Old and ancient locations bring forth a lot of history, and a lot of personal thought.  With the help of a counselor in Bell Gardens, you can learn a bit more about yourself, and this area.

This has a rich history that dates back thousands of years, and it was actually used as a center for people after the Mexican-American war.  It was the site of many Spanish sellers, and since then it’s become known for gambling.  But, if you do have afflictions, you can seek out a counselor in the area that will help you learn more about yourself over time. 

This is Ruben Martinez's avatar and link to their profile

Ruben Martinez

Offering therapy in CA
License: MS, LMFT
LGBTSelf esteemCoping with life changesCoaching
15 years of experience

Ruben Martinez Jr. is an experienced Bicultural and Bilingual Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist. Ruben is skilled in behavioral and mindfulness therapies and highly experienced conducting individual, family, group, and life-skills counseling. Ruben is also trained and experienced in early childhood services and has experience working with youth, adolescents and adults adjusting to important life domains including self-care, home living, academic, health, self-direction, leisure, spirituality, social/interpersonal skills, use of community resources, and vocation. Ruben is also an experienced Clinical Trainer on various overall wellness topics, including early childhood, trauma, and resilience at the university level. Ruben has worked with many individuals and families, seeking support in building resilience, positive coping, and managing challenging symptoms in his training and practice. Ruben helps his clients build awareness around what they are thinking, feeling, and doing while supporting the coping tools necessary to create change and build resilience. If you feel ready to connect with a professional who can provide specialized services tailored to your needs, reach out to Ruben for support. Ruben has a love for sports, travel, music, art, and animals.

This is Heather Brooks's avatar and link to their profile

Heather Brooks

Offering therapy in CA
License: LMFT
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesGriefSelf esteemCoping with life changes
13 years of experience

We all do the best we can, with what resources are available to us at any given time. A lack of resources or support, can make difficult times all the more challenging. Do you feel alone, overwhelmed, heartbroken, trapped or flawed? Through a supportive therapeutic process, my goal is to help clients discover and build upon their own inner strengths and resources. I know it takes courage to seek services, so I strive to create a nurturing, non-judgmental, honest, and respectful atmosphere. I believe in working together to create individualized solutions to the problems in your life. I've always been passionate about working with grief/loss/bereavement. I specialize in helping clients work through their grief process and find emotional completion; saying goodbye to any unmet hopes, dreams, and expectations that they wish were different, better, or more. My goal is helping clients live their best life possible. I pull from a variety of approaches in order to best suit my client's individual needs. I am influenced by client centered, strength-based therapies, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), and Dialectical (DBT). Over the past two years I have spend most of my time transitioning to more solution focused practices that aim at symptom relief/reduction in dealing with the overwhelming pressures of every day life. Anxiety, depression, high expectations, trying relationships, job pressures, and drug addiction/substance abuse have been areas of focus. I look forward to providing support with whatever your needs may be.

This is Dr. Gary Jordan's avatar and link to their profile

Dr. Gary Jordan

Offering therapy in CA
License: PhD
Stress, AnxietyGriefDepressionCoping with life changesCoaching
46 years of experience

Life is often difficult and challenging in the best of times. When you face anxiety, stress, depression, and feelings of inadequacy, the pain can be overwhelming. Life changes, relationship issues, family stress, and career challenges can activate deep feelings of confusion, failure, and unloveableness. If life has become too difficult to manage on your own, and you need assistance and support to sort things out, make necessary changes, and discover your innate talents and value, I can help. I have been working with people to confront and grow from the pain in their lives for 42 years. I earned my Ph.D. in clinical psychology from the California School of Professional Psychology – Berkeley and am a licensed psychologist in Texas and California. During my career I have worked in community mental health, private practice, inpatient facilities, business corporations, and nursing homes. The settings change and the content of people’s problems vary, but the underlying conflicts that cause psychological and emotional pain do not. Everyone wants to be heard, their issues understood, and to feel valuable and loved. I use a therapeutic approach that integrates Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, psychodynamic principles, and positive emotional support to create a safe space to explore and heal the childhood wounds that make you feel alone and misunderstood by friends, family, spouses, significant others, and the world. Together we will challenge negative self-talk, destructive behaviors, and repetitive patterns that end poorly, cause pain, and reinforce feelings of self-doubt and worthlessness. We will discover new and constructive ways for you to re-frame ingrained beliefs, change painful and self-negating thoughts, and free you from old dysfunctional decisions made long ago that are still impacting your daily life. Therapy is a journey. Sometimes we need a tune-up and sometimes an overhaul. Either way, our work together will help you to discover new strengths and skills you never knew you had, develop constructive and healthy ways to face life’s challenges, and free you to move forward in life with freedom and joy.

This is Lona Tu's avatar and link to their profile

Lona Tu

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

I am a family and marriage therapist licensed in California with 4 years of professional work experience. I have experience assisting clients with a wide variety of concerns including stress and anxiety, depression, family of origin issues, & coping with life changes. I have also supported clients through grief, trauma, and boundary setting. I believe in working with my clients to create an open and safe environment where thoughts and feelings can be shared freely to be worked through together. My therapy style is collaborative and interactive. My approach combines humanistic, Bowen, psychodynamic, and existential therapy. It is flexible and will be adapted to meet your unique and specific needs and circumstances. It takes courage and perseverance to seek a more fulfilling and happier life and to take the first steps towards change. If you are ready to take that step, I am happy to be here to support and empower you through this process. If I seem like a good fit for what you are looking for, I look forward to working with you!

This is Qyonna Grady's avatar and link to their profile

Qyonna Grady

Offering therapy in CA
Stress, AnxietyGriefIntimacy-related issuesCareer difficultiesDepression
4 years of experience

I am licensed in Alabama with 2 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, coping with grief and loss, intimacy related issues, & career difficulties. 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.

This is Carson Cozad's avatar and link to their profile

Carson Cozad

Offering therapy in CA
Stress, AnxietyGriefSelf esteemDepressionCoping with life changes
8 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, coping with grief and loss, motivation, self esteem, and confidence, & depression. I believe in treating everyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion. I will tailor our dialogue and treatment plan to meet your unique and specific needs.

This is sona topalian's avatar and link to their profile

sona topalian

Offering therapy in CA
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsDepression
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, coping with addictions, & 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.

This is Dr. Jackey Smith's avatar and link to their profile

Dr. Jackey Smith

Offering therapy in CA
Stress, AnxietyLGBTRelationship issuesGriefSelf esteem
20 years of experience

ABOUT DR. SMITH DR. SMITH'S PASSION I am a passionate speaker, educator, and licensed psychotherapist, who effectively infuses humor in my delivery to inspire hope and encouragement. Affectionately known as “The Shepherd’s Consultant,” I have been gifted with a “Pastor’s Heart.” I use a non-judgmental approach to client engagement in order to provide the client the safety to identify and explore their truth. My motto is “There are three solutions to every problem: accept it, change it, or leave it. You have the power to discover your it.” DR. SMITH'S SPECIALTIES I specialize in providing therapy and counseling in the following areas: Men’s Issues Identity Formation and Diversity including LGBTQIA and People of Color Child Welfare Involvement Abuse Issues Depression and Anxiety Spiritual Counseling Executive Coaching Relationship Issues DR. SMITH'S EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE Received a Bachelors of Arts in Psychology from Azusa Pacific University in Azusa, California. Received Masters of Social Work (MSW) from the University of Southern California in Los Angeles, California. Doctor of Psychology (Psy.D) Specializing in Organizational Management and Consulting from Phillips Graduate Institute in Encino, California.

This is William Pellegrini's avatar and link to their profile

William Pellegrini

Offering therapy in CA
Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseGriefSelf esteemADHD
5 years of experience

When my clients come to see me, they are looking to find a way out of the negative thoughts that plague them and cause them to derail their lives. Everyone deserves peace in their lives and to believe in themselves without being brought down. When they enter my office, they are totally accepted as who they are. The purpose of counseling will be to help them improve themselves and their lives in areas they are seeing deficits. I will understand and accept you as you are. I do not believe my clients will be nor ever should be like anyone else. I don't believe in 'normal' and want you to see yourself as I see you, an individual that has value and purpose. I will be here to help you accept yourself and see your worth. I want to help you be rid of the negative thoughts that plague you and the self-esteem crushing events that keep you down. I am not happy until you are. Come find me and let's chat.

This is Adrian Simmons's avatar and link to their profile

Adrian Simmons

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

I am licensed in California with 25 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, & motivation, self esteem, and confidence. I believe in treating everyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion. I will tailor our dialog and treatment plan to meet your unique and specific needs. Taking the first step to sign up for therapy can take courage and I am proud of you for getting started!

How to find counseling in Bell Gardens

Finding the best therapist close by in Bell Gardens 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 Bell Gardens. 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 Bell Gardens, 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 Bell Gardens 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 Bell Gardens 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 Bell Gardens, elsewhere in Los Angeles, or in the greater state of California.

Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

Some other commonly asked questions on therapy with a licensed counselor and BetterHelp serving the Bell Gardens area can be found below:

How does the cost of in-person counseling compare to the cost of BetterHelp with a licensed Bell Gardens 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 Bell Gardens 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 Bell Gardens 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 Bell Gardens, 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 Bell Gardens 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 Bell Gardens 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 Bell Gardens 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 Bell Gardens 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 Bell Gardens 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 90202 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 Bell Gardens 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 Bell Gardens 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 Bell Gardens, 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.

Bell Gardens 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 Bell Gardens.

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

90201, 90202

Find the right therapist for your needs
Match with a qualified therapist