When looking for mental health services, there are many things to consider. Finding the best therapist for you can ensure that you get the treatment you need, but it isn’t always easy to do. There are plenty of therapists in the Riverside area, but using an online platform like BetterHelp can make finding the right therapist more convenient. With an online platform, you can access a range of mental health professionals in one place, making it easier to find a good fit. If you need support with your personal growth, talking to a therapist in Riverside, CA, can help.

Whether you work with a licensed professional clinical counselor, a psychologist, or a licensed clinical social worker, a therapist can help you with a range of mental health concerns. Using various techniques, like cognitive behavioral therapy, motivational interviewing, and more, a therapist can help you improve your emotional well-being from a holistic point of view. If you need help dealing with the effects of domestic violence, want to work on having more successful relationships, or improve your mind, body, soul connection, talk to a Riverside-based therapist to get started.

 

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Estela Isla

Offering therapy in CA
License: LMFT
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesTrauma and abuseDepression
6 years of experience

Some of us experience difficult times in our lives and we can feel alone. We may feel hopeless, disoriented, or challenged. Imagine a space where you can share your feelings, your concerns, and your thoughts with a professional. A space where you feel comfortable to share and to discuss difficult issues in your life. I am here to help. I have been working in the mental health field for 12 years and have been working as a clinical therapist for over 8 years. I began my undergraduate career by receiving my Bachelor's degree at the University of California, Berkeley. Afterward, I began working in the mental health field as a case manager for four years while I began graduate school at Pepperdine University. I transitioned to a marriage and family therapist towards the end of my Master's program and completed my degree in Clinical Psychology with an emphasis in Marriage and Family Therapy. Shortly thereafter, I became licensed by the Board Of Behavioral Science as a marriage and family therapist. I continue to build my skills and knowledge through many trainings and educational courses as well. As a bilingual therapist, I have had the opportunity to work with diverse populations and diagnosis' in both the non-profit and private practice setting. Some of these include: trauma, adjustment issues, anxiety, depression, grief, identity issues, and behavior issues. I use CBT modalities, client centered therapy, and also EMDR depending on client needs. If you have any questions, do not hesitate to contact me. Best of luck to you on your new journey. *LIVE SESSIONS: Offer message sessions anytime

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Amanda Garrick

Offering therapy in CA
License: LCSW
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsFamily conflictsTrauma and abuseDepression
17 years of experience

Hello I'm Amanda and I am very excited about this opportunity to connect with you through Better Help. I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) with over 20 years of work experience in the field of mental health and social services. I received my Bachelor of Science in Human Development with an emphasis in Applied Developmental Psychology and a Minor in Psychology from California Polytechnic State University in San Luis Obispo, California. I later received my Master of Social Work (MSW) from California State University Long Beach and obtained my LCSW in 2005. I have worked primarily in Los Angeles County provided treatment to individuals experiencing symptoms of depression, anxiety, trauma related disorders, substance use disorders, and severe, persistent mental illnesses. I am very passionate about my work and feel it is essential that clients feel accepted and supported during the therapeutic process. I have training in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy , Problem Solving Treatment and Mindfulness Therapy and have a great deal of experiencing doing crisis intervention, risk assessment, and empowering others to develop and enhance their coping strategies. I know how difficult it can be for people to seek mental health treatment but believe this is the beginning of the healing process and the first step toward self improvement. I am truly looking forward to working with you and supporting you through this journey.

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Stephen Creel

Offering therapy in CA
License: MA,LMFT
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsTrauma and abuseSelf esteemDepression
20 years of experience

Stephen Creel is a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. A graduate of Pepperdine University, Stephen earned his Masters in Clinical Psychology with Emphasis in Marriage and Family Therapy in April 2001. Since then, Stephen has worked primarily in Substance use treatment but also has extensive experience in issues of Co-dependency, Depression and Anxiety, Self-Esteem, Grief and Trauma. In his work in Substance Use Recovery, Stephen became aware that the vast majority of addiction disorders are predicated with some type of trauma. Thus, in 2019 Stephen underwent training to provide EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) to trauma patients. This is a powerful, evidenced based therapy to help people recover from traumatic experiences. In addition to EMDR, Stephen uses a variety of techniques including Cognitive Behavioral therapy, Dialectical Behavior Therapy and Family Systems approach. Stephen aims to provide a safe and caring environment in which to help his clients gain freedom and relief from the difficulties they are experiencing.

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David Shaw

Offering therapy in CA
License: LMFT
Family conflictsTrauma and abuseGriefParenting issuesAnger management
45 years of experience

Hello, I’m David Shaw. Thank you for being curious about me..  I would like to say a little about myself in order to help you imagine if we might be a good fit to work well together. First the basics. I am a licensed marriage and family therapist in California.  I was first licensed in 1978. I have had many years of experience helping people address a variety of concerns. It is my experience that therapy works best when the client feels the therapist is really interested in them and how they see the world. I believe we all have a deep need to have someone really understand our experience. I feel I do this well. During our lives we evolve. Our needs change. We seek love, respect and security.  We want to be valued for who we are.  At times we find that things are not working out as we had hoped. In sessions I encourage clients to talk as openly as they are able.  If what I have said is of interest please reach out to me so can explore ways I can be of help to you.

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Gerardo Puga

Offering therapy in CA
License: MA
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsLGBTRelationship issuesDepression
3 years of experience

I take a client centered approach to therapy. It is important to me that my clients and future client feel comfortable with me, the rapport is my priority as it leads to a strong therapeutic alliance. I take a non-judgmental stance and the client is always the expert of his or her life. I have 20 years providing mental health services with various populations. I have extensive experience treating depression/anxiety disorders, personality disorders, addictive behaviors, self esteem issues, sexuality and relationship issues. I utilize various theoretical orientations to address and conceptualize clinical issues.

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Krista Edwards

Offering therapy in CA
Trauma and abuseParenting issuesBipolar disorderDepression
6 years of experience

I've been licensed in the state of California for 6 years. With 20 plus years in helping clients with trauma, abuse, parenting issues, & bipolar disorder. I have worked with individuals with child abuse and neglect cases. I also have experience working with mental health issues. I have been working with children and families for about 20 + years. 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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Laura Spera

Offering therapy in CA
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsRelationship issuesSelf esteemDepression
14 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 14 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, coping with addictions, relationship issues, & 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. Life is a challenge for most of us and finding help and support to find more ease and happiness is important. 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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Adrianna Brandon

Offering therapy in CA
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesParenting issuesDepressionCoping with life changes
5 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 5 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, parenting issues, & depression. I believe in treating everyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion. I will tailor our dialog and treatment plan to meet your unique and specific needs. Taking the first step to sign up for therapy can take courage and I am proud of you for getting started!

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Adriene Robinson

Offering therapy in CA
Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseSelf esteemCareer difficultiesCoping with life changes
15 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 15 years of professional work experience. 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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Dean Wright

Offering therapy in CA
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsRelationship issuesFamily conflictsDepression
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, coping with addictions, relationship issues, & family conflicts. I believe in treating everyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion. I will tailor our dialog and treatment plan to meet your unique and specific needs. Taking the first step to sign up for therapy can take courage and I am proud of you for getting started!

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How to find counseling in Riverside

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

How does the cost of in-person counseling compare to the cost of BetterHelp with a licensed Riverside 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 Riverside 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 Riverside 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 Riverside, 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 Riverside 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 Riverside 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 Riverside 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 Riverside 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 Riverside 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 92516 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 Riverside 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 Riverside 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 Riverside, 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.

Riverside 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 Riverside.

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

92501, 92502, 92503, 92504, 92505, 92506, 92507, 92508, 92513, 92514, 92516, 92517, 92521, 92522

Popular cities near Riverside, CA

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