The City of Taft, California was named after President William H. Taft in 1909 and they are extremely proud of their history. They have many buildings and places on the National Register of Historic Places to explore and learn about the town’s history.

Exploring historic places and enjoying other places of recreation are excellent for both your mental and physical health but sometimes some of us need a bit more help than everyone else. If you are looking for some extra help, contact one of the mental health professionals in and around Taft today so you can start feeling better.

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Jack Gershfeld

Offering therapy in CA
License: MA,LMFT
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesFamily conflictsTrauma and abuseAnger management
6 years of experience

My name is Jack Gershfeld, and I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. I am also the Clinical Director of a non-profit community mental health clinic in Fullerton, California. I work with individuals and couples who experience relationship distress and yearn to reconnect and feel close to each other again. I teach at Pepperdine University and CalState Long Beach and supervise associates and trainees at a community mental health clinic. My approach is rooted in research-based Emotionally Focused Therapy, which focuses on recovering individuals and couples from relationship distress. This approach is grounded in the care, support, and empowerment of people in the relationship. This nonjudgmental approach ensures safety and support for each partner in the relationship and offers a safe and secure environment to heal relationship wounds. I know that it is not easy to decide to start couples therapy. After all, we are expected to know how to make our relationship work! Many couples try for years to restore the tender loving care they had when they met. It seems that the harder you try to reconnect with the person you love, the more difficult it is to stay connected, and fights continue to erupt. After a while, you may feel and see your partner as scary, unloving, and uncaring. Daily fights about insignificant things become a norm, and being close and loving to each other becomes a distant memory. Take the first step toward a fulfilling relationship that removes anger and frustration and replaces it with care, support, love, and understanding. Journey with your partner to where you are both understood, valued, cared for, and respected. I know it isn't easy to take the first step and schedule a session with a licensed marriage and family therapist. Yet, the alternative is a continued struggle and disappointment with your partner. Let's work together to reclaim your relationship and build a strong and trusting bond.

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Monica Englander

Offering therapy in CA
License: MSW,LCSW
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesSelf esteemDepressionCompassion fatigue
23 years of experience

I'm an LCSW with 20 years experience in counseling individuals, couples, families and groups. I specialize in issues of Self Esteem, and healing our own sense of being able to manage our lives, our relationships, and our feelings in positive and effective ways. I'm also very familiar with Corporate and EAP counseling, and supervising Interns who are working towards their license. My clients come from all backgrounds and life experiences, all kinds of careers, and often, clients who themselves work in the helping professions, from therapists to doctors and nurses, to teachers and caregivers. I'm respectful of culture, self-identity, and of beliefs: who you are and what has meaning for you are crucially important, and to the degree that these things are valued by you, the are valued by me. I believe in the dignity and human rights of all people. My counseling style is inquisitive and interactive -- I want to know what you need to tell me. I want to know what is causing your life to be anything less than pleasant, safe, and manageable. I want you to be okay, to feel okay, and to be confident in yourself and in your choices: I want you to feel safe, and that it is good to be you. Most of my clients present with some degree of past trauma, or injury to their sense of being worthy and needed -- there are wounds in all of us, whether we consider them minor or overwhelming. Life is not easy, and if we are carrying unhealed wounds, every setback, every disappointment can re-trigger those pains of the past. I find that once the major wound of how we see ourselves is healed -- when we see ourselves as someone we like and accept -- someone we trust --- then the rest of life's problems are much easier and quicker to resolve. Thanks for taking the time to read about how I can work with you. Not every therapist is a good fit for every client. I hope you've seen here something that clicks, that makes sense, and that feels safe and good to you. I'm very communicative, and I'll always want to know how you feel, what you think, and what you want. Your needs need to get met. I hope that I can help you do exactly that. I'm wishing you all the best, now and always. I believe all that it takes is a little help for us to find our way. I'm looking forward to meeting you soon.

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Shellie Revilla

Offering therapy in CA
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesFamily conflictsSelf esteemDepression
27 years of experience

I am licensed therapist in California with over 20 years of experience. I've helped clients with stress and anxiety, depression, relationship issues, and other mental health concerns. I am compassionate and dedicated to creating the therapeutic relationship necessary for a successful out come. I believe that you are the expert of your story and that you have the strength to overcome your challenges. 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 you on your journey.

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Lindsay Parkinson

Offering therapy in CA
Stress, AnxietyFamily conflictsGriefDepressionCoping with life changes
8 years of experience

I have a unique experience in a variety of settings; day & residential programs, hospital & crisis settings, as well as private practice. I’ve volunteered in several Countries, offering art & talk therapy individually, in groups, and gained a healthy perspective about culture, gender dynamics, sexual orientation, and non binary identities. I believe that everyone should have reliable, affordable & effective care. Care being the main objective, we all deserve the right to non-biased, non-judgmental service. You want to know you’re being understood and are treated with compassion, especially in times of challenge & distress. I’ve helped my clients with depression and anxiety, family conflicts, coping with grief and loss, & major life transitions. 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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Mark Duarte

Offering therapy in CA
LGBTTrauma and abuseAnger managementDepressionCoping with life changes
46 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 45 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping individuals with identity and purpose related issues. Life presents us with dilemmas and opportunities each new day. My practice is to be present with individuals to resolve issues of dysphoria, and help to learn , practice, to resolve personal and social dysfunction. I strive to treat everyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion. In our dialog and treatment plan to meet your unique and specific needs. I recognize 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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Sharmaine Whitten

Offering therapy in CA
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesGriefDepressionCoping with life changes
4 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 4 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, coping with grief and loss, & 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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Shing Chin (Alice) Ginkens

Offering therapy in CA
Family conflictsTrauma and abuseParenting issuesAnger managementDepression
20 years of experience

I am licensed in Oklahoma since 2005 and have been in this professional work of line since 2002. I have experience in helping clients with family conflicts, trauma and abuse, parenting issues, mood disorders & anger management. I believe in treating everyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion. It takes courage to seek out a more fulfilling and happier life and to take the first step towards change. I am here to support & empower you in that journey. From our dialog, I will tailor your treatment plan to meet your unique and specific needs.

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Dr. Virgina Hernandez

Offering therapy in CA
License: PhD,LCSW,ACC
Stress, AnxietySelf esteemCareer difficultiesCoping with life changesCoaching
10 years of experience

I am licensed clinical social worker and have over 40 years of professional social work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, motivation, self esteem, confidence and career difficulties. I also am an executive and leadership coach. 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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Nicole Ethridge

Offering therapy in CA
Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseSelf esteemDepressionCoping with life changes
5 years of experience

I provide therapy to people located in California, Delaware, Missouri, and New Jersey. I reside in California with 6 years of counseling experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, trauma and abuse, motivation, self esteem, and confidence, & 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. 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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Linda Rivadeneyra

Offering therapy in CA
Stress, AnxietyFamily conflictsTrauma and abuseSelf esteemDepression
26 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 26 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress, anxiety, trauma, depression, childhood abuse, difficult family relationships and transitions. I meet with individuals only, no couples or families. I believe that you have strengths that will assist you in overcoming things that challenge you, with support from a therapist. 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 Taft

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

How does the cost of in-person counseling compare to the cost of BetterHelp with a licensed Taft 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 Taft 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 Taft 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 Taft, 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 Taft 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 Taft 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 Taft 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 Taft 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 Taft 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 93252 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 Taft 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 Taft 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 Taft, 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.

Taft 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 Taft.

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

93252, 93268

Popular cities near Taft, CA

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