When it comes to finding a therapist, Chula Vista, CA might seem like an option. Mental health services are typically available in a city, especially one located so near San Diego. However, it’s not always easy to find a therapist, even in a populated area. Mental health concerns can be very different, and manifest differently depending on the individual. There are a number of evidence-based therapeutic approaches, and what is effective for one mental illness may not work as well with another. The type of therapy you need may not be available in your area. Not to mention the importance of working with a therapist with whom you build a good rapport and who makes you feel comfortable. 

Online therapy with a platform like BetterHelp can make truly person-centered therapy possible. BetterHelp offers over 30,000 practitioners in the mental health field, including licensed professional clinical counselors, social workers, psychologists, and family therapists. These professionals specialize in the treatment of a variety of occurring mental illnesses from obsessive compulsive disorder to borderline personality disorder, and any number of co-occurring disorders in between. 

BetterHelp is also a convenient option for many who have difficulty making it to in-person appointments. With video chat, phone, and text messaging options, you can talk with your therapist anywhere, even from residential treatment settings. Busy professionals, students, and members of families experiencing mental health challenges can schedule sessions anywhere and anytime that works for them. 

It can sometimes feel overwhelming to take that first step on your mental health journey. BetterHelp offers a simple, easy, and timely way to get started talking to a licensed mental health professional. If you have been thinking about seeking therapy for any reason, contact BetterHelp to get matched with the right therapist to meet your needs. 

This is Dr. Arlene Unger's avatar and link to their profile

Dr. Arlene Unger

Offering therapy in CA
License: PhD
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsRelationship issuesGriefDepression
30 years of experience

No one really gets through life's ups and downs unscathed. Change has a way of bringing out the best and worst in all of us. I serve folks from all walks of life, and both young and old. You might be seeking coping tools for an immediate life challenge, chronic stress, early trauma, or loss. Drawing from my background in Cognitive Behavioral, Emotional Brain Training and Acceptance Commitment Therapies, I'm here to help you find hope and relief in daily living. With a PhD in Clinical Psychology and certification in nutrition, wellness, mindfulness, life coaching and substance abuse, I'm better able to understand and assist you in finding balance, identifying as well as supporting their need for change and working collaboratively with you through the healing process. Please check out my 7 mindfulness visualization exercise books and numerous articles at http://drarleneunger@com. I'm ready to empower you. The first step takes courage but knowing I'm only a text, phone call or video session away makes reaching out for help much easier. I’m here for you right now!

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Kerry Kane

Offering therapy in CA
License: LMFT
Stress, AnxietyParenting issuesAnger managementSelf esteemADHD
20 years of experience

Hello! My name is Kerry and I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in the state of California. The majority of my clinical experience has been providing individual and family therapy services to children, adolescents, and families. I have worked with clients with a wide range of concerns including depression, anxiety, low self-esteem, behavior problems, anger management issues and ADHD. I would describe my counseling style as warm, empathic and goal oriented. I use Cognitive Behavioral therapy, Solution Focused therapy, and Motivational Interviewing to help my clients meet their goals. I am non-judgmental, compassionate, a good listener, and use a strength-based approach. I look forward to working with you!

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Kim Connolly

Offering therapy in CA
License: LMFT
Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseGrief
35 years of experience

Hello, If you are reading this, you are considering taking a deeper look at your life and maybe even making some changes! It takes courage to walk down that path, but you will not walk alone. I can walk beside you. My name is Kim. I am a seasoned therapist who has been in the mental health field for over 30 years. Most of that time has been in the nonprofit world. I have had the privilege of working with multitudes of folks, some short term, most long term. In that time, I have worked with a very wide variety of client concerns including personal growth, depression, anxiety, PTSD, attachment disorders, relationship problems, parenting issues, troubled teens, grief, loss and coping with physical pain. I have a long history of counseling folks who have experienced physical, emotional, or sexual abuse and everything that now comes with that. I have also spent several years working with other therapists and their needs. I am a warm, interactive, and empathetic therapist. I respect that all of us have to move through life at our own pace and I will respect that with you. Your pace, where you want to go and how you want to get there. I will be direct and honest with you. I have used many different styles of therapy, depending on what my client needs and what makes them comfortable. Some of these include family systems, solution focused, existential, cognitive and psychodynamic. I also have a great belief in the healing power of loving humor. I think I have been involved in mental health for most of my life. Both of my parents were in related fields. I left college my 3rd year to intern in a group home in Nevada City, Ca. From that point on, I worked on and off there while I went to Chico State. I worked in the field for several years before and during the time I got my masters in counseling at Sonoma State and my subsequent Marriage and Family Therapist license. These days I live in a beautiful area of Ca. Everyone here seems to have a dog. I have one, but given a choice and the space, I would have more. I’ve always had dogs, growing up with them, then fostering them for rescue and working for a humane society. Dogs are wonderful companions and can always make me laugh! If I sound like a therapist that would work for you, let’s get started.

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Dr. Monica Dremann

Offering therapy in CA
License: Psy.D.
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsLGBTDepression
10 years of experience

I am a licensed psychologist in California. I have been providing psychotherapy on and off since 2008 along with living life. I have worked with clients with a wide range of concerns including depression, anxiety, trauma, relationship issues, parenting, ADHD as well as LGBTQ+ individuals. I work interactively using different disciplines such as cognitive-behavioral, psychodynamic, and mindfulness or a combination. I believe when you engage in therapy you are giving yourself a gift. It may not always be pleasant however the outcome can be amazing. I look forward to working with you where you decide to begin.

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This is Dr. Alisa Bash's avatar and link to their profile

Dr. Alisa Bash

Offering therapy in CA
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsRelationship issuesSelf esteemDepression
18 years of experience

Are you going through a challenging period in your life? Do you struggle with anxiety, relationship issues, addiction, creative blocks, or insecurities? Do you wonder if there is more to life and how to find lasting peace and happiness, or just balance in your life? I like to work with my clients through a mind, body, spirit approach and believe in health and holistic wellness. I am a certified kundalini yoga instructor and sound healer, as well as a licensed therapist. I am licensed in California with 18 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, coping with addictions, relationship issues, & motivation, self esteem, and confidence. 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 sign up for therapy can take courage and I am proud of you for getting started!

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This is Jacqueline Rafter's avatar and link to their profile

Jacqueline Rafter

Offering therapy in CA
License: LMSW,CAADC
LGBTRelationship issuesTrauma and abuseAnger managementADHD
8 years of experience

I work with clients with a wide range of concerns including people please, low self-esteem, traumatic relationships with partners or parents, ADHD, depression, anxiety, relationship issues, parenting problems, anger management difficulties, career challenges and adjusting to major life changes. This includes people who have experienced physical trauma, emotional abuse or sexual abuse. My counseling style is non-judgmental, warm, interactive, direct and empowering. I believe in treating everyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion. I use Inner Child Healing work, EMDR techniques and Cognitive Behavioral therapy as my priary techniques for healing. I teach skills for managing difficulties until those difficulties can be resolved. I will tailor our dialog and treatment plan to meet your unique and specific needs. It takes courage to acknowledge there is room or need for change, seek for a more fulfilling and happier life and to take the first steps towards a change. If you are ready to take that step I am here to support and empower you.. My office is located in Michigan, and My hours are generally Monday through Friday 6a-4p EST. Please take note that I am physically located in Michigan, and licenced in MI, IN and CA. If you are in PST time zone, please make sure you are confirming AM, or PM when you schedule your appointments. My availablity is at times flexible, I offer sessions 6am - 4p est daily, and tuesdays and Thursdays I am able to offer sessions until 7p est. If you are in CA and requier evening sessions, you will want to switch therapists, as I am not able to offer sessions after 1p in California on MWF, and after 4p on Tuesday and Thursday. I look forward to working with you!

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This is Megan Quinn's avatar and link to their profile

Megan Quinn

Offering therapy in CA
Stress, AnxietyParenting issuesDepressionCoping with life changesCompassion fatigue
5 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 5 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, parenting issues, depression, & coping with life changes. 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 Bruce "Bryce" Thompson's avatar and link to their profile

Bruce "Bryce" Thompson

Offering therapy in CA
LGBTRelationship issuesIntimacy-related issuesParenting issuesCoping with life changes
22 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 22 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with LGBTQ+ related issues, relationship issues, intimacy related issues, & parenting issues. I believe that you are the expert of your story and that you have many strengths that will assist you in overcoming issues and concerns that challenge you. 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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Timothy Brown

Offering therapy in CA
Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseParenting issuesSelf 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, trauma and abuse, parenting issues, & 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 sign up for therapy can take courage and I am proud of you for getting started!

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Leslie Westbrook

Offering therapy in CA
Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseSelf esteemDepressionCoaching
5 years of experience

As a compassionate and empathetic therapist, my primary mission is to guide my clients on their path to healing from trauma. I believe that everyone deserves the opportunity to regain their sense of well-being and happiness, and I am deeply committed to helping them achieve this. With a warm and nonjudgmental approach, I create a safe space for my clients to explore and process their traumatic experiences. I understand that each individual's journey is unique, so I tailor my therapeutic interventions to their specific needs. Through our work together, you can expect to find solace, strength, and a renewed sense of hope as you embark on a transformative journey towards healing and growth. My ultimate goal is to empower clients to overcome their trauma and embark on a path towards renewed well-being and emotional growth. Together, we'll navigate the path to healing, providing support and tools every step of the way. Your journey to a brighter future begins here.

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How to find counseling in Chula Vista

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

How does the cost of in-person counseling compare to the cost of BetterHelp with a licensed Chula Vista 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 Chula Vista 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 Chula Vista 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 Chula Vista, 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 Chula Vista 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 Chula Vista 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 Chula Vista 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 Chula Vista 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 Chula Vista 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 91915 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 Chula Vista 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 Chula Vista 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 Chula Vista, 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.

Chula Vista 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 Chula Vista.

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

91902, 91908, 91909, 91910, 91911, 91912, 91913, 91914, 91915, 91921

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