Wasco, California is the headquarters of the Tejon Indian Tribe of California, which include the Chumash, Yokuts, and Kitanemuk Indigenous people. Their motto is “Come Grow with Us” because the city is always building on itself. Just like we are always trying to build on ourselves throughout our lives. 

When you are struggling with something going on in your life, you need someone to talk to and if you cannot find anyone who will listen without judging, it can be hard. But, the counselors in Wasco are available and will listen to you without judgement right now. Contact one of these professionals today and you could start feeling better tomorrow.

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Lynda Merritt

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

I am Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) Therapist licensed in California. I have been working with children, families, and individuals for over 15 years. Over the past 9 years I have been providing therapy for children, families and individuals whom have challenges with mental health barriers. I have worked as a Crisis Responder in the community, hospital, and Law Enforcement settings providing training and coaching strategies on how to respond to mental health using a non-judgmental approach. My goal is to empower through therapeutic and biblical principals that instills, empowers and support our unique voice and choice as well as maintain safety and sense of wellness. I have worked with clients with a wide range of concerns including depression, anxiety, relationship issues, parenting problems. I also helped many people who have experienced physical trauma, sexual and emotional abuse and grief and loss. My counseling style is motivated by engaging persons in a non-judgmental manner, creating a sense of value, respectful, , compassion, and being transparent. My therapeutic approach combines Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Trauma Focus Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy TF (CBT), Motivation Interviewing, Mindfulness, Grief and Loss, Dialectic Behavioral Therapy (DBT) Solution Focused Therapy. My goal is to empower those that are seeking to work in partnership to improve there levels of functioning. My desire is to empower through acknowledgement, validating, and understanding, I believe through commitment and partnership you will be able to gain a better, safer control over your life.

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Wandalyn Lane

Offering therapy in CA
License: LMFT
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesFamily conflictsTrauma and abuseDepression
15 years of experience

I am a family and marriage counselor licensed in California with over 14 years of experience working as a counselor and life coach. I have worked with clients with a wide range of concerns including depression, anxiety, relationship issues, parenting problems, career challenges, OCD and ADHD. I also helped many people who have experienced physical trauma or emotional abuse. My counseling style is warm and interactive. I believe in treating anyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion, and I don't believe in stigmatizing labels. My approach combines cognitive-behavioral, humanistic, solution-focused. I will tailor our dialog and treatment plan to meet your unique and specific needs. It takes courage to seek for a more fulfilling and happier life and to take the first steps towards a change. If you are ready to take that step I am here to support and empower you. I look forward to working with you! LMFT #111358 (Expires: 2023-01-31)

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Jan Gabrielle Galinanes

Offering therapy in CA
License: LMFT,ATR-BC
Stress, AnxietyGriefSelf esteemCoping with life changesCompassion fatigue
9 years of experience

I am an ATR-BC and licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and have been practicing since I graduated in 2013. I have experience working in a wide variety of settings such as, hospitals, inpatient, residential programs, schools, and outpatient clinics. I work with all ages, couples and families struggling with mental illness, grief and loss, adjustment issues, anxiety, serious medical issues, trauma, death/dying, dementia/ Alzheimer’s, personality disorders, and and a variety of other issues. I draw from an eclectic person-centered approach, incorporating theories from jungian psychology, object relations theory, and narrative therapy, while also keeping mindful to meet my clients needs and work with what is comfortable for them. My goal is to meet my clients where they are at by providing a consistent, safe, holding space and experience. My specialties include using art modalities in combination with other techniques and topics, such as music, mindfulness, life skills, and animal assisted therapy. I use these modalities and techniques to help decrease anxiety, manage anger, manage pain, improve sleep, decrease anxiety, raise self-esteem, increase self awareness \mindfulness, and create a safe and healthy environment where clients can express themselves. For my professional growth, I continuously read related literature, keep myself up to date with the ethical and legal guidelines in the field, and the latest research, and attend conferences and trainings. I also cultivate my own personal art therapy practice to keep current with new mediums, techniques, and themes.

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Dr. Shano Palovich Rodgers

Offering therapy in CA
License: MA,PhD,LMFT
Trauma and abuseGriefParenting issuesCompassion fatigue
17 years of experience

I believe that the success of therapy is largely dependent on the relationship I have with my clients. CS Lewis once said, "To love at all is to be vulnerable." I think that vulnerability is a precious gift that is not to be taken lightly. It's very important that my clients feel safe to express that vulnerability in a non-judgmental environment that inspires trust. I work with clients according to their self-identified, strengths, needs and goals. Together we craft a path toward insight with compassion and motivation at your pace. I have over 20 years of experience working in the field of child welfare including foster and adoptive care. I also worked in private practice and helped clients with depression, anxiety, childhood trauma, secondary trauma, parenting challenges, and workplace pressure. I have a MA in Clinical Psychology and a PhD in Organizational Psychology. I use a variety of modalities including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Narrative and Solution-Focused therapies, Psychodynamic Therapy, Client Centered Therapy, and Motivational Interviewing. I am a certified trainer in the Nurtured Heart Approach (for parenting intense children and youth) and am also a certified life coach. I look forward to partnering with you on your journey.

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Carson Winn

Offering therapy in CA
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsGriefDepressionCompassion fatigue
16 years of experience

I am licensed in Alabama, Florida and California with many years of professional work experience as a therapist. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, mood instability, overcoming addictions, and healing trauma. Our human condition is one that requires guidance and compassion. Helping my clients elevate out of depression, enduring grief and resolving loss are among the most common services I provide. I work with individuals, couples and families to create a safe space where thoughts and feelings can be explored without fear of judgment. Starting the therapy process, switching therapists, or returning to therapy after a period of time can be challenging. To be vulnerable is to be courageous and to do this often requires help. My skills are designed to help my clients achieve a sense of strength and to have a more consistent state of peace and joy. I do this with a variety of methods. I tailor my model of therapy based on the clients’ needs and individual goals, allowing authentic growth and sustaining mental health. Often simply identifying goals can create immediate shifts in how we think, in turn changing the way we feel. Whether the therapy is brief and efficient to push toward immediate mobility, or the therapy is instead a more long-term plan, depends on my clients’ needs and desires. I am available to help you with your future and therapy process.

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Kevin Reilly

Offering therapy in CA
Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseSelf esteemDepressionCoping 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, 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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Dr. Cynthia Melton

Offering therapy in CA
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsSelf esteemDepressionCoping with life changes
15 years of experience

I am licensed in Arizona, Arkansas, California, Florida, Hawaii, Maine, Maryland, Missouri and Oregon with 15 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, coping with addictions, 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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Leah Szemborski

Offering therapy in CA
License: LPC
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesFamily conflictsTrauma and abuseAnger management
13 years of experience

Each of us was reverently and wonderfully made! But over the course of life many of us have been wounded with injuries that eyes can't see--soul wounds. Those wounds may come from absent or unloving caregivers, bullying, abuse, trauma, neglect, hateful words, injuries or illness, substance abuse, lack of safety, abandonment, rejection, etc. There are many ways a person can be wounded. Those wounds don't just go away, and over time they cause problems in our behavior, thinking, feelings, relationships, families and workplaces. We wonder why this anxiety just won't go away, or why we've sabotaged yet another relationship. We get ugly with the people we love, or feel so out-of-control we don't know what to do. We have unexplained illness and ailments, and the treatments (physical and mental) seem never ending. Yes, these are all symptoms of soul wounds. You are amazing because you have found incredible ways to cope with the difficult and even terrible circumstances you've faced in life! And the good news is that you don't have to live with those wounds forever. Hi. I'm Leah, and I would love to embark on a journey of healing with you. Together we will engage in creative and life-changing interventions, activities and encounters that will help you heal the wounds in your soul, and discover (or rediscover!) the unique and amazing purpose for which you were created! You were meant for so much more, and I would be honored to help you unlock your potential and finally live life to the fullest. I'm going to be honest with you, this is hard work; maybe the hardest work you've ever had to do, but in the end it will all be worth it. What are you waiting for? Let's get started! I am a spiritually integrated therapist and adhere to the American Association of Christian Counseling Code of Ethics, which can be found here: https://www.aacc.net/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/AACC-Code-of-Ethics-Master-Document.pdf

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Juan Alonso

Offering therapy in CA
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesFamily conflictsTrauma and abuseDepression
7 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 7 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, & trauma and abuse. 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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Merceydes Morassi

Offering therapy in CA
Stress, AnxietyParenting issuesDepressionADHD
14 years of experience

Hi! My name is Merceydes and I'm a Licensed Mental Health Counselor, Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor and a Board Certified Behavior Analyst. I am also an adjunct professor of psychology at FIU. I am a behaviorist with a solutions focused and psychoeducational approach which means that I will not spend a lot of time talking about your childhood or your feelings. Instead I want to help you analyze your current problem, figure out what causes these problems and then find solutions to them. Once we have figured out the solutions, my job is to help you make the necessary changes to your environment, your expectations or your own behavior. I also like to teach clients more about their mental health issues and provide them with self help tools to use in the future. I am especially committed to helping people develop coping strategies that allow them to reduce or eliminate their use of psychotropic medications.

How to find counseling in Wasco

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

How does the cost of in-person counseling compare to the cost of BetterHelp with a licensed Wasco 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 Wasco 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 Wasco 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 Wasco, 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 Wasco 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 Wasco 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 Wasco 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 Wasco 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 Wasco 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 93280 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 Wasco 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 Wasco 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 Wasco, 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.

Wasco has many clinicians who practice person or client-centered individual therapy in-person and through online therapy to assist clients in their healing journey. If you opt into online therapy, you might also be able to meet with providers all over the United States and change therapists easily at any time. Many people struggling with anxiety and depression, substance abuse, body image issues, and more find therapists that are a good fit for them, feel supported, and gain further insight into their lives through internet-based therapy.

Do therapists judge you in therapy sessions?

The boundaries between you and a therapist are in place to help you and them regarding ethical concerns. Mental health professionals are held by ethical standards through the American Psychological Association (APA) and are not allowed to judge or harm their clients. If you are concerned about sharing details about yourself, feel free to withhold personal information. Their job in the therapeutic relationship is to create a safe place, help you gain a deeper understanding of your mental health, and support you. You might consider changing counselors if you don't feel safe or respected.

Stay up to date with the leading online counseling platform

To stay up to date with BetterHelp's initiatives through their social channels, you can follow them on PinterestLinkedInInstagramTwitter, and Facebook. For mental health tips, check out the BetterHelp YouTube channel.

Take some time today to learn more about the team of therapists at BetterHelp to understand the services available to you clearly. If you are new to therapy or have any questions about the services and terms, please reach out through the contact page or send an email to contact@betterhelp.com.

If you’re ready to sign up for online therapy, consider signing up with a platform like BetterHelp and get matched within 24 to 48 hours.

If you are experiencing a crisis or emergency, don't use this site's online services. If you are in life-threatening danger, call 911. If you require support for a crisis, reach out to the hotlines below:

A woman meets with a therapist online in her home city of Wasco.

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

93280

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