Your mental state can make you feel like you’re in the dark with no place to go. Depression can make the world around you darker. Anxiety can make you struggle to get the light. Your problems prevent you from getting the light in the first place. What can one do? 

One thing you can do is to speak to a counselor based in Costa Mesa. They can help you by giving you that little light of guidance. Whenever you’re having problems, just speak to a counselor and see how they can help you. Talk to one today and figure out how you can handle all of life’s problems with the flick of a switch. Costa Mesa is known for its light manufacturing, and your counselor can manufacture your own little mental light.

This is Galina Zlotnikova's avatar and link to their profile

Galina Zlotnikova

Offering therapy in CA
License: MA,LMFT
Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseGriefCoping with life changes
6 years of experience

I am a marriage and family therapist licensed in California. I have an MA in counseling psychology from Institute of Transpersonal Psychology (now Sofia University) in Palo Alto, CA. I practice a holistic and somatic form of psychotherapy. That means that in my work I integrate traditional focus on thoughts and feelings as well as the body and the nervous system. I have extensive training in Sensorimotor psychotherapy aimed at helping people overcome effects of developmental trauma and PTSD and develop inner resources for emotional well-being and self-regulation. I have pursued this training, because research and clinical experience show that trauma, especially early childhood trauma is often a root cause of many challenges that we all face at one time or another in our lives, including relational, family and social conflicts, depression, anxiety, addiction, mental and physical illness and many others. I specialize in working with people living with chronic and invisible illness and their caregivers. Both through my work at a hospital and county clinic settings and personal experience I am familiar with the plight of people who are disabled because of chronic illness, or are caregivers to someone living with chronic illness. Many people live with debilitating and/or gradually worsening physical symptoms caused by a variety of medical conditions that often make them unable to work full time, engage in social activities, or sometimes leave their homes or even their beds. Physical illness is often accompanied by emotional distress from living with difficult symptoms, chronic pain, fatigue, uncertainty about the future and erosion of social connections and intimate relationships. People living with these circumstances for a long time may experience gradual disappearing from society and often feel “invisible”. If that has been your experience, I am here to provide support and advocacy for your journey towards regaining your health. Additionally, as a first generation immigrant from the former Soviet Union I understand the challenges of acculturation, loss of home, and the legacy of transgenerational trauma that many first generation immigrants have to face adjusting to life in the USA, and the long lasting effects of this significant life transition. I love helping people develop resilience and discover ways to live fulfilling lives no matter their history or current circumstances. Foundation of my work is in the warmth of human connection and respect I have for my clients, their lives, experience and wisdom. I offer support and practical tools to deal with stress, overwhelm, anxiety, grief, loss, depression, anger, and difficulties with relationships. My goal is for us together to discover what what works for you and to support you in using this knowledge and any new skills you learn in the course of our work together in your life going forward.

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Dr. Tran Nguyen

Offering therapy in CA
License: PsyD
Stress, AnxietyBipolar disorderDepression
10 years of experience

Welcome! I am a bilingual/bicultural Vietnamese licensed clinical psychologist practicing in California. I specialize in working with adults with struggles surrounding depression, anxiety, substance use, and family conflicts. My approach is collaborative, strengths based, and goal oriented. I work from a Community Psychology perspective which incorporates theories of social justice and explore how society impacts marginalized communities. Outside of BH I work full time as a bilingual psychologist in a county behavioral health setting where I specialize in working with individuals with severe mental illness.

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Brandy Walker

Offering therapy in CA
License: LCSW,LMSW,MSW
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesFamily conflictsTrauma and abuseDepression
9 years of experience

I am an LCSW in the state of California and Georgia. I have been in the field for over 15 years. I work with individuals, couples and families. I have worked with a wide range of clients such as: LGBTQ, depression, stress, anxiety, ADHD, PTSD, trauma, physical trauma, emotional abuse, relationship problems, family conflicts, intimacy related issues, parenting problems, anger management and the like. Life is an individual journey with many different experiences. Sometimes those experiences can lead to turmoil, tragedy, trauma and pain. The pain can feel debilitating as if moving on is merely impossible. However, I am a firm believer that there are solutions to all of life’s problems, and I believe therapy is a gateway to change. Those changes can transform an individual’s life. Thus, the road to therapy begins with one single step. If you are willing to take the first step, the journey of healing and transformation can begin. By understanding your mindset, increasing self-awareness, and practicing mindfulness, you can have significant benefits on your overall well-being. My job is to provide you with tools that you need to rebuild your life and sense of self. If you are willing to do the work, the benefits and possibilities are endless. Investing in therapy can be a rewarding experience, and it can be the key to a more fulfilling life. I am here for you every step of the way as you blossom from a caterpillar into a beautiful butterfly. In my spare time, I enjoy reading, writing, listening to music, meditating and praying. I am eager to help you begin your journey of self-discovery.

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Harvey Hyman

Offering therapy in CA
Trauma and abuseSleeping disordersSelf esteemDepressionCoping with life changes
4 years of experience

Harvey is an LPCC with 5 years of professional clinical counseling experience. Harvey helps adults burdened by the wounds of childhood trauma feel better and function better at work and in their key relationships as spouses, partners, and parents. Harvey assists his clients to see through old, negative images of and beliefs about themselves, to they can be their authentic selves and live with the passion, meaning, creativity, and playfulness they have long desired.

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Yang Jiang

Offering therapy in CA
Stress, AnxietyFamily conflictsTrauma and abuseSelf esteemDepression
10 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 10 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, family conflicts, trauma and abuse, & 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. 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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Erika Rana

Offering therapy in CA
Relationship issuesFamily conflictsCareer difficultiesDepressionCoping with life changes
8 years of experience

I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with 7+ years of experience working with clients from diverse populations and backgrounds. I am licensed in California, where I received most of my professional education. My experience includes working with individuals, both adults and children, couples and families. I believe everyone can get better, despite the situation. There will always be someone willing to help for the ones who want it. I have worked with diverse populations including people involved with the foster care system, criminal justice system as well as treatment for substance abuse. I also have experience working with clients in situations of domestic violence and other forms of abuse. Similarly, I have worked with other populations including LGBT, African American community, Caribbean and other people or color. I have some experience working with people in the kink community as well. In my private practice, I have been successful managing spiritual emergencies after traumatic psychedelic experiences, as well as other spiritual-related experiences. I am a certified yoga teacher, which I also incorporate into my practice. I like to use different therapeutic techniques- which I tailor for each client and their individual needs. My theoretical approach is client-centered, as well as humanistic and existential. I also include CBT, mindfulness, spirituality, yoga and other principles into my practice. I truly enjoy being a part of people’s healing journey. I am passionate about my work and believe it is a privilege to serve people in this way. My goal is to know you, support you and give you all the possible tools you can use to get where you want to be. Being born and raised in Mexico City, I particularly enjoy serving Latino and other Spanish speaking communities. I believe it is important to experience therapy in the language you consider your primary/maternal language- and I am happy to provide that service. When I am not being a therapist, I am a toddler mom, a cat mom and a wife. I live in New York and I have a bicultural/ biracial family (Indian/ Mexican). I love art in all forms, particularly tattoos. I am a big fan of self-expression through body art, fashion and jewelry. Finding the right therapist is important. I encourage you to reach out if my profile resonates with you. I’ll be happy to help!

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Monica Turner

Offering therapy in CA
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesFamily conflictsGriefSelf esteem
16 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 16 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, & coping with grief and loss. 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.

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Daniel Schimmel

Offering therapy in CA
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsRelationship issuesBipolar disorderCoping with life changes
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, coping with addictions, relationship issues, & bipolar disorder. 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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Candace Walls

Offering therapy in CA
Relationship issuesFamily conflictsParenting issuesSelf esteemCoping with life changes
7 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 7 years of professional work experience in assisting children and families. My expertise includes helping youth clients and their caregivers manage stress and anxiety, resolve family conflicts, address trauma and abuse, and navigate parenting issues. I am committed to treating everyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion. I will customize our dialogue and treatment plan to address your unique and specific needs. It takes courage to seek a more fulfilling and happier life and to take the first steps towards change. I am here to support and empower you on that journey.

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This is Dean Rishel's avatar and link to their profile

Dean Rishel

Offering therapy in CA
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsRelationship issuesDepressionCoping with life changes
15 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 15 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, coping with addictions, relationship issues, & depression. I work with my clients to create an open and safe environment where thoughts and feelings can be shared without fear of judgment. 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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How to find 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 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 Costa Mesa. 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 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. 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 Costa Mesa 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 Costa Mesa 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 Costa Mesa, elsewhere in Orange, 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 Costa Mesa area can be found below:

How does the cost of in-person counseling compare to the cost of BetterHelp with a licensed Costa Mesa 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 Costa Mesa 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 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 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 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. 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 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 lead by a therapist in Costa Mesa 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 Costa Mesa 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 Costa Mesa 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 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 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 92626 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 Costa Mesa 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 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 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 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 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 Costa Mesa.

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

92626, 92627, 92628

Popular cities near Costa Mesa, CA

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