Warm weather, a beautiful view of the ocean, and friendly people are sometimes all you need to live a good life. The people of El Segundo, California should know. They have the fortune of living on the scenic shores of the Pacific.

Sometimes, warm weather and a beautiful view just aren’t enough to keep you feeling your best. When that happens, El Segundo-area therapists are here to help. Whether you need someone to talk to, intensive therapy, or crisis intervention, qualified mental health professionals can assist in helping you take a beautiful view on life again.

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Heather Parenti

Offering therapy in CA
License: LCSW
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesEating disordersDepression
21 years of experience

My clients come in with many different troubles and often, the troubles lead to a great many other problems that they have or have had in their lives. There is no problem too big and there is a way to live better. I believe we are looking for contentment. To feel "okay" and, today's society tries to warp us into believing we are not okay because we need something else than what we have right now. We all have the capacity to choose a better life, better relationships, better care for ourselves. The answer is not outside of us but within. I work with children, teens and adults that think they're not enough. We are all enough. I have been a Licensed Clinical Social Worker for over 20 years, licensed in both California and Connecticut. I received my degree from California University Long Beach, living in Southern California most of my life until moving to Connecticut in 2017. I am a professional and have worked in many entities including private practice since 2004, the medical and mental health community, the education system, and athletic coaching. I have been a competitive athlete since childhood and continue training and competing through all life transitions. Additionally, I have created space and time to practice yoga and meditation. I have also accepted that I am an artist - writing, drawing and painting through change and growth. My treatment approach is varied based on my client. My main theoretical framework is probably Cognitive Behavioral Therapy but also utilize Mindfulness/Dialectical Behavioral Therapy and Narrative Therapy. I can help individuals who are experiencing many things in life. I have clients and former clients leading full, enriched lives because of the guidance I have provided through the therapeutic process. .

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Erin Schwartz

Offering therapy in CA
License: MSW,LCSW
Stress, AnxietyGriefDepressionCoping with life changesCompassion fatigue
12 years of experience

I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in California with over 13 years of experience working as Clinical and Medical Social Worker. I have had the honor to work with clients with a wide range of life circumstances including chronic illness and disability, terminal illness and end of life, and supporting adults and their families navigate complex medical systems by way of providing empathic, mindful, and client-centered care. The individuals I've worked with have histories of addiction, trauma, depression, anxiety, and immigration issues. My previous clients have been multi-cultural, POC, and LGBTQA. Through this work, I've had the privilege to counsel individuals and families in moments of great fragility and unknown. I try to offer a safe and accepting space for individuals through being present, paying attention with intention, and understanding I am purely a bystander on their path; they are their best teacher. Yet sometimes, we don't want to look at the lessons we have already learned, or it's too challenging to change unhelpful thought patterns that restrict our lives and opportunities. I would like to help you approach some of those hard lessons and sticky patterns, so you can move forward, even just a few steps ahead. My style is warm, calm, empowering and present. It is extremely important that the individuals I work with feel safe, heard and provided with the opportunity to identify the areas of which they would like to focus on in counseling without judgement or bias. My approach combines mindfulness, cognitive behavioral therapy, and humanistic therapies. I will tailor our dialog and treatment plan to meet your unique and specific needs. I honor whatever has brought you here to seek support, and recognize it is not always an easy first step. I look forward to meeting with you, and thank you for considering me as a counselor on your path. Please take a look at my profile to learn more about my experience and style.

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Stacy Vitale

Offering therapy in CA
License: LMFT
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesFamily conflictsSelf esteemDepression
14 years of experience

I was drawn to the helping profession through my passion for relationships, experiences, and a desire to understand the emotional processes of healing. Life experiences have provided me with an ability to understand common patterns which affect most people in their journeys. I have a passion for emotional healing that improves relation and overall quality of daily experiences for individuals and family. I am a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and have been practicing since 2000. I initially started therapeutic services with under represented minority groups. Focusing on child and adolescents at risk due to lack of resources, and crisis stabilization. After about 11 years I decided to take time off to stay at home with my children. Being a first time mom gave me new perspectives on mental health with first time mothers, depression and anxiety of being a mom whether it is stay at home or a working mother. This prompted me to re educate myself and get experience with perinatal mood disorders. More recently I have been working with young adults transitioning into college. Helping with maladaptive internal and interpersonal psychological dynamics. Utilizing cognitive behavioral approaches to encourage clients to focus on thoughts and behaviors and encourage to make changes. I enjoy engaging in therapy with teens, young adults through older adults who have a desire or need for hope and change. Helping people find connection and improve communication is a privilege for me. My goal is to serve others and make a difference as I assist in the navigation of life challenges. In addition to my training and education I have children of my own and understand the struggles that parents experience along with various dynamics of family relationships.

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Christina Keller

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

I am licensed in California with 29 years of professional work experience. I have worked with clients with a wide range of concerns including depression, anxiety, relationship issues, parenting problems, career challenges, women's issues, family conflicts, trauma and abuse, & coping with grief and loss. My therapy style is warm and interactive. I believe in treating everyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion. My approach combines Person centered, Cognitive and Dialectical Behavioral therapy , humanistic, psychodynamic, Art and Narrative and rational-emotive therapy. I will tailor my treatment plan to meet your unique and specific needs. 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 and empower you in that process.

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Linda Abdelbaki

Offering therapy in CA
Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseSelf esteemDepressionCoping with life changes
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, trauma and abuse, motivation, self esteem, and confidence, & 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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Denise Lowery

Offering therapy in CA
Trauma and abuseGriefSelf 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 trauma and abuse, coping with grief and loss, 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. It takes courage to seek out a more fulfilling and happier life and to take the first steps towards a change. I am here to support & empower you in that journey.

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Michael Demoratz

Offering therapy in CA
GriefDepression
40 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 40 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients coping with grief, loss, depression, & compassion fatigue. I am considered and recognized as a subject matter expert in end-of-life care and have published extensively. I have a series of free videos available on YouTube.be 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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Donna Dennerlein

Offering therapy in CA
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesTrauma and abuseSelf esteemDepression
10 years of experience

I am licensed in California and Hawaii with 10 years of professional work experience. 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 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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Cylystina Nevel

Offering therapy in CA
Stress, AnxietyLGBTGriefSelf esteemDepression
9 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 9 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, lgbtq+ related issues, coping with grief and loss, & motivation, self esteem, and confidence. I believe in treating everyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion. I will tailor our dialogue and treatment plan to meet your unique and specific needs. It takes courage to seek out a more fulfilling and happier life and to take the first steps towards a change. I am here to support & empower you in that journey.

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Victoria Villa

Offering therapy in CA
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesTrauma and abuseSelf esteemDepression
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, trauma and abuse, & motivation, 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. Taking the first step to seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process.

How to find counseling in El Segundo

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

How does the cost of in-person counseling compare to the cost of BetterHelp with a licensed El Segundo 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 El Segundo 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 El Segundo 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 El Segundo, 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 El Segundo 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 El Segundo 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 El Segundo 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 El Segundo 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 El Segundo 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 90245 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 El Segundo 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 El Segundo 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 El Segundo, 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.

El Segundo 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 El Segundo.

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

90245

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