Huntington Beach, CA, also known as “Surf City,” is a mid-size beachside city with beautiful weather, surfing waves, and the beach culture that goes along with them. While a laid-back popular tourist destination doesn’t seem like a stressful place to be, people can be affected by mental health challenges in any environment. 

When it comes to finding a therapist, Huntington Beach, CA may be a better place than most, but even in a thriving city it’s not always easy to find the right therapist. The therapeutic process requires more than just getting a free consultation at the nearest clinic. Specific concerns may require certain types of therapy to be successfully treated, and the therapy you need may not be nearby. 

Online therapy through a platform like BetterHelp offers a wide variety of choices. BetterHelp has access to over 30,000 mental health providers who offer professional help for everything from treating mood disorders to offering guidance on building a more fulfilling life. So, whether you need a CBT practitioner, a substance use counselor, or a marriage/family therapist, simply fill out an online questionnaire and BetterHelp will match you to the therapist who best meets your needs. And because having a good rapport with your therapist can make all the difference in your success, if you need to change therapists you can do so at no additional cost. 

For many, online sessions are also a convenient option. Online sessions can fit easily into any schedule, and with video chat, phone, and text messaging options you can talk to your therapist in a safe, non-judgmental environment…your own home. Some people may not be ready to walk into an office environment to open up, and for those people online therapy can be a solution for getting the help they need while still feeling secure. 

If you’re in the Orange County or Newport Beach area and have been looking to start therapy, consider reaching out to BetterHelp. Therapy can help to resolve challenges, teach you to communicate more effectively with friends and family members, increase well-being and just help you to build a more fulfilling life in general.

 

This is Douglas Glen's avatar and link to their profile

Douglas Glen

Offering therapy in CA
License: M.A.,LMFT
Relationship issuesIntimacy-related issuesSelf esteemCareer difficultiesCoaching
10 years of experience

I am a licensed mental health professional in California with over 10 years of experience working as a Psychotherapist and Marriage & Family counselor. Born and educated in the UK, I bring a wealth of life experience from living and working in Europe before moving to the US. I have worked with clients with a wide range of concerns including depression, anxiety, relationship issues, parenting problems, career challenges, OCD and ADHD. I have also helped many people who have experienced trauma or emotional abuse. My counseling style is warm and interactive. I believe in treating anyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion, and I don't believe in stigmatizing labels. My approach combines cognitive-behavioral, humanistic, psychodynamic and rational-emotive counseling. I will tailor our dialog and treatment plan to meet your unique and specific needs. 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!

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Melinda Meyers

Offering therapy in CA
Stress, AnxietySelf esteemDepression
10 years of experience

Hello, my name is Melinda Meyers and I am a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in Thousand Oaks, CA. I have been licensed and in private practice for over 10 years. I earned my master degree in Clinical Psychology from Antioch University in Los Angeles. Seeking out help from a clinician is always the hardest step to take and finding the right clinician for you makes that step easier. I believe we all have the power to find the tools within ourselves to guide us toward a happy and fulfilling life, and I love to help my clients take their first steps toward their goals. I work with my clients from a Humanistic Approach. Your personal worth, your value, creativity, and ability to overcome hardship, pain, and crisis in your life, is the center and most important aspect of my work. As a therapist I am there to help you find that value, creativity, and your ability to overcome issues in your life with guidance that works for you and in your life. I look forward to working with you.

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Dr. Monica Dremann

Offering therapy in CA
License: Psy.D.
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsLGBTDepression
10 years of experience

I am a licensed psychologist in California. I have been providing psychotherapy on and off since 2008 along with living life. I have worked with clients with a wide range of concerns including depression, anxiety, trauma, relationship issues, parenting, ADHD as well as LGBTQ+ individuals. I work interactively using different disciplines such as cognitive-behavioral, psychodynamic, and mindfulness or a combination. I believe when you engage in therapy you are giving yourself a gift. It may not always be pleasant however the outcome can be amazing. I look forward to working with you where you decide to begin.

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Lynn Vinson

Offering therapy in CA
License: LCSW
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesGriefSelf esteemDepression
10 years of experience

Hi - My name is Lynn Vinson, I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in California with over 10 years of professional work experience as a licensed therapist. I have been a social worker for over 20 years in other areas such as child protective social worker, hospital social worker, social worker in 2 psychiatric health facilities in 2 states, private practice and most recently as a psychotherapist in a family health clinic. In my spare time I worked as an after hours crisis intervention member of a team specializing in crisis triage. I provide therapy to mostly adults but I also enjoy helping teenagers. My style is eclectic, utilizing cognitive behavioral, mindfulness and positive psychology techniques. I am non judgemental and provide an environment of acceptance and trust. I have faith based values without imposing on others. SPECIALTIES: Pre-weight loss surgery consultation and therapy ( I had weight loss surgery myself in 2004) Anxiety/Depression Relationship problems Life transitions and aging issues (I am 73) Support for caregivers Grief and Loss Guilt and Shame Adults Molested As Children Experience: 10 plus years as a therapist, 20 plus years as a social worker for children and their parents, worked in 2 psychiatric hospitals. 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. Thank Your for considering me as your therapist.

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Dr. Kristi Hottenstein

Offering therapy in CA
License: LPC,NCC,Ph.D.
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesFamily conflictsSelf esteemDepression
20 years of experience

Whether you’re experiencing difficult times or new adventures, I’m here to help. I have been a licensed professional counselor in the state of Michigan since 2009. I am the practitioner/owner of Compass Counseling & Coaching, PLLC, a member of the Michigan Mental Health Counselors Association and was appointed to their board in 2021. I have a doctorate in higher education administration from the University of Toledo, a masters in Counseling from the University of La Verne and a bachelors in Sociology from Alma College. I provide counseling for individuals, couples, and teens, as well as provide college selection coaching. I have a very holistic approach to counseling because no two people are the same. I see each client as an individual requiring their own unique approach. I use a variety of counseling techniques, encouraging self-awareness and the acceptance of one’s own responsibilities in their personal journey. I believe the more we know ourselves, the better we can respond to situations.

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This is Dr. Swanzetta Sheriff-Saunders's avatar and link to their profile

Dr. Swanzetta Sheriff-Saunders

Offering therapy in CA
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesGriefParenting issuesSelf esteem
25 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 25 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, 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. 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 Dana Walker's avatar and link to their profile

Dana Walker

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

I am licensed in California with years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, motivation, self esteem, and confidence, & depression. 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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This is Sabrina Brown's avatar and link to their profile

Sabrina Brown

Offering therapy in CA
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesAnger managementSelf esteemDepression
6 years of experience

I am licensed in Georgia with 6 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, anger management, & 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. 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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This is Dr. Deanna Wong's avatar and link to their profile

Dr. Deanna Wong

Offering therapy in CA
Stress, AnxietyParenting issuesSelf esteemDepressionCoping with life changes
12 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 12+ years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping adult and teen clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, parenting issues, self-esteem and confidence, & depression. My work with all clients starts with creating 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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This is Brandy Spindel's avatar and link to their profile

Brandy Spindel

Offering therapy in CA
Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseDepression
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, trauma and abuse, & depression. 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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How to find counseling in Huntington Beach

Finding the best therapist close by in Huntington Beach 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 Huntington Beach. 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 Huntington Beach, 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 Huntington Beach 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 Huntington Beach 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 Huntington Beach, elsewhere in Orange, or in the greater state of California.

Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

Some other commonly asked questions on therapy with a licensed counselor and BetterHelp serving the Huntington Beach area can be found below:

How does the cost of in-person counseling compare to the cost of BetterHelp with a licensed Huntington Beach 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 Huntington Beach 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 Huntington Beach 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 Huntington Beach, 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 Huntington Beach 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 Huntington Beach 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 Huntington Beach 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 Huntington Beach 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 Huntington Beach 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 92615 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 Huntington Beach 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 Huntington Beach 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 Huntington Beach, 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.

Huntington Beach 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 Huntington Beach.

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

90742, 92605, 92615, 92646, 92647, 92648, 92649

Popular cities near Huntington Beach, CA

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