The City of Orinda was named the second most friendly town in the United States by Forbes in 2012 and those who live and visit here agree. Not only is it friendly but it also has some of the most beautiful and rustic landscaping in California with the parks and trails all over the city.

The town also has some of the top mental health care in the country with therapists and counselors who are trained to diagnose and treat every kind of mental health condition. These dedicated professionals are available to help if you or anyone you care about needs mental health care so contact one of them today. 

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Jeana De Lay

Offering therapy in CA
License: LMFT, MA
Parenting issuesSelf esteemCareer difficulties
17 years of experience

I have been practicing therapy for over 16 years and enjoy working with men, women, children and couples. I have had success working with clients who have had past trauma and/or transitional issues and utilize forms of long and short term therapy for adults, helping them all to find their voice. I strive to be a warm, caring and understanding counselor to help clients feel comfortable and safe with the process of counseling. In addition, I teach parenting skills, helping parents find ways to interact, communicate and discipline their children at different stages of the child's life in a loving and consistent manner. I am also a Life Coach and for me, coaching creates a bridge from where you are now to where you want to be. Coaching is a goal-oriented processes, working on identifying personal development issues which connect the client to their goals, helps them find the ways to let go of their past stumbling blocks, help them achieve their future life goal, and moving them onto their successful path. I work with my clients to create a specific plan, which could involve some homework assignments tailored for the client to move forward to realize their vision and ultimate life goal. In working with clients I want to help them find ways to discover their path toward a more successful and positive future. I want to assist the client in defining their treatment goals, which involves an increased sense of well-being, relationship building, improving communication levels, changing behavior patterns and ultimately helping them find their “a-ha moment”.

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Gabrielle Gardner

Offering therapy in CA
License: MA,LMFT
Stress, AnxietyFamily conflictsParenting issuesSelf esteem
5 years of experience

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Janice Loboda

Offering therapy in CA
License: LPCC,LMHC
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesFamily conflictsParenting issuesSelf esteem
15 years of experience

I am a licensed professional clinical counselor. I began my working with people struggling with addiction issues, working in an Inpatient and Outpatient substance abuse treatment facility. While I was there, I enjoyed working with teenagers and families recovering from addiction. I later began a private practice, that helped parents address parenting and family stressors and help them work with their children's school to obtain 504/IEP accommodations to support their child's educational and emotional needs. I also worked with adult professionals, as an EAP counselor, to help resolve career stressors, overcome professional barriers, and address burnout and return to finding professional and personal purpose.

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Yonna Swingholm

Offering therapy in CA
License: LCSW/LICSW
Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseGriefDepressionCoping with life changes
3 years of experience

I would like to give you a brief description of myself as a therapist and the nature of the therapy that I provide. It is also my intent to help you understand the therapeutic relationship so that you might fully understand the services you will be receiving. I have a master’s degree in Social Work from Walla Walla University. I am a Licensed Clinical Therapist in Washington, California, North Carolina, and New Mexico. I have 25 years of experience as a psychotherapist, and have trained in several treatment modalities. I work from an integrative perspective, emphasizing the therapeutic relationship and cognitive-behavioral techniques. My approach involves getting a clear sense of my clients’ main goals, and then matching therapeutic techniques to best fit these goals. Most importantly, I always work with you to figure out what approach you’ll respond to best and what makes the most sense specifically for you. I have worked extensively with the military and the special operations community. I have also lived and worked with many Native Tribes throughout North America. I am a certified yoga/meditation instructor, as well as a trainer on the seminar circuit for the integration of Holistic Treatment in Healthcare. Most importantly though, I believe in humanity’s natural gravitation towards healing and growth.

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Eli Selkin

Offering therapy in CA
Stress, AnxietyGriefBipolar disorderDepressionCompassion fatigue
18 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 18 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, coping with grief and loss, bipolar disorder, & 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 seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process.

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Jonathan Eymann

Offering therapy in CA
Stress, AnxietyDepression
20 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 & depression. 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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Maureen Hosier

Offering therapy in CA
Stress, AnxietyLGBTRelationship issuesCareer difficultiesCoping with life changes
32 years of experience

I am a psychologist who has been in practice for many years. My interest has been in helping couples to make their relationships work for both partners. Many of us have grown up in a household where one parent has held the most importance because they were the “boss”. That means that one person was in charge of the decision making in their relationship.. That means one person was the boss. That may mean one of you is the “boss” in your relationship and it’s not working for you both. Or it might mean that you both are arguing and fighting. And you both are "IN IT". Neither one of you knows how to stop that “IN IT” moment between you when you both are arguing and blaming and yelling and demanding each other to hear me. To meet my needs. To take care of me. To love me! Hopefully, you both have come to learn and realize that that interaction does not work. But couples keep doing it over and over again until their resentment and anger is out of control. And one of you leaves the relationship. You both are emotionally reactive to most moments of contention between you. That's when you both realize you need some help. The issue you are arguing about is not the issue. Both of your ways of handling the issue is the problem between you. I can help.

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Iyashema Redd

Offering therapy in CA
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesParenting issuesSelf esteemCoping with life changes
20 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, parenting issues, & motivation, self-esteem, and confidence. I will support clients in understanding their struggles and creating healthier relationships with all of their loved ones. During our initial sessions, we will build a safe place to discuss troublesome issues together and collaborate to create a plan for addressing them in a way that helps you get your life back.

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James Barger

Offering therapy in CA
Stress, AnxietyLGBTTrauma and abuseGriefDepression
13 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, lgbtq+ related issues, trauma and abuse, & coping with grief and loss. 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. I look forward to working together as a team to address issues that may be holding you back and developing skills and strategies to help you succeed.

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Mary Dann-McNamee

Offering therapy in CA
Relationship issuesFamily conflictsGriefIntimacy-related issuesSelf esteem
19 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 19 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with relationship issues, family conflicts, coping with grief and loss, & 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 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 Orinda

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

How does the cost of in-person counseling compare to the cost of BetterHelp with a licensed Orinda 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 Orinda 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 Orinda 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 Orinda, 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 Orinda 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 Orinda 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 Orinda 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 Orinda 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 Orinda 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 94563 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 Orinda 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 Orinda 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 Orinda, 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.

Orinda 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 Orinda.

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

94563

Popular cities near Orinda, CA

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