When it comes to finding a therapist, Irvine, CA seems like the place to look. With a large population and close proximity to LA, counseling services shouldn’t be difficult to find. However, it isn’t always so easy finding the right therapist to meet your needs. With all of the evidence-based therapeutic approaches available, there’s no guarantee that a therapist who practices the one that works best for your mental health needs will be nearby, or even taking new clients. 

Online therapy through a platform like BetterHelp allows you to connect with over 30,000 mental health professionals who work with mental wellness across a number of specialties, including marriage/family therapists for family conflict, therapists who treat mood disorders, including guidance during and after ketamine therapy, and therapists who are experts on healing the effects of trauma and other emotional stress. By filling out a simple online questionnaire, BetterHelp will match you with a therapist to meet your individual needs. And because therapeutic alliance is an essential factor in success, if for any reason you don’t feel that your therapist is a good match you can switch at no extra cost. 

Online therapy can also be a convenient option for many. Sessions can easily fit into a busy schedule, and video chat, phone, and text messaging options allow you to talk to your therapist from the comfort of your own home or office. 

Mental wellness is a common goal for most of us, and while there is help available, often the first step of the healing process is the most difficult one to take. Whether you’re looking for a compassionate therapist to help you manage symptoms of a mental health condition, heal a past trauma, or simply want to take a more holistic approach to your overall health and well-being, BetterHelp can offer support and guidance in taking that important first step. 

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Camilla Ford

Offering therapy in CA
License: MA, LMFT
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesGriefParenting issuesCoping with life changes
25 years of experience

Hi there! I applaud your courage in reaching out. I am a Licenced Marriage and Family Therapist with 25 years experience working with individuals, children, couples and families. I am a Stanford graduate with a Master's in Psychology from California Institute of Integral Studies. I offer compassionate listening, presence and guidance for people in crisis, transition, or who are seeking healing, growth, clarity, and connection. All communications are confidential. My experience covers a spectrum of clients and settings. I have provided therapy in day treatment facilities, schools, hospitals, and in private practice. I take a Humanistic/person centered approach to therapy and strongly believe that you have the tools you need to heal and achieve your goals, and that I can help support you in this process. I focus on your strengths and am a supportive and empathetic listener. My therapy style is collaborative in which you and I work together to discover creative solutions to presenting problems. My work draws from the counseling theories and styles of Carl Rogers, Virginia Satir and Murray Bowen. Seeking help takes courage. I honor this and will treat you with the respect and warmth you deserve. I am here to help you "live well and be happy"!

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Janel Guinane

Offering therapy in CA
License: LCSW
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsParenting issuesSelf esteemDepression
10 years of experience

My career in the helping professions started in 1997 at a residential program in San Francisco working with adults with substance use issues and co-occurring mental health disorders. At this time, one did not need a degree in substance use counseling to work in this area and I was able to gain a great deal of experience. This launched a long road of determination to attain a Bachelor's degree in Social Work in 2008 and then a Master's in Social Work in 2010. Throughout my educational years and afterward, I worked with several different populations such as children, teens, TAY, former foster youth, homeless youth, adults with mental illness, homeless adults, and those arrested for alcohol and/or drug related offenses. I am currently a Program Manager of a Clinic that assesses individuals with mental health disorders for County treatment services as well as a homeless day respite center that connects unhoused persons with housing, food, healthcare, etc. My treatment approach is one that is Client-Centered, Strength's-Based, and Humanistic. I utilize Motivational Interviewing to gain knowledge into my Client's perspective and objectives. I believe that every person in an expert in their own life and that I act only as a guide and collaborator to help my clients reach their goals and enrich their lives. I have had experiences working with those with depression, anxiety disorders, trauma, eating disorders, PTSD, schizophrenia and various other conditions. My goal is to work with the client on their goals and not to give advice, which I find is less than effective. Many times individuals already know what they need and are seeking guidance, clarity, and the care of someone to be authentic and responsive to those needs.

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Rebecca Hanson

Offering therapy in CA
Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseIntimacy-related issuesDepressionCompassion fatigue
25 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 24 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, trauma and abuse, intimacy related issues, & depression. Working for the military since 1992, and having been in the military (way back in 88), I got a richness I didn’t expect (both because of how bad it can be, and how good it can be). I am grateful even with the ugly parts. Every moment makes us who we are. I love working with as many different cultures, beliefs, ages and oddities as I can experience. If you feel very much a part of the world, then I am fascinated with how you did that, and can share in the joy of how it feels to take a strong role in making one self a part of the world….and if you feel isolated, I can very much relate to that, having spent decades feeling that way. I tend toward tailoring the experience toward the individual, so if you are logical we can go that way, or spiritual, or sensual, or artistic in your endeavors, all that appeals to me. Even each session can be different depending on what your sense is that day. I have some training in various therapeutic efforts such as Coaching style, EMDR, Somatic Experiencing (body-based therapy), mindfulness and meditation. I love the challenge of making the session your very own and will ask for your input and feedback each time, if you want to give it. If you want to explore and excavate and get curious, we might be a match for teamwork on your counseling experience. Bring your story, your cherished values, your strengths and your weaknesses. Let’s begin a heroic journey about your life and toward what truth and authentic self you will return.

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Sandra Lynn-Fulcher

Offering therapy in CA
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsRelationship issuesIntimacy-related issuesCoping with life changes
40 years of experience

I am a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist living in Southern California with 40 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, coping with addictions, relationship and intimacy related issues. I believe in treating everyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion. I will tailor our sessions 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 change. I am here to support & empower you in that journey. I approach our therapeutic relationship with the understanding that each person is unique via their experiences both socially and in their families and that each person views life from their own special point of view. I see my part as understanding each client and learning from you on how you experience and see the world. My background is very diverse. I have had the privilege of working with a multicultural clientele in both inpatient and outpatient settings as well as in private practice. I also taught counseling for many years helping students of many cultural and ethnic backgrounds to become qualified counselors. I have two adult children and step grandchildren and one deceased child. I have been happily married for 35 years to my current husband after divorcing my first husband after 17 years of marriage. I have had the experiences of children from infants through adulthood as well as the grief of a dying and deceased child. I was also a returning student going back to school at age 30. My counseling experience is wide and diverse counseling those with substance abuse issues and their families, helping families with divorce and reconciliation, family transitional issues, stress management and anxiety issues, grief issues, relationship and family issues. It has been my honor to work with each of my above clients who shared their lives with me. It is my privilege to have been a small part of their lives in helping them reached their desired goals. My therapy style is always person centered as it is the only way to empathetically understand another. With this understanding and co-partnership with you, we can begin the journey in helping you reach your goals. My therapy style is influenced by the Cognitive Behavioral Approaches, Gestalt, Systems and Structural Therapies. It is my hope that we can collaboratively work together to meet your goals. It takes a lot of strength and courage to take the steps necessary to create a happier and more fulfilling life.

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Scheherazade Collins

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

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

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Ann Laing

Offering therapy in CA
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesGriefAnger managementCoping with life changes
30 years of experience

Change often brings stimulation and renewed energy. However, when change is sudden and/or painful, life can become unfamiliar and challenging. With someone to guide and ground us during these unsettling times, we can benefit, heal and even grow. I'm available to be that someone for you. I am Ann Laing, 30 years a California licensed therapist, accompanying clients towards a more purposeful and meaningful life-one that is more than just enduring. I've extensive experience with issues surrounding grief, loss, relationship difficulties, stress, anxiety, as well as anger management.

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Katrina Divine

Offering therapy in CA
Stress, AnxietyParenting issuesCoping with life changesADHD
12 years of experience

I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety and coping with life changes. I especially like helping people navigate obstacles at work or with coworkers. I work with my clients to create an open and safe environment where thoughts, feelings, and topics of faith can be shared without fear of judgment that can sometimes happen in our secular world. I like helping my clients gain or reconnect with their faith, and find their soul’s purpose that God has entrusted for their lives !

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Emily Poulos

Offering therapy in CA
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesTrauma 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, relationship issues, trauma and abuse, & 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. 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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Amber Smith

Offering therapy in CA
Stress, AnxietySelf 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, motivation, self esteem, and confidence, & depression. I treat everyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion because I know what inconsideration and disrespect feel like. I walk with all religions as a spiritual person but admittedly have a primarily Christian background. I want to meet you where you are and help you get to where you want to go.

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Eric Reyes

Offering therapy in CA
Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseSelf esteemDepressionCoping with life changes
3 years of experience

I'm a licensed clinical social worker. I’m here to help you feel better. Sometimes, life at work or at home can be tough, and it’s okay to feel overwhelmed. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, trauma and abuse, 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. You might feel like you’re on the edge, have racing thoughts, or have trouble sleeping. You might feel sad, worried, angry, or misunderstood. I’m here to listen to you and help you feel understood. Together, we can explore your feelings and experiences to help you feel better. I work with individuals, adults, and teens to address many of life’s issues that can impact their quality of life. I enjoy teaching skills that help increase insight, understanding, and empathy in a safe, interactive, therapeutic environment to address these concerns. The key to a successful therapeutic experience is trust, and I work to earn that from you. I work closely with my clients to develop a safe place where they can unfold, breathe, cry, and become unburdened. My clients finish therapy with me with greater awareness, inner peace, and acceptance. The youngest age I am willing to treat is 16 years old. Taking the first step to sign up for therapy can take courage and I am proud of you for getting started!

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How to find counseling in Irvine

Finding the best therapist close by in Irvine 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 Irvine. 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 Irvine, 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 Irvine 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 Irvine 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 Irvine, elsewhere in Orange, 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 Irvine area can be found below:

How does the cost of in-person counseling compare to the cost of BetterHelp with a licensed Irvine 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 Irvine 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 Irvine 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 Irvine, 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 Irvine 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 Irvine 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 Irvine 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 Irvine 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 Irvine 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 92616 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 Irvine 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 Irvine 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 Irvine, 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.

Irvine 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 Irvine.

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

92602, 92603, 92604, 92606, 92612, 92614, 92616, 92617, 92618, 92619, 92620, 92623, 92650, 92697, 92698

Popular cities near Irvine, CA

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