Living at the beach has got to be a good thing, right? Well, yeah but if you are struggling with an addiction, life is not as easy no matter whether you are on the beach or not. The City of Hermosa Beach, California has some of the best mental health experts in the state who are experienced in treating addiction.

Whether you are walking along the pier or enjoying the beach, if you are fighting addiction, it is a struggle to do anything. That is why it is important to get help and not try to do it alone. Contact one of the Hermosa Beach therapists today and get some help. 

This is Candace Sebastian's avatar and link to their profile

Candace Sebastian

Offering therapy in CA
License: LCSW
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesFamily conflictsDepression
3 years of experience

I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) with over 20 years of experience working in the field of counseling and mental health. I have worked with clients with a wide range of concerns including depression, anxiety, relationship issues, career challenges, LGBT, and chronic mental illness. My counseling style is warm and patient. I believe in treating everyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion. My approach combines humanistic, interpersonal, and cognitive-behavioral counseling. I am also formally trained in EMDR. With the ups and downs of life, I understand that you are most likely here during a more challenging time. You may be experiencing loss of a relationship, struggling with addiction, loss of job, arguing with your partner, feeling lonely, struggling with family issues, feeling unworthy or not good enough. It takes courage to seek help during these times, and I am here to help you. I am glad that you are here and I am looking forward to working with you. ~ Candace, LCSW

Get started View profile
This is Esther Kennedy's avatar and link to their profile

Esther Kennedy

Offering therapy in CA
License: MSW,LCSW
Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseSelf esteemDepressionCoping with life changes
35 years of experience

Hello and welcome to taking the first steps to changing your life situation. My name is Esther Kennedy and I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, LCSW. I have been in the field of behavior health for over 30 years. My direct services have been providing support to adults, children and adolescents. My expertise is in the areas of; outpatient therapy, individual, family, group, psycho-social assessments, social-emotional development, crisis intervention, case management services, substance misuse/abuse, adaptive life skills and client advocating. Additionally, I have worked with clients on a wide range of concerns such as anxiety, depression, ADHD, parenting concerns, relationship problems, family conflicts, domestic violence, coping with life changes, poor social skills, anger management and trauma induced issues to name a few. My counseling approach combines Client Center Therapy, Mindfulness, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Solution Focused Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, and a Faith-Based Counseling approach. I take pride in my style of a non-judgmental attitude, cultural sensitivity, being warm and caring, being an empathetic listener and responding empathetically can help you work through challenges and life’s issues. If you want to experience more effective ways of coping with life stressors please consider partnering with me to achieve your desired goals.

Get started View profile
This is Rachel Giles's avatar and link to their profile

Rachel Giles

Offering therapy in CA
License: LCSW
Stress, AnxietySelf esteemCareer difficultiesDepressionCoping with life changes
10 years of experience

I am a warm and accepting counselor licensed in California with 10 years of experience working with adults. I have worked with people who experience a wide range of concerns including anxiety, depression, relationship issues, life transitions, and career challenges in the nonprofit sector. I have a passion for working with people and believe deeply in working together to develop a healing place where growth, self- exploration, and change can happen. My style is accepting, nonjudgmental, and interactive. I believe change begins with curiosity and willingness to explore. I strive to create a safe, healing, and positive relationship and space. I combine various approaches to best meet the needs of each person I work with. My goal is to create a space that you feel safe to entrust me with your stories and experiences while we work towards growth, self- exploration, and your goals. Seeking help and creating change is not an easy task. I will be here with you to support, guide, challenge, and empower you during your journey. I look forward to working with you!

Get started View profile
This is Kendall Jones's avatar and link to their profile

Kendall Jones

Offering therapy in CA
License: MDiv,MSW,LCSW
Stress, AnxietyLGBTTrauma and abuseGriefDepression
20 years of experience

My work as a psychotherapist emerges from the many diverse experiences I have had in life, from my encounters with people of different cultures and languages, from my travels throughout various parts of the world, and from my own soulful journeys in search of self. Like Santiago, in Coelho’s classic novel, The Alchemist, I have been in search of the very things for which clients often come to me and dream of becoming. Each of us, in some way or other, is in search of love, to love or to be loved and on a mysterious quest—deeply longing for something far greater than ourselves within ourselves. I know the journey can seem, at times, long and hard. There are times along the way when you may feel sad, hopeless, frustrated, overwhelmed, numb, anxious, fearful if not terrified, disappointed in yourself or betrayed by another. You may have experienced or witnessed something that has traumatized you—leaving you bereft of any sense of meaning. Perhaps you are angry or resentful about something that has or hasn’t happened. Maybe you’re feeling alone, abandoned, left behind or believe that you never really mattered or are rejected for who you truly are. Or you’re just maybe a little lost right now and don’t know who you are anymore, much less where you’re going. Wherever you find yourself in this journey of life, on this personal quest of yours, chances are I’ve been there too. What I bring to my clients in psychotherapy are the very things I myself have learned—some from books (and academic research) but mostly from my own richly vast experiences. From these, I have formed a personal, genuine, client-centered, strength-affirming, hope-sustaining, meaning-finding and an unconditionally accepting therapeutic approach. If you are on such a journey and seek not so much an all-knowing guide but rather the company of a compassionate, caring, insightful and understanding person to walk beside you, then I will be both humbled and honored to work with you in psychotherapy. Let’s begin this awesome and amazing journey together...

Get started View profile
This is Christine Wong's avatar and link to their profile

Christine Wong

Offering therapy in CA
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesGriefSelf esteemDepression
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, relationship issues, coping with grief and loss, & 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!

Get started View profile
This is Rebecca Prager's avatar and link to their profile

Rebecca Prager

Offering therapy in CA
Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseGriefSelf esteemDepression
25 years of experience

I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in California with over 25 years of professional work experience with a wide range of young people, adults, families and community groups. I am also a massage therapist and birth doula, and approach therapy as part of healing your whole self. Our areas of focus could include: visioning your best life and taking the steps to get there; coping with stress, depression and/or anxiety; integrating trauma ; coping with grief and loss; building self-esteem and confidence. I believe that you hold wisdom in your story. You have innate strengths that will support you in facing and metabolizing challenges, which leads to healing and the ability to thrive. Taking the step to start therapy takes time, courage, curiosity and commitment. Thank you for starting on this journey and I look forward to working together!

Get started View profile
This is Alease Rossi's avatar and link to their profile

Alease Rossi

Offering therapy in CA
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsSelf esteemDepressionCoaching
6 years of experience

I am licensed in California with a specialization in military culture and 6 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, coping with addictions, motivation, self-esteem, and confidence, & depression. I believe in treating everyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion. I will tailor our dialog and treatment plan to meet your unique and specific needs. Taking the first step to sign up for therapy can take courage, and I am proud of you for getting started!

Get started View profile
This is Allison Hunt's avatar and link to their profile

Allison Hunt

Offering therapy in CA
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesFamily conflictsCoping with life changes
15 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 20 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, & family conflicts. I also have experience working with 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. It takes courage to seek out a more fulfilling and happier life and to take the first steps towards a change. I am here to support & empower you in that journey.

Get started View profile
This is Dr. Stacy Johnston's avatar and link to their profile

Dr. Stacy Johnston

Offering therapy in CA
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesFamily conflictsSelf esteemDepression
32 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 32 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, & 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 seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process. NOTE-I do provide asynchronous text messaging only and prefer it for the following reasons: very flexible with no scheduling necessary, can refer back to our conversation at any time day or night and get a response anywhere from within a few hours to no later than 12 hours typically, with multiple exchanges in one day/evening when not busy, allows both parties to be on their own time schedule at their convenience, and for some it is easier to express thoughts and feelings in writing versus verbally or when on camera. I have worked this way for over a year and have had success with many clients who work well with this format. It is not for everyone, but for some, it does work really well and provides more contact than a weekly live session does. I hope to work with you soon!

Get started View profile
This is Gwendolyn Yvonne Tyson's avatar and link to their profile

Gwendolyn Yvonne Tyson

Offering therapy in CA
Stress, AnxietyFamily conflictsGriefSelf esteemDepression
29 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 29 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, family conflicts, coping with grief and loss, & 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 seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process.

Get started View profile

How to find counseling in Hermosa Beach

Finding the best therapist close by in Hermosa Beach can feel challenging, but know that once you narrow your search for a counselor serving your area, you can find a therapist in your city that is accepting new clients and fits your goals. Whether you're struggling with depression, anxiety, marriage, family issues, or other emotional challenges, feel proud that you have begun your search to find the mental health care services that work best for you in order to begin your personal journey towards emotional healing.

Understanding the type of therapy you'd like to search for is crucial before finding a therapist or psychologist in Hermosa Beach. Perhaps you're interested in narrowing your search for a psychotherapist that can offer psychodynamic, cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), talk therapy, provide group therapy, marriage and family therapy for individuals or couples, or couples therapy. Each type of therapy can offer various benefits and address or treat different disorders. If you're still unsure or are new to counseling in Hermosa Beach, feel free to contact the provider via email to find out which methods they practice.

It is also important to understand that mental health professionals in the United States are accredited to provide care, helping individuals and couples, with a variety of licenses. These include licensed marriage and family therapist (LMFT), licensed clinical social worker (LCSW), and clinical psychologist or doctor of psychology (PsyD). Regardless of their licensure, they are trained to treat individuals and couples counseling, and sometimes children, in any type of therapy. Find a therapist under any of these distinctions and know that the sessions they offer can provide a safe place to heal.

Mental health professionals working through their own in- person therapy practice in Hermosa Beach or online may assist clients in improving healthy relationships, communication skills, working through life transitions, managing a mood disorder, improving coping skills, or change in negative thinking patterns. They may also provide a safe place and validation for clients experiencing emotional pain. Verified providers can provide licensed marriage and couples therapy, tailor to individual needs, and create a therapeutic relationship as a National Certified Counselor.

There are all kinds of therapists working with clients today across the United States and in the greater Hermosa Beach area in different types of therapy, including:

  • CBT
  • DBT
  • Substance use therapy
  • Couples therapy

When you're ready to start your search and find therapists, have in mind what type of therapy you'd like your provider to be most experienced with and choose an experienced provider with a practice located near you in the city of Hermosa Beach, 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 Hermosa Beach area can be found below:

How does the cost of in-person counseling compare to the cost of BetterHelp with a licensed Hermosa Beach therapist?

The average price of an in-person therapy session in the US is $100 to $200 per hour. These prices may be higher in Hermosa Beach due to a higher cost of living. The price also depends on the type of provider you are looking for. See the following average prices for various mental health providers without insurance:

  • Counseling with a psychiatrist: $150-$500
  • Counseling with therapists: $100-300
  • Therapy with a psychologist: $100

While many psychologists in Hermosa Beach may not take health insurance, some in the state of California may work on a sliding scale, meaning they'll factor in your income and charge what you can afford per session. With BetterHelp or clinicians throughout the state of California you can expect significantly more affordable options, with sessions ranging from $65 to $100 per week (billed every four weeks).

How is a licensed therapist on this online therapy platform verified?

Therapists in Hermosa Beach, California working on BetterHelp are licensed, trained, experienced, and accredited as a doctor of psychology (PhD / PsyD), licensed marriage and family therapists (LMFT), licensed clinical social worker (LCSW / LICSW), or licensed professional counselors (LPC). All of these psychology clinicians have a Masters Degree or a Doctorate Degree in their field of psychology sciences, and follow the APA Code of Ethics. They have been qualified and certified by their state's professional board after successfully completing the necessary education, exams, training and practice with a patient, and extensive experience in a healthcare clinic or treatment centers, in order to become a mental health provider. While their lived experience, expertise, careers, and background vary, they all possess at least 3 years and 1,000 hours of hands-on experience with adult and sometimes teen patients, and have the necessary therapist credentials to provide a safe space for long lasting emotional healing in therapy. 

Please note BetterHelp does not offer or provide care from psychiatrists to prescribe a drug as treatment, or perform psychological assessments.

How does working with a counselor in BetterHelp online therapy sessions work?

BetterHelp clinicians treat clients online across the United States (individuals and couples) through life transitions, inner child exploration, long term depression or anxiety, and more. An online mental health professional, including the therapists in Hermosa Beach above, can work with young adults, children, adolescents, and adults virtually as an accredited licensed clinical social worker (LCSW) or licensed marriage and family therapist (LMFT). You do not have to commute to a an office as a psychotherapy client.

Through BetterHelp therapy, you can partake in video, phone, or live chat therapy sessions with your licensed therapist. You can work through various symptoms, use the in app journaling feature, and receive worksheets. You'll also find support groups or group therapy lead by a therapist in Hermosa Beach helping individuals on topics including managing life transitions, symptoms affecting sexual health, behavioral health, coping skills for anxiety or depression, trauma, stress, marriage counseling, and more. 

What mental health issues can psychotherapy address?

BetterHelp's verified Hermosa Beach therapists specialize and have clinical experience in a wide range of mental health issues and modalities, helping clients to feel better and improve their lives every day. See below for examples.

Specialties on BetterHelp include:

You may also be struggling with relationship problems that could be addressed in couples therapy or with a sex therapist. In that case, you may choose to work with one of BetterHelp's experienced cognitive-behavioral therapists or licensed marriage family therapists (LMFT) who work with clients in relationships. You can also try a Hermosa Beach therapy provider through BetterHelp's sister platform, ReGain, which is dedicated to couples and spouses worldwide. 

How do I know if online counseling is right for my family?

One of the potentially rewarding aspects of working with a therapist is the validation and active listening they can provide. Your friends and loved ones may also be available to listen, but you may feel that they may lack the skills to provide objective guidance. Counselors are trained to respond to various concerns, symptoms, and mental health conditions.

A psychologist in your city can support you toward a healthier emotional state, regardless of your mental health, life concerns, or healing needs. While supporting individuals in developing healthier habits, another good benefit of therapy is having an understanding, safe space with a non-judgmental party who can support you through challenging experiences.

Many people have sensitive topics that they may feel ashamed to discuss with their friends or partner. A Hermosa Beach therapist can help you confront these concerns and open up through unique methods of support. There are also many types of therapy, such as art therapy, where you may find you can express yourself through creativity instead of words.

With a lot of people in CA, providers may be booked out with clients. Through the list of profiles above and others within BetterHelp's team, you may be able to find a psychologist within 24 to 48 hours. If you're searching to find a a nearby psychotherapist close to 90254 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 Hermosa Beach counselor?

Before seeing your therapist, prep for your session by reading to understand the therapy process. You might write a list of questions you want to ask your psychotherapist, any emotional pain you may feel, and the ways in which you hope to improve. When you attend your session, let them know if you have any concerns about therapy or feel unsure about what to talk about. They may help guide you with open-ended therapeutic questions. The first session will often serve as an intake to get to know you as a person and learn why you're attending therapy.

Should I find a therapist or psychologist if I feel fine? 

Some simply don't feel the need to see a psychologist. However, some people may avoid attending therapy due to stigma or preconceived notions of what therapy entails. Although psychologists often support people with mental health conditions, you do not need a diagnosis or condition to attend therapy. You can discuss grief, relationship concerns, stress, or life changes and ask for general feedback and advice. A Hermosa Beach licensed clinical social worker may help you gain power over your life and emotions while you navigate day-to-day experiences.

Gaining a new perspective on yourself through various therapies might allow you to improve your self-esteem, work through relationships, and gain a better sense of your mental health goals. The success you may find through therapy can be dependent on your process.

People may also attend therapy for specific motives, such as bullying, an autism diagnosis, a desire to learn mindfulness meditation, personality concerns, trouble with office workers, specific phobias, and many other principles.

Is mental health care and therapy worth it? 

Therapy is effective and has the power to change individuals' lives. Each client is at a different stage of their emotional healing journey in life, as each human can be unique in their personality, expression, skills, and goals. A psychologist can target various symptoms, experiences, and personalities to help you feel your best and put you on the path to healing. Unlike advice from a friend, family, or non-professional, a mental health professional has an understanding of various disorders like ADHD and depression with many hours of experience in treating adults in their practice. For this reason, seeing an evidence based psychologist in Hermosa Beach, California can be worth it. Over 41 million adults in the US attend therapy services each year, showing it's a popular option and is proven to be effective.

Hermosa Beach has many clinicians who practice person or client-centered individual therapy in-person and through online therapy to assist clients in their healing journey. If you opt into online therapy, you might also be able to meet with providers all over the United States and change therapists easily at any time. Many people struggling with anxiety and depression, substance abuse, body image issues, and more find therapists that are a good fit for them, feel supported, and gain further insight into their lives through internet-based therapy.

Do therapists judge you in therapy sessions?

The boundaries between you and a therapist are in place to help you and them regarding ethical concerns. Mental health professionals are held by ethical standards through the American Psychological Association (APA) and are not allowed to judge or harm their clients. If you are concerned about sharing details about yourself, feel free to withhold personal information. Their job in the therapeutic relationship is to create a safe place, help you gain a deeper understanding of your mental health, and support you. You might consider changing counselors if you don't feel safe or respected.

Stay up to date with the leading online counseling platform

To stay up to date with BetterHelp's initiatives through their social channels, you can follow them on Pinterest, LinkedIn, Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook. For mental health tips, check out the BetterHelp YouTube channel.

Take some time today to learn more about the team of therapists at BetterHelp to understand the services available to you clearly. If you are new to therapy or have any questions about the services and terms, please reach out through the contact page or send an email to contact@betterhelp.com.

If you’re ready to sign up for online therapy, consider signing up with a platform like BetterHelp and get matched within 24 to 48 hours.

If you are experiencing a crisis or emergency, don't use this site's online services. If you are in life-threatening danger, call 911. If you require support for a crisis, reach out to the hotlines below:

A woman meets with a therapist online in her home city of Hermosa Beach.

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

90254

Popular cities near Hermosa Beach, CA

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