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.
Aviva Euripides
Hello, I am Aviva Euripides and I am pleased to meet you here. Our clinical work involves tracking and assessing how it assists you in meeting your goals. This solution focused work is thus overall practical but is rooted in academic and clinical rigor. I graduated from the University of California at Berkeley and attended New College of California where the focus was on meeting the clinical needs of a diverse community with relevance and meaning. I have supervised and trained clinicians in treatment settings ranging from the counselor's office to acute mental health facilities. This has led to a deep understanding of clinical work. My specializations include depression, anxiety, life changes, self esteem, career and relationships. These are all human issues and are in need sometimes of clinical intervention as a tool and resource. The work begins with me listening carefully to where the pieces are at in your puzzle at this time. This allows for us to consider rearrangement and repositioning to best work for you. I have extensive experience providing counseling via telephone and online platforms and thus feel quite comfortable doing so. While this may be new to some it may resemble other aspects of life online in significant ways. Like counseling, it just takes some getting used to. I typically have appointments available via live chat between 10 am and 4 pm Monday-Friday and appointments available early mornings and weekends via video/phone session.
Dr. Paula Alvarez
Greetings! I am a licensed clinical social worker (LCSW) in the states of California, Illinois, and Missouri, and I have a doctorate in Organizational Psychology. I have worked in locked and outpatient mental health facilities for the last 30 years. I facilitated group treatment of domestic violence perpetrators in Spanish and English for eight years. I specialize in treating trauma-related symptoms, anxiety and depression, anger management, geriatric well-being, mental health recovery, cultural diversity issues, and self-esteem issues. My doctorate degree (EdD) In Leadership and Learning with a specialization in Organizational Psychology was conferred on May 27, 2021. I use a client-centered approach (Carl Rogers), and I know that the client is the expert. I tailor my therapy sessions to what the client wants. I used cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) with those who like CBT interventions. I offer homework assignments and bibliotherapy for those clients who want those interventions. I also use Brief-Solution Focused Therapy, Trauma-Informed Therapy, and Motivational Interviewing techniques. I invite you to contact me to see if I am a good fit to help and empower you on your journey to better living.
Dr. Frederick Smoot
I am a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (CA #12959) with over 15 years of experience counseling/ accompanying persons through difficult parts of their life-journeys. I have worked with a wide range of concerns including Isolation. loneliness, fearfulness, anxiety, intimacy/relationship issues, parenting and career challenges, addiction, physical and emotional abuse and life transitions. My counseling style is warm, curious and appropriately truth-telling.. I treat others with respect and consistent presence. I work to sustain and shame-free context that empowers persons to (re)claim their lies and future with dignity. I am an accompanist, using therapeutic tools gathered from several clinical approaches. I am relational, client centered, mindful, and strategic. I believe that direction and goals for therapy are shaped together with the client. We will tailor a treatment plan to meet your unique and specific needs. Your willingness to reach out for support shows your courage and desire for a better future. I encourage you to take this step, accompanied and supported I look forward to working with you.
Lois Craig
Welcome and thank you for checking out my profile. I am available to work with an adult population, and as a licensed therapist, I am sensitive to the fact that sometimes people’s lives are not going the way they would like. And for some, they are not even sure why. This, and many other issues interfere with our self-satisfaction, happiness, sense of safety and our relationships. My experience lies with helping people to sort through their experiences and to understand where and how they can make needed changes. My primary approach to therapy is to use EMDR and somatic interventions with my clients gain awareness of what stands in their way of healing their traumas. My experience also includes working with anxiety and depression, OCD, DID , stress and behavioral issues along with a range of other problems.
Adekanbi Ogunade
I have been a clinical social worker for more than 10+ years and have been privileged to work with people both in psychiatric inpatient, outpatient treatment, case management, and in individual therapy treatment. I’m strong believer of community mental health approach. I have worked with people of different backgrounds dealing with multiple mental health issues with wide range of concerns including mood disorder, depression, anxiety, relationship issues, trauma and stress related problems, substance use related problems, parenting problems, career challenges, problems related to legal system and incarceration, problems related to social environment, abuse and neglect, acute psychiatric conditions, OCD and ADHD. My style of treatment is showing respect and non-judgmental labels. I allow clients to educate me and guide me through their path of existence. My approach combines cognitive-behavioral, dialectical-behavioral, client-centered, narrative, solution-focused, and humanistic counseling. It’s step in right direction and courageous to reach out to seek change. If you are ready to take that step I am here to support you in creating a partnership of strength towards wellness. I look forward to working with you. Session options: video/phone Availability: Mondays 10am-2pm; 4pm-7pm Wednesdays & Thursday 5pm-8pm Fridays & Saturdays 9am-7pm Sundays 2pm-6pm
Dr. Patricia Reece
Are you seeking compassionate, evidence-based mental health care that truly understands your unique needs? As a licensed psychologist, I offer comprehensive, trauma-informed, and culturally responsive care through BetterHelp. My approach goes beyond surface-level symptoms to uncover the root cause of your challenges, ensuring a clear and accurate understanding of your mental health journey. My commitment is to provide a safe, nonjudgmental space where you feel seen, respected, and supported, leading to lasting progress. I continually reassess your progress and adjust strategies to meet your real-time needs, offering tailored responsiveness rather than rigid protocols. My approach is grounded in the principle that 'every struggle deserves serious care'. While BetterHelp offers convenience and affordability, my practice differentiates itself by blending this accessibility with a deep emphasis on personalized, culturally competent care that ensures equitable and compassionate treatment. Let's work together to achieve clarity, foster healing, and build resilience. Connect with me to start your journey toward improved well-being.
Karen Camese
As a licensed therapist in California with two decades of experience, I specialize in supporting individuals through complex life transitions and healing journeys. My practice centers on addressing trauma, addiction, family dynamics, and personal growth, with a deep commitment to empowering clients across diverse backgrounds. I bring compassionate expertise to challenges including grief, life changes, communication difficulties, and interpersonal relationships. My approach honors each person's unique story, focusing on building self-love, understanding personal purpose, and developing resilient coping strategies. My therapeutic work spans a wide range of experiences—from supporting individuals navigating midlife transitions to helping those healing from domestic violence, addiction, and intergenerational family dynamics. I am particularly passionate about creating affirming spaces for women, caregivers, and older adults seeking meaningful personal transformation. Through evidence-based, culturally responsive practices, I walk alongside clients as they rediscover their strength, reconnect with their inherent worth, and cultivate profound healing and self-understanding.
Lindsey Yarbrough
I am a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in California. I have over a decade of experience working with individuals, couples, and families. I have experience working with a broad range of issues such as anxiety, depression, and/or other mental illnesses, dissatisfaction with life or relationships, challenges with friends and families, coping with life and or job stress, life changes and challenges, grief, and loss. As a Marriage and Family Therapist, my focus is on relationships and working toward healthy relationships. I am happy to work with anyone seeking to improve their relationships, whether they are struggling with maintaining their relationship with themselves, their family, or their significant other. I believe that a healthy relationship with yourself is the first step to being healthy in all of your relationships. I encourage my clients to become more open to possibilities and flexible with change. I provide a safe and secure, private setting for my clients to be free to be themselves, openly and candidly. Thank you for taking the time to help yourself, I look forward to getting to know you better.
Antonio Wong-Rivadeneyra
I am licensed in California with 50 years of professional work experience. I am Bilingual, Spanish, I have experience in helping clients with family conflicts, parenting issues, motivation, self-esteem, and confidence, & coping with life changes. I believe that you are the expert of your story and that you have many strengths that will assist you in overcoming things that challenge you. Taking the first step to sign up for therapy can take courage and I congratulate you for getting started! I offer my services to help you work on issues that may be taking away from your ability to live a joyful life. We can look at how you can feel that you have control over your experiences and manage how to deal with disappointments, if they take place in your life. When you find yourself stuck in a place in your life, it often helps to have another person help you analyze what is the cause of that feeling and often this is a path to clear blocks in your life. These are tools that will be useful in your life. We are born with many resources and often most are not used in dealing with our issues. By helping you tap into your capacity to manage your life, we can work on gradually mastering your strengths so that you will be the one in charge. Learn about what subtle messages you have accepted that guide your life and only accept the positive ones. When you take on the role of a therapist, you make a commitment to the person who seeks your help. You learn to become attuned to what drives that person in their lives and help them become a guide to choosing what they need to find fulfillment in their life. My work ends when you master control over what works for you in your life.
John Fielder
I am licensed in California with 40 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress, anxiety, relationship issues, trauma, abuse, coping with grief, & coping with loss. I also have experience working with depression. 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.
Marc Sherman
I am licensed in California with over 7 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress, anxiety, relationship issues, motivation, self esteem, confidence, & depression. I also have experience working with coping with life changes. I believe that you are the expert of your story and that you have many strengths that will assist you in overcoming things that challenge you. Taking the first step to seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process.
John Bradford
I am licensed in California with 20 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress, anxiety, anger management, motivation, self esteem, confidence, & depression. I also have experience working with coping with life changes. I believe that you are the expert of your story and that you have many strengths that will assist you in overcoming things that challenge you. 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.
Grace Lu
I have worked extensively with a diverse patient population, such as adolescents in high-school settings, geriatrics, those with developmental differences, and those with dual diagnoses, among others. Although predominantly trained in cognitive-behavioral therapy, I also work from a humanistic model, maintaining a humble and tentative stance, since I believe empathy, compassion, and attunement are at the bedrock of the relational dynamic. I am committed to working with you to improve your overall mental and emotional health and well-being, through a collaborative effort.
Leslie Rogers
As a licensed therapist in California, I bring nearly three decades of compassionate clinical experience supporting individuals through complex emotional landscapes. My approach centers on helping clients navigate life's challenges with dignity, self-compassion, and resilience. I specialize in CBT and EMDR. I specialize in addressing depression, anxiety, trauma, and mood disorders, with a deep commitment to supporting individuals experiencing social isolation, relationship difficulties, and significant life transitions. My therapeutic work focuses on empowering clients to develop stronger self-understanding, improve communication skills, and cultivate meaningful personal growth. My practice honors the unique journey of each individual, with particular expertise in women's mental health and supporting older adults through transformative life stages. I create a warm, non-judgmental space where clients can explore their experiences, challenge limiting beliefs, and rediscover their inherent strength and purpose. Drawing from evidence-based practices, I help clients develop practical coping strategies, process challenging emotions, and build sustainable paths toward healing and self-acceptance. My goal is to walk alongside you with genuine empathy and professional guidance.
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.