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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Kaitlyn McNulty

Offering therapy in CA
License: LCSW
Stress, AnxietyFamily conflictsTrauma and abuseParenting issuesSelf esteem
8 years of experience

Hello and Welcome! I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in the state of California. I started my work as a therapist in New York after obtaining my Masters Degree in Social Work from New York University. I have been working as a therapist in California for the last eight years. I have experience working with a wide variety of individuals in different settings including within community agencies, in homes, and in schools. One of my primary goals is to work with you to improve your overall quality of life. Over my career I have dedicated myself to ongoing study and have obtained training and certifications in several evidenced based treatment interventions. Some of these include Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Parent Child Interaction Therapy, Trauma Based Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, and Seeking Safety. I continue to attend training to further gain knowledge and provide the best treatment for my clients. My approach to therapy is to create a partnership with you to work towards an agreed upon goal. I hope to be able to create a situation together where you will feel comfortable and confident to meet your goals. I often check my messages daily and will respond as soon as I can to all outreach. Additionally, if you do not see a time available that works for you, please feel free to contact me I am flexible to see if we can find a better time for you!

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Jill Maine

Offering therapy in CA
License: Psy.D.
Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseSelf esteemBipolar disorderDepression
14 years of experience

Hello. My name is Jill. I am a licensed psychologist with 14 years of experience in offering psychological services to children, adolescents, individuals, couples and families. I have worked in independent practice, child/adolescent group homes, school settings, community mental health, and Residential Treatment Centers. I have extensive training and experience in working with victims of trauma and have specialized training in trauma-informed therapeutic approaches such as EMDR and Internal Family Systems. I have also received training in Personality Disorders, LGBTQ+ issues, phase of life issues, prenatal and post-natal difficulties, and working with individuals experiencing psychosis. I work primarily from a Psychodynamic/Analytic approach. I begin each therapeutic relationship with two goals: (1) who are you and (2) what is getting in the way of you living your best life? By answering these questions, I find an individual can begin to explore early childhood messages, identify core conflicts, and begin to challenge maladaptive messages they are holding. They can get out from underneath the messages of who they are supposed to be and how they are supposed to act in the world. I utilize Cognitive Behavior Therapy, Dialectical Behavior Therapy, and Seeking Safety to provide direct coping strategies to help alleviate symptoms why working on deeper issues. I received my Doctoral Degree from Fuller Theological Seminary. I sought out an integrated program that challenged practitioners to understand how to bring spirituality into the room if needed due to my understanding of how important personal beliefs are to an individual. I seek in my practice to allow a client to bring into the room whatever is important to their life. I challenge my own preconceptions daily and seek to learn in everything I do. I practice from an Affirmative approach and seek always to listen first. I do this work to watch change happen. I am often invited to join someone’s life at their weakest. In therapy, I am witness to an individual who may be opening up about places they have hidden for weeks, months, or even years. It is an honor to be invited on the journey. I look forward to meeting you!

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Christina Weyer

Offering therapy in CA
License: LMFT
Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseParenting issuesDepression
12 years of experience

Hello! My name is Christina Weyer, and I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in California. I have 10 years of experience working with a variety of clients (individuals, families, and groups) in a community mental health clinic in the Southern California area. I have had the opportunity to help clients of all ages in working through trauma, depression and anxiety by utilizing evidence-based practices of Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Seeking Safety, and Motivational Interviewing, as well as traditional therapy interventions. I attained my Bachelor's degree in Psychology at California State University, Channel Islands in 2007, and went on to complete my Master's degree in Psychology at Phillips Graduate Institute in 2009. I understand that asking for help can be overwhelming, and my therapeutic style is eclectic to match the diverse needs of my clients. I use modalities of client-centered, cognitive-behavioral, solution-focused, and strength-based therapy in order to help my clients reach their greatest potential. I don't focus on labels, but rather want to know you as an individual, and strive to understand where you are at in your life, and what experiences you have had that contribute to who you are. My hope is to be able to assist and support you with working through whatever emotional and relational challenges you are having in your life, so you can feel your best! I look forward to working with you!

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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”.

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Josie Dameyer

Offering therapy in CA
AddictionsFamily conflictsSelf esteemDepressionCompassion fatigue
10 years of experience

Hello, I am licensed in California and have 10 years of professional work experience. I am experienced in helping clients who are coping with addiction, family conflicts, low motivation, self esteem, confidence, and depression. I believe in treating everyone with respect, intelligence, 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 takes courage and often leads to greater awareness and agency in our own lives. I look forward to meeting you!

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Jillana McCray

Offering therapy in CA
License: MSW,LICSW
Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseSelf esteemDepressionADHD
6 years of experience

Hello and welcome! If you are reading this, you are probably someone who is struggling with something in your life. I am hear to listen to you and help you work through whatever may be bothering you. I believe I am very caring, compassionate, and empowering, while also believing in being honest and real with my clients. There are times when you may just need to process through something, and other situations where you may need to challenge and address core beliefs. I can help with both. I was born and raised in Minnesota, where I was practicing until very recently. I just moved to California. I have spent a couple years living and practicing in Upstate New York. I have both my Bachelor's and Master's degrees in social work, with my Master's degree in Clinical Social Work. I have worked with a range of populations, individuals as young as 4 years old all the way to 55 years old, individuals of several different cultures, the LGBTQ+ community, individuals with developmental disabilities, families, individuals, and couples. My passion is working with children and adults who have experienced trauma. This being said, I have experience with a range of challenges from anger management, anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, exploring healthy and unhealthy relationships, low self esteem and self confidence, parenting issues, LGBTQ+ issues, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, and blended families. With using a variety of approaches, including ACT, CBT, motivational interviewing, narrative therapy, strengths-based and solution focused therapies, I believe you will be able to explore your current life challenges and work to empower yourself to make changes in life.

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Cynthia Bracamontes

Offering therapy in CA
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesTrauma and abuseParenting issuesDepression
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, relationship issues, trauma and abuse, & parenting issues. 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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Kimberly Fouche'

Offering therapy in CA
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsTrauma and abuseGriefDepression
11 years of experience

The changes in the world today can be unbalancing and having a guide to help one find ways to re-balance is important to one's well-being. I Have had life experience in dealing with trauma which guided me to become engaged in the study of psychology. I saw the need for more understanding of the mind and the human experience. Anxiety and depression affect the whole person: psycho-spiritually, physically, mentally, and physiologically. The signs and symptoms of anxiety and depression will manifest at every level. Imagine working together to find your own therapeutic tune to your life song… I am licensed in California with 11 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, coping with addictions, trauma and abuse, & coping with grief and loss, cancer, immuno disorders, and physical pain.. I believe in treating everyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion.

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Marni Freedman

Offering therapy in CA
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesSelf esteemCoping with life changesCoaching
18 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 18 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, motivation, self-esteem, and confidence, & coping with life changes. I believe that you are the expert on your story and that you have many strengths that will assist you in overcoming things that challenge you. I also have special training in working with writers and artists. 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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Kimberly Burton

Offering therapy in CA
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsTrauma and abuseSelf esteemDepression
3 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 3 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, coping with addictions, 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. 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.

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 91341 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 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 San Fernando.

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

91340, 91341

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