Changes in your mental state can come like an earthquake. One second, you're mentally well, without  a care in the world, and the next, your life is shaking suddenly and what’s left is devastation. You don't know how to pick up the pieces and you feel like you should just give up. A counselor based in Hayward can help you when disaster strikes your mental or personal life. 

Early on in its inception, an earthquake stuck Hayward and damaged it a lot. Despite this, the town persevered and became the Hayward we know it today. This inspiring tale is a sign that you should always carry on and never give up even if it feels like your life has been torn to shreds. 

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Melissa Macgown

Offering therapy in CA
License: LMFT
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsRelationship issuesFamily conflictsDepression
14 years of experience

Hello! My name is Melissa and I love what I do! Counseling people is my life's work and I've been doing it 14 years. Whatever it is you are going through, I can assure you, I have worked with someone who has dealt with something similar. I specialize in treating addiction issues, as I've worked in 5 different in-patient drug and alcohol treatment centers/rehabs in my career. Though I have years of professional experience working with an array of all kinds of issues and different populations. I greatly enjoy working with individuals and families. I also have several years experience working with teens, including those who have grown up in the system, been abused, and at high-risk, or with behavioral or learning problems. Clients feedback is often reported to me as: I am "easy to talk to," "friendly," and "down to earth." I've also been told I am helpful and a "good listener;" that is important to me. I am mostly solution-focused, meaning...I want to understand the problem, but then want to get into the tough work of finding solutions as soon as possible. As a therapist, I have a lot of empathy, am caring, and invested in improving your life circumstances. I am non-judgmental and believe that no matter how similar or different we may be, we can work together and develop a rapport. We can start right away, opening lines of communication so I can understand where you are coming from and help in anyway I can. My hope is to develop a warm, and trusting relationship in which you feel comfortable, and heard. One of my favorite things to hear as a therapist from a client is, "exactly," because I know we are on the same page, and I smile when a client says after session, " I feel much better." That is my aspiration, to help, and get to know you. Please understand that this is not just a job for me. I am genuinely here for you! Thank you for taking the time to read my profile and learn more about me as a professional.

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Dawn Chandler

Offering therapy in CA
License: LMFT,CDC
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsLGBTTrauma and abuseDepression
35 years of experience

You can read more about my background, education, experience, and therapy approach by clicking on my name above our messages. You are one step closer to keeping that promise to yourself about gaining control of your unwanted patterns or behaviors. Every client has a story to tell and specific needs that bring them to therapy. Together we will develop and focus on understanding the forces that drive the need for those patterns or behaviors. Everyone has struggles in their life and everyone needs help along the way. I hold an MS in Counseling Psychology, Addiction Specialist, and CCTP, Certified Clinical Trauma Professional. I myself have 35 years of recovery and have 30 years working in the field of counseling, Trauma, and Addiction. I use a collective approach which means I draw from all forms of therapy. I match and adjust to my client's needs. My passion in life is to instill hope in my clients that they may reach their goals of change. I enjoy working with individuals, families, and groups that are motivated towards regaining balance and change in one's life. Together we will develop strategies and coping skills to help you reach emotional and physical freedom. I am compassionate about this work and feel I was called to do this work and to help others experience the world as an individual and in a collective way.

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Scheherazade Collins

Offering therapy in CA
Stress, AnxietyEating disordersSelf esteemCoachingADHD
12 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 12 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, OCD, eating disorders, motivation and attention, self esteem, and peak performance coaching. 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. I have over twelve years of experience working with patients using QEEG-guided Neurofeedback to treat a wide variety of symptoms, diagnoses, and work with those who want to have the most cutting-edge strategies to enhance their ability to perform in elite sports and performing arts. As a primary therapist at Linden’s Attention Learning Center, seeing hundreds of adults and children, I gained confidence that NFB can be an effective treatment for Attention Disorders, Mood Disorders, and Autism Spectrum Disorders. I received further education under the guidelines of Biofeedback Certification International Alliance, which is the governing board for international certification for practitioners. I also hold certification as a HeartMath Certified Practitioner for Stress Management. As a former professional ballerina, I have a passion for working with elite performers and those who work in high stress professions. Training in the field Sport Psychology has provided me with a specific skill set to work with this population and give my clients the tools to thrive in challenging environments. My areas of experience include but are not limited to Peak Performance, Mental Skills Training, Performance Anxiety, Coping Skills, Career Transitions, as well as issues related to athletic injuries. I also work with other individuals such as gifted children, and those in high pressure and elite professions. You have taken the important first step in reaching out, and I look forward to working with you.

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Megan Quinn

Offering therapy in CA
Stress, AnxietyParenting issuesDepressionCoping with life changesCompassion fatigue
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, parenting issues, depression, & coping with life changes. 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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Tamika Blaisdell

Offering therapy in CA
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesTrauma and abuseAnger managementCoping with life changes
15 years of experience

I am licensed in California and Montana with 15 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, trauma and abuse, & anger management. 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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Veronica Ibarra

Offering therapy in CA
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesTrauma and abuseSelf esteemDepression
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, trauma and abuse, & motivation, self esteem, and confidence. 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!

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Tiffany Anderson

Offering therapy in CA
Stress, AnxietyGriefParenting issuesSelf esteemCoping with life changes
7 years of experience

I am licensed in California with over 10 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, coping with grief and loss, parenting issues, & 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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Dr. Jesse Weller

Offering therapy in CA
Stress, AnxietyLGBTRelationship issuesDepressionCoping with life changes
14 years of experience

I am a licensed clinical psychologist who graduated from The Wright Institute in Berkeley. I understand that life can feel overwhelming at moments and that it is common to feel stuck, lost, or defeated. My priority in the therapy process is to help you feel better, change unhelpful patterns or behaviors, and to help you create new ways of navigating stress, anxiety, and relationships. From our first session together, you will see that our work will be collaborative, active, and practical. We will work together on a plan that is unique and specific for you. I believe that for behavioral change to occur, the tools and strategies must be practiced in your everyday life so there will be assignments or additional activities between sessions so we can track, monitor progress, and evaluate results. To facilitate this process, I combine my professional knowledge and experience for treating anxiety, chronic worry, depression, and relationship issues, with empirically supported treatments that work. My primary treatment approach is Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), a therapy approach that is based on research, which focuses on the relationship between your thoughts, feelings, and behaviors and how you respond to situations. I also integrate treatment approaches from Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), which is an action-oriented therapy, which includes elements of acknowledgment, acceptance, and commitment to making necessary changes. For more information, you may visit my website at DrJesseWeller.com

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Frances Kong

Offering therapy in CA
Stress, AnxietyFamily conflictsParenting issuesDepressionCoping with life changes
13 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 13 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, family conflicts, parenting 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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Elisa Hughes

Offering therapy in CA
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesTrauma and abuseCareer difficultiesCompassion fatigue
12 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 12 years of experience. I specialize in working with first responders, military and front line workers. I have experience in helping clients with critical incident stress, cumulative stress, burnout, anxiety, relationship issues, trauma and 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. 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.

How to find counseling in Hayward

Finding the best therapist close by in Hayward 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 Hayward. 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 Hayward, 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 Hayward 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 Hayward 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 Hayward, elsewhere in Alameda, 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 Hayward area can be found below:

How does the cost of in-person counseling compare to the cost of BetterHelp with a licensed Hayward 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 Hayward 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 Hayward 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 Hayward, 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 Hayward 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 Hayward 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 Hayward 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 Hayward 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 Hayward 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 94543 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 Hayward 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 Hayward 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 Hayward, 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.

Hayward 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 PinterestLinkedInInstagramTwitter, 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 Hayward.

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

94540, 94541, 94542, 94543, 94544, 94545, 94557

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