The town of Livingston, California was named after a British explorer who became an international celebrity in the late 1800s for exploring the continent of Africa. Many try to follow in his footsteps. But, being yourself is a better path to walk.

When trying to compare yourself to others, it can often lead to devastating effects on your self-esteem. If you’re struggling, contact a nearby licensed mental health therapist for help. They can help you with your issues, and you can learn to be exactly who you are with no apologies. Don’t try to be someone else -- find yourself today.

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Dr. Robert Simmonds

Offering therapy in CA
License: Ph.D.
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsRelationship issuesDepressionADHD
40 years of experience

I am a licensed psychologist living in San Diego, California, with 40 years of experience providing psychotherapy both in private practice and for the US Army. I retired from my work with the Army a year and a half ago, and am now working with clients in my private practice. I work with a variety of psychological issues, but have had most of my experience working with trauma, traumatic brain injury, anxiety, depression, and men’s issues in general. My clients and I identify the scope of the problem we’re working on and then focus on solutions to the problem. I see therapy as a serious pursuit and one which opens the door, with a great deal of self-understanding, to a fulfilling and meaningful life. I use mostly talk therapy along with supplementary exercises and experiences to achieve our therapeutic goals.

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Christina Harley-Bishara

Offering therapy in CA
License: LMFT
Relationship issuesFamily conflictsParenting issuesSelf esteemCoping with life changes
22 years of experience

Asking for help can be so difficult, but you are not alone. Whether you are suffering from anxiety, depression, personal loss or chronic stress, I am here to help you. As a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with over 17 years of experience, I will help you find the tools to overcome the barriers that are stopping you from finding balance and happiness in your life. I provide a very safe, relaxed and non-judgmental environment, where we collaborate as a team to help you meet your personal goals. My approach is to be empathic and directive, tailored to your needs. I've worked with children, adolescents, couples, adults and families. However, because I've treated people of all ages, I have the skills to help you with a variety issues, including parenting, divorce, and family trauma/conflict. I'm here for you.

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Melanie Castellari

Offering therapy in CA
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsRelationship issuesFamily conflictsTrauma and abuse
12 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 12 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 sign up for therapy can take courage and I am proud of you for getting started!

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Jennifer Cawelti

Offering therapy in CA
Stress, AnxietySelf esteemBipolar disorderDepressionCompassion fatigue
11 years of experience

Are you like me and have found when I seek to change anything in my life it is the most exciting, terrifying, rewarding, difficult and life altering experience? Deepak Chopra once said, “All great changes are preceded by chaos.” I have found this sentiment to be true in my personal life. Making the decision to change is a difficult choice, but I believe, the true path to healing and joy. In my career I have the pleasure of getting to know many different people from different walks of life and individuals in different phases. I have found the desire to better oneself to be the most amazing and rewarding work I could ever ask for. Passion brought me into this field and to this day drives my work. I try to work with each of my clients individually, getting to know each person and cater my practice to ways to work with you specifically. No two people are alike, so why should I do the same therapy with every client. I am a therapist who will get to know you and work to understand you. I have seen the ways that therapy can produce change, from my own personal work to the work I do with my clients. I look forward to all new clients who come into my life and I can’t wait to get to know each of you. "Not everything that is faced can be changed, but nothing can be changed until it is faced." James Baldwin

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Briana Kilian

Offering therapy in CA
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsRelationship issuesTrauma and abuseDepression
11 years of experience

I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and have been working as a clinician for over 10 years. I earned my Master of Science degree in Clinical Psychology from Vanguard University and completed my undergraduate work at the University of Southern California. My approach to therapy is always centered on you. I have firsthand experience with the healing and growth that psychotherapy can offer and am passionate about helping people live a more authentic and satisfying life. I have extensive experience working with individuals who have experienced various forms of trauma, anxiety, depression, anger, life transitions, and interpersonal relationship issues. I enjoy working with clients of all ages and backgrounds in different stages of life. I approach each client as a unique individual keeping their personal background and journey in mind. I use an integrative approach and implement a variety of techniques. I am also certified in Clinical Hypnosis and trained in EMDR. My goal is to create a therapeutic approach that feels comfortable and suitable for you personally. I understand the courage it can take to decide to come to therapy and I would love to help you take that first step!

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Bethanie Schmoeller

Offering therapy in CA
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesTrauma and abuseSelf esteemDepression
23 years of experience

If you are challenged by life stress, anxiety, depression, past trauma, or relationship issues, and looking for an experienced psychotherapist, I am here to help. With over 23 years of experience, my therapeutic approach is a combination of cognitive behavioral therapy (here and now) psychodynamic (past experiences) and Positive Psychology. I am committed to helping you improve your health and well-being while providing fresh, positive coping skills to guide you to reducing your distress and suffering.​ We will identify your strengths that will get you through the challenges of life in today's environment. I will work with you to create an open and safe place where thoughts and feelings can be shared without fear of judgment.

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Hannah Lee

Offering therapy in CA
Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseGriefSelf esteemDepression
6 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 6 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, trauma and abuse, coping with grief and loss, & 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 seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process.

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Medina Dautovic

Offering therapy in CA
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsTrauma and abuseAnger managementDepression
6 years of experience

Welcome! I'm Medina Dautovic, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) with a focus on trauma, addiction, and stress management. With over six years of professional experience and a California licensure, I am dedicated to providing individualized treatment that builds on your strengths. My expertise lies in helping individuals navigate stress, depression, anxiety, addiction, trauma, and anger management. I approach therapy with a deep commitment to respect, sensitivity, and compassion. Every individual is unique, and I tailor our dialog and treatment plan to address your specific needs. Taking the first step toward therapy requires courage, and I'm genuinely inspired by your decision to get started! I'm grateful to be part of your journey towards healing, growth, and a more fulfilling life.

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Jacqueline Shannon

Offering therapy in CA
Stress, AnxietyLGBTRelationship issuesSelf esteemCoping with life changes
10 years of experience

Hello! My name is Jackie Shannon and I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and Certified Alcohol and Drug Counsellor III. Well before I pursued a formal education in Marriage and Family Therapy, I felt a strong pull to support individuals in addressing some of life’s most difficult challenges. In 2004, I supported the start-up of a grassroots organisation and proceeded to work in community mental health settings. For nearly 20 years I have worked with adults and teens experiencing mood, anxiety and addictive disorders. Since my initial introduction to the field of addiction and mental health I have worked to refine my skill set. Over the past 5 years I have spent a significant amount of time working in leadership to guide and train those developing clinical skills. I have recently returned to pursue that which I am most passionate about, providing therapy to individuals, couples and families seeking support and change. I make use of humanistic and existential approaches through a variety of experiential modalities. By creating a safe space for individuals to experience the discomfort of life’s challenges, I support individuals in developing relationship through trust, empathy, direct and candid inquiry, and down to earth humor. I encourage intuitive exploration through integrating talk therapy with present moment awareness. Through therapeutic collaboration, individuals gain greater access to insight, motivation and empowerment thus improving the way that they see and experience the world. I am a passionate and experienced therapist and have been told I bring sensitivity, humor, keen attentiveness, and enthusiasm to my work. I specialize in working with transitional age youth, adults, families and couples. I welcome the opportunity to serve people from all races, religions, sexual orientations, gender identities and expressions, abilities, ethnicities, socioeconomic backgrounds, and am inclusive of all people without judgement.

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Will Koehler

Offering therapy in CA
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesTrauma and abuseParenting issuesDepression
9 years of experience

I'm an LMFT with over 9 years of experience . We would be a good fit if the following resonates with you. You prefer a more interactive therapist over someone that sits and nods. You want to understand yourself or your relationships better. You want to learn more about emotion regulation, organization, focus, and mindfulness. You would like to develop skills that increase focus and attention, facilitate depth in relationships, and manage intense and overwhelming feelings.

How to find counseling in Livingston

Finding the best therapist close by in Livingston can feel challenging, but know that once you narrow your search for a counselor serving your area, you can find a therapist in your city that is accepting new clients and fits your goals. Whether you're struggling with depression, anxiety, marriage, family issues, or other emotional challenges, feel proud that you have begun your search to find the mental health care services that work best for you in order to begin your personal journey towards emotional healing.

Understanding the type of therapy you'd like to search for is crucial before finding a therapist or psychologist in Livingston. Perhaps you're interested in narrowing your search for a psychotherapist that can offer psychodynamic, cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), talk therapy, provide group therapy, marriage and family therapy for individuals or couples, or couples therapy. Each type of therapy can offer various benefits and address or treat different disorders. If you're still unsure or are new to counseling in Livingston, feel free to contact the provider via email to find out which methods they practice.

It is also important to understand that mental health professionals in the United States are accredited to provide care, helping individuals and couples, with a variety of licenses. These include licensed marriage and family therapist (LMFT), licensed clinical social worker (LCSW), and clinical psychologist or doctor of psychology (PsyD). Regardless of their licensure, they are trained to treat individuals and couples counseling, and sometimes children, in any type of therapy. Find a therapist under any of these distinctions and know that the sessions they offer can provide a safe place to heal.

Mental health professionals working through their own in- person therapy practice in Livingston or online may assist clients in improving healthy relationships, communication skills, working through life transitions, managing a mood disorder, improving coping skills, or change in negative thinking patterns. They may also provide a safe place and validation for clients experiencing emotional pain. Verified providers can provide licensed marriage and couples therapy, tailor to individual needs, and create a therapeutic relationship as a National Certified Counselor.

There are all kinds of therapists working with clients today across the United States and in the greater Livingston area in different types of therapy, including:

  • CBT
  • DBT
  • Substance use therapy
  • Couples therapy

When you're ready to start your search and find therapists, have in mind what type of therapy you'd like your provider to be most experienced with and choose an experienced provider with a practice located near you in the city of Livingston, elsewhere in Merced, or in the greater state of California.

Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

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

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

The average price of an in-person therapy session in the US is $100 to $200 per hour. These prices may be higher in Livingston due to a higher cost of living. The price also depends on the type of provider you are looking for. See the following average prices for various mental health providers without insurance:

  • Counseling with a psychiatrist: $150-$500
  • Counseling with therapists: $100-300
  • Therapy with a psychologist: $100

While many psychologists in Livingston may not take health insurance, some in the state of California may work on a sliding scale, meaning they'll factor in your income and charge what you can afford per session. With BetterHelp or clinicians throughout the state of California you can expect significantly more affordable options, with sessions ranging from $65 to $100 per week (billed every four weeks).

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

Therapists in Livingston, California working on BetterHelp are licensed, trained, experienced, and accredited as a doctor of psychology (PhD / PsyD), licensed marriage and family therapists (LMFT), licensed clinical social worker (LCSW / LICSW), or licensed professional counselors (LPC). All of these psychology clinicians have a Masters Degree or a Doctorate Degree in their field of psychology sciences, and follow the APA Code of Ethics. They have been qualified and certified by their state's professional board after successfully completing the necessary education, exams, training and practice with a patient, and extensive experience in a healthcare clinic or treatment centers, in order to become a mental health provider. While their lived experience, expertise, careers, and background vary, they all possess at least 3 years and 1,000 hours of hands-on experience with adult and sometimes teen patients, and have the necessary therapist credentials to provide a safe space for long lasting emotional healing in therapy. 

Please note BetterHelp does not offer or provide care from psychiatrists to prescribe a drug as treatment, or perform psychological assessments.

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

BetterHelp clinicians treat clients online across the United States (individuals and couples) through life transitions, inner child exploration, long term depression or anxiety, and more. An online mental health professional, including the therapists in Livingston above, can work with young adults, children, adolescents, and adults virtually as an accredited licensed clinical social worker (LCSW) or licensed marriage and family therapist (LMFT). You do not have to commute to a an office as a psychotherapy client.

Through BetterHelp therapy, you can partake in video, phone, or live chat therapy sessions with your licensed therapist. You can work through various symptoms, use the in app journaling feature, and receive worksheets. You'll also find support groups or group therapy lead by a therapist in Livingston helping individuals on topics including managing life transitions, symptoms affecting sexual health, behavioral health, coping skills for anxiety or depression, trauma, stress, marriage counseling, and more. 

What mental health issues can psychotherapy address?

BetterHelp's verified Livingston therapists specialize and have clinical experience in a wide range of mental health issues and modalities, helping clients to feel better and improve their lives every day. See below for examples.

Specialties on BetterHelp include:

You may also be struggling with relationship problems that could be addressed in couples therapy or with a sex therapist. In that case, you may choose to work with one of BetterHelp's experienced cognitive-behavioral therapists or licensed marriage family therapists (LMFT) who work with clients in relationships. You can also try a Livingston therapy provider through BetterHelp's sister platform, ReGain, which is dedicated to couples and spouses worldwide. 

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

One of the potentially rewarding aspects of working with a therapist is the validation and active listening they can provide. Your friends and loved ones may also be available to listen, but you may feel that they may lack the skills to provide objective guidance. Counselors are trained to respond to various concerns, symptoms, and mental health conditions.

A psychologist in your city can support you toward a healthier emotional state, regardless of your mental health, life concerns, or healing needs. While supporting individuals in developing healthier habits, another good benefit of therapy is having an understanding, safe space with a non-judgmental party who can support you through challenging experiences.

Many people have sensitive topics that they may feel ashamed to discuss with their friends or partner. A Livingston therapist can help you confront these concerns and open up through unique methods of support. There are also many types of therapy, such as art therapy, where you may find you can express yourself through creativity instead of words.

With a lot of people in CA, providers may be booked out with clients. Through the list of profiles above and others within BetterHelp's team, you may be able to find a psychologist within 24 to 48 hours. If you're searching to find a a nearby psychotherapist close to 95334 or the surrounding zip codes, consider others available through the BetterHelp site. No matter if you are seeking help in your area or beyond, online therapy can be a great option.

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

Before seeing your therapist, prep for your session by reading to understand the therapy process. You might write a list of questions you want to ask your psychotherapist, any emotional pain you may feel, and the ways in which you hope to improve. When you attend your session, let them know if you have any concerns about therapy or feel unsure about what to talk about. They may help guide you with open-ended therapeutic questions. The first session will often serve as an intake to get to know you as a person and learn why you're attending therapy.

Should I find a therapist or psychologist if I feel fine? 

Some simply don't feel the need to see a psychologist. However, some people may avoid attending therapy due to stigma or preconceived notions of what therapy entails. Although psychologists often support people with mental health conditions, you do not need a diagnosis or condition to attend therapy. You can discuss grief, relationship concerns, stress, or life changes and ask for general feedback and advice. A Livingston licensed clinical social worker may help you gain power over your life and emotions while you navigate day-to-day experiences.

Gaining a new perspective on yourself through various therapies might allow you to improve your self-esteem, work through relationships, and gain a better sense of your mental health goals. The success you may find through therapy can be dependent on your process.

People may also attend therapy for specific motives, such as bullying, an autism diagnosis, a desire to learn mindfulness meditation, personality concerns, trouble with office workers, specific phobias, and many other principles.

Is mental health care and therapy worth it? 

Therapy is effective and has the power to change individuals' lives. Each client is at a different stage of their emotional healing journey in life, as each human can be unique in their personality, expression, skills, and goals. A psychologist can target various symptoms, experiences, and personalities to help you feel your best and put you on the path to healing. Unlike advice from a friend, family, or non-professional, a mental health professional has an understanding of various disorders like ADHD and depression with many hours of experience in treating adults in their practice. For this reason, seeing an evidence based psychologist in Livingston, 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.

Livingston has many clinicians who practice person or client-centered individual therapy in-person and through online therapy to assist clients in their healing journey. If you opt into online therapy, you might also be able to meet with providers all over the United States and change therapists easily at any time. Many people struggling with anxiety and depression, substance abuse, body image issues, and more find therapists that are a good fit for them, feel supported, and gain further insight into their lives through internet-based therapy.

Do therapists judge you in therapy sessions?

The boundaries between you and a therapist are in place to help you and them regarding ethical concerns. Mental health professionals are held by ethical standards through the American Psychological Association (APA) and are not allowed to judge or harm their clients. If you are concerned about sharing details about yourself, feel free to withhold personal information. Their job in the therapeutic relationship is to create a safe place, help you gain a deeper understanding of your mental health, and support you. You might consider changing counselors if you don't feel safe or respected.

Stay up to date with the leading online counseling platform

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

Take some time today to learn more about the team of therapists at BetterHelp to understand the services available to you clearly. If you are new to therapy or have any questions about the services and terms, please reach out through the contact page or send an email to contact@betterhelp.com.

If you’re ready to sign up for online therapy, consider signing up with a platform like BetterHelp and get matched within 24 to 48 hours.

If you are experiencing a crisis or emergency, don't use this site's online services. If you are in life-threatening danger, call 911. If you require support for a crisis, reach out to the hotlines below:

A woman meets with a therapist online in her home city of Livingston.

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

95334

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