Living in fear all the time is no way to live. Being afraid to go outside or talk to anyone can make some people have a panic attack. This can be a sign of social anxiety disorder or another type of mental health condition and you can find out how to deal with it from one of the therapists based in Benicia. 

The town of Benicia, California is in the San Francisco Bay area and much of the community spends lots of time at the beach, sunning, swimming, fishing, or camping. However, those who have an anxiety disorder does not want to be around other people and crowds can cause a major meltdown. Talk to a Benicia counselor today to start feeling better tomorrow. 

This is Erik Metzger's avatar and link to their profile

Erik Metzger

Offering therapy in CA
License: LMFT
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsRelationship issuesFamily conflictsSelf esteem
7 years of experience

I have worked with adults, teens, couples and families for seven years; I specialize in facilitating people’s own insights and resilience to access more resourced and contented lives. Living in California can be exhausting with its high paced culture; allow me to work with you on achieving insight(s) about the origins and solutions to anxiety, substance abuse, and dissatisfaction with relationships and work. With my background as a yoga instructor, meditation practitioner, and competitive runner and triathlete, I can join you in bringing awareness to maladaptive coping strategies. I strive to normalize and validate your experiences! I started my career in addiction counseling, via Hazelden Betty Ford's graduate program, and I then received a counseling psychology masters from Palo Alto University; I have been working for a large hospital as a psychotherapist for the past six years. My specialty is working with addiction of all kinds. With two decades of sobriety from alcohol and drugs, I can assist you and your loved ones in getting relief from anger, restlessness, and grief. I can support you in recovering from bereavement after losing a beloved person or animal. Recovery has varied approaches; let’s find yours and develop new skills. I commend you for channeling your strength and wisdom into positive action. Asking for assistance and implementing new life skills is not easy; "we cannot fix a problem with the same mind that created it," Einstein is known to have said. Most everyone deals with shame, guilt, and self-criticism, and now’s your time to achieve a respite from the human condition. Congratulations on taking your first step in realizing your potential! I look forward to working with you.

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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. Benjamin Lasky

Offering therapy in CA
License: Ph.D.
AddictionsLGBTRelationship issuesFamily conflictsDepression
3 years of experience

I am a licensed psychologist in California and Nevada with over 20 years of experience. I specialize in LGBTQIA issues and am a proud member of the community. I also have worked over 10 years in a psychiatric hospital where I gained expertise with dual diagnosis patients (substance abuse issues + mental health disorder). I was also fortunate enough to work in the adolescent unit of the hospital as well. I earned my Ph.D. from Ball State University in Muncie, Indiana. I am also an educator to graduate students and provide supervision as they pursue their licenses. This helps keep me motivated to stay current with emerging trends in therapy. I mainly utilize cognitive-behavioral techniques as well as client-centered therapy. One of my favorite parts of conducting therapy is seeing diversity and being able to help those in all walks of life. I make no judgments and work hard to see things from the perspective of my clients. I see myself as a facilitator and I help my clients gain insight so they can tap into their strengths. Therapy is serious business, but I always like to use a bit of humor as appropriate. It is very important that everyone I work with feels valued and respected and I fully bring that to each and every session. Thank you for your time and I hope to work with you. Licensed Psychologist PSY 19363 California, PY 0726 Nevada

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Elizabeth May

Offering therapy in CA
Trauma and abuseBipolar disorderDepression
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, trauma and abuse, motivation, self esteem, and confidence. I have assisted many clients who deal with bipolar, ADHD and other mood disorders , as well as personality disorders. I utilize gestalt, transpersonal and family systems work and I find CBT/DBT techniques very helpful. 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 seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process.

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Paul Knight

Offering therapy in CA
Stress, AnxietyBipolar disorderDepressionCoping with life changes
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, bipolar disorder, & depression. I also have experience working with coping with life changes. 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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LaQuita Suggs

Offering therapy in CA
Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseGriefSelf esteemDepression
19 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 19 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, trauma and abuse, coping with grief and loss, & motivation, self esteem, and confidence. 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 seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process.

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Dr. Yuko Ouchi

Offering therapy in CA
Stress, AnxietyLGBTTrauma and abuseGriefDepression
20 years of experience

I am a licensed Psychologist in California with 20 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, lgbt-related issues, trauma and abuse, & motivation, self esteem, and confidence. 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 seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process.

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Curtis Jefferson

Offering therapy in CA
Relationship issuesFamily conflictsTrauma and abuseParenting issuesDepression
4 years of experience

Hello! I am a Marriage and Family Therapist licensed in California with 4 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with Christian faith-related issues, family conflicts, relationship issues, trauma and abuse, & parenting issues. I am currently a certified level 1 Internal Family Systems therapist. I believe in people being a system of protective and wounded inner parts lead by a core Self. I believe the mind is intricately created and is multiple which is a good thing. Just like members of a family, inner parts are forced from their valuable states into extreme roles within us. Self is in everyone, it cannot be damaged and it knows how to heal the wounded parts. My therapy style is warm and compassionate, interactive and yet still challenging for growth. I believe in treating anyone with care, respect, sensitivity and compassion. I do not believe in stigmatizing labels, judgmental speech or invalidating someone's experience. My approach combines cognitive-behavioral, humanistic, psychodynamic and Internal Family Systems. I will tailor our dialog and treatment plan to meet your unique and specific needs. It takes courage 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 here to support and empower you. I look forward to working with you!

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Erika Price

Offering therapy in CA
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesTrauma and abuseSelf esteemDepression
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, relationship issues, trauma and abuse, & 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. 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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LaSean Weatherspoon

Offering therapy in CA
Stress, AnxietyDepression
18 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 18 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety & depression. 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.

How to find counseling in Benicia

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

How does the cost of in-person counseling compare to the cost of BetterHelp with a licensed Benicia 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 Benicia 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 Benicia 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 Benicia, 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 Benicia 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 Benicia 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 Benicia 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 Benicia 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 Benicia 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 94510 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 Benicia 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 Benicia 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 Benicia, 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.

Benicia 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 Benicia.

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

94510

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