with people seeking relief from addictive behaviors. I have worked for over 23 years in public service/various community mental health delivery systems. I thoroughly value meeting and forming therapeutic relationships with new patients and assisting the patient discover their ability to lead a life they want to live. I honor the time spent in session, as it is a time were hearts bare the pain, minds seek the “why?”, and bodies reflect the joy or sorrow of their memories. The time spent in session is a time where healing can start, and a new view of life can occur; with the collaborative efforts of the patient and therapist. Mental Health services helped me, when I went through many struggles as an adult and now, I can share the gift that was handed to me in session, to those patients I now have the privilege to assist. Thank you for seeking assistance and starting the process of healing and hope. Roles and Responsibilities Whether, I am working with people in the criminal justice system or the mental health field, I have held the belief that, “Do unto others as you want done unto you”. How would I like to be treated, if I sought services and or found myself in trouble with the law? I would like to be treated fairly, as a human being and not just a number. I have made every effort to ensure I treat whomever I meet in a professional and ethical manner. My role and responsibilities as a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) are to provide the patient with the utmost professional care possible, for it is nothing less than what I would expect. I am Fluent in English and Spanish. Family and Friends I have been married for 21 years and my wife and I have been blessed with 8 children (6 boys and 2 girls) age ranges from 27 to 2 years old. I am a grandfather of 3 beautiful children. I am an active member of our local church and enjoy the ministry work I have been given to accomplish. Hobbies and interests I enjoy taking evening walks (weather permitting) with our large family, and time spent with my wife and children. Our children’s recreational and school sports take up much of our free time for now. We also like going to the coast and mountains to enjoy the beauty of nature.

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Scheherazade Collins

Offering therapy in CA
Stress, AnxietyEating disordersSelf esteemCoachingADHD
12 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 12 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, OCD, eating disorders, motivation and attention, self esteem, and peak performance coaching. 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. I have over twelve years of experience working with patients using QEEG-guided Neurofeedback to treat a wide variety of symptoms, diagnoses, and work with those who want to have the most cutting-edge strategies to enhance their ability to perform in elite sports and performing arts. As a primary therapist at Linden’s Attention Learning Center, seeing hundreds of adults and children, I gained confidence that NFB can be an effective treatment for Attention Disorders, Mood Disorders, and Autism Spectrum Disorders. I received further education under the guidelines of Biofeedback Certification International Alliance, which is the governing board for international certification for practitioners. I also hold certification as a HeartMath Certified Practitioner for Stress Management. As a former professional ballerina, I have a passion for working with elite performers and those who work in high stress professions. Training in the field Sport Psychology has provided me with a specific skill set to work with this population and give my clients the tools to thrive in challenging environments. My areas of experience include but are not limited to Peak Performance, Mental Skills Training, Performance Anxiety, Coping Skills, Career Transitions, as well as issues related to athletic injuries. I also work with other individuals such as gifted children, and those in high pressure and elite professions. You have taken the important first step in reaching out, and I look forward to working with you.

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Maria Luisa Rodriguez

Offering therapy in CA
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesParenting issuesDepressionCoping 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 stress and anxiety, relationship issues, challenges related to parenting, & 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 sign up for therapy can take courage and I am proud of you for getting started!

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This is Lacy Canton's avatar and link to their profile

Lacy Canton

Offering therapy in CA
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesFamily conflictsSelf esteemCoping with life changes
6 years of experience

I am a licensed clinical social worker in California with 6 years of professional work experience. I have experience in parent coaching, helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, life transitions, sexuality, self-esteem, and confidence. I work with my clients to create an open and safe environment where thoughts and feelings can be shared without fear of judgment. Our relationship is built on honesty, and I have a knack for tough conversations and value direct communication. There isn't anything that you can say to me that will shock, scare, or overwhelm me. You're not the only person that feels the way you do, and saying things out loud is the best way to challenge thoughts that might be difficult to carry on your own. I'm a big fan of humor and love building connections and developing personal relationships. I believe every human has the strength inside them to get their needs met, but sometimes, we need a little help in finding it. I'm here to help you believe in yourself and succeed in whatever way YOU see fit.

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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.

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This is Linda Rivadeneyra's avatar and link to their profile

Linda Rivadeneyra

Offering therapy in CA
Stress, AnxietyFamily conflictsTrauma and abuseSelf esteemDepression
26 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 26 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress, anxiety, trauma, depression, childhood abuse, difficult family relationships and transitions. I meet with individuals only, no couples or families. I believe that you have strengths that will assist you in overcoming things that challenge you, with support from a therapist. 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 San Fernando

Finding the best therapist close by in San Fernando 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 San Fernando. 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 San Fernando, 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 San Fernando 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 San Fernando 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 San Fernando, elsewhere in Los Angeles, or in the greater state of California.

Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

Some other commonly asked questions on therapy with a licensed counselor and BetterHelp serving the San Fernando area can be found below:

How does the cost of in-person counseling compare to the cost of BetterHelp with a licensed San Fernando 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 San Fernando 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 San Fernando 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 San Fernando, 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 San Fernando 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 San Fernando 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 San Fernando 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 San Fernando 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 San Fernando 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 91340 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 San Fernando 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 San Fernando 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 San Fernando, 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.

San Fernando 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 San Fernando.

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

91340, 91341

Popular cities near San Fernando, CA

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