The City of El Cerrito was incorporated in 1917 with only 1,500 people and has since grown to over 25 thousand. The town is proud of its natural areas, which include seven parks with over 100 acres of space to play and hang out. There are also a large amount of counselors in El Cerrito who can help with any mental health issues you may have. 

Anxiety disorder is the number one mental health disorder in the United States and depression is the number one cause of disability so there is a great need in any city for mental health counselors. Talk to one of the El Cerrito counselors today if you believe you may have one of these or any other issues. 

This is Dr. Lukas Jaeggi's avatar and link to their profile

Dr. Lukas Jaeggi

Offering therapy in CA
License: PhD,MA,ATR-BC
Relationship issuesTrauma and abuseSelf esteemDepression
20 years of experience

I am licensed psychologist and board-certified art therapist with over 20 years of experience helping individuals achieve their greatest potential. I have worked with clients with a wide range of concerns including depression, anxiety, relationship issues, parenting problems, life transitions. I also helped many people who have experienced traumatic stress or abuse. My counseling style is empathic, nonjudgmental and encouraging. My approach integrates depth psychology, neuroscience and trauma theory. I will tailor our conversation and treatment plan to meet your unique and specific needs. In my free time I enjoy reading, gardening, music, art and hiking, as well as do-it-yourself home improvements. You have taken the first steps towards growth and healing. That takes courage. I am here to support and empower you whenever you are ready. Looking forward to working with you!

Get started View profile
This is Liesal Miller's avatar and link to their profile

Liesal Miller

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

Hello! My name is Liesal Miller and I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in the states of California and Texas. With over 13 years of experience, I have worked with children, adults, and families from a variety of settings including home healthcare, community mental health, addiction treatment, and private practice. My areas of specialization and interest include managing anxiety and depression, parent training, parent-child relationship challenges, women’s issues, young adult life, and challenges of special needs youth. Knowing the courage it takes to seek help, I like to build upon client strengths to develop a safe, caring environment for exploring life’s challenges. I believe taking the time to intentionally reflect upon the past and present will help create an intentional future. Building a trusting therapeutic relationship with accountability will help you to take steps on a new path of healing, growth, and action. I use a variety of therapeutic modalities including, but not limited to: cognitive-behavioral therapy, narrative therapy, and solution-focused therapy to help clients develop change and make positive progress in their life.

Get started View profile
This is Michaelo Rosso-Balcazar's avatar and link to their profile

Michaelo Rosso-Balcazar

Offering therapy in CA
License: LMFT
Stress, AnxietyLGBTRelationship issuesSelf esteemDepression
10 years of experience

I am a family and marriage therapist licensed in California with over 10 years of experience working as a psychotherapist . I have worked with clients with a wide range of concerns including depression, anxiety, psychotic disorders, substance use disorders, relationship issues, parenting problems, and career challenges. My counseling style is eclectic, interactive and my interventions are tailored to the needs of my clients. I believe in treating my clients with respect, sensitivity, and compassion. My approach combines cognitive-behavioral, solution focused, and family systems. I provide psychotherapy for California residents only. It takes courage to seek for a more fulfilling and happier life and to take the first steps towards a change. If you are ready to take that step I am here to support and empower you. I look forward to working with you!

Get started View profile
This is Ramona Taylor's avatar and link to their profile

Ramona Taylor

Offering therapy in CA
Relationship issues
10 years of experience

I am a Marriage & Family Therapist and I am a Christian Counselor. Currently, I am offering limited services via email. This is ideal if you are wanting short term support to work through some specific problem, if you want to learn more about managing your mental health, or you are a therapist needing support. I operate with the philosophy that therapy does not have to involve time consuming practices of deep analysis or delving into the past. It does not have to be figuring out what is "wrong" or tear filled sessions. I see therapy as a place for healing that is not confined to diagnostic labels or dwelling in the past. Instead, healing happens through exploring solutions, experiencing the present, experimenting with new approaches to fully experience who you are so that you can relate to yourself and others in more satisfying and genuine ways. I am excited to help clients discover their strengths. My favorite experience is being with clients as they discover for themselves that even the smallest changes can make significant positive differences in their lives. AND it doesn't stop there...the effect radiates into all areas of life and relationships.

Get started View profile
This is Dr. Carol Carrell's avatar and link to their profile

Dr. Carol Carrell

Offering therapy in CA
License: NMD, LMFT
Stress, AnxietyLGBTDepressionCoping with life changesCompassion fatigue
30 years of experience

I have been a counselor for 30 years with experience in treating clients from 18 months to 98 years. As a professor and supervisor I utilize a variety of modalities and believe that each client is special and unique. One approach does not fit all. I have experience working with depression, anxiety, first responders, professionals, dealing with illness and care giver fatigue, chronic pain, trasuma, abuse and addiction. I have worked with children that have faced difficult health challenges that have not only affected them but their family as well. In addition I have worked with adolescents in the juvenile justice system, learning disabilities, suicidality, LGBTQI issues, trauma and abuse. It is important to establish an atmosphere of trust and safety where adolescents can express themselves and feel heard and accepted. When working with couples it is important to establish an atmosphere that is safe to explore the family issues. I work with couples that have chronic medical issues that have caused stress and communication problems. It is important to address the caregiver fatigue aspect in chronic medical issues. In addition, is important to identify and strengths that each brings to the relationship and how to communicate effectively. Communication is a key element in being able to set goals and move forward in their relationship. I have worked with LGBTQI clients in their process of coming out to their family and community. Therapy is a gift that you give yourself. I look forward to working with you to work towards the change you desire

Get started View profile
This is Ryan Lisman's avatar and link to their profile

Ryan Lisman

Offering therapy in CA
Stress, AnxietyLGBTTrauma and abuseSelf esteemDepression
5 years of experience

Hello, my name is Ryan Lisman and I am licensed in California with 5 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, LGBT-related issues, trauma and abuse, & motivation, self esteem, and confidence among many other categories. I currently also work as a Psychotherapist and Drama therapist at the Huntington Hospital's mental health unit in Pasadena, California. I primarily utilize a humanistic therapy approach that aims to be client-centered, allowing you to guide the therapy process with unconditional positive regard and cater to your therapeutic needs. I'm trained in a variety of modalities, so please feel free to let me know what therapy style and techniques you would like to explore with me. I am also registered as a Drama Therapist, which allows for an embodied and creative approach to Therapy. I want to commend you for taking the brave steps to pursuing therapy. As a long-term therapy client myself, my therapy process transformed my life in a profound way and I'm deeply passionate about helping to give others that same opportunity for growth.

Get started View profile
This is Antonio Wong-Rivadeneyra's avatar and link to their profile

Antonio Wong-Rivadeneyra

Offering therapy in CA
Family conflictsParenting issuesSelf esteemCoping with life changesADHD
50 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 50 years of professional work experience. I am Bilingual, Spanish, I have experience in helping clients with family conflicts, parenting issues, motivation, self-esteem, and confidence, & coping with life changes. 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 congratulate you for getting started! I offer my services to help you work on issues that may be taking away from your ability to live a joyful life. We can look at how you can feel that you have control over your experiences and manage how to deal with disappointments, if they take place in your life. When you find yourself stuck in a place in your life, it often helps to have another person help you analyze what is the cause of that feeling and often this is a path to clear blocks in your life. These are tools that will be useful in your life. We are born with many resources and often most are not used in dealing with our issues. By helping you tap into your capacity to manage your life, we can work on gradually mastering your strengths so that you will be the one in charge. Learn about what subtle messages you have accepted that guide your life and only accept the positive ones. When you take on the role of a therapist, you make a commitment to the person who seeks your help. You learn to become attuned to what drives that person in their lives and help them become a guide to choosing what they need to find fulfillment in their life. My work ends when you master control over what works for you in your life.

Get started View profile
This is Hugo Sanchez's avatar and link to their profile

Hugo Sanchez

Offering therapy in CA
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesAnger managementDepressionCoping with life changes
5 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 5 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, anger management, & depression. My therapy style is warm and interactive. I believe in treating anyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion. I have a n eclectic approach where I have used CBT, Narrative, Strength base and Emotional Focus when working with others. 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.

Get started View profile
This is Suzanne Lindsay-Vasquez's avatar and link to their profile

Suzanne Lindsay-Vasquez

Offering therapy in CA
Relationship issuesParenting issuesSelf esteemCareer difficultiesCoping with life changes
12 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 12 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with relationship issues, anxiety, depression, parenting issues, motivation, self esteem, and confidence, & career difficulties. 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!

Get started View profile
This is Julie Wakeman's avatar and link to their profile

Julie Wakeman

Offering therapy in CA
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesTrauma and abuse
8 years of experience

I am a licensed professional counselor in Tennessee with over 5 years of professional work experience. I have worked with clients with a range of concerns including depression, anxiety, relationship issues, grief and loss, parenting problems, and trauma and abuse. I have treated many people who have experienced physical, emotional, and sexual trauma. I approach therapy from a trauma-informed and empowerment lens. 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. My approach is person-centered and combines cognitive-behavioral, solutions focused, dialectic-behavioral, and acceptance and commitment therapy. In our work together, you should expect to never receive a "one size fits all" approach to therapy from me. Instead we will work together to identify your goals in all aspects of your life (personal, professional, relational, etc.) and how we can help you achieve them. I am here to support & empower you in that journey.

Get started View profile

How to find counseling in El Cerrito

Finding the best therapist close by in El Cerrito 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 El Cerrito. 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 El Cerrito, 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 El Cerrito 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 El Cerrito 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 El Cerrito, elsewhere in Contra Costa, 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 El Cerrito area can be found below:

How does the cost of in-person counseling compare to the cost of BetterHelp with a licensed El Cerrito 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 El Cerrito 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 El Cerrito 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 El Cerrito, 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 El Cerrito 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 El Cerrito 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 El Cerrito 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 El Cerrito 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 El Cerrito 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 94530 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 El Cerrito 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 El Cerrito 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 El Cerrito, 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.

El Cerrito 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 El Cerrito.

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

94530

Popular cities near El Cerrito, CA

Find the right therapist for your needs
Match with a qualified therapist