Therapy is an effective resource for individuals seeking solace during difficult times, helping people to navigate personal challenges, overcome obstacles, gain self confidence, and regain mental and emotional clarity. A therapist is trained in the field of psychology, where they learn to support patients in various ways, offering them compassion, guidance, treatment, and insights into their mental and emotional states. Together, patients and their therapists can create long lasting solutions to improve their mental and emotional health, whether it’s fostering relationships with a marriage family therapist, developing executive functioning skills during executive functioning therapy, or receving treatment for a medical condition.
There are a variety of affordable and accessible options available if you’re looking for a therapist in Lake Forest, CA, especially if you’re open to online therapy. The convenience of online therapy allows you to speak with a licensed therapist or counselor from the comfort of your own home, which can be especially helpful if you live outside the city center, such as in Newport Beach, Mission Viejo or the Laguna Hills. The comfort of home can be a safe environment for working through some of life’s challenges with a therapist. Despite being commonly challenged, online therapy has been shown to be an effective form of treatment for patients in the community. If you’re currently in hospital or receiving regular treatments for an existing conditions, there are also therapists that offer support in the medical field, counseling patients towards improved health and well-being in times of need.
If you've decided to work with a therapist, Lake Forest, CA, has some compassionate, licensed professionals wh are offering their services online. Below you can explore some of their profiles to see if any seem like a good fit for you. If you are hoping to minimize the cost of therapy, feel free to contact them to see if they accept insurance.
James Goodwin
I am licensed in California and North Carolina with 22 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, coping with addictions, relationship issues, & family conflicts. 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.
Janetta Berry- Sissoko
I am a Licensed Professional Counselor with over 14 years of experience in the mental health and behavioral health field. I am licensed to practice in Oklahoma, Texas, Washington, California, and Nevada. Throughout my career, I have worked with individuals facing a wide range of concerns, including anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, substance use, and court-ordered treatment. This diverse experience allows me to support clients with compassion, structure, and a clear understanding of complex challenges. My therapeutic style is warm, collaborative, and respectful. I strive to create a safe, nonjudgmental space where you feel heard, valued, and supported. I believe meaningful change is possible for anyone who is willing to engage in the process, and my role is to guide and support you every step of the way. My primary approach is Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). Together, we will identify unhelpful patterns of thinking and behavior, develop practical coping strategies, and work toward goals that are meaningful to you. Treatment is always individualized—I tailor each session and treatment plan to meet your unique needs and circumstances. Recognizing that something in your life needs to change takes courage, and reaching out for support is a powerful first step. I would be honored to partner with you on your journey toward growth, healing, and lasting change. I look forward to working with you.
Breanna "Bre" Spehn
Hi, I’m Bre, preferred pronouns she/they. I am a licensed professional counselor in California and Oregon, with over eight years of experience. I have worked with individuals of all ages, with different backgrounds, and across a wide variety of settings. Within sessions, I take a humanistic approach while remaining rooted in mindfulness. From receiving a Master of Arts in Contemplative Psychotherapy and Buddhist Psychology from Naropa University, to completing a 500 Hour Holistic Yoga Teacher Training with Adi Yogpeeth, I have gained a variety of skills in order to show up fully for others. I remain an active participant in deepening my self-awareness through ongoing therapy, yoga, and meditation as these practices aid in my self-discovery of inherent compassion so that I'm able to guide others with humility and grace. Diversity and inclusion are crucial for me in my personal life, and in my career as a therapist. While working from a social justice lens, I invite conversation regarding bias, privilege, and power. Throughout my diverse experiences in the field, I have increased my competency as well as my confidence in being of service to others. Let's create a safe and supportive space together that is unique to your needs as an individual!
Frankie Ter Keurst
Hello! My name is Frankie and I am a Licensed Mental Health Counselor currently living in the sunshine state of Florida, and am licensed in California and Georgia as well. I completed my graduate school internship as well as post graduate registered intern experience at an inpatient crisis stabilization center. I have worked with clients with a wide range of concerns including depression, anxiety, relationship issues, parent-child relationship problems, self-harm, personality disorders, and ADHD. I also helped many people who have experienced physical trauma or emotional abuse and have worked closely alongside the Department of Children and Families and the Baker Act court system, and numerous IOP programs. My therapy style is warm and compassionate, and I believe my clients should have someone who listens to their concerns wholeheartedly with an open mind. I believe in treating everyone with genuine respect and sensitivity, and I don't believe we should label or stigmatize ourselves based on our struggles. My approach combines cognitive-behavioral, humanistic, psychodynamic, and solution-focused therapy. I will tailor our conversations and create a treatment plan to meet your unique and specific needs, with your input along the way. It takes courage to seek a more fulfilling and happier life and to take the first steps towards change. If you are ready to take that step, I am here to support and empower you. I offer video, phone call, and text message sessions! I look forward to working with you!
Joseph De Vico
Hello, my name is Joseph De Vico. Let’s talk. We’ll work together until that unsolvable problem is history, until that overwhelming pain is bearable, until the dream future that seems a million miles away is right in front of you. You’ve always been strong, resourceful, and intuitive. I’m just going to help clear away the junk you’re trapped beneath so you can actually feel that way: false beliefs that make life seem harder than it really is; stories about yourself that are so outdated, they have nothing to do with who you are now; distractions that keep you from deciding what is most meaningful to you; power imbalances that take away good things that are rightfully yours. This stuff has to go. What will you feel when you feel better? Peaceful? Hopeful? Whole? Decisive? Free? Seen, validated, grounded, elevated, invigorated, triumphant? Just plain better? When do we start?
Melissa Lehrich
I am licensed in California with 18 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, & coping with grief and loss. 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.
Saloumeh Del Vecchio
My name is SALLY DEL VECCHIO I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, in the state of CA and NV. I have a Bachelor of science in Psychology and a Master of science in Counseling/Marriage, Family, And Child Therapy. I have worked with many different individuals, families, couples, and children. I have experience working with clients who have depression, anxiety, low self-esteem, social anxiety, couple’s issues, and family of origin issues. I believe that together in a therapeutic setting, you can learn to embrace and explore many different parts of your life that can be uncomfortable or cause distress. By leaning into these often uncomfortable areas, you also open yourself up to new solutions, new ideas, and a fuller more alive experience. It would be a pleasure to join you on your journey of improving your life, relationships, and overall well-being. I use a gentle, strength-based, collaborative approach to help you build insight, and self-awareness and find meaning and solutions to your life’s journey. My goal is to help you create your fullest life; however, you choose to define it.
Mark Phelan
I am licensed in California with 10 years of professional work experience. I am a Veteran and familiar with PTSD and military life challenges. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, & trauma. 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.
John Howard
I am licensed in California with 3 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. 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.
Tiffany Whittington
I am licensed in California with 10 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, coping with addictions, 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. Taking the first step to seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process.
Erica Nolasco
My name is Erica Nolasco, I am licensed in California with 7 years of professional work experience. My passion is helping indivduals overcome trauma, divorce, depression, anxiety, self-doubt and addiction. I welcome individuals and families to a safe nonjudgmental space with the goal of providing each client long lasting healing, personal growth and happiness. 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.
Cristina Dawes
Hello and thanks for reaching out! I have been practicing in California with 25 years of work experience, of which 17 have been licensed. I specifically trained and have experience in helping clients with stress, anxiety, family conflicts, trauma, abuse, depression, & executive coaching. I also have experience working with professional 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. Taking the first step to sign up for therapy can take courage and I am proud of you for getting started!
Amber Bersi
I am licensed in Arizona and California with 18 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress, anxiety, relationship issues, parenting issues, motivation, self esteem, confidence, & executive coaching. I also have experience working with professional 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. Taking the first step to sign up for therapy can take courage and I am proud of you for getting started!
Cindy John
Hello, I’m a licensed psychologist with over a decade of experience helping individuals and families navigate emotional, behavioral, and life challenges. My approach is warm, supportive, and practical. I work with adults experiencing stress, anxiety, and life transitions, as well as parents who want support understanding and managing their child’s behavior, including attention and emotional regulation challenges. Therapy with me focuses on helping you gain insight, develop effective coping strategies, and feel more confident in handling difficult situations. For parents, I provide guidance on strengthening relationships with your child, managing challenging behaviors, and creating a more positive family dynamic. For individuals, I offer a supportive space to process stress, anxiety, and everyday pressures. My goal is to help you feel understood, supported, and equipped with tools to move forward in a healthier and more balanced way.
Find a Therapist Near You in Lake Forest , California
Finding a licensed therapist near you in California can be an important step toward improving your mental health and overall well-being. Whether you’re dealing with anxiety, depression, relationship challenges, stress, or major life changes, working with a qualified mental health professional can offer meaningful support.
California is home to people with diverse mental health needs across urban, suburban, and rural communities. Online therapy makes it easier to connect with a therapist near you without being limited to nearby offices. BetterHelp connects you with licensed therapists authorized to practice in California, allowing you to attend sessions online from the comfort of your home.
Why work with a licensed therapist near you?
Working with a licensed therapist near you ensures that your provider meets state licensing requirements and professional standards in California (CA). Licensed therapists use evidence-based approaches to help individuals manage emotional challenges, develop coping skills, and work toward personal goals.
People seek therapy for many reasons. Some are navigating ongoing mental health concerns, while others want guidance during stressful periods or major life transitions. You do not need a mental health diagnosis to work with a therapist. Many individuals seek therapy to improve communication, strengthen relationships, manage stress, or gain greater self-awareness.
Online therapy can be especially helpful for people living across California, where access to in-person mental health care may vary by location.
What concerns can therapists help with?
Therapists on BetterHelp support adults across California with a wide range of mental health concerns and life challenges, including:
- Anxiety and stress
- Depression and mood-related concerns
- Trauma and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
- Grief and loss
- Relationship and family challenges
- Life transitions and adjustment concerns
- Self-esteem and confidence
- Job stress and burnout
- ADHD-related challenges
- Sleep concerns
- Parenting stress
- Eating disorder support
Therapists use approaches such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), and other evidence-based methods tailored to individual needs.
Online therapy vs. in-person therapy in California
When searching for a therapist near me in California, many people compare online therapy with traditional in-person care. Online therapy offers several potential advantages:
- Greater accessibility: Attend sessions from anywhere with an internet connection
- Reduced wait times: Many people are matched in as little as 24-48 hours, faster than typical in-person availability
- Flexible scheduling: Sessions that fit around work, family, or school commitments
- Expanded provider options: Access licensed therapists across California, not just nearby offices
Research shows that online therapy can be effective for many mental health concerns. Online therapy may also reduce barriers such as transportation challenges, long commutes, or limited local availability, especially in larger or more rural counties across California.
Finding a therapist near me that accepts insurance
Many people looking for a therapist near me in California want to know whether insurance is an option.
Many providers on BetterHelp now accept major insurance carriers in select states. In many states, certain therapists on BetterHelp may be in-network with specific insurance plans. Coverage depends on your plan, provider, and therapist availability.
When sessions are covered, insured members typically pay an average copay of about $19 per session. Coverage varies by state and provider availability, so it’s important to check your in-network status directly on the BetterHelp site.
If insurance coverage is not available, BetterHelp’s flexible subscription model remains an option, with online therapy typically costing $70 to $100 per week, billed weekly or monthly. Additional discounts or financial aid may also be available for a lower price.
How BetterHelp helps you find the right therapist in California
BetterHelp simplifies the process of finding a therapist near you in California without requiring you to search through tons of profiles on your own.
Here’s how it works:
- Complete a brief questionnaire about your needs, preferences, and goals
- Get matched with a licensed therapist authorized to practice in California (CA)
- Begin online therapy sessions through video, phone, or live chat
BetterHelp works with one of the world’s largest networks of licensed therapists, with over 30,000 qualified providers globally. Many members are matched in as little as 24 to 48 hours, and 93% of user preferences are met during the matching process.
You can request a new therapist at no additional cost if your needs or preferences change.
Therapists near you in California
Below, you’ll find licensed therapists authorized to provide online therapy to adults across California, including residents in Lake Forest.
Each provider meets state licensing requirements and has experience supporting clients with a wide range of mental health concerns using evidence-based therapeutic approaches.
Please note: Therapists on BetterHelp in California do not provide psychiatric medication management or formal diagnoses.
Frequently asked questions about finding a therapist near me
How much does therapy cost near me?
Therapy costs vary depending on provider and location. In-person therapy sessions may cost $100 to $200 or more per session. BetterHelp offers online therapy subscriptions that typically range from $70 to $100 per week, billed weekly or monthly, depending on factors such as location, source, preferences, and therapist availability. Additional discounts or financial aid may also be available for a lower price. BetterHelp now accepts major insurance plans in select states and members pay an average copay of $19 per session. Coverage varies by plan, provider, and therapist availability. You can check coverage on the BetterHelp site.
Does BetterHelp accept insurance?
Yes. Many providers on BetterHelp now accept major insurance carriers in select states. In many states, certain therapists on BetterHelp may be in-network with specific insurance plans. When sessions are covered, insured members typically pay an average copay of about $19 per session. Coverage varies by plan, provider, and therapist availability. You can check coverage on the BetterHelp site.
Is online therapy effective?
Yes. Research shows that online therapy can be effective for many mental health concerns, including anxiety, depression, stress, and relationship challenges. Online therapy allows you to connect with a licensed therapist without commuting to an office.
Do I need a diagnosis to see a therapist?
No. You do not need a mental health diagnosis to seek therapy. Many people work with a therapist for stress management, relationship concerns, grief, life transitions, or personal growth.
How quickly can I start therapy?
Many people are matched with a licensed therapist in as little as 24 to 48 hours after completing the initial questionnaire. Match times may vary based on preferences and therapist availability.
Can I switch therapists if it’s not the right fit?
Yes. If you feel your therapist is not the right match, you can request to be matched with another licensed provider at no additional cost. You are able to do so through the BetterHelp user portal and select switch therapists if needed.
Is online therapy private and secure?
Online therapy through BetterHelp allows you to communicate with your therapist in a discreet setting through video, phone, or messaging tools.