When it comes to finding a therapist, Chula Vista, CA might seem like an option. Mental health services are typically available in a city, especially one located so near San Diego. However, it’s not always easy to find a therapist, even in a populated area. Mental health concerns can be very different, and manifest differently depending on the individual. There are a number of evidence-based therapeutic approaches, and what is effective for one mental illness may not work as well with another. The type of therapy you need may not be available in your area. Not to mention the importance of working with a therapist with whom you build a good rapport and who makes you feel comfortable. 

Online therapy with a platform like BetterHelp can make truly person-centered therapy possible. BetterHelp offers over 30,000 practitioners in the mental health field, including licensed professional clinical counselors, social workers, psychologists, and family therapists. These professionals specialize in the treatment of a variety of occurring mental illnesses from obsessive compulsive disorder to borderline personality disorder, and any number of co-occurring disorders in between. 

BetterHelp is also a convenient option for many who have difficulty making it to in-person appointments. With video chat, phone, and text messaging options, you can talk with your therapist anywhere, even from residential treatment settings. Busy professionals, students, and members of families experiencing mental health challenges can schedule sessions anywhere and anytime that works for them. 

It can sometimes feel overwhelming to take that first step on your mental health journey. BetterHelp offers a simple, easy, and timely way to get started talking to a licensed mental health professional. If you have been thinking about seeking therapy for any reason, contact BetterHelp to get matched with the right therapist to meet your needs. 

This is Denae Leigon's avatar and link to their profile

Denae Leigon

Offering therapy in CA
License: LMFT
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesParenting issuesDepressionCoping with life changes
32 years of experience

I am a family and marriage counselor licensed in California with over 30 years experience. I worked for 19 years as a therapist and supervisor at a county Children's Mental Health Department. While there I had the opportunity to lead parenting classes, lead support groups, and work with clients to improve communication and stability. The couples and families presented with a range of concerns including depression, anxiety, relationship issues, parenting problems, adoption issues, attachment issues, abuse and trauma, and ADHD. In addition, I was the therapist for Juvenile Hall. My counseling style is compassionate and open. I use a Cognitive Behavioral Therapy approach that is client driven. I know it takes courage to be vulnerable and I strive to provide a safe and trusting connection in order to benefit my client. The road to growth can be challenging and exciting, but it can lead to the life you have envisioned. I am here to support you on that path.

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Robin Austin

Offering therapy in CA
License: LMFT
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsFamily conflictsParenting issuesDepression
3 years of experience

As your therapist, my goal – and my passion – is understanding what is most important to you, and what you need to be your best and happiest self. My approach involves building on your strengths as an individual, and using your personal values as a guide to create a fulfilling and authentic life. I specialize in working with issues related to trauma, depression, and anxiety, including suicidal ideation, self-harm, and substance use or abuse. My focus is on identifying how problematic coping patterns have both harmed and benefited you, in order to find and build more healthy and fulfilling ways to recover and meet your needs. I am experienced in working with teens, parents, and families - including those that are going through transitions such as divorce or becoming step-families/blended families. My work can be with individual teens, parents, or the whole family together. I have a flexible and creative approach that can accommodate any goal and level of motivation for change.

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David Shaw

Offering therapy in CA
License: LMFT
Family conflictsTrauma and abuseGriefParenting issuesAnger management
45 years of experience

Hello, I’m David Shaw. Thank you for being curious about me..  I would like to say a little about myself in order to help you imagine if we might be a good fit to work well together. First the basics. I am a licensed marriage and family therapist in California.  I was first licensed in 1978. I have had many years of experience helping people address a variety of concerns. It is my experience that therapy works best when the client feels the therapist is really interested in them and how they see the world. I believe we all have a deep need to have someone really understand our experience. I feel I do this well. During our lives we evolve. Our needs change. We seek love, respect and security.  We want to be valued for who we are.  At times we find that things are not working out as we had hoped. In sessions I encourage clients to talk as openly as they are able.  If what I have said is of interest please reach out to me so can explore ways I can be of help to you.

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JULIE FUENTES

Offering therapy in CA
License: LMFT
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesFamily conflictsTrauma and abuseDepression
10 years of experience

Hola, I am a bilingual Spanish speaking Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. I have worked in the mental health field for over 10 years in various settings and with age groups. I have provided mental health services with inpatient, outpatient, community mental health, foster care youth, correctional and residential youth populations. I have experience working with individuals and couples with depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, childhood trauma, and relationship. I also have extensive clinical experience working with culturally diverse individuals from various ethnic backgrounds including the LGBTQ community. I believe in creating a safe, caring, and nonjudgmental therapeutic environment.  Although friends and family can be of support, there are times when professional help is needed and is more effective. Together we can begin your healing journey and empower you in reaching your personal potential.

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Natalie Madriz

Offering therapy in CA
Stress, AnxietyAnger managementSelf esteemDepression
9 years of experience

I am licensed in California and have 8 years of professional work experience. My background includes helping clients with managing stress, anxiety and depression and I am also certified as an anger management counselor. I believe in treating everyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion. I enjoy working with clients to help them increase their motivation and confidence so they can have a more fulfilling and happier life. I will tailor our dialogue and treatment plan to meet your unique and specific needs. I am here to support and empower you in your treatment journey.

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Armando Rodriguez

Offering therapy in CA
AddictionsFamily conflictsTrauma and abuseDepressionCompassion fatigue
4 years of experience

Hi! I am Armando Rodriguez. I am a Latino Licensed Clinical Social Worker in California with 3 years of professional work experience. I am bilingual and speak both English and Spanish fluently. I have experience helping clients cope with addictions, family conflicts, trauma, and abuse, & depression. I believe in treating everyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion. I take a psychodynamic and client-centered approach because I believe that clients are the experts of their experience and that early childhood experiences manifest today as maladaptive behaviors. I will tailor our dialog and treatment plan to meet your unique and specific needs. The first step to seeking a more fulfilling and happier life is courage. I am here to support you in that process.

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This is Marcia Pontoni's avatar and link to their profile

Marcia Pontoni

Offering therapy in CA
LGBTRelationship issuesGriefDepressionCoping 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 relationship issues, coping with grief and loss, career difficulties, & depression. 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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This is Jonathan Eymann's avatar and link to their profile

Jonathan Eymann

Offering therapy in CA
Stress, AnxietyDepression
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 & 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. 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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This is Lydia Meroll's avatar and link to their profile

Lydia Meroll

Offering therapy in CA
Stress, AnxietyLGBTTrauma and abuseGriefCoping with life changes
6 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 6 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, lgbtq+ related issues, trauma and abuse, & coping with grief and loss. 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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This is Rebecca Ailisheva's avatar and link to their profile

Rebecca Ailisheva

Offering therapy in CA
Stress, AnxietyLGBTRelationship issuesTrauma and abuseGrief
12 years of experience

Hi, I go by the name Toran. I am licensed in California and have over 15 years of experience in the field of mental health, having served clients in a wide range of clinical settings. I have a background in radical mental health, community mental health, and community organizing. I work with many queer, trans, and gender expansive individuals, as well as those who are involved in activism and social change, and who struggle to balance integrity and values alignment with surviving and thriving in this messy world. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, lgbtq+ related issues, relationship issues, & trauma and abuse. I believe in treating everyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion. I will tailor our sessions and treatment plan to meet your unique and specific needs.

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How to find counseling in Chula Vista

Finding the best therapist close by in Chula Vista 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 Chula Vista. 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 Chula Vista, 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 Chula Vista 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 Chula Vista 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 Chula Vista, 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 Chula Vista area can be found below:

How does the cost of in-person counseling compare to the cost of BetterHelp with a licensed Chula Vista 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 Chula Vista 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 Chula Vista 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 Chula Vista, 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 Chula Vista 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 Chula Vista 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 Chula Vista 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 Chula Vista 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 Chula Vista 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 91913 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 Chula Vista 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 Chula Vista 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 Chula Vista, 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.

Chula Vista 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 Pinterest, LinkedIn, Instagram, Twitter, 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 Chula Vista.

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

91902, 91908, 91909, 91910, 91911, 91912, 91913, 91914, 91915, 91921

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