Mental health services can specifically treat individuals who are recovering from childhood trauma, are experiencing mental illnesses like eating disorders, or are struggling with family crisis. But therapy isn’t limited to treatment. Most of us can benefit from therapy at some point in our lives, whether for stress management support, strengthening relationships, or pursuing self-awareness. 

When it comes to finding a therapist, Lakewood, CA may offer a wider variety than many surrounding rural or suburban areas, but finding the right therapist can be more complicated than reaching out to local mental health clinics. Like traditional medicine, psychology has a great deal of specialization, and different therapeutic approaches can be more or less effective depending on what challenge is being addressed. A licensed marriage/family therapist may be best for family conflict, but not really right for managing depression. Recovery treatment centers can be ideal for addiction, but aren’t designed for supporting people experiencing OCD. What you need may not necessarily be available in your area. 

This is where online therapy can help. BetterHelp offers appointments with online-based mental health professionals in the Lakewood area with expertise in a wide range of therapies, and with experience working with diverse populations. Whether you are looking for a licensed psychologist, a marriage/family therapist, or a social worker, you can find what you need. Fill out an online questionnaire and BetterHelp will match you with the provider that best meets your needs. And because clients succeed best with a strong therapeutic rapport, if you need to change therapists you can do so at no additional cost. 

Online therapy can be a convenient option as well. Online sessions fit easily into any schedule, and with video chat, phone, and text messaging you can meet with your therapist from the comfort of your own home. If you have been thinking about therapy for any reason, whether to address mental health challenges, or to start a mindfulness focus in your life, check out the Lakewood-based online therapists listed below to find out more. 

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Psychologist Patricia Riley providing different types of therapy in Lakewood

Patricia Riley

Clinician
License Type(s): CA LCSW 25356
Mental Wellness Specialties: Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesFamily conflictsParenting issuesDepression
20 years offering treatment

I am licensed in California with 25 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, & parenting issues. 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.

Psychologist Leslie Moya providing different types of therapy in Lakewood

Leslie Moya

Clinician
License Type(s): CO LCSW CSW.09927482, TX LCSW 57763
Mental Wellness Specialties: Stress, AnxietyGriefSelf esteemDepressionCompassion fatigue
5 years offering treatment

I am licensed in California, Colorado, Massachusetts, New Mexico and Texas with 3 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, coping with grief and loss, motivation, self esteem, and confidence, & 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!

Psychologist Dr. James Decker providing different types of therapy in Lakewood

Dr. James Decker

Clinician
License Type(s): CA LCSW 9715
Mental Wellness Specialties: Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesTrauma and abuseSelf esteemDepression
45 years offering treatment

I am licensed in California with 45 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 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!

Psychologist Breanna "Bre" Spehn providing different types of therapy in Lakewood

Breanna "Bre" Spehn

Clinician
License Type(s): OR LPC C6259, CA LPCC 17860
Mental Wellness Specialties: Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseDepression
8 years offering treatment

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!

Psychologist Brandy Walker providing different types of therapy in Lakewood

Brandy Walker

Clinician
License Type(s): GA LCSW CSW007874, CA LCSW 109682
Mental Wellness Specialties: Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesFamily conflictsTrauma and abuseDepression
20 years offering treatment

I am an LCSW in the state of California and Georgia. I have been in the field for over 20 years. I work with individuals, couples and families. I have worked with a wide range of clients such as: LGBTQ, depression, stress, anxiety, ADHD, PTSD, trauma, physical trauma, emotional abuse, relationship problems, family conflicts, intimacy related issues, parenting problems, anger management and the like. Life is an individual journey with many different experiences. Sometimes those experiences can lead to turmoil, tragedy, trauma and pain. The pain can feel debilitating as if moving on is merely impossible. However, I am a firm believer that there are solutions to all of life’s problems, and I believe therapy is a gateway to change. Those changes can transform an individual’s life. Thus, the road to therapy begins with one single step. If you are willing to take the first step, the journey of healing and transformation can begin. By understanding your mindset, increasing self-awareness, and practicing mindfulness, you can have significant benefits on your overall well-being. My job is to provide you with tools that you need to rebuild your life and sense of self. If you are willing to do the work, the benefits and possibilities are endless. Investing in therapy can be a rewarding experience, and it can be the key to a more fulfilling life. I am here for you every step of the way as you blossom from a caterpillar into a beautiful butterfly. In my spare time, I enjoy reading, writing, listening to music, meditating and praying. I am eager to help you begin your journey of self-discovery.

Psychologist Noelle Sladon providing different types of therapy in Lakewood

Noelle Sladon

Clinician
License Type(s): CA LMFT 36197
Mental Wellness Specialties: Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesTrauma and abuseSelf esteemDepression
35 years offering treatment

I am licensed in California with 35 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress, anxiety, relationship issues, trauma, abuse, motivation, self esteem, & confidence. I also have experience working with depression. I work with my clients to create an open and safe environment where thoughts and feelings can be shared without fear of judgment. It takes courage to seek out a more fulfilling and happier life and to take the first steps towards a change. I am here to support & empower you in that journey.

Psychologist Linda Granadino providing different types of therapy in Lakewood

Linda Granadino

Clinician
License Type(s): CA LCSW 69793
Mental Wellness Specialties: Family conflictsTrauma and abuseGriefSelf esteem
14 years offering treatment

I am licensed in California with 11 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with family conflicts, trauma and abuse, coping with grief and loss, & parenting issues. 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!

Psychologist Denise Gutirrez-Miller providing different types of therapy in Lakewood

Denise Gutirrez-Miller

Clinician
License Type(s): OK LCSW 22223, CA LCSW LCSW87095
Mental Wellness Specialties: Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesSelf esteemDepressionCoping with life changes
22 years offering treatment

I am licensed in California and Oklahoma with 25 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, motivation, self esteem and confidence, & 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 seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process. I have worked with many populations, from developmentally disabled to SED teens to adults. I enjoy meeting people and seek to make others' lives better. I would love to work with you and help you become the best version of yourself. I am a born-again Christian and available for those needing to understand themselves according to Scripture. My availability is 10am to 4pm Central Time.

Psychologist Dr. Cheryl Mims providing different types of therapy in Lakewood

Dr. Cheryl Mims

Clinician
License Type(s): CA LCSW 21288
Mental Wellness Specialties: Stress, AnxietyGriefBipolar disorderDepression
40 years offering treatment

I am licensed in California with 30 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, coping with grief and loss, & bipolar disorder. I also have experience working with 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 seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process.

Psychologist Richard Wendt providing different types of therapy in Lakewood

Richard Wendt

Clinician
License Type(s): CA LMFT 94478
Mental Wellness Specialties: Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesTrauma and abuseParenting issuesDepression
12 years offering treatment

I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. I earned a Masters of Arts in Marriage, Family, Child Counseling and a Masters of Divinity with an emphasis in New Testament Theology from Fresno Pacific Biblical Seminary. My Masters work in traumatic stress has led me to specialize in Trauma and PTSD in both adults and children and am a Certified Clinical Trauma Professional. I have experience in Law Enforcement, firefighting, and EMS as a Paramedic. I have experience in ministry working as pastor, chaplain, and pastoral counselor. Before opening my private practice I worked as a therapist at the College of the Sequoias, Visalia Youth Services and with Trinity Ministries Group. I work with adults, adolescents, children, family and couples. I enjoy working with adolescents and children with behavioral, mood and anxiety problems. I work with the military, law enforcement, firefighters, and paramedics and their families. My approach is to come along side of you to assist you in developing healthier relationships and coping skills. 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.

Psychologist Pauline Padrul providing different types of therapy in Lakewood

Pauline Padrul

Clinician
License Type(s): CA LCSW 25630
Mental Wellness Specialties: Stress, AnxietyEating disordersSelf esteemDepressionCoping with life changes
25 years offering treatment

Hello! I am a licensed clinical social worker in the state of California with over twenty years of professional work experience in behavioral health treatment. I also have a Master's degree in Public Health with a strong interest in behavioral epidemiology. I have worked with clients who typically present with stress and anxiety, eating disorders, motivation, self esteem issues & depression. I believe that you are the expert of your story and that you have many strengths with which to overcome challenges and build resilience.

Psychologist Dr. Malcolm Stanislaus providing different types of therapy in Lakewood

Dr. Malcolm Stanislaus

Clinician
License Type(s): CA LMFT 46059
Mental Wellness Specialties: Trauma and abuseDepressionCoaching
40 years offering treatment

I am licensed in California with 40 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with shame-based issues, trauma and abuse, depression, spiritual bypass, & executive and 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!

Psychologist Erica Nolasco providing different types of therapy in Lakewood

Erica Nolasco

Clinician
License Type(s): CA LCSW 107651
Mental Wellness Specialties: Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesFamily conflictsSelf esteemDepression
7 years offering treatment

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.

Psychologist Dr. Michele Forte-Perry providing different types of therapy in Lakewood

Dr. Michele Forte-Perry

Clinician
License Type(s): CA LCSW 135759, PA LCSW CW016872
Mental Wellness Specialties: Family conflictsParenting issuesSelf esteemCareer difficultiesCoping with life changes
25 years offering treatment

As a licensed therapist with over two decades of experience, I specialize in supporting individuals navigating complex emotional landscapes. My professional journey has been dedicated to helping clients address challenges like depression, anxiety, trauma, and self-esteem issues. I understand that each person's path to healing is unique, and I approach therapy with deep compassion and personalized care. My therapeutic approach is rooted in creating a supportive, non-judgmental environment where clients can explore their experiences and develop meaningful strategies for personal growth. I draw from evidence-based practices to help individuals build resilience, understand their emotional patterns, and cultivate stronger, healthier relationships with themselves and others. Whether you're struggling with stress, processing past experiences, or seeking to enhance your overall emotional well-being, I'm committed to walking alongside you with empathy, expertise, and genuine care. Together, we can work towards understanding your strengths and creating positive, sustainable changes in your life.

Find a Therapist Near You in Lakewood , 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:

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:

  1. Complete a brief questionnaire about your needs, preferences, and goals
  2. Get matched with a licensed therapist authorized to practice in California (CA)
  3. 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 Lakewood.

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.

Finding therapy with a therapist in Lakewood can change your life. Expert therapy provides the most valuable insights into managing stress, building resilience, and nurturing emotional growth. With the personalized guidance and compassionate support, from a licensed mental health therapeutic expert serving clients in your area, you can gain therapy tools to overcome life’s obstacles and improve overall well-being. It's beneficial to embrace therapy in order to unlock new paths toward happiness and lasting self-improvement. Experience renewed strength and clarity with BetterHelp online therapy services and therapists. Seeking expert therapeutic guidance from a seasoned therapy counselor can foster resilience and personal growth. Embracing professional therapy allows individuals to address their emotional challenges effectively while gaining theraprutic insight and self-assurance. Therapy enhances overall well-being, inspires healthier relationships, and empowers you to navigate their life's obstacles with renewed clarity and confidence beyond measure.
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