Your mind can be like lumber. When it’s in a good mental state, the lumber can build a strong shelter for you to survive. You can brave the storms that come your way. However, when your mental state is poor, the lumber is rotten and your house will fall apart with the smallest life change. A counselor based in Madera can help you build a strong shelter against the storms of life. 

Madera means “lumber.” When you're building any type of house, you can make sure to have the strongest lumber possible. A counselor can tell you how to make your own mental lumber and build a house that’s tough to knock down. 

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Bonnie Fagan

Offering therapy in CA
License: MS, LMFT
Stress, AnxietyParenting issuesSelf esteemCoping with life changes
12 years of experience

If you are feeling stuck in your relationship, career, family role, or struggling with a life transition and are unsure of how to move forward, I can help. My goal is to provide a safe, non-judgmental environment where we can work together to explore your emotions, experiences, and challenges and help you on your journey toward finding personal fulfillment. I use a person centered approach where I integrate Strengths Based, Mindfulness, and CBT techniques that are tailored to your specific needs. I have experience working with individuals and families from a range of backgrounds having trouble adjusting to challenges. I specialize in helping individuals manage life & relationship challenges, working with trauma survivors to overcome experiences, addressing issues related to maternal wellness, anxiety, depression, stress, life transitions, self-esteem, and coaching parents on managing difficult behaviors in young children. I also enjoy working with college students and young adults as they navigate their journeys in relationships and finding their place in their careers. I look forward to getting to know you and working together to support your individual needs.

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Sophia Burton

Offering therapy in CA
License: MA,LCSW,LICSW
Stress, AnxietyGriefSelf esteemCoping with life changes
14 years of experience

Welcome! My name is Sophia and I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. You have taken the first step on the journey to building a better life for yourself . Together we will create a space where you can figure out the changes you would like to make in your life to become happier and more fulfilled. In a non-judgmental, compassionate atmosphere we will talk about what has brought you to counseling at this time, review your strengths, explore what is really important to you and build the skills that will enable you to cope with the difficulties of daily living. Every person is unique and I will draw from a variety of treatment modalities that I am experienced in to find the best fit for you. The different types of therapy I use all have in common a focus on building on a person’s strengths to help them let go of what is getting in the way of them living their best life. The therapeutic approaches I use most frequently are: Solution Focused Brief Therapy, Acceptance & Commitment Therapy, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, Mindfulness, and Positive Psychology. I have extensive experience working with young adults, adults, parents and families. I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in both California and Rhode Island. If this sounds like a good fit for you let me tell you a bit about myself. I was born and raised in the United Kingdom and attended Oxford University for my undergraduate degree. I have been in the US for over twenty years and during that time I have lived on the east and west coast and am now settled in California. I completed my Master of Social Work degree at Rhode Island College. I have worked in a variety of settings including a high school, a community mental health center and a group private practice. My experiences of relocating, being lonely, learning to live in a new culture and raising a family all give me first hand experience of how hard life can be. These life events have brought me to a place where I listen with compassion and without judgement. I look forward to working with you.

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Dragana Stijepovic

Offering therapy in CA
License: MSW ,LCSW
Stress, AnxietySelf esteemCareer difficultiesDepression
22 years of experience

Welcome! Glad to see you are taking steps towards growth and self-care. It can be frightening and challenging. However, we will walk your journey's path together until you are ready to go at it alone. "As you start to walk on the way, the way appears"-Rumi. I am a licensed clinical social worker in the state of California. Currently, working towards completing my Ph.D. in psychology. I have over 20 years of experience as a clinician. I work mostly with adults who suffer from health issues, like kidney failure and amputations who experience depression, anxiety, fear, and loneliness. I believe the pains and struggles we feel are messengers and we should listen to them. Together, we will listen and grow from the challenges before us. Counseling is a process of looking at a situation with a new set of eyes that can possibly give a different perspective. Remember, you don't need fixing. You need support. We are never broken, just sometimes bent out of shape. You can do this!

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Christina Harris

Offering therapy in CA
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesFamily conflictsDepressionCompassion fatigue
9 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 9 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, & depression. I believe in treating everyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion. I will tailor our dialog and treatment plan to meet your unique and specific needs. It takes courage to seek out a more fulfilling and happier life and to take the first steps towards a change. I am here to support & empower you in that journey.

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Shoshana Levine

Offering therapy in CA
License: LCSW, C.Ht.
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesTrauma and abuseGriefSelf esteem
27 years of experience

I am licensed in California as a Clinical Social Worker with 27 years of professional work experience. I graduated from Stony Brook University School of Social Welfare. I have been in private practice helping clients with depression, stress and anxiety, relationship issues, trauma and abuse, & coping with grief and loss. Using an approach to psychotherapy that is both holistic and traditional, it is my goal to help you heal the wounds of your past in order to be able to live a fuller and happier life in the present. The first step in the process of healing is to help you find the origins of your wounds. I believe in healing your emotional, psychological and spiritual pain thereby integrating your body, mind and soul and bringing you back to your authentic self. I use Psychotherapy /Talk Therapy, including the modalities of Heart Centered Hypnotherapy (HCH), Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). These modalities provide the tools to help you discover the wholeness that exists within you and help to purge the body of pain, sadness, old grief, guilt and any negative feelings or emotions. I believe in treating everyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion. With your input, as therapy is a collaborative effort between the therapist and the client, I help you to formalize a treatment plan that is tailored to meet your unique and specific needs. Taking the first step to seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process.

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Dr. Joetta Willis

Offering therapy in CA
Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseGriefAnger managementDepression
17 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 17 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, trauma and abuse, coping with grief and loss, & anger management. I work with my clients to create an open and safe environment where thoughts and feelings can be shared without fear of judgment. Taking the first step to seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process.

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Luke Barrett

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

Luke is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with a background in emergency medical services and hospital emergency departments. Luke started clinical practice in 2019. He is a United States Coast Guard veteran and he is located in California. Luke has a bachelor's degree in psychology, a master's degree in social work, and a master's degree in public administration with an emphasis on health care. Luke's primary focus areas are helping people recover from traumatic life experiences and substance use disorders. Luke believes in short-term realistic goals, positive psychology, harm reduction, and solution focused therapy to improve quality of life.

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Dawn Masick

Offering therapy in CA
AddictionsTrauma and abuseEating disordersBipolar disorderDepression
16 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 16 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with coping with addictions, trauma and abuse, eating disorders, & bipolar disorder. 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.

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Dr. Jackey Smith

Offering therapy in CA
Stress, AnxietyLGBTRelationship issuesGriefSelf esteem
20 years of experience

ABOUT DR. SMITH DR. SMITH'S PASSION I am a passionate speaker, educator, and licensed psychotherapist, who effectively infuses humor in my delivery to inspire hope and encouragement. Affectionately known as “The Shepherd’s Consultant,” I have been gifted with a “Pastor’s Heart.” I use a non-judgmental approach to client engagement in order to provide the client the safety to identify and explore their truth. My motto is “There are three solutions to every problem: accept it, change it, or leave it. You have the power to discover your it.” DR. SMITH'S SPECIALTIES I specialize in providing therapy and counseling in the following areas: Men’s Issues Identity Formation and Diversity including LGBTQIA and People of Color Child Welfare Involvement Abuse Issues Depression and Anxiety Spiritual Counseling Executive Coaching Relationship Issues DR. SMITH'S EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE Received a Bachelors of Arts in Psychology from Azusa Pacific University in Azusa, California. Received Masters of Social Work (MSW) from the University of Southern California in Los Angeles, California. Doctor of Psychology (Psy.D) Specializing in Organizational Management and Consulting from Phillips Graduate Institute in Encino, California.

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Connie Stringfellow

Offering therapy in CA
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesGriefSelf esteemDepression
10 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 10 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, 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 seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process.

How to find counseling in Madera

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

How does the cost of in-person counseling compare to the cost of BetterHelp with a licensed Madera 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 Madera 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 Madera 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 Madera, 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 Madera 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 Madera 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 Madera 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 Madera 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 Madera 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 93638 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 Madera 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 Madera 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 Madera, 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.

Madera 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 Madera.

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

93637, 93638, 93639

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