Surrounded by the Santa Monica Mountains, Simi Hills, San Gabriel Mountains, Chalk Hills, and Verdugo Mountains, the City of San Fernando is nestled within the Valley to which it lent its name as the region’s first town. No matter where you look, there are amazing picturesque views.  

However, if you have a mental illness like depression, you may have trouble just getting yourself out of bed, let alone appreciating the gorgeous landscape. It is important to get treatment for your depression to prevent it from getting worse. Talk to one of the San Fernando mental health professionals to see what you can do to feel better. 

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Kevin Farrell

Offering therapy in CA
License: MSW,LCSW
AddictionsLGBTSelf esteemCoping with life changes
20 years of experience

My name is Kevin Farrell and I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in California (#22616). I have almost 20 years experience as a Clinical Social Worker and Psychotherapist. I previously had a successful career in media and in my mid-30s I returned to school to obtain a Masters Degree in Social Work in order to find a more rewarding career path for myself. As a Psychotherapist, I have worked with a wide variety of adults and I use a range of therapeutic tools. I view therapy as a partnership and for me the most important aspect of therapy is the therapeutic alliance, which refers to the quality and strength of the collaborative relationship between client and therapist. This is strongest when there is agreement on goals and objectives. I work closely with each client to establish goals and achieve a strong alliance built on mutual trust. I utilize an eclectic approach to therapy with reliance on core theoretical concepts from Psychodynamic Psychotherapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, and Existential Therapy, among others. I tend to emphasize solution-focused strategies that assist a client in understanding themselves, improving their problem-solving/coping techniques, and building resiliency for future challenges. I seek ongoing feedback and collaboration with clients to evaluate and improve a client's experience in therapy. I have been told that my non-judgmental style engages people and they find me respectful, sincere, and easy to relate to. My primary goal with clients is to successfully address a client's challenges in order to improve overall quality of life.

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Jill Maine

Offering therapy in CA
License: Psy.D.
Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseSelf esteemBipolar disorderDepression
14 years of experience

Hello. My name is Jill. I am a licensed psychologist with 14 years of experience in offering psychological services to children, adolescents, individuals, couples and families. I have worked in independent practice, child/adolescent group homes, school settings, community mental health, and Residential Treatment Centers. I have extensive training and experience in working with victims of trauma and have specialized training in trauma-informed therapeutic approaches such as EMDR and Internal Family Systems. I have also received training in Personality Disorders, LGBTQ+ issues, phase of life issues, prenatal and post-natal difficulties, and working with individuals experiencing psychosis. I work primarily from a Psychodynamic/Analytic approach. I begin each therapeutic relationship with two goals: (1) who are you and (2) what is getting in the way of you living your best life? By answering these questions, I find an individual can begin to explore early childhood messages, identify core conflicts, and begin to challenge maladaptive messages they are holding. They can get out from underneath the messages of who they are supposed to be and how they are supposed to act in the world. I utilize Cognitive Behavior Therapy, Dialectical Behavior Therapy, and Seeking Safety to provide direct coping strategies to help alleviate symptoms why working on deeper issues. I received my Doctoral Degree from Fuller Theological Seminary. I sought out an integrated program that challenged practitioners to understand how to bring spirituality into the room if needed due to my understanding of how important personal beliefs are to an individual. I seek in my practice to allow a client to bring into the room whatever is important to their life. I challenge my own preconceptions daily and seek to learn in everything I do. I practice from an Affirmative approach and seek always to listen first. I do this work to watch change happen. I am often invited to join someone’s life at their weakest. In therapy, I am witness to an individual who may be opening up about places they have hidden for weeks, months, or even years. It is an honor to be invited on the journey. I look forward to meeting you!

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Sharricci Dancy

Offering therapy in CA
License: LCSW
Stress, AnxietyFamily conflictsAnger managementCoping with life changes
3 years of experience

Hello, welcome to my profile page. When I'm not providing therapeutic services for BetterHelp, I'm out in the field as a licensed clinical social worker for the County healthcare case management program. Over the past decade, I have had the privilege of journeying alongside adults and families facing mental health concerns, and let me tell you, it is my absolute passion! My toolbox is filled with therapeutic approaches like cognitive behavioral therapy, solution-focused therapy, client-centered therapy, and if you prefer, I can bring in psychoanalysis or narrative therapy too! Your comfort and receptiveness guide our sessions, ensuring we find what works best for you. In our time together, I'm not just a therapist—I am your companion, a guide, a vessel for you to explore your inner thoughts and feelings in a safe, supportive, and non-judgmental space. I am genuinely excited to get to know you better and discover how I can help you on your therapeutic journey. Remember, taking the first step towards change is a courageous leap towards a happier, more fulfilling life, and if you are ready to take that leap, I am here to support and empower you every step of the way! :) So, what do you say? Let's kickstart your therapeutic journey together—schedule a session with me, and let's make some positive changes happen! Hope to talk with you soon. :) Take care, Sharri

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Michele Rowland-Bird

Offering therapy in CA
License: LCSW
Stress, AnxietyLGBTRelationship issuesFamily conflictsDepression
28 years of experience

I have been a licensed clinical social worker for over 28 years in California. My clinical experience includes working with children, families and adults, including those who are or have been in the foster care system. I am someone who enjoys listening and working with all different kinds of people; I believe that everyone deserves to live their best lives, and therapy is an excellent path to achieve that goal. In my practice, I teach cognitive behavioral skills, assisting clients to identify their inaccurate thoughts and change them to thoughts that are grounded in reality. Once thoughts begin changing, feelings and actions also change, allowing for new healing experiences. This approach is particularly effective for people who are experiencing depression and anxiety. Please note that I do not practice either messaging therapy or couples therapy. Beginning the wellness journey is a courageous step, and I look forward to working with you!

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Marisa Katzman

Offering therapy in CA
AddictionsSelf esteemCoping with life changes
10 years of experience

Hello! My name is Marisa and I am a Licensed Clinical Social worker (LCSW) in the state of California and Licensed Independent Social Worker in the state of South Carolina (LISW). I have ten years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with overcoming/coping with addictions, motivation, self esteem, and confidence, & coping with life changes. 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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Bianca Bannerman

Offering therapy in CA
Stress, AnxietyGriefAnger managementCoping with life changes
6 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 6 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, coping with grief and loss, & anger management. I also have experience working with coping with life changes. I believe that you are the expert of your story and that you have many strengths that will assist you in overcoming things that challenge you. It takes courage to seek out a more fulfilling and happier life and to take the first steps towards a change. I am here to support & empower you in that journey.

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Dr. James Fishback

Offering therapy in CA
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesIntimacy-related issuesAnger managementCoping with life changes
33 years of experience

Hello, my name is Dr. Fishback, a licensed psychologist. It takes courage, curiosity, and commitment to reach out for help. I know because I have experienced my own psychotherapy, and it took a lot of work and a lot of truth about myself. I have done therapy work in California for the last 33 years, with many different people, children, teens, young and older adults, in places including my offices, schools, courts, prisons, outdoor settings, and online, with males and females, and with many different races, This has given me some deep experience and insight into humans and a large cross-section of our society. I have many years of experience in helping clients with stress, anxiety, depression, relationship issues, intimacy, abuse, and simply not knowing where U are going in life. I find that helping people solve their problems is a marvelous challenge for me. I work very hard for my clients, and I am honest with them, including if they seem to miss seeing something important. My therapy style is to be there for my clients in their way -- do they want me to primarily listen, or help problem-solve, or empathize in the moment, it's their call... But I also find that people who do improve their issues always work harder than me. With some guidance it is the client who figures things out and has the ah-ah experiences, not the therapist. Otherwise, the client can never fully own their own insight and understanding, and go on to reliably and accurately manage their own life problems. Those are my goals. I work on all weekdays except Fridays, so I can see clients on most days. In addition, I find that I can help others best when I communicate with them by live video or phone… (I don't do live chat, except messaging between sessions, because I am too slow a typist). You can read more about my background, education, experience, and therapy approach on this website. I would look forward to work with you on your issues, Dr. Fishback

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This is Cherri Castellon's avatar and link to their profile

Cherri Castellon

Offering therapy in CA
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesAnger managementSelf esteemDepression
18 years of experience

I am licensed in California and South Carolina. I have 20 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, anger management, & 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. 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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This is Dr. Deborah Wieland's avatar and link to their profile

Dr. Deborah Wieland

Offering therapy in CA
Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseAnger managementDepressionCoping with life changes
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, trauma and abuse, anger management, & 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 sign up for therapy can take courage and I am proud of you for getting started!

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Bruce Bates

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

I am a licensed therapist with 23 year of clinical experience in the state of California . I specialize in Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) which is an evidence based theropy that is highly effective in treating anxiety, stress, anger issues, emotion regulation issues, relatioinship issues and life changes. DBT combines cognitive behavioral treatment with mindfulness based awarenss and skill building to improve coping skills and address symptomes. Treatment will focus on your specific needs. While it takes courage to move beyond the fear and to reach out for help I am confident we can work together to reach your goals and improve your quality of life.

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How to find counseling in San Fernando

Finding the best therapist close by in San Fernando 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 San Fernando. 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 San Fernando, 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 San Fernando 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 San Fernando 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 San Fernando, elsewhere in Los Angeles, 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 San Fernando area can be found below:

How does the cost of in-person counseling compare to the cost of BetterHelp with a licensed San Fernando 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 San Fernando 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 San Fernando 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 San Fernando, 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 San Fernando 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 San Fernando 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 San Fernando 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 San Fernando 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 San Fernando 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 91341 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 San Fernando 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 San Fernando 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 San Fernando, 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.

San Fernando 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 San Fernando.

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

91340, 91341

Popular cities near San Fernando, CA

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