Living in the rural area can be relaxing and less stressful, but sometimes it feels like you can’t accomplish your goals. And when you feel depressed, anxious, or doubt yourself, who can help you? One person who can is a counselor based in Hollister. 

Hollister is a nice rural community in California, and if you live here, you're at home. A counselor can help you cope with your depression and accomplish your goals. However, you need to speak to them and follow their advice. By doing this, you can live a much, much better life. Talk to a counselor today.

This is Virginia Ballantyne's avatar and link to their profile

Virginia Ballantyne

Offering therapy in CA
License: MSW,LCSW
Relationship issuesTrauma and abuseCareer difficultiesDepressionCoping with life changes
10 years of experience

PLEASE NOTE: If this is an emergency, call 9-1-1. I generally check messages here a few times per day and will respond as quickly as I can. I am currently accepting new clients who RESIDE IN CALIFORNIA. I am available for sessions BY PHONE, VIDEO or LIVE CHAT. Hello and Welcome! Let me introduce myself. I am Virginia A. Ballantyne, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW #98267). I identify as a bi-racial woman and my pronouns are She/Her. My specialties include working with people who have experienced intimate partner violence, trauma/PTSD, anxiety and depression, or grew up in an environment where they were negatively impacted by a family member's substance use or mental illness. I have received training in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, as well as Solution Focused Therapy. I practice from a strengths-based, client-centered approach that focuses on empowering each person to access their inner wisdom and move toward mental wellness. My counseling style is non-judgmental and my theoretical orientation is best described as humanistic/eclectic and unique to each person’s situation and background. I provide a sex positive environment where issues around sexual intimacy, sexual identity, and sexual desires can be discussed without judgement. I consider myself to be an LGBTQ+ affirming therapist and an ally for LGBTQ+ individuals and sexual/gender minorities. I have many years of experience working with a variety of disadvantaged populations through work in both non-profit and county services. I value social justice, authenticity, and each person’s right to self-determination. I will provide you with support, help you consider different perspectives, and we will work together as a team to help you develop new skills to help you manage stressors and live your best life! Are you ready to get started? Let’s connect. I look forward to working with you.

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Ranee Sahachartsiri

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

My name is Ranee and I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with over 13 years of experience in the Behavioral Health/Social Work field. My work experience includes working with individuals age 18 and up, who struggle with issues in phase of life, family of origin, grief and loss, trauma, anxiety, depression, and stress. I implement a culturally-competent, client-centered, and strengths-based approach to foster a safe environment to facilitate discovery of one's potential to learn about themselves and grow from past experiences, and to not allow the past to define their future potential. Each person has the ability to draw from their resilience and inner strengths to develop coping tools to achieve the best version of themselves. I generally respond to messages in the evenings and am available for early morning sessions during the weekends, with some availability on Fridays and weekday evenings. I am honored to be selected to partner with you on your journey to wellness, recovery, and peace within yourself.

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Dr. Samuel Hopper

Offering therapy in CA
License: PhD
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesGriefSelf esteemDepression
15 years of experience

Hello and welcome! I am a friendly, warm hearted, curious, and effective Clinical Psychologist practicing virtually on the internet, and COVID compliantly in person in Santa Monica, California. My approach to becoming a helpful psychotherapist has been influenced by many years of formal education in psychology, exposure to multiple clinical training perspectives, and perhaps most importantly, my inherent curiosity toward understanding how and why I, and my fellow humans, behave the way we do! Above all, I deeply value being a helpful human being! When I begin working with you, I will gently attempt to understand how you are feeling both physically and emotionally. I use empathy which is an emotional interaction between you as the client, and me as your therapist, that enables me to get a sense of how you are feeling. Moving gradually forward, you and I will discover how you are feeling in a given moment, with emphasis on the importance of remembering that "feelings change." This will help if, or when, you may feel overwhelmed and alone with depression, anxiety, loneliness, or sadness, etc. Change will begin by sharing with me your memories about when, and under what circumstances, you began feeling uncomfortable. You will gradually begin to notice that your feelings, and relationships with family and friends can improve! Over all, this process is expected to enable you to develop greater appreciation for yourself, which naturally leads to greater enjoyment of, and attachment to, others. If this description of how I work as a therapist resonates with what you are looking for as a client, let’s meet in the mode with which you are most comfortable (Text, Chat, or Virtual) to see if we are a therapist/client match. Above all, I love my work as a psychotherapist and I look forward to helping you achieve your best life possible!

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Eryn Patchett

Offering therapy in CA
License: MS,LMFT
Stress, AnxietyFamily conflictsTrauma and abuseGriefDepression
18 years of experience

I am an independently licensed marriage and family therapist in the state of New Mexico and California. I have been licensed since 2005, and a supervisor for other therapists since 2011. I received my Bachelors in Psychology from the University of New Mexico, and my Masters from California State University Fullerton. I started my career in mental health in 2002 after receiving my Bachelor's and worked as a case manager and behavioral health tech prior to and while obtaining my masters degree. I have worked in a number of diverse number of settings, including outpatient clinics, treatment foster care, and residential treatment and supervised residential treatment centers, group homes and day treatment programs. I've worked with individuals of all ages, families, and adolescents, and most recently seniors. I've specialized in treating those with anxiety, depression, mood disorders, domestic violence, trauma, and those at-risk. During my career, I have worked as a therapist, Clinical Supervisor, Clinical Director, COO and most recently as an Executive Director. All the roles have been extremely rewarding but none more than working 1:1 with individuals seeking out therapy. Currently, I am focusing on those with adjustment disorders, anxiety, depression, parenting support, relational issues, and trauma. I work diligently as your partner to tailor therapy to meet your individual needs. Therapy is designed to meet you where you are. You'll be heavily involved in developing the therapy goals and I'll tailor my approach to meet your needs. My goal is to allow you to reach your personal, family, and professional goals. We'll identify your strengths and build upon them to meet your identified needs to work towards you becoming the best version of yourself. I look forward to working with you on your journey! Specific therapeutic interventions include: CBT (cognitive behavioral therapy) DBT (dialectical behavioral therapy) Psychodynamic Therapy Talk Therapy Strength Based Narrative Therapy

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Jennifer Philips

Offering therapy in CA
Stress, AnxietyFamily conflictsGriefParenting issuesCoping with life changes
8 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 8 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, family conflicts, coping with grief and loss, & parenting issues. I believe that you are the expert of your story and that you have many strengths that will assist you in overcoming things that challenge you. 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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Timothy Connely

Offering therapy in CA
Stress, AnxietyFamily conflictsTrauma and abuseParenting issuesDepression
4 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 4 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, family conflicts, trauma and abuse, & parenting issues. 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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Michael Levittan

Offering therapy in CA
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesTrauma and abuseParenting issuesAnger management
30 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 30 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, trauma and abuse, & parenting issues. 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 genuinely dedicated to support & empower you in that journey.

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Maria Montano

Offering therapy in CA
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesTrauma and abuseSelf esteemDepression
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, relationship issues, trauma and abuse, & motivation, self esteem, and confidence. 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. 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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Bryan Williams

Offering therapy in CA
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesFamily conflictsSelf esteemDepression
4 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 4 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, & motivation, self esteem, and confidence. 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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Lin Haley

Offering therapy in CA
Stress, AnxietySelf esteemDepressionCoping with life changes
8 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 8 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, motivation, self esteem, and confidence, & depression. I also have experience working with coping with life changes. 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!

How to find counseling in Hollister

Finding the best therapist close by in Hollister 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 Hollister. 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 Hollister, 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 Hollister 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 Hollister 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 Hollister, elsewhere in San Benito, 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 Hollister area can be found below:

How does the cost of in-person counseling compare to the cost of BetterHelp with a licensed Hollister 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 Hollister 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 Hollister 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 Hollister, 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 Hollister 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 Hollister 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 Hollister 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 Hollister 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 Hollister 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 95024 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 Hollister 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 Hollister 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 Hollister, 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.

Hollister 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 Hollister.

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

95023, 95024

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