Dos Palos, California is named for Spanish words which mean “The Two Trees.” As the story goes, early explorer, Gabriel Moraga spotted two large, isolated poplar trees and the name stuck. Pioneer families from Iowa and Nebraska to work and live on the land. Many of them left after not being able to find good water. The others were tenacious and relocate just two miles away. If you’re like many people, isolation can creep up on you unexpectedly at times.

You don’t have to be alone or even feel like you’re alone. The Dos Palos area is home to confidential mental health counselors just waiting to be your match and help you make some changes that will leave you feeling less lonely.

This is Hsiao-Chieh Chiu's avatar and link to their profile

Hsiao-Chieh Chiu

Offering therapy in CA
License: MA, LMFT
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesSelf esteemDepression
9 years of experience

More than 9 years of providing clinical therapy to individuals, couples, families, and children. Licensed and experienced. Specializations: Relationships, couples counseling, motivation and confidence, self-esteem, depression/anxiety, grief, and identity counseling. My private practice is located in Brea, California. Clinical Experiences, Publications, Awards, and Credentials: Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) Published writer for Family Process- Clinical journal for practitioners Published writer for Journal of Feminist Family Therapy Presenter at the American Family Therapy Academy in 2009 & 2010 My own private practice in Brea, CA Crittenton Services for Children and Family (residential setting and foster family) Pepperdine Community Counseling Center (outpatient mental health) Village of Hope, Orange County Rescue Mission (residential setting) Appointed therapist for running a Substance Abuse/Misuse Group at Orange County Rescue Mission Appointed therapist for running a Domestic Violence Group at Orange County Rescue Mission City of Diamond Bar- Senior Grief Group Received the President's Volunteer Service Award from the Corporation for National & Community Service in 2012 Therapy centers on Recovery-Oriented approaches (Narrative Therapy & Post Modern) More about Myself: I strive to be warm, respectful, and compassionate in conversations. My practice embraces recovery-oriented approaches, in which people are not the problem, problems are the problems. This is a non-blaming, non-shaming view that opens the possibility to distance yourself from the problems you're experiencing, regain a sense of control and agency back from the problems, live in empowering ways, and finally, step closer to your hopes and dreams. I have had experience working with folks from all walks of life with a wide range of concerns, and have been humbled by people's unwavering resiliency in the face of adversity. I center my work around tapping into the uniqueness and competencies of individuals, by collaborating and walking alongside of their hopes and dreams, as well as developing steady grounds to stand on in the midst of turmoil. There is great respect given to each person's struggles and diverse backgrounds, and an aspiration to discover and sustain values and wisdom based on one's lived experiences. I am passionate about what I do. I genuinely believe a good therapist is not someone who claims to understand, but someone who always tries his/her best to understand. To better personal growth and ensure the highest quality of care, I continue to learn from the folks I meet with and from my professional field, by reading, conversing, writing, and reflecting. I also believe in giving-back endeavors. Thus I devote a fair amount of time volunteering and providing counseling services to underprivileged members in local communities. More details about Recovery-Oriented approaches: I have extensive training and clinical experience in practicing Narrative and Post Modern Therapy, which focus on the meaning in which one constructs one's life, the stories that influenced these constructions, and the socio-cultural-political forces that help shape our identities. Narrative Therapy holds the premise that our identities are informed by narratives, whether uniquely personal (e.g., the stories that we know and tell about ourselves and the stories that others know and tell about us) or culturally influenced (e.g., dominant cultural ideas about who we are and our worthiness). Depending on the kinds of identity conclusions we embrace, they can either empower or subjugate our sense of who we are. I believe that people are "multi-storied" and that the emergence of problems reflect people's distanced relationship with their own knowledge, skills, and commitments. Special attention is devoted to help folks in regaining their life from problems and developing "richer knowings" of themselves, in addition to deconstructing dominant discourses that may have undermined people's abilities, efforts, and values. This is a strength-based, meaning-based, and active approach that lay the foundation for living in empowering ways and weaving the threads of agentive possibilities.

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This is Natalie Schaffer's avatar and link to their profile

Natalie Schaffer

Offering therapy in CA
License: LCSW
Stress, AnxietyLGBTRelationship issuesTrauma and abuseDepression
6 years of experience

Welcome! It's not always easy to reach out for support when you need it but you've already taken a huge step for yourself.  My name is Natalie and I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in Los Angeles. I have worked in various service settings including public child welfare, mental health and community-based non-profit. I have worked with folks from a variety of backgrounds with a wide range of concerns including depression, anxiety, relationship issues, LGBTQ+ issues and those who have experienced trauma and abuse. These challenges along with everyday stressors can make life feel overwhelming. I am here to support you along the way and to remind you that all of your emotions are valid; they can be managed to help you achieve greater peace and perspective.  I would describe my approach as interactive, strength-based, and compassionate with zero judgement. I use cognitive behavioral therapy, dialectical behavioral therapy, narrative therapy and motivational interviewing; however, I am flexible in drawing from various styles that work best for you. I also like to incorporate some mindfulness and art therapy techniques if it meets your unique needs.  I want you to get the most out of our time together and can be available in whatever manner you are most comfortable. I find that video sessions are a great way to get to know each other but I am also available to you via phone and messaging. My schedule is somewhat flexible but I have most of my availability evenings and weekends and I check messages regularly.  If you think I'm a good fit as your counselor, I would be honored to work with you! 

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This is Dr. Priscilla Sobremonte's avatar and link to their profile

Dr. Priscilla Sobremonte

Offering therapy in CA
License: Msw,LCSW
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesFamily conflictsTrauma and abuseDepression
24 years of experience

I served in the United States Air Force for 11 years. Graduated with MSW became a LCSW began working with severely emotionally disturbed children. Continued to work with a county mental health department with an agreement with juvenile justice. In this capacity worked with children, adolescence, families, and adolescents who were placed in juvenile hall. Worked in the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation as a Psychiatric Clinical Social Worker for many years with both male and female inmates, inpatient, outpatient and special units for chronic severe mental illness. Worked at Kaiser Permanente as a therapist with children and families, and crisis intake. Work experience with Veterans Health Care as a medical social worker supervisor and program coordinator. Began private practice in 2006 utilizing a client centered approach to determine treatment plan with the client (Cognitive Behavioral, Trauma Focused, Solution Focused, Relationship and family issues). Treatment approach is based on client's needs and preferences in a collaborate manner. *****PLEASE NOTE I am note able to write letters to employers for time off and or disability verification.****** AUTHOR Therapeutic Journaling: Making Sense of My Life, put together for clients who have struggled to make sense of life experiences this is based on Narrative Journaling.

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Jeffrey Robertson

Offering therapy in CA
Stress, AnxietyBipolar disorderDepression
9 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 9 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, trauma, autism/ learning disabilities, bipolar disorder, & depression. My most valuable lessons as a therapist have come from people like you, who have a different experience and background to offer than my own. 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. I look forward to getting to know you.

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This is Jackie M O'Malley Gomez's avatar and link to their profile

Jackie M O'Malley Gomez

Offering therapy in CA
Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseDepressionADHD
25 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 25 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping both adolescents and adults with stress and anxiety, childhood trauma and abuse, & depression. I also have experience working with post traumatic stress disorder, (PTSD), as well as concentration, memory and focus (ADHD). 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!

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This is Carole Brookshire's avatar and link to their profile

Carole Brookshire

Offering therapy in CA
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsCoping with life changes
5 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 5 years of professional work experience with individuals and couples. I also hold certification in Substance Use disorder counseling. I have experience in helping clients with stress, anxiety, depression, and coping with addiction. 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 in signing up for therapy can take courage, and I am proud of you for getting started!

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This is John Vangerov's avatar and link to their profile

John Vangerov

Offering therapy in CA
AddictionsFamily conflictsGriefDepressionCoping 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 addictions, family relationships, coping with grief and loss, anxiety and 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 and empower you in that journey.

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This is Leticia Servin's avatar and link to their profile

Leticia Servin

Offering therapy in CA
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesTrauma and abuseSelf esteemDepression
6 years of experience

I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and I am currently licensed by the California Board of Behavioral Sciences to provide psychotherapy for families, couples, individuals. It takes a lot of courage for you to seek out help and starting the therapeutic process. This journey can be very daunting. Many people get so caught up in their lives with work, family etc where we forget about ourselves and our own well being. I would like to create a safe and welcoming environment for you to be able to gain insight, learn new skills, and have emotional support so that you are able to work on achieving your goals. I am committed to working with you on your voyage of self discovery, well being and becoming a better self. Specialties in working with individuals with anxiety, depression, coping skills, anger issues, behavioral issues, emotional disturbances, family conflict, grief, self harming, trauma, abandonment, attachment issues, guilt /shame.

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This is Dr. Sean Ferri's avatar and link to their profile

Dr. Sean Ferri

Offering therapy in CA
Stress, AnxietyLGBTRelationship issuesTrauma and abuseDepression
3 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 3 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, lgbtq+ related issues, relationship issues, & trauma and abuse. 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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This is Mary Dallman's avatar and link to their profile

Mary Dallman

Offering therapy in CA
AddictionsGriefEating disordersCareer difficultiesCoaching
10 years of experience

I am licensed in California, South Dakota and Washington with 30 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with coping with addictions, coping with grief and loss, eating disorders, & 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 seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process.

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How to find counseling in Dos Palos

Finding the best therapist close by in Dos Palos 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 Dos Palos. 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 Dos Palos, 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 Dos Palos 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 Dos Palos 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 Dos Palos, elsewhere in Merced, 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 Dos Palos area can be found below:

How does the cost of in-person counseling compare to the cost of BetterHelp with a licensed Dos Palos 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 Dos Palos 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 Dos Palos 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 Dos Palos, 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 Dos Palos 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 Dos Palos 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 Dos Palos 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 Dos Palos 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 Dos Palos 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 93620 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 Dos Palos 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 Dos Palos 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 Dos Palos, 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.

Dos Palos 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 Dos Palos.

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

93620

Popular cities near Dos Palos, CA

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