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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Cynthia Rolf

Clinical therapist offering therapy in CA, Lakewood
Counselor License Type(s): LMFT
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesSelf esteemDepressionCoping with life changes
9 years of experience as a mental health therapist serving Lakewood

I am a family and marriage counselor licensed in California with nine years of experience working as a psychotherapist. I have worked with clients with a wide range of concerns, including depression, anxiety, relationship issues, divorce/separation, phase of life issues, and family conflict. I have also helped many people who have experienced anger issues, physical trauma, and emotional abuse. My counseling style is warm and interactive. I believe in maintaining a secure and safe environment so anyone can express themselves. I treat everyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion, and I don't believe in stigmatizing labels. My approach combines humanistic, cognitive-behavioral, psychodynamic, and Jungian counseling. I will tailor our dialog and treatment plan to meet your unique and specific needs. I welcome you to a judgment-free zone that fosters self-discovery and personal growth utilizing an integrative approach tailored to your needs. I look forward to working with you!

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Michele Downey

Clinical therapist offering therapy in CA, Lakewood
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsRelationship issuesDepressionCompassion fatigue
35 years of experience as a mental health therapist serving Lakewood

I am licensed in California with 35 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, coping with addictions, relationship issues, & 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. 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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Deanna Murray

Clinical therapist offering therapy in CA, Lakewood
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesFamily conflictsSelf esteemCoping with life changes
13 years of experience as a mental health therapist serving Lakewood

I am licensed in Texas with 13 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 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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Shannan Faust

Clinical therapist offering therapy in CA, Lakewood
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsTrauma and abuseSelf esteemDepression
4 years of experience as a mental health therapist serving Lakewood

I am licensed in California with 4 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 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!

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Joshua Mondary

Clinical therapist offering therapy in CA, Lakewood
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesParenting issuesSelf esteemDepression
8 years of experience as a mental health therapist serving Lakewood

I am licensed in California with 8 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, parenting issues, & motivation, self esteem, and confidence. I believe that you are the expert of your story and that you have many strengths that will assist you in overcoming things that challenge you. Taking the first step to sign up for therapy can take courage and I am proud of you for getting started!

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Malaika Hill-Jones

Clinical therapist offering therapy in CA, Lakewood
Stress, AnxietyLGBTRelationship issuesFamily conflictsTrauma and abuse
10 years of experience as a mental health therapist serving Lakewood

I am licensed in California with 10 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, lgbtq+ related issues, relationship issues, & family conflicts. 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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Ray Armstrong

Clinical therapist offering therapy in CA, Lakewood
Relationship issuesTrauma and abuseGriefSelf esteemCareer difficulties
20 years of experience as a mental health therapist serving Lakewood

Hello, I am licensed in California with 20 years of professional work experience. My therapeutic philosophy is that individuals need to be a part of their own solutions. Each person is an expert of their own life; not anyone else. I strive to empower clients to feel that their successes come from themselves and are the result of their own dedication and hard work. I work with individuals, couples, and families. I work with many different modalities, but really feel Narrative therapy and Solution focused are ones that instill hope, encouragement and a chance to alter perspectives and the overall "script / narrative." I try to stay away from diagnostic labels and work well with those who don't appreciate categories. I do not start labeling or plugging you into a pre -existing program. I won't put you in a "clinical" diagnostic box. As a Narrative and Solution Focused therapist, we focus on strengths you already have & build on current resources. We don't just talk about the problems over and over. Sessions are focused on making life more fulfilling, comfortable, meaningful, and enjoyable. I offer a very safe, judgement -free zone, compassionate & caring environment. Thank you very much or taking the time to read a bit about my approach.

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Ksenia Krasnikov

Clinical therapist offering therapy in CA, Lakewood
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesSelf esteemDepressionCoping with life changes
13 years of experience as a mental health therapist serving Lakewood

I am licensed in California with 13 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 sign up for therapy can take courage and I am proud of you for getting started!

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Elsa Busch

Clinical therapist offering therapy in CA, Lakewood
Stress, AnxietyEating disordersAnger managementBipolar disorderDepression
25 years of experience as a mental health therapist serving Lakewood

I am licensed in California with 25 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with various anxiety conditions (i.e., Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, Panic Disorder, Social Anxiety Disorder, Generalized Anxiety Disorder, Agoraphobia, Specific Phobias and etc.), eating disorders, anger management, & bipolar disorder. I believe in treating everyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion. I specialize in Cognitive Behavior Therapy and will tailor our treatment plan to also incorporate other modalities (Dialectical Behavior Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, and Mindfulness) 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 and to help you meet your treatment goals.

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Amoreena Thomas

Clinical therapist offering therapy in CA, Lakewood
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsRelationship issuesTrauma and abuseDepression
4 years of experience as a mental health therapist serving Lakewood

I am a licensed therapist in California with 4 years of professional and clinical work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, coping with addictions and navigating recovery, relationship issues, and trauma and abuse. I am trained in EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) to assist and work through desensitizing and processing traumatic events you've experienced and the effects and symptoms you may be experiencing. I take a client-centered approach. I'm here to support you through your journey, because I believe you are the expert of your life and experiences. It takes courage to seek out a more fulfilling and happier life and to take the first steps towards making a change. I am here to support, encourage, and empower you in that journey.

How to find a therapist for counseling in Lakewood

Finding the best therapist close by in Lakewood 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 with therapists in Lakewood that work best for you in order to begin your personal journey towards emotional healing with a therapist.

Understanding the type of therapy you'd like to search for is crucial before finding a therapist or psychologist in Lakewood. 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 with BetterHelp therapists can offer various benefits and address or treat different disorders. If you're still unsure or are new to counseling in Lakewood, 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 for therapists. 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 therapists able to treat individuals and couples counseling, and sometimes children, in any type of therapy in the Lakewood region and in the state of California. Find a therapist under any of these distinctions and know that the sessions they offer can provide a safe place to heal.

A mental health counselor working through their own in-person therapy practice in Lakewood or online may assist clients in improving healthy relationships, communication skills, working through life transitions, couples counseling, managing a mood disorder, improving coping skills, self help tips, offer life coaching, family therapy, or change in negative thinking patterns. A Lakewood therapist may also provide a safe place and validation for clients experiencing emotional pain, or that simply want a psychological assessment. Verified providers and therapists 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 Lakewood area in different types of therapy, including:

  • CBT
  • DBT
  • Substance use therapy
  • Couples therapy

When you're ready to start your search and find Lakewood 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 Lakewood, elsewhere in Los Angeles, or in the greater state of California. Get matched with one of the therapists working on the BetterHelp platform today.

Frequently asked questions (FAQs) about therapists and mental health services

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

How does the cost of in-person counseling with a therapist compare to the cost of BetterHelp with a licensed Lakewood therapist?

The average price of an in-person therapy session in the US with most therapists is $100 to $200 per hour. These prices may be higher in Lakewood due to a higher cost of living, and a limited number of therapists taking new clients. 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 Lakewood may not take health insurance, some therapists 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 a BetterHelp therapist throughout the state of California you can expect significantly more affordable options, with therapists sessions ranging from $65 to $100 per week (billed every four weeks). If you're looking for a therapist, Cincinnati offers a variety of professionals who can help with your mental health needs at a price you can afford.

How is a licensed therapist on this Lakewood online therapy platform verified?

Therapists in Lakewood, 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. Therapists 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, therapists here 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 Lakewood psychiatrists to prescribe a drug or medication as treatment, or perform psychological assessments and other psychiatric services.

How does working with a professional counselor in BetterHelp online therapy sessions work?

BetterHelp clinicians and therapists treat clients online across the United States (individuals and couples) through life transitions, inner child exploration, long term depression or anxiety, post traumatic stress disorder, and more. An online mental health therapist, including the therapists in Lakewood 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 while working with BetterHelp therapists. You'll also find support groups or group therapy lead by a therapist in Lakewood helping individuals on topics including managing life transitions, symptoms affecting sexual health, behavioral health, coping skills for anxiety, depression, trauma, stress, marriage counseling, and more. Get matched with one of BetterHelp's therapists today.

What mental health issues can psychotherapy address with the help of psychologists?

BetterHelp's verified Lakewood 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.

Our therapists specialties on BetterHelp include:

  • Cognitive behavioral therapy - This type of therapy is provided by therapists who are professional counselors, helping clients identify and change negative thought patterns through structured sessions.
  • Behavior therapy - Therapists use behavior therapy techniques to help clients modify harmful behaviors and develop healthier habits, often through the guidance of a professional counselor.
  • EMDR therapy - EMDR therapists assist clients in processing traumatic memories to alleviate emotional distress and improve overall well-being, utilizing the expertise of a professional counselor.
  • Talk therapy - Therapists engage clients in talk therapy to explore their feelings and develop strategies for dealing with various mental health issues, often guided by a professional counselor.
  • Depression - Therapists offer counseling to help individuals manage symptoms of depression and improve their mood and functioning, often working closely with a professional counselor.
  • Anxiety disorders - Therapists specialize in anxiety disorders, offering strategies to manage and reduce anxiety symptoms effectively, often through counseling sessions with a professional counselor.
  • Stress - Therapists provide tools and techniques to help clients cope with stress and improve their mental resilience, frequently under the supervision of a professional counselor.
  • Eating disorders - Therapists experienced in eating disorders offer specialized counseling to address unhealthy eating patterns and body image issues, with the support of a professional counselor.
  • Grief - Therapists provide support and guidance to clients experiencing grief, helping them navigate the stages of loss, often in collaboration with a counselor.
  • Attachment therapy - Therapists use attachment therapy to help clients understand and improve their emotional bonds and relationships, often with the assistance of a counselor.
  • Relationships - Therapists work with clients to improve communication, resolve conflicts, and strengthen their connections with others, often using the skills of a counselor.
  • Children, adolescents, and teens - Therapists specializing in youth therapy address the unique mental health needs of children, adolescents, and teens, often involving a counselor in the process.
  • Addiction (substance abuse) - Therapists offer counseling for addiction, helping clients overcome substance abuse and maintain long-term recovery, often under the guidance of a counselor.
  • Divorce - Therapists support individuals through the emotional and practical challenges of ending a marriage, often working with a psychologist to provide comprehensive care.
  • Trauma or PTSD - Therapists specializing in trauma and PTSD help clients process traumatic experiences and reduce their symptoms, frequently collaborating with a psychologist.
  • Bipolar disorder - Therapists provide counseling to manage the mood swings and challenges associated with bipolar disorder, often in consultation with a psychologist.
  • Psychodynamic treatment - Therapists use psychodynamic treatment to explore unconscious processes and how they affect current behavior, often guided by psychologists.
  • Career counseling - Therapists assist clients in making informed decisions about their professional paths and resolving work-related issues, often with the help of psychologists.
  • Alcohol use disorders - Therapists offer specialized counseling to help clients manage and overcome alcohol use disorders, frequently under the supervision of psychologists.
  • OCD - Therapists provide strategies and support to manage obsessive-compulsive disorder symptoms, often via psychotherapy.
  • ADHD - Therapists offer counseling to help clients with ADHD improve focus, organization, and overall functioning, often via psychotherapy.
  • Mood disorders - Therapists work with clients to stabilize and improve mood through various therapeutic approaches, frequently in psychotherapy.
  • Sex addiction
  • Complex trauma
  • Life transitions

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 Lakewood therapy provider through BetterHelp's sister platform, ReGain, which is dedicated to couples and spouses worldwide with licensed therapists. 

How do I know if online counseling is right for my family in Lakewood?

One of the potentially rewarding aspects of working with a Lakewood 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 and therapists are trained to respond to various concerns, symptoms, and mental health conditions in Lakewood therapy sessions.

Lakewood therapists 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 Lakewood 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 Lakewood 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 psychotherapist.

With a lot of people in CA, therapists may be booked out with clients. Through the list of profiles or therapists 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 90714 or the surrounding zip codes, consider others available through the BetterHelp site where you can schedule a session based on your and the therapist's schedule. No matter if you are seeking help from therapists in your area or beyond, online therapy can be a great option.

How should I prepare for my first therapy session with a Lakewood counselor?

Before seeing your Lakewood 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, you can let our therapists know if you have any concerns about therapy or feel unsure about what to talk about. Lakewood therapists here may help guide you with open-ended therapeutic questions while offering mental health services. The first session will often serve as an intake to get to know you as a person and learn why you're attending therapy in Lakewood.

Should I find a therapist or psychologist for therapy 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 from a therapist. A Lakewood 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 with a Lakewood counselor 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 that a counselor can help with.

Is mental health care and therapy with a therapist worth it?

Therapy with a licensed counselor 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 therapist 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 Lakewood, 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.

Lakewood 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 during telehealth appointments?

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 for Lakewood, California

To stay up to date with BetterHelp's initiatives through their social channels, you can follow them on PinterestLinkedInInstagramTwitter, and Facebook. For mental health tips, check out the BetterHelp YouTube channel.

Take some time today to learn more about the team of Lakewood 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 to customer service 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 Lakewood.

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

90711, 90712, 90713, 90714, 90715

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