Big Bear Lake, California wraps you in a giant bear hug of amazing activities. From hiking and biking to off-road adventures or a guided Eagle Tour, you’ll want to get a relaxing massage at the end of the day. Animal lovers should check out the local zoo and enjoy a hearty picnic. Even though a giant bear hug sounds comforting, dealing with mental health issues requires finding someone who will listen to you and offer guidance.

The good news about mental health issues is that there’s help for feeling better. No one knows that better than the professional confidential counselors in the Big Bear Lake area. Reach out now and find the perfect match for your counseling needs.

Family conflicts, Parenting issues, Coping with life changes, Compassion fatigue
4 years of experience

I am a licensed clinical social worker licensed in California with experience working with immigrant, Communities of Color, and LGBTQIA2S+ folks across the lifespan. I have predominantly worked with youth and families and operate from a person-in-environment, relational and liberatory approaches that recognize the impact systems of oppression, historical, and personal trauma have on marginalized communities. My communication style is collaborative and empathetic. My role is to create a safe space for exploration and affirmation of your life and experiences therei...

Stress, Anxiety, Relationship issues, Family conflicts, Trauma and abuse, Depression
18 years of experience

I am a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in California (LMFT) and I have been licensed for almost 12 years but have worked in the field much longer. I have experience conducting individual, family and group therapy, both residential and in-patient settings with clients presenting with depression, anxiety, relationship issues, teen specific concerns, and a wide range of challenges including trauma, abuse, mood disorders, adjustment issues, personal growth and crisis. One of the most important building blocks for growth in therapy is the relationship betwee...

Stress, Anxiety, Grief, Parenting issues, Self esteem, Depression
15 years of experience

I have been a practicing Marriage and Family therapist for the past 15 years. I have worked in a private practice as well as a clinic setting helping adults, both young and older, address issues and challenges in their lives. I believe in providing clients with empathy and unconditional positive regard while focusing on positive emotions, engagement in enjoyable activities, relationships with family and friends and finding a life purpose. The relationship between client and therapist is very important to successful therapy, so getting to know each other is a vit...

Stress, Anxiety, Trauma and abuse, Bipolar disorder, Depression
30 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 30 years of professional work experience as a Marriage and Family Therapist. I am experienced in helping clients with depression and anxiety, as well as stress issues. Over the last few years I’ve been treating survivors of trauma and abuse. Having working in the California State Hospital system as a psychiatric technician, I have been part of a hospital treatment team in working with those with bipolar disorder (those stable on their medication). I enjoy working with couples to repair communication and trust, whether to reconci...

Addictions, Trauma and abuse, Grief, Depression, Coping with life changes
10 years of experience

I am licensed as a LCSW in Virginia, California, Colorado, and Florida with over 10 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with coping with addictions, trauma and abuse, coping with grief and loss, & depression. I believe in treating everyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion. I believe therapy is a process, and take a conversational approach with clients. My approaches tend to focus on our thought patterns, identifying distorted thinking, and learning how that affects us in our daily lives. Taking the first step to ...

Stress, Anxiety, LGBT, Relationship issues, Trauma and abuse, Depression
26 years of experience

I am a clinical social worker licensed in NY with over twenty five years of experience working as a psychotherapist and clinical supervisor. I have worked with people with a wide range of situations and circumstances including but not limited to depression, anxiety, relationship dynamics, parenting, OCD, ADHD, and LGBTQ+ related challenges . I have also helped many individuals who have experienced trauma . My therapy style is warm, interactive and engaging. I believe feeling validated is key in a persons life as well as being treated with respect, sensitivity, ...

Stress, Anxiety, Addictions, Relationship issues, Self esteem, Coping with life changes
8 years of experience

How often are you able to sit with someone who is willing to explore anything going on in your life without judgment? The therapy relationship is unlike any other relationship. I believe that when we feel safe enough to explore what may normally be difficult to talk about, and our vulnerability is met with understanding, real change and healing can happen. My goal is to get to know what has meaning for you and to facilitate personal growth through increased understanding. I enter each session with a genuine curiosity about what it is like to be the individual ...

Stress, Anxiety, Grief, Self esteem, Career difficulties, Depression
11 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 11 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, & career difficulties. 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!

Stress, Anxiety, Family conflicts, Parenting issues, Anger management, Bipolar disorder
20 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 20 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, family conflicts, parenting issues, & anger management. 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.

Stress, Anxiety, Relationship issues, Family conflicts, Trauma and abuse, Parenting issues
5 years of experience

Hi! My name is Suzanne Grace and I am a licensed marriage and family therapist, a married mom of four children, two dogs, a cat, and a few chickens. I have lived in California most of my life and I work part-time with service members, and the remainder of my day I am working in private practice or via betterhelp. I love what I do and I see working with clients as an opportunity for mutual growth - we learn from one another in every aspect of our lives, which is a true blessing. I have experience with a vast range of issues and therapeutic modalities, but have ...

How to find counseling in Big Bear Lake

Finding the best therapist close by in Big Bear Lake 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 Big Bear Lake. 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 Big Bear Lake, 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 Big Bear Lake 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 Big Bear Lake 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 Big Bear Lake, 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 Big Bear Lake area can be found below:

How does the cost of in-person counseling compare to the cost of BetterHelp with a licensed Big Bear Lake 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 Big Bear Lake 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 Big Bear Lake 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 Big Bear Lake, 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 Big Bear Lake 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 Big Bear Lake 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 Big Bear Lake 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 Big Bear Lake 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 Big Bear Lake 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 92315 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 Big Bear Lake 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 Big Bear Lake 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 Big Bear Lake, 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.

Big Bear Lake 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 Big Bear Lake.

Below are some of the zip codes served by BetterHelp therapists in Big Bear Lake:

92315