If you’re looking for a therapist in Costa Mesa, CA, you can seek out an independent or group practice where you can work with a dedicated clinician one-on-one, or you can use an online therapy platform like BetterHelp. With BetterHelp, you get the flexibility of attending sessions online from anywhere you have an internet connection, and you can switch providers at any time until you find the right fit. Plus, with more than 30,000 providers, you may be more likely to find one with availability that suits your schedule.
The therapeutic services offered at BetterHelp can address a number of mental health concerns, including eating disorders, suicidal ideation, or self-harm. You can also work with a therapist to overcome other challenges in your own life, like parenting concerns, behavior patterns, and personal growth.
Whether you’re interested in a specific type of treatment, like commitment therapy or art therapy, or you aren’t sure where to start, connect with a Costa Mesa-based therapist below to get started.
Alyssa Eisman
Welcome and thank you for visiting my BetterHelp profile! Seeking therapy takes a great deal of courage and I commend you for exploring therapy as a tool for self-exploration and growth. Many people find that building a supportive and collaborative relationship with their therapist contributes to the overall effectiveness and success of therapy. I strive to offer a safe and non-judgmental environment with a commitment to placing the highest priority on your care. We will work together to identify and address your concerns in order to foster meaningful change in your life. I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) in the state of California with over 12 years of clinical experience in both the mental health and addiction fields. I specialize in working with adolescents and adults struggling with issues and symptoms related to depression, anxiety, body image, self-esteem, social obstacles, substance abuse, and family conflict. I earned my undergraduate degree from University of California San Diego where I majored in Music Humanities and minored in Sociology. I continued my education at University of Southern California and earned my master's degree in Social Work. I have experience providing treatment in a variety of settings, including school-based individual and group therapy services for elementary, middle and high school students, domestic violence shelter services, outpatient substance abuse services, and in-home services for families of children with special needs. I utilize a cognitive-behavioral approach with a strengths-based and solution-focused perspective and am certified in motivational interviewing (MI) and problem solving therapy (PST). That being said, I recognize that not all therapeutic styles work for every individual. I strive to find a style and approach that best fits each person I work with. I am also a practicing musician and some people find utilizing music to be an effective therapeutic approach. Music provides avenues for communication that can be helpful to those who find it difficult expressing themselves in words and can provide a safe outlet for expression of feelings. I find it incredibly fulfilling to help support individuals who are looking to be the best version of themselves and would love to connect with you to start working together! Please read below regarding my current availability for live sessions and messaging and feel free to contact me to set up an appointment that works best with your schedule. I look forward to hearing from you! Live sessions (video, phone, chat): Live sessions are up to 45 minutes and can be held through video, phone, or live chat. I always try to keep my calendar up to date with availability for live sessions. To schedule an appointment, please go to my scheduling tab and you can book the time slot that fits best for you. There are certain weeks where I will have more or less availability, depending on client needs. Feel free to message me to see if additional time slots are available. I will always do my best to accommodate scheduling. ** Please note: live sessions are not required! I offer live sessions for clients that would like to utilize different modalities. However, clients are free to message me through the chatroom feature 24/7. The chatroom is completely confidential and secure. I generally check messages between 8:00am-5:00pm, Monday through Friday, and always do my best to respond to messages within 24 hours. However, I do take weekends and holidays off, so please expect slower responses during that time.
Donny Simpson
My name is Donny Simpson. I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. I graduated with a Master's Degree in Marriage and Family Therapy from Grand Canyon University in 2012 and Bachelor's Degree in Human Services from Cal State Fullerton. I was most recently a Child Welfare Social Worker and continue to manage Social Workers in Children and Family Services. I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and I have worked with clients with a broad range of issues, including anxiety, depression, stress management, relationship/marital and family problems, work-related stress and issues unique to the LGBT community. I also specialize in working with families involved in the Child Welfare system including reunification and/or adoption. It is my priority to maintain a judgment-free space, a space that is challenging but comforting, and a process that is enlightening as well as retrospective. My approach to therapy is laidback and conversational while providing goal-directed treatment using a combination of Cognitive and Solution Focused Therapy. I take a collaborative and supportive stance in my approach to therapy and I have been told that I am comfortable to be with and easy to talk to. All treatment is planned with the goal in mind and progress is made toward reaching that goal. I look forward to working with you!
Lisa Lee-Briggs
I am licensed in California with 12 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with relationship issues, family conflicts, intimacy related issues, & parenting issues. 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. I believe that everybody has their own answers but there are times in our lives when we need assistance in discovering those answers. I take a straightforward approach to that exploration and help people advance in life. I specialize in couple's and family communication where assigning blame is replaced with a clearer understanding of each person and more effective ways to convey meaning. All relationships can be repaired if all members are willing to work towards that goal. I use a wide range of techniques from Cognitive Behavior Therapy to Gestalt techniques as well as a mix of additional therapies specifically suited to the client and the situation. I will find the techniques that fit with you!
Lauren Greeley
I am licensed in California with over 20 years of professional social work experience in various capacities. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety & 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. Taking the first step to sign up for therapy can take courage and I am proud of you for getting started!
Mary Haynes
I am licensed in California with 10 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, coping with addictions, relationship issues, & trauma and abuse. 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!
Sasha Khalili
I am licensed in California with 4 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, trauma and abuse, substance abuse, existentialism, & depression. I work with my clients to create an open and safe environment where thoughts and feelings can be shared without fear of judgment, while also taking ownership of one's life. It takes courage to seek out a more fulfilling and happier life and to take the first steps towards a change or understanding yourself on a more intimate level. I am here to support, empower, and walk alongside you in your journey.
Rebecca Lueck
I am licensed in California with 20 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, & parenting issues. 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.
Gary White
I am licensed in California with 36 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with lgbtq+ related issues, relationship 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. Taking the first step to sign up for therapy can take courage and I am proud of you for getting started!
Xiaoying 'Sharon' Qi
I am licensed in California with 6 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, parenting issues, motivation, self esteem, and confidence, & career difficulties. I believe in treating everyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion. I will tailor our dialog and treatment plan to meet your unique and specific needs. Taking the first step to sign up for therapy can take courage and I am proud of you for getting started!
Katherine Cooper
I am licensed in California with 8 years of professional work experience in counseling. I have also been in the corporate world for over 20 years in technology marketing and understand the stress of work, life, job searches, layoff situations and balancing or wanting to build community and individual or family future fulfillment. I have experience in helping clients with stress, anxiety, relationship issues, health issues, family conflicts. I will meet you where you are and focus on your priorities, or help you define a place to start. The work can also focus on processing strong emotions, building motivation for change, improving interpersonal connections, building self esteem and confidence. I am here to support you where you are today and where you would like to be in the near future.
How to find a therapist for counseling in Costa Mesa
Finding the best therapist close by in Costa Mesa 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 with therapists in Costa Mesa that work best for you in order to begin your personal journey towards emotional healing with a therapist.
Understanding the type of therapy you'd like to search for is crucial before finding a therapist or psychologist in Costa Mesa. Perhaps you're interested in narrowing your search for a psychotherapist that can offer psychodynamic, cognitive-behavioral (CBT), talk therapy, provide group therapy, marriage and family therapy for individuals or couples, or couples therapy. Each type of support of this kind with BetterHelp therapists can offer various benefits and address or treat different disorders. If you're still unsure or are new to counseling in Costa Mesa, 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 for therapists. 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 able to treat individuals and couples counseling, and sometimes children, in any type of therapy in the Costa Mesa region and in the state of California. Find a therapist under any of these distinctions and know that the sessions they offer can provide a safe place to heal.
A mental health counselor working through their own in-person therapy practice in Costa Mesa or online may assist clients in improving healthy relationships, communication skills, working through life transitions, couples counseling, managing a mood disorder, improving coping skills, self help tips, offer life coaching, family therapy, or change in negative thinking patterns. A Costa Mesa therapist may also provide a safe place and validation for clients experiencing emotional pain, or that simply want a psychological assessment. Verified providers and therapists 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 Costa Mesa area offering:
- CBT
- DBT
- Substance use therapy
- Couples therapy
When you're ready to start your search keep in mind what support 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 Costa Mesa, elsewhere in Orange, or in the greater state of California. Get matched with one of the therapists working on the BetterHelp platform today.
Frequently asked questions (FAQs) about therapists and mental health services
Some other commonly asked questions on therapy with a licensed counselor and BetterHelp serving the Costa Mesa area can be found below:
How does the cost of in-person counseling with a therapist compare to the cost of BetterHelp with a licensed Costa Mesa therapist?
The average price of an in-person therapy session in the US with most therapists is $100 to $200 per hour. These prices may be higher in Costa Mesa due to a higher cost of living, and a limited number of therapists taking new clients. 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 Costa Mesa 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 a BetterHelp therapist throughout the state of California you can expect significantly more affordable options, with therapists sessions ranging from $65 to $100 per week (billed every four weeks).
How is a licensed therapist on this Costa Mesa online therapy platform verified?
Therapists in Costa Mesa, 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. Therapists 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, therapists here 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 Costa Mesa psychiatrists to prescribe a drug or medication as treatment, or perform psychological assessments and other psychiatric services.
How does working with a professional counselor in BetterHelp online therapy sessions work?
BetterHelp clinicians and therapists treat clients online across the United States (individuals and couples) through life transitions, inner child exploration, long term depression or anxiety, post traumatic stress disorder, and more. An online mental health professional, including the therapists in Costa Mesa 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 helping individuals on topics including managing life transitions, symptoms affecting sexual health, behavioral health, coping skills for anxiety, depression, trauma, stress, marriage counseling, and more. Get matched today.
What mental health issues can psychotherapy address with the help of psychologists?
BetterHelp's verified 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.
Our therapists specialties on BetterHelp include:
- Cognitive behavioral therapy - This is provided by professional counselors, helping clients identify and change negative thought patterns through structured sessions.
- Behavior therapy - Behavior therapy techniques are used to help clients modify harmful behaviors and develop healthier habits, often through the guidance of a professional counselor.
- EMDR therapy - EMDR therapists assist clients in processing traumatic memories to alleviate emotional distress and improve overall well-being, utilizing the expertise of a professional counselor.
- Talk therapy - Clients explore their feelings and develop strategies for dealing with various mental health issues, often guided by a professional counselor.
- Depression - This counseling is designed to help individuals manage symptoms of depression and improve their mood and functioning, often working closely with a professional counselor.
- Anxiety disorders - Sessions for anxiety disorders, offer strategies to manage and reduce anxiety symptoms effectively, often through counseling sessions with a professional counselor.
- Stress - Tools and techniques to help clients cope with stress and improve their mental resilience, frequently under the supervision of a professional counselor.
- Eating disorders - Professionals experienced in eating disorders offer specialized counseling to address unhealthy eating patterns and body image issues, with the support of a professional counselor.
- Grief - Support and guidance are offered to clients experiencing grief, helping them navigate the stages of loss, often in collaboration with a counselor.
- Attachment therapy - Therapists use this to help clients understand and improve their emotional bonds and relationships, often with the assistance of a counselor.
- Relationships - Therapists work with clients to improve communication, resolve conflicts, and strengthen their connections with others, often using the skills of a counselor.
- Children, adolescents, and teens - Therapists specializing in youth therapy address the unique mental health needs of children, adolescents, and teens, often involving a counselor in the process.
- Addiction (substance abuse) - Therapists offer counseling for addiction, helping clients overcome substance abuse and maintain long-term recovery, often under the guidance of a counselor.
- Divorce - Therapists support individuals through the emotional and practical challenges of ending a marriage, often working with a psychologist to provide comprehensive care.
- Trauma or PTSD - Therapists specializing in trauma and PTSD help clients process traumatic experiences and reduce their symptoms, frequently collaborating with a psychologist.
- Bipolar disorder - Therapists provide counseling to manage the mood swings and challenges associated with bipolar disorder, often in consultation with a psychologist.
- Psychodynamic treatment - Therapists use psychodynamic treatment to explore unconscious processes and how they affect current behavior, often guided by psychologists.
- Career counseling - Therapists assist clients in making informed decisions about their professional paths and resolving work-related issues, often with the help of psychologists.
- Alcohol use disorders - Therapists offer specialized counseling to help clients manage and overcome alcohol use disorders, frequently under the supervision of psychologists.
- OCD - Therapists provide strategies and support to manage obsessive-compulsive disorder symptoms, often via psychotherapy.
- ADHD - Therapists offer counseling to help clients with ADHD improve focus, organization, and overall functioning, often via psychotherapy.
- Mood disorders - Therapists work with clients to stabilize and improve mood through various therapeutic approaches, frequently in psychotherapy.
- Sex addiction
- Complex trauma
- Life transitions
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 Costa Mesa provider through BetterHelp's sister platform, ReGain, which is dedicated to couples and spouses worldwide with licensed therapists.
How do I know if online counseling is right for my family in Costa Mesa?
One of the potentially rewarding aspects of working with a Costa Mesa 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 and therapists are trained to respond to various concerns, symptoms, and mental health conditions.
Therapists 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 Costa Mesa 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 Costa Mesa 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 psychotherapist.
With a lot of people in CA, therapists may be booked out with clients. Through the list of profiles or therapists 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 92628 or the surrounding zip codes, consider others available through the BetterHelp site where you can schedule a session based on your and the therapist's schedule. No matter if you are seeking help from therapists in your area or beyond, online therapy can be a great option.
How should I prepare for my first therapy session with a Costa Mesa counselor?
Before seeing your Costa Mesa therapist, prep for your session by reading to understand the 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, you can let our therapists know if you have any concerns or feel unsure about what to talk about. Costa Mesa therapists here may help guide you with open-ended therapeutic questions while offering mental health services. 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 for therapy 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 it might entail. Although psychologists often support people with mental health conditions, you do not need a diagnosis or specific condition. You can discuss grief, relationship concerns, stress, or life changes and ask for general feedback. A Costa Mesa 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 with a Costa Mesa counselor 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 that a counselor can help with.
Is mental health care and therapy with a therapist worth it?
Therapy with a licensed counselor 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 therapist 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 Costa Mesa, 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.
Costa Mesa has many clinicians who practice person or client-centered individual therapy in-person and through online sessions 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 during telehealth appointments?
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 for Costa Mesa, California
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 Costa Mesa 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 to customer service 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:
- National Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-799-SAFE (7233)
- National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-TALK (8255)
- Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741741
- Veterans Crisis Line: Call 1-800-273-8255 (and press 1) or text 838255. For support for the deaf and hard of hearing community, please use your preferred relay service or dial 711 then 1-800-273-8255.
- Trevor Lifeline (LGBTQ Lifeline): (866)488-7386
- SAMHSA National Helpline (Substance Use): (800)662-4357
- National Eating Disorder Association Helpline:1-800-931-2237 (M-Th: 9 AM-9 PM EST, Fri 9 AM - 5 PM EST)
- Child Help Hotline: Call 1-800-422-4453 or use the online chat feature
- National Anti-Hazing Hotline for young adults, adolescents, and adults: 1-888-NOT-HAZE (1-888-668-4293)
- Physician Crisis Support Line: Contact 1-888-409-0141 if you are a first responder or medical provider experiencing crises related to Covid-19
- Sexual Assault Hotline: Call RAINN at 1-800-656-4673
Below are some of the zip codes served by BetterHelp therapists in Costa Mesa:
92626, 92627, 92628