Education is important. It means the difference between minimum wage and a decent-paying job. Even the most educated people can fall into hard times though – financially, professionally, physically, and/or mentally. Moraga is a town that boasts safety, diversity, and good schools that offer opportunities for a good education.

It also has available counselors and therapists for its residents who have found hardships in their lives, regardless of education status or quality of living. These mental health professionals can help you get through rough emotional spells and longer lasting mental hardships. All you have to do is reach out. Consider contacting a Moraga-area therapist today.

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Gina Clemente

Offering therapy in CA
License: LMFT
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsRelationship issuesDepressionCoping with life changes
6 years of experience

Welcome! My name is Gina, and I am a licensed MFT (Marriage and Family Therapist) in the state of California. I graduated from California State University, Fullerton with my masters in counseling in 2017. I have over four years of providing psychotherapy services, and I specialize in working with adults with a variety of concerns such as anxiety, depression, life transitions, relationship issues, and substance abuse. My therapy style has been described by others as gentle, patient, sensitive, and authentic. I want you to know that you are not alone and that I will provide you with a safe space where you can share your thoughts and feelings without judgment. I utilize an integrative approach to therapy which combines psychodynamic, cognitive-behavioral, and humanistic ideas. I will work with you collaboratively to address your unique needs in therapy. I look forward to getting to know you and helping you begin your healing journey :)

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William Watson

Offering therapy in CA
License: MA, LCSW
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesTrauma and abuseAnger managementDepression
30 years of experience

I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker licensed in California with over 30 years of experience working as a Psychiatric Social Worker and Psychotherapist. I have worked with forensic clients with a wide range of concerns including major mental illness, depression, anxiety, relationship issues, parenting problems, career challenges, OCD and ADHD. I also helped many people who have experienced physical trauma or emotional abuse and helped those who have instigated physical trauma or emotional abuse. My clients have included both men and women My counseling style is warm and interactive. I believe in treating all humans with respect, sensitivity, and compassion. My approach combines cognitive-behavioral, humanistic, psychodynamic and rational-emotive counseling. I will tailor our dialog and treatment plan to meet your unique and specific needs. I am an attentive listener and a clear communicator. My work is to hear your concerns and to empower self-improvement. I understand that fear often accompanies the need for self-development. Very often life becomes more manageable simply through a sense of self-understanding. Few activities can match the serenity of being comfortable in one’s self-knowledge. If this feel right for you, then I look forward to talking with you. Specialties • Stress, Anxiety • Addictions • Relationship issues • Trauma and abuse • Depression Also experienced in: Client-Centered Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Mindfulness Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, Psychodynamic Therapy, Solution-Focused Therapy, Family conflicts , Grief , Intimacy-related issues , Sleeping disorders , Parenting issues , Anger management , Self-esteem , Career difficulties , Bipolar disorder , Coping with life changes, Aging and Geriatric Issues, Blended Family Issues , Codependency , Control Issues , Coping with Natural or Human-Caused Disaster , Divorce and Separation, Drug and Alcohol Addiction , Family Problems Hospice and End of Life Counseling , Infidelity , Isolation/Loneliness , Jealousy , Midlife Crisis , Money and Financial Issues , Panic Disorder and Panic Attacks , Post-traumatic Stress , Process addiction (porn, exercise, gambling) Licensing LCSW #24174 (Expires: 12/31-2022)

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Lani Stoner

Offering therapy in CA
License: LMFT
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesGriefDepressionCoping with life changes
27 years of experience

>The brief intro to me, my experience, education and approaches to work with people and how I hope to help you: I’m Lani Bain Stoner, a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. Details of my experience, education and treatment approach are below, but in a nutshell, I have worked in the mental health (MH) field since the late 1970s, with a broad range of clients, with individuals, couples, families and in groups, I grew up in a family of educators moving frequently as my father worked at different Colleges, and lived overseas during my mid-childhood and early adolescence. I came back to the US for the end of Jr High and completed high school in Virginia. I went to college in Pennsylvania, Washington DC, and completed my BA and MA in So. California. After getting married in 1975 and completing my MA, I moved to a central valley city in CA where I and my husband raised two children with support from their grandparents. We moved to a smaller community in the foothills in 2019 to where our adult children live. At times I’ve had to back off of full-time work in the MH field while being a caregiver for family members, but I’m deeply committed to helping people achieve their treatment goals—reaching for hope for a better quality of life and improved functioning and healthier relationships. My therapy focuses on what are largely brief therapy modalities—though I have worked with people on a longer-term basis, and I use theoretical orientations that lead to an active and directive therapeutic stance when working with clients. I look forward to meeting with you to help start down the path toward hope and healing. >The longer explanation—if you’d like more information about me and my work, is below: My experience: I’m Lani Bain Stoner, a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. I have worked in the mental health field since 1976 after completion of her MA in Counseling Psychology. I worked in county/agency settings from 1978 to 2006 with children, adults and elderly, with a major focus on work with chronically mentally ill adults starting in 1982. After I retired from public agency work, I began a private practice working with children, adolescents and adults, doing 1:1, couples and family work through to 2016. Due to family needs I stopped all but online volunteer work with the military population, veterans and their loved ones and minimal private practice online up until spring of 2020. At that point I began working with another public MH system, through the summer of 2020, when I returned to online pro bono work with the military population mentioned above, and a small online private practice. My education: After getting my MA in Counseling Psychology from Chapman University in 1976, and completing classwork for a Certificate in Gerontology from Sacramento State University om the late 70s, I’ve dedicated time and energy to gain training and understanding of major mental illnesses, as well as those with disabling/problematic or chronic/intrusive symptoms, working to understand and respond to the difficulties that first responders and military have, for work with those who have LGBTQQIP2SAA identification (LGBTQQIP2SAA stands for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, questioning, queer, intersex, pansexual, two-spirit (2S), androgynous and asexual) and want to have treatment in a safe therapeutic relationship. I continually work to be ready to help those who are struggling in difficult life circumstances, and couple relationships or with parenting concerns, and with people who have chronic pain and physical concerns or emotional difficulties, or who have difficulties with a history of trauma (including from major traumatizing events or circumstances) or of abuse. I am trained and experienced in CIS—a structured way of working with people who have had traumatic events in their work environment or school settings. More detail about my treatment approach: As mentioned above, my work with people is active and directive. My primary treatment approach in my work with people is Cognitive/behavioral, focusing on the interplay between thoughts, feelings and actions and how to make changes in key areas that can improve functioning in life and relationships. I also utilize concepts and tools from multiple treatment orientations—Narrative Therapy, Strength Based Therapy, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, as well as Client Centered, Mindfulness and Solutioned focused therapies, and draw from family systems theories and related family related treatment modalities. A major focus of my work is in the area of symptom management—helping people learn ways to manage response to symptoms in a way that decrease the symptoms’ impact on the person and on their loved ones. I have worked with people of many religious/spiritual orientations and those who are agnostic or atheistic, with people of many and mixed ethnicities and cultures, and dealing with history of impact of their own and family’s immigration to the US when there may be concerns. I continually seek training and keep up with writings on an ongoing basis on all of the above areas of focus to strengthen skills and understanding of these areas of work—being sensitive to all aspects of culture and multigenerational history that could affect their beliefs, focuses and understanding of life and life events and their functioning in life and relationships. I also have a case management approach, clarifying unmet needs and barriers for persons in their lives, and assisting them in gaining help from programs and services in their communities. And more on how I feel that I can help you: I seek to establish a respectful, safe and supportive therapy environment that • helps people take steps toward stability in their emotions and symptoms, their lives, work environments and relationships—helping them to build healthier life and symptom management skills, and communication and relationship skills. • helps people learn stress management, self-care and coping skills especially when there are psychiatric or emotional distress • work with the persons on individualized treatment goals and focuses that may evolve through the treatment process At times people hope through therapy to gain a better understanding of the severity of the symptoms that they may have, and whether they need medications. With work to help them manage their response to symptoms, we can clarify barriers to managing symptoms, and better discern whether they can gain voluntary control of their response to symptoms and can improve their overall quality of life and level of functioning. Not all can fully benefit from learning the skills and understanding for doing this, and the step of supporting the person in seeking psychiatric treatment may need to happen.

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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!

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Alana Jones

Offering therapy in CA
License: LMFT
Stress, AnxietyFamily conflictsTrauma and abuseParenting issuesDepression
10 years of experience

I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in California with 8+ years of experience in the field. I graduated with my Master's of Science in Counseling/Marriage, Family, and Child Therapy degree from University of Phoenix in 2014. I have provided services and support to a wide range of populations, from early childhood, adolescents, teenagers, adults, couples, and families within many differing family systems. I have worked with varying clients who have previously had involvement in multiple systems (mental health organizations, non-public school settings, social services/foster care, and juvenile justice/probation). Also, I have worked with clients presenting with a wide range of concerns, such as depression, stress, anxiety, family conflicts, trauma/abuse, parenting issues, PTSD, and ADHD. Through my years of experience, I have provided individual, group, family, and dyadic therapy, along with crisis stabilization, intensive care coordination, case management, intensive home based support services, and individual rehabilitation services. I typically consider my style of treatment to take a client centered approach where the client is ultimately in control of the metaphoric, "steering wheel" in their lives. I have a strong skill set to see and bring forward the positives and strengths in people at an individual level and within varying relational systems while instilling hope. I feel strongly that sometimes we all could use a little extra support or acknowledgement of the humanistic parts within ourselves while navigating all the barriers life throws our way. I also consider myself to understand and acknowledge in treatment that one of the most powerful things a person can do is to build an ally ship with someone who they can trust. I would love to be that ally, to listen, validate, and support you in making the best decisions for yourself while working to achieve the best quality of life you can have. I will take on an eclectic approach, meaning I typically will use varying parts of several treatment approaches in order to address all areas of concern. I use additional treatment approaches, such as CBT, Narrative Therapy, Play Therapy, Solution Focused Therapy, and Trauma Focused Therapy. I will tailor our interactions, treatment, and subsequent goals/plan to meet your specific and unique needs. Therapy is a very interactive and collaborative process, which also means that treatment may need to be adjusted as progress is made. I'm looking forward to working with you!

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Charesse Branch

Offering therapy in CA
Family conflictsTrauma and abuseGriefAnger management
6 years of experience

I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in California. I have 15 years of Social work experience working with children and families. I have experience in helping clients with family conflicts, trauma and abuse, coping with grief and loss, & parenting issues. I believe in treating everyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion. I will tailor our dialog and treatment plan to meet your unique and specific needs. It takes courage to seek out a more fulfilling and happier life and to take the first steps towards a change. I am here to support & empower you in that journey.

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Michael Southerland

Offering therapy in CA
Stress, AnxietyLGBTRelationship issuesIntimacy-related issuesDepression
12 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 12 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, lgbt-related issues, relationship issues, & intimacy related issues. 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.

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Daun'ne Land

Offering therapy in CA
Trauma and abuseGriefAnger managementSelf esteem
4 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 4 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with trauma and abuse, coping with grief and loss, & anger management. I also have experience working with motivation, self esteem, and confidence. 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 seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process.

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Robert McAlister

Offering therapy in CA
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsTrauma and abuseBipolar disorderDepression
26 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 26 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, coping with addictions, trauma and abuse, & 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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Judith 'Judi' Shaffer

Offering therapy in CA
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesSelf esteemDepressionCoping with life changes
29 years of experience

I am licensed in California and Massachusetts with 29 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, motivation, self esteem, and confidence, & depression. 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!

How to find counseling in Moraga

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

How does the cost of in-person counseling compare to the cost of BetterHelp with a licensed Moraga 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 Moraga 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 Moraga 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 Moraga, 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 Moraga 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 Moraga 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 Moraga 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 Moraga 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 Moraga 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 94556 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 Moraga 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 Moraga 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 Moraga, 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.

Moraga 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 Moraga.

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

94556, 94575

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