Long Beach, CA is one of the world’s largest shipping ports, as well as a popular waterfront tourist destination. However, even a beautiful city in a state known for its laid-back attitude can be home to life’s challenges for many. Mental illness doesn’t discriminate, and seeking help can be important no matter where you live. 

When it comes to finding a therapist, Long Beach CA can seem like a great bet. California is in general a culturally sensitive area friendly to mental health care and social work, and the large population of Long Beach offers a lot of options. However, finding the right therapist to meet your needs can be more complicated than you think. Therapy is as effective as your own investment in it, and therefore finding the right therapeutic relationship can be essential to success. 

With online therapy through a platform like BetterHelp, it can be easier to find a therapist who not only practices the specialty that is most effective for your experience, but also one with whom you have a solid rapport. With BetterHelp, you can choose from over 30,000 licensed mental health care professionals. Whether you are seeking help for panic attacks, dealing with domestic violence, or simply trying to improve your well-being, you can find the right therapist for you. BetterHelp’s professionals provide therapy across a variety of fields including solution-focused therapy, psychodynamic therapy, and cognitive behavioral therapy. 

Online therapy is also a convenient solution for people with busy lives. By filling out an online questionnaire you will be connected to a therapist who meets your needs, and can switch for any reason at no additional cost. Sessions can be easily worked into your schedule, and with options for video chat, phone, or text messaging you can attend therapy from the comfort of your own home or office. 

Therapy can offer the tools you need to heal past trauma, manage stress, and live a more fulfilling life. If you are located in Long Beach, Costa Mesa, or other nearby cities and are looking for a therapist, BetterHelp can make it easier to take that first step of your mental health journey. 

 

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Sara Markham

Offering therapy in CA
License: MA, LMFT
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesEating disordersSelf esteemDepression
3 years of experience

Combining empathy and intuition to understand every person and each situation, my goal is to support my clients with the compassion and genuine care that they deserve, taking into account their struggles, goals, hopes, desires, and histories. For me, it’s about building quality, unique and profound relationships with my clients, allowing me to give them the confidence to show them that change is, in fact, possible. I understand that every person is unique. Using a combination of therapy techniques, I am able to really meet my clients on a personal level, helping them clarify goals, find their self-confidence and become effective and intentional with their relationships. With a Masters in Marriage and Family Therapy and licensed in the state of California (44317), I have worked as a Marriage Counselor and Therapist for over 15 years, guiding individuals toward their goals, and watching as they achieve amazing strides in their relationships, in their workplace, and in their lives. We aim to work on communication skills, opening doors and creating effective ways to voice needs so you can be truly understood in all aspects of your life. Because of the approach I use, my experience, knowledge and passion for every client, I am able to empathize and understand each on a deeper level, allowing every client to feel change, even after the very first psychotherapy session. That is because I believe it’s not just about you and me, you and your spouse, or you and others, it’s about building a quality relationship with yourself, allowing for more clarity, understanding and appreciation. In this way, you can truly make the changes you wish to see, and see the improvements you never thought you could reach. This research is valuable for working with the clients I work with to foster new insight into their concerns and find solutions. The quality of the therapeutic relationship and empathic attunement lead those with relationship issues to think about their issues and how they need to change their interactions. Clients with eating disorders are supported in their search for understanding the function of their eating disorder and are guided through their recovery. As they recover, they will be able to think more clearly as their brains are getting the nourishment they need to stay healthy. Teens are unique in the kind of attunement they need and what they respond to. Through years of working with teens, I have been able to find a way of building rapport with them to influence change. When they feel understood and heard, they can make positive steps. I have been utilizing principles of research on the brain and the power of the mind in changing the structure and function of the brain. Through focusing attention on our internal world we are able to gain empathy and understanding for others allowing them to feel empathic attunement. Feeling attuned to can help one gain insight and understanding into their own internal processes which can cause one to change stuck and dysfunctional ways of relating. This process called Mindsight can actually change the course of your relationships and integrate areas of your history, beliefs, or trauma that weren’t integrated before. When we are able to modify our internal world we can change our patterns of relating to a more harmonious way of interacting. The therapeutic relationship is the conduit for increasing Mindsight and being able to look at the areas that are in need of the most attunement. Therapy with empathic attunement gives clients what they need in order to create change which is empowering for clients. This research is valuable for working with the clients I work with to foster new insight into their concerns and find solutions. The quality of the therapeutic relationship and empathic attunement lead those with relationship issues to think about their issues and how they need to change their interactions.

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Pamela Peringer

Offering therapy in CA
License: MA,LMFT
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesSelf esteemDepression
8 years of experience

Thank you for reading my profile – I hope I will get a chance to meet with you soon! I am a Marriage and Family Therapist licensed by the state of California, Board of Behavioral Sciences, LMFT #117301, with nine years of counseling experience working with adults, children and teenagers, individually and in groups. When working with adults, I find it helpful to remember and honor the precious children they once were, and to strive to treat them with the sensitivity, kindness, patience and unconditional positive regard that they still need and deserve now that they are grown up. I look forward to working with you to increase your resilience and psychological flexibility, so that you can be more open, aware and engaged in life. I will encourage you to explore your own values and help you to take positive actions towards them. I hope to help you to feel better, have more fulfilling relationships and feel empowered to lead a more meaningful life. My counseling style is based on a special client-centered relationship that is caring, respectful, genuine and accepting, to encourage your self-compassion and personal growth. I use an eclectic approach of evidence-based practices that best suit your individual strengths and needs, and that provide you with coping skills you can use when you need them. We can also explore the use of mindfulness training and the power of metaphors to help you tap into your own brainpower. These are difficult times. Even in times like these we can still find meaning, and move towards hope, individuation and joy! I would be honored to be a small part of your life journey. I would like to help you to explore and expand your own unique potential!

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Dr. Sarah Golden

Offering therapy in CA
License: Ph.D.,LPCC (CA),LPC (MI)
Stress, AnxietySelf esteemCareer difficultiesCoping with life changes
8 years of experience

Welcome! I am happy you are here and have chosen to reach out for support. I know it can be challenging to take that first step. That takes courage! My name is Dr. Sarah Golden, and I am a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor (LPCC) in the state of California and a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) in the state of Michigan. I am a National Certified Counselor. I earned my graduate degree in Counselor Education and my Ph.D. in Counselor Education and Supervision. I have worked in the counseling profession in a variety of capacities as a counselor and a consultant. As we start working together, I hope to create a space where you can talk and feel heard. We will collaboratively help you navigate some of the challenges and feelings you've expressed and identify some goals you have for counseling. My style is to create a safe, collaborative, and warm environment for clients to explore their thoughts, experiences, and challenges while working toward their personal goals. My counseling approach is integrated and combines a person-centered, humanistic, CBT, mindfulness practices, and solution-focused approach. I look forward to starting this journey with you!

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Cindy Cothran

Offering therapy in CA
License: LPC-MHSP
Stress, AnxietyLGBTRelationship issuesTrauma and abuseDepression
18 years of experience

Hello, starting therapy can be tough and I hope to make the first steps easier if possible. It is my belief that therapy can be a place of emotional refuge and I work hard to let each person know that their best interest comes first. I hope that through understanding and gentle humor, we can find connection and work on the challenges that brought you to seek a therapist. Whether you are experiencing anxiety, depression, a loss, life changes, trauma or some other circumstance, I hope to support and help you through the situation. I have been a therapist for more than 15 years and in that time I have honed a flexible set of therapy skills that I adapt to match your personal life goals. No matter which therapeutic approach I am utilizing, my style is always sincere and wholehearted. I believe in the goodness of all people and that we are all worthy of respect. I do lean toward evidenced-based therapeutic approaches and I am trained in a variety of models/ techniques. If I had to describe my therapeutic style in a few words, I would say that I am an attachment-based therapist with an eclectic therapy style as I draw from such approaches as mindfulness, solution based therapy, cognitive behavioral approaches, Hakomi, somatic approaches and EMDR. I look forward to working with you as you take the next step to living the life you want to live!

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Larry Spinks

Offering therapy in CA
Stress, AnxietyDepression
7 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 7 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety & 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.

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Maribel Mancillas

Offering therapy in CA
Stress, AnxietyLGBTRelationship issuesTrauma and abuseDepression
15 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 15 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, lgbtq+ related issues, relationship issues, & trauma and abuse. 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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Vidur Malik

Offering therapy in CA
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsRelationship issuesSelf esteemDepression
7 years of experience

I am licensed in California with several years of professional work experience in many different settings. I am currently available for short-term therapy (2-3 months of weekly sessions). I have experience in helping clients manage and heal from negative relationship patterns, feelings of loneliness and isolation, overwhelming stress, addictions to substances, and the impact of trauma. I believe that a safe and compassionate therapy experience allows you to build insight about your experiences and live a life that feels genuine and rewarding. Therapy is a journey that can feel scary at times, but it can help you experience the healing you deserve. I will be with you for every step.

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Izabella Bagdasarian

Offering therapy in CA
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesFamily conflictsTrauma and abuseDepression
4 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 4 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, & trauma and abuse. 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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Ayesha Wallace

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

I am licensed in California with 10 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, 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 seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process.

This is Maria Romero Jackson's avatar and link to their profile

Maria Romero Jackson

Offering therapy in CA
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesTrauma and abuseGriefSelf esteem
11 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 15 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, trauma and abuse, & coping with grief and loss. 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!

How to find counseling in Long Beach

Finding the best therapist close by in Long Beach 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 Long Beach. 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 Long Beach, 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 Long Beach 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 Long Beach 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 Long Beach, elsewhere in Los Angeles, 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 Long Beach area can be found below:

How does the cost of in-person counseling compare to the cost of BetterHelp with a licensed Long Beach 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 Long Beach 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 Long Beach 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 Long Beach, 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 Long Beach 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 Long Beach 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 Long Beach 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 Long Beach 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 Long Beach 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 90822 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 Long Beach 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 Long Beach 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 Long Beach, 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.

Long Beach 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 Long Beach.

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

90801, 90802, 90803, 90804, 90805, 90806, 90807, 90808, 90810, 90813, 90814, 90815, 90822, 90831, 90832, 90833, 90834, 90835, 90840, 90842, 90844, 90846, 90847, 90848, 90853, 90899

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