Avenal, while known for brief years as an oil boomtown, has most consistently been reliant on agriculture. Tending fields and growing crops can often be equated to life in general. Sometimes rains come for growth, and sometimes hail knocks you down. Whatever storms go through your life, it is not shameful to occasionally need to ask for help in coping and getting back to a new sense of normal.
Avenal-area counselors are available to assist you in just this way. The therapists can give you support and help you overcome obstacles and persevere, finding blessings in the storms and getting back to a life of happiness. Contact a counselor today.

Dr. Alexandra Duffy
Hi there! I am Alexandra Duffy a clinical psychologist with licenses in California, Massachusetts, North Carolina, and Washington. Thanks for taking a moment to learn how my counseling and therapy can be a useful tool for yourself or someone you care about. Therapy is a way to invest in yourself, have support during difficult times and deal with past issues that impact your current life and relationships. Together, we discover healthy ways to help cope with the unknown and things outside of our control. I specialize in treating depression, anxiety, panic disorder, ADHD, eating /body image issues and Bipolar Disorder. I also work with students of all ages (and even parents) to address issues with learning, such as dyslexia, ADHD, learning disabilities and executive functioning issues (e.g., time management, procrastination, prioritizing work, regulating emotions, etc.), which can be especially challenging right now with Online and Distance Learning. I have extensive experience with the evaluation and diagnosis of ADHD, dyslexia and learning disabilities to improve overall functioning and also provide documentation for academic and test accommodations. My therapy style is warm, interactive and collaborative. I tailor our sessions and treatment plan based on your individual needs and take into consideration your prior experience with counseling. I utilize an eclectic style incorporating psychodynamic and evidence-based modalities including cognitive-behavioral, interpersonal, and mindfulness-based interventions. I integrate healthy lifestyle techniques to improve emotional health and overall well-being by addressing sleep habits, exercise and eating patterns. I also help manage electronic media usage to find a balance between being informed and feeling worried or overwhelmed by the 24-hour news cycle and uncertainty in our lives right now. I earned my Doctor of Clinical Psychology degree (Psy.D) from the George Washington University and Postdoctoral Master of Science in Clinical Psychopharmacology from the California School of Professional Psychology. I completed a Post-Doctoral Fellowship at Harvard University’s Bureau of Study Counsel. I have worked in inpatient/residential treatment, private practice and as a Staff Psychologist at UCLA and the Georgetown University Law Center. Some of my clinical interests include identity development, perfectionism, mastering attention regulation concerns, and learning styles/strategies to improve academic performance. I am also interested in helping actors and individuals in the creative arts to improve self-awareness, explore emotions and use relaxation techniques in the creative process, as well as to cope with rejection, criticism and stress. I have taught workshops to improve self-esteem and reduce anxiety for students, professional and healthcare workers, as well as during the audition and interview process. I have enjoyed leading Finding Focus groups and the Art of Public Speaking wellness group. These skills and techniques are beneficial during individual counseling sessions as well to increase personal effectiveness.

Candace Sebastian
I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) with over 20 years of experience working in the field of counseling and mental health. I have worked with clients with a wide range of concerns including depression, anxiety, relationship issues, career challenges, LGBT, and chronic mental illness. My counseling style is warm and patient. I believe in treating everyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion. My approach combines humanistic, interpersonal, and cognitive-behavioral counseling. I am also formally trained in EMDR. With the ups and downs of life, I understand that you are most likely here during a more challenging time. You may be experiencing loss of a relationship, struggling with addiction, loss of job, arguing with your partner, feeling lonely, struggling with family issues, feeling unworthy or not good enough. It takes courage to seek help during these times, and I am here to help you. I am glad that you are here and I am looking forward to working with you. ~ Candace, LCSW

Susie Baker
I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) with over 10 years of experience working with clients and patients identify and obtain their goals to help improve life experiences . I understand what you are feeling and I am ready to help you. Don’t give up! Change is always difficult, but it’s possible to achieve with the proper support. Together, let’s challenge the old belief systems and patterns that no longer serve you. Using thought-reframing and mindfulness techniques, we’ll work to identify your values and implement practical skills that help get you through each day with more ease. In order to be someone you’ve never been, you have to try something you’ve never tried. It’s time for a change. Quiet the negative self-talk and calm your swirling thoughts. Master coping skills to feel more grounded and self-assured. Free yourself from the anxiety holding you back from becoming the woman you want to be. I look forward to working with you!

Theresa Leal
I am licensed in California with 20 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with family conflicts, parenting issues, & motivation, self esteem, and confidence. I work with my clients to create an open and safe environment where thoughts and feelings can be shared without fear of judgment. Taking the first step to seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process.

Javier Zuniga
I am licensed in California with 26 years of professional work experience. I am fluently bilingual in Spanish and English. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, trauma and abuse, parenting issues, & anger management. I have worked with many clients in various stages of life and have helped them get through some tough situations. I believe you are the expert of your story and you have many strengths that will assist you in overcoming obstacles that challenge you. Seeking help takes courage so I commend you for your courage. I am glad you are making a choice to live a more fulfilling life and I am here to support you in that process.

Sara Contreras
I am licensed in California with 5 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, trauma and abuse, depression, & coping with life changes. I work with my clients to create an open and safe environment where thoughts and feelings can be shared without fear of judgment. Taking the first step to seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process. I am mostly available Monday, Wed, or some Thurs evenings. I have morning sessions as well or by appointment times that we can coordinate together. Feel free to let me know what you need. :)

Tamara "Tammy" Hardcastle Stickler
I am licensed in California with 20 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with relationship issues, family conflicts, coping with grief and loss, & parenting issues. 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!

Jasleen Randhawa
I am licensed in California with 9 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with coping with relationship issues, intimacy related issues, addictions, impulsivity, mood issues (depression, bipolar, anxiety) & parenting issues. 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!

Tina Kelley
Tina Kelley is an LMFT in California with over a decade of professional experience. She has experience working with children, teens, young adults, members of the LGBTQ+ community, parents, and those on the autism spectrum, and their families. She supports her clients moving through feelings of depression, and anxiety, codependency, family conflicts, and burnout. Tina uses an integrative and trauma informed approach to therapy.

Jennifer Pelo
Greetings! I am a licensed professional counselor and have been a professional School counselor for the past 20 years. I started a private practice 9 years ago. My philosophy of therapy is all about building a solid relationship with you. You will need to feel you can trust me first. I also believe that each person holds their own answers to life’s questions. You have the wisdom and strength inside of you to know what to do. I am here to support you and walk beside you on this part of the journey. Trying therapy for the first time takes courage. It can also be hard if you have tried therapy in the past and didn’t have a good experience. People are different, so not every therapist or type of therapy will fit the best for every person. You will know what is best for you and I will always respect your right to choose that. Please feel free to reach out and let me know if you are interested in working together!
Find a therapist serving clients in California
What types of therapists are available to clients in Avenal?
Understanding the type of therapy you'd like to search for is crucial before finding a therapist or psychologist. Be sure to narrow your search for therapists in Avenal that can offer psychodynamic therapy, cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), therapeutic talk therapy, group therapy, marriage and family therapy for individuals or couples, or couples therapy depending on your needs.
Licensed therapists & mental health professionals available through BetterHelp's online platform
Mental health therapists in Avenal available through BetterHelp are accredited as psychologists to help individuals and couples. Avenal therapists' credentials can include licensed marriage and family therapist (LMFT), licensed clinical social worker (LCSW), and clinician or doctor of psychology (PsyD). Regardless of their licensure, Avenal therapists are trained in any type of therapy in the Avenal region and in the state of California.
How can a therapist help you destress, manage your emotions, and guide you towards the life you want?
Therapists in Avenal can help clients in improving healthy relationships, communication skills, working through life transitions, couples challenges, managing a mood disorder, improving coping skills, self help tips, offer life coaching, family life, or change in negative thinking patterns. A therapist in Avenal may also provide a safe place and validation for clients experiencing emotional pain, or that simply want a psychological assessment.
Is it better to find a mental health counselor or therapist in Avenal offering online therapy or in person?
Studies show online therapy can be just as effective as in-person counseling. Online therapy with licensed counselors is often more affordable, with BetterHelp pricing ranging from $65-$100 weekly, while in person therapy can cost up to $200 per session.