In life, your mental state is important. Having a good mental state and confidence about yourself can help you navigate your life. If you don't have control over your mental health, you may feel like you're unable to find yourself. What can you do in that case? A counselor based in Carlsbad can help you sail out and find that beach. 

Carlsbad is a beautiful seaside resort, but not everyone here is relaxing. We all have our internal and external struggles, and sometimes we need someone who can help us make sense of them all. A counselor based in Carlsbad can help you do just that. Just speak to one today and see what they can do for you.

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Christopher Navas

Offering therapy in CA
License: MA,LMFT
Stress, AnxietyFamily conflictsParenting issuesSelf esteemDepression
6 years of experience

I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in California. My primary goal is that my clients feel safe and comfortable with me. I have 10 years of experience working with children, teens and adults. I have had the opportunity to work with parents, children, and individuals, but I focus on parenting strategies, as it is pertinent to raising a family well. Parents often have a hard time talking to their kids, either because they aren't open to it, or the long work hours prohibit them from spending time together. Single parents are often dealt the toughest hand. Managing home and work life is not easy, it can be overwhelming and cause us to burn out. Having someone to vent to may help! Seeking counseling is the first step, and I strive to provide sound direction I will not pretend to have all of the answers, but I can promise to work with you to find the helpful life solutions. Please try to understand this process, as things become new. I hope you are ready to work, because I may ask you questions, or challenge you to do things that you may not be used to doing. My approach includes cognitive-behavioral training, humanistic and solution-focused therapy. I have a license, but you are the expert in your own life. The more you do on your end, the more I will be able to help. We can always adapt and adjust to continue the course

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Charlene Selsvold

Offering therapy in CA
License: LCSW
Stress, AnxietyGriefSelf esteemDepressionCoping with life changes
35 years of experience

Hello, Asking for help takes courage and intention. I am a well seasoned licensed clinical social worker in California with extensive experience in working with a wide range of concerns including anxiety, grief, depression, life transitions, trauma and relationship challenges. Each of us is on a life journey that presents unique challenges. Sometimes feelings emerge that we do not understand or know how to cope with. I offer a supportive environment with unconditional positive regard for your healing journey. We all have a story to tell and sometimes it is simply learning how to be more mindful and responding differently that creates a positive change. Over the past 30+ years, I have developed an integrative approach to the therapeutic journey that encompasses traditional psychotherapies such as cognitive behavioral, solution-focused, mindfulness and psychodynamic modalities. This is complemented by alternative therapies such as breathing techniques from yoga and meditation. I have been a registered yoga teacher, 200 hrs, since 2008. The approaches used are defined by you as we dialogue, using what will work best for you. I will work collaboratively with you, addressing Issues that are defined by you with the goal of decreasing symptoms, increasing healthy coping skills, improving interpersonal communication, and developing a more mindful awareness and alignment of mind/body/spirit. If you are ready to take the step to ask for help in your life journey, I would be humbled to hear from you and begin the therapeutic process of reaching your goals.

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David Gottlieb

Offering therapy in CA
License: MS,MFT,PPS
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesParenting issuesSelf esteemADHD
30 years of experience

Change can be difficult, and you are taking an important step by reaching out for support. I am going to work with you to develop a path toward positive change. Our time together will honor who you are while targeting the challenging areas of your life. I will treat you with respect, warmth and compassion as we take on your negative thoughts, emotions, and behaviors without stigmatizing labels to make you feel better. I am a licensed marriage and family therapist in Northern California with 30 years of experience. I have worked with clients with a wide range of problem areas including anxiety, depression, relationship issues, parenting problems, career transitions, acting out behaviors, ADHD as well as learning and developmental disabilities. My therapeutic approach intentionally combines client-centered, relationship and communication-based, solution-skill based, cognitive-behavioral, and family systems counseling. As I get to know you, we will map out together a specific plan of treatment that fits who you are, what you want to accomplish, and how best to get there. I look forward to connecting with you.

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Kristen Burton

Offering therapy in CA
Compassion fatigue
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, relationship issues, motivation, self esteem, and confidence, & 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. **On this platform, I focus on providing short term therapy, for adjustment and phase of life concerns. Currently, I’m only accepting clients for chat/messaging sessions. ***

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Jose Campos

Offering therapy in CA
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesTrauma and abuseGriefDepression
10 years of experience

I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with 10 years of experience of providing therapy for various mental health conditions and from that I believe in the dignity of people and professional treatment is most effective when dignity of the person is at the forefront of therapy. I specialize in treating depression, anxiety, and traumatic stress, in addition to issues embedded in those challenges such as relationship problems, difficulties with a sense of purpose, coping with past abuse, ADHD, and unresolved grief. As your therapist, I will collaborate with you on goals and objectives to achieve while having a therapeutic environment that is inclusive, empathetic, and informative about different mental health conditions or socio-emotional difficulties to empower decision-making about what goals to create and pursue in therapy. Therapy is intended to be individualized to see the whole person and not just the issues that are brought forward. With that said, I want to know what is working for you, and please ask me questions at any point during our time together. Apart of my professional goal is for you to be confident in sharing with me what I can do in assisting you. I look forward to meet you.

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Monica Garnett

Offering therapy in CA
License: LCPC,LAADC,CADTP
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesAnger managementSelf esteemCompassion fatigue
3 years of experience

Hi I’m Monica, Are you feeling stuck, unsettled and ready to regain some normalcy in your life? Are you hoping to become the best version of yourself? Allow me to assist you in becoming more self-aware and regaining more control of your life. I am a licensed counselor for the state of Illinois and a certified substance abuse counselor for California. My experiences have allowed me to work with diverse clientele ranging from children and adolescents to adults with varying needs. My therapeutic style is collaborative and engaging and I assist you in learning to live an enriched and full life. I have fifteen years’ experience working with individuals who needed help with emotional regulation, developing coping strategies, struggling with alcohol, drug or behavioral addictions as well as with individuals or couples needing to enhance their communication skills. I also have several years of experience working with veterans. I offer phone and video sessions for clients who are distancing or quarantined. I have immediate openings for new clients. Allow me to assist you in taking the next step towards living a more fulfilled life!

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Michelle Granillo

Offering therapy in CA
Stress, AnxietySelf esteemDepressionCoping with life changes
12 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 12 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, motivation, self esteem, and confidence, & 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. 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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Maria Luisa Rodriguez

Offering therapy in CA
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesParenting issuesDepressionCoping with life changes
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, challenges related to parenting, & 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 sign up for therapy can take courage and I am proud of you for getting started!

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Sandra West

Offering therapy in CA
Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseGriefSelf esteemCoping 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, trauma and abuse, coping with grief and loss, & 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!

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Laura Perez

Offering therapy in CA
Stress, AnxietyLGBTGriefSelf esteemDepression
12 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 12 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, lgbtq+ related issues, coping with grief and loss, & 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.

How to find counseling in Carlsbad

Finding the best therapist close by in Carlsbad 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 Carlsbad. 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 Carlsbad, 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 Carlsbad 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 Carlsbad 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 Carlsbad, elsewhere in San Diego, 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 Carlsbad area can be found below:

How does the cost of in-person counseling compare to the cost of BetterHelp with a licensed Carlsbad 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 Carlsbad 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 Carlsbad 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 Carlsbad, 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 Carlsbad 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 Carlsbad 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 Carlsbad 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 Carlsbad 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 Carlsbad 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 92013 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 Carlsbad 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 Carlsbad 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 Carlsbad, 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.

Carlsbad 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 Carlsbad.

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

92008, 92009, 92010, 92011, 92013, 92018

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