When your life feels barren, you need something to stand out. When you feel depressed, anxious, or have nowhere to go in life, it can be difficult for you to carry on and deal with yourself. Luckily, a counselor based in Apple Valley can help you be the best person possible and help to get you out of this rut. 

Apple Valley is known as the Apple of the Desert. If you're going through the desert, finding a crisp, juicy apple would be relieving. A counselor can help be the apple you need to get you through your tough day. 

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Kristyn Nishimoto

Offering therapy in CA
License: LCSW
Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseSelf esteemDepressionCoping with life changes
7 years of experience

Hello! Welcome to my profile. I am glad you are here- it takes a lot of strength to reach out for support. My name is Kristyn Nishimoto and I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in the state of California with 6 years of experience in providing therapy. I have my BA in Psychology and Social Behavior from UC Irvine and my Master of Social Work from California State University, Northridge. I have worked in crisis and community mental health settings throughout my career, and have experience providing crisis de-escalation and stabilization services, solution-focused therapy, mindfulness strategies to manage depressive and anxiety symptoms, and trauma focused treatment. I have experience working with adults, older adults, children, families, and diverse cultural groups. I believe in a strengths-based approach to therapy. My role as a therapist is to support you in identifying and working towards meaningful goals, identifying strengths within yourself, and to introduce strategies that you can utilize to build on those strengths in order to meet your goals. I believe that you are the expert on your life and experiences, so I look forward to learning more about you in order to support you in the best way possible.

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Ruth Burgher-Gibore

Offering therapy in CA
License: MA, LMFT
Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseSelf esteemDepressionCoping with life changes
23 years of experience

I am a qualified, California and Florida State Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with over 23 years experience in providing effective mental health services to diverse populations of individuals, couples, and families. My services have included therapy and counseling, case management, career counseling, crisis intervention, grief and loss counseling, and successful management of large community based mental health programs and clinics. Utilizing Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Solution Focused Therapy, Client-Centered Therapy, and Family Systems Therapy related approaches, I am able to provide effective intervention for all types of presenting problems from individual issues, like management of depression and anxiety to relational issues such as concerns with communication between partners or family members. I enjoy working with diverse groups and have counseled every one from young babies with their parents to children, adolescents, adults, seniors, disabled individuals, members of the LGTBQ community, other professionals, and veterans. I have also worked extensively with individuals coping with trauma; trained in TF-CBT and other models of trauma informed care. I enjoy helping others and my solution focused approach yields results.

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Sara Markham

Offering therapy in CA
License: MA, LMFT
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesEating disordersSelf esteemDepression
3 years of experience

Combining empathy and intuition to understand every person and each situation, my goal is to support my clients with the compassion and genuine care that they deserve, taking into account their struggles, goals, hopes, desires, and histories. For me, it’s about building quality, unique and profound relationships with my clients, allowing me to give them the confidence to show them that change is, in fact, possible. I understand that every person is unique. Using a combination of therapy techniques, I am able to really meet my clients on a personal level, helping them clarify goals, find their self-confidence and become effective and intentional with their relationships. With a Masters in Marriage and Family Therapy and licensed in the state of California (44317), I have worked as a Marriage Counselor and Therapist for over 15 years, guiding individuals toward their goals, and watching as they achieve amazing strides in their relationships, in their workplace, and in their lives. We aim to work on communication skills, opening doors and creating effective ways to voice needs so you can be truly understood in all aspects of your life. Because of the approach I use, my experience, knowledge and passion for every client, I am able to empathize and understand each on a deeper level, allowing every client to feel change, even after the very first psychotherapy session. That is because I believe it’s not just about you and me, you and your spouse, or you and others, it’s about building a quality relationship with yourself, allowing for more clarity, understanding and appreciation. In this way, you can truly make the changes you wish to see, and see the improvements you never thought you could reach. This research is valuable for working with the clients I work with to foster new insight into their concerns and find solutions. The quality of the therapeutic relationship and empathic attunement lead those with relationship issues to think about their issues and how they need to change their interactions. Clients with eating disorders are supported in their search for understanding the function of their eating disorder and are guided through their recovery. As they recover, they will be able to think more clearly as their brains are getting the nourishment they need to stay healthy. Teens are unique in the kind of attunement they need and what they respond to. Through years of working with teens, I have been able to find a way of building rapport with them to influence change. When they feel understood and heard, they can make positive steps. I have been utilizing principles of research on the brain and the power of the mind in changing the structure and function of the brain. Through focusing attention on our internal world we are able to gain empathy and understanding for others allowing them to feel empathic attunement. Feeling attuned to can help one gain insight and understanding into their own internal processes which can cause one to change stuck and dysfunctional ways of relating. This process called Mindsight can actually change the course of your relationships and integrate areas of your history, beliefs, or trauma that weren’t integrated before. When we are able to modify our internal world we can change our patterns of relating to a more harmonious way of interacting. The therapeutic relationship is the conduit for increasing Mindsight and being able to look at the areas that are in need of the most attunement. Therapy with empathic attunement gives clients what they need in order to create change which is empowering for clients. This research is valuable for working with the clients I work with to foster new insight into their concerns and find solutions. The quality of the therapeutic relationship and empathic attunement lead those with relationship issues to think about their issues and how they need to change their interactions.

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Amy Watson-Clancy

Offering therapy in CA
Stress, AnxietyGriefSelf esteemDepressionCoping with life changes
9 years of experience

I have provided therapy to adults for 9 years and I am currently licensed to practice in California. My experience is primarily in using Cognitive Behavioral Therapy to help adults from diverse backgrounds cope with stress, anxiety, depression, chronic pain, health issues, aging, relationships, and low elf-esteem. I offer a collaborative and supportive partnership based on respect and empowerment. In a warm, non-judgmental environment you will be able to talk freely about sensitive or problematic issues in your life and gain perspective, insight, and skills to help overcome these challenges. I place emphasis on balanced self-care, compassion, developing awareness, and aligning with your values. I am committed to creating a safe supportive relationship for those who have experienced any form of discrimination, hate, or violence. I welcome members of the LGBTQ community and avoid making assumptions about how others experience themselves within our larger society. Now that you have courageously signed up for therapy, I look forward to meeting with you to take the next step.

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Lourdes Castro

Offering therapy in CA
Stress, AnxietyGriefSelf esteemDepression
9 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 9 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, coping with grief and loss, & motivation, self esteem, and confidence. I also have experience working with 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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Inez Devillo

Offering therapy in CA
Stress, AnxietyLGBTTrauma and abuseBipolar disorderDepression
7 years of experience

I am a licensed therapist in California with 7 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, coping with addictions, trauma and abuse, & bipolar disorder. 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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Erika Rana

Offering therapy in CA
Relationship issuesFamily conflictsCareer difficultiesDepressionCoping with life changes
8 years of experience

I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with 7+ years of experience working with clients from diverse populations and backgrounds. I am licensed in California, where I received most of my professional education. My experience includes working with individuals, both adults and children, couples and families. I believe everyone can get better, despite the situation. There will always be someone willing to help for the ones who want it. I have worked with diverse populations including people involved with the foster care system, criminal justice system as well as treatment for substance abuse. I also have experience working with clients in situations of domestic violence and other forms of abuse. Similarly, I have worked with other populations including LGBT, African American community, Caribbean and other people or color. I have some experience working with people in the kink community as well. In my private practice, I have been successful managing spiritual emergencies after traumatic psychedelic experiences, as well as other spiritual-related experiences. I am a certified yoga teacher, which I also incorporate into my practice. I like to use different therapeutic techniques- which I tailor for each client and their individual needs. My theoretical approach is client-centered, as well as humanistic and existential. I also include CBT, mindfulness, spirituality, yoga and other principles into my practice. I truly enjoy being a part of people’s healing journey. I am passionate about my work and believe it is a privilege to serve people in this way. My goal is to know you, support you and give you all the possible tools you can use to get where you want to be. Being born and raised in Mexico City, I particularly enjoy serving Latino and other Spanish speaking communities. I believe it is important to experience therapy in the language you consider your primary/maternal language- and I am happy to provide that service. When I am not being a therapist, I am a toddler mom, a cat mom and a wife. I live in New York and I have a bicultural/ biracial family (Indian/ Mexican). I love art in all forms, particularly tattoos. I am a big fan of self-expression through body art, fashion and jewelry. Finding the right therapist is important. I encourage you to reach out if my profile resonates with you. I’ll be happy to help!

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Bruce "Bryce" Thompson

Offering therapy in CA
LGBTRelationship issuesIntimacy-related issuesParenting issuesCoping with life changes
22 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 22 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with LGBTQ+ related issues, relationship issues, intimacy related issues, & parenting issues. I believe that you are the expert of your story and that you have many strengths that will assist you in overcoming issues and concerns that challenge you. Taking the first step to sign up for therapy can take courage and I am proud of you for getting started!

This is Shing Chin (Alice) Ginkens's avatar and link to their profile

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.

This is Frosan Karim's avatar and link to their profile

Frosan Karim

Offering therapy in CA
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesTrauma and abuseSelf esteemDepression
6 years of experience

Sometimes we feel ready to "do the work," but might feel uncertain about where to start. I work in this field because I believe we are capable of making tremendous changes when we understand ourselves better. Through making sense of our past, we can better understand our current motivations. I believe in empowering you to recognize the ways you can be in control of yourself and your situation. I am interested in who you are, how you describe your culture, and like to meet you where you're at. My style is to support you in connecting your head and your heart to help you gain clarity on your current concerns, and ultimately help you make the right decisions for yourself. I am licensed in California with 6 years of clinical work experience. I received my Master's degree in Counseling at Palo Alto University, and am currently a candidate for a Psy.D. in Clinical Psychology at California Southern University. I have experience in helping clients with stress, anxiety, depression, relationship issues, trauma, and self esteem struggles. I know it's not easy to ask for help, so I'm glad that you are taking the first steps towards healing yourself.

How to find counseling in Apple Valley

Finding the best therapist close by in Apple Valley 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 Apple Valley. 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 Apple Valley, 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 Apple Valley 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 Apple Valley 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 Apple Valley, elsewhere in San Bernardino, 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 Apple Valley area can be found below:

How does the cost of in-person counseling compare to the cost of BetterHelp with a licensed Apple Valley 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 Apple Valley 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 Apple Valley 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 Apple Valley, 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 Apple Valley 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 Apple Valley 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 Apple Valley 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 Apple Valley 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 Apple Valley 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 92307 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 Apple Valley 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 Apple Valley 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 Apple Valley, 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.

Apple Valley 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 Apple Valley.

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

92307, 92308

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