In life, you want something to wash your problems away. If you’re depressed, you want to wash your sadness away. If you want to deal with stress, you need something to help you relax. If you want to improve yourself, a counselor can help you wash away the doubts and be a better person. 

Los Banos means “the baths.” You need a good bath sometimes, especially a mental bath. A counselor can help you with this, but you must speak to one and learn how you can be a better person. Talk to a counselor today if you want to learn more.

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Adrina Wilson

Offering therapy in CA
License: LMFT 107939
Stress, AnxietyLGBTTrauma and abuseDepressionCoping with life changes
5 years of experience

Adrina Wilson is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist providing therapeutic services to individuals, couples, children, adolescents and families. Some of her specialties include working with individuals who are seeking support with depression, anxiety, ADHD, behavioral issues, marital conflicts, trauma, parenting, family conflict, phase of life issues, LGBT issues, grief and loss, and substance use. Adrina has worked in county mental health, private agencies, and school based agencies which has included individuals from unique and diverse cultural backgrounds. She has a passion for incorporating art and relaxation techniques, in order to increase use of positive coping skills in and out of sessions. Adrina received her masters in psychology from Antioch University with an LGBT+ specialization, and her Bachelor of Arts from Western Carolina University.

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Jilla Lavian

Offering therapy in CA
License: LCSW
Stress, AnxietyFamily conflictsParenting issuesSelf esteemCoping with life changes
20 years of experience

I am a licensed clinical social worker in California, with nearly 20 years of experience working with diverse communities on a wide range of issues. I attended the University of Southern California for my dual masters in Social Work and Jewish Communal Service. I am also trained as a transformational life coach. I believe that self-exploration is an investment in you and your future. When we learn to pay attention to our thoughts and feelings with kindness and compassion, we gain insight and a true understanding of our authentic selves. We experience a sense of inner-peace, find deeper meaning, and become more nurturing to ourselves and others without judgment. My mission is to get to know the core of who you are and understand your inner experiences. Together we will explore your emotional state. I will listen and validate your feelings within a safe space with empathy. My intention is to help you set new goals and take steps towards achieving them. I will work with you to gain a true understanding of your strengths and help you restore your sense of clarity, direction, and creativity. I use different approaches in my work depending on the needs of my clients, including: client-centered, cognitive behavioral with psychodynamic perspective, mindfulness, and strength-based therapy. Specialties: Life coaching Stress, anxiety Women’s issues Self esteem Acculturation Coping and adjustment Depression Relationship issues Parenting Languages: English Farsi

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Dean Williams

Offering therapy in CA
License: LMFT,LPC
Stress, AnxietyGriefCareer difficultiesCoping with life changes
11 years of experience

I approach helping someone by working in whichever ways are the most effective for that individual. This is often a combination of changing thoughts, accessing feelings, and changing behaviors. I also emphasize identifying and developing strengths. I provide both therapy and career counseling. I am licensed as a therapist (LMFT) in Oregon and California, and as a counselor (LPC) in Oregon. My experience as a therapist includes helping clients find relief from depression, grief, anxiety, and stress. My clients have resolved conflicts and developed healthy boundaries in relationships at home and at work. And I specialize in teaching (ACT) skills that improve mindfulness, coping skills, and impulse control. The career counseling I offer involves helping clients identify, and work through, whatever is holding them back from developing and implementing an engaging and meaningful career strategy. Career therapy often addresses issues such as difficulty making a career decision, motivation development, the influences of family on career, and strengths development.

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Ahna Bishop

Offering therapy in CA
License: LCSW
Stress, AnxietyGriefAnger managementSelf esteemDepression
3 years of experience

Hello, my name is Ahna Bishop and I have worked in the Social Work field for over 10 years. My experience includes Outpatient Mental Health, Crisis Intervention, and Inpatient services. I have worked with diverse populations, caring for each individual, in attempts to obtain their personal goals. I have a history working with Depression, Anxiety, Schizophrenia Disorders, along with Personality Disorders. My goal is to encourage individuals to find healthy ways to cope in order to obtain emotional healing and understand the importance of self-care in their own lives. Together we can identify goals that will assist you in achieving balance in your mental health and everyday struggles that might be holding you back to your ultimate goal of living happy and healthy. My main frameworks are cognitive behavioral therapy, strengths based psychotherapy, and motivational interviewing. My primary job is to provide you with a safe non-judgemental space to process and to achieve the goals that will make you more fulfilled during this time of high stress. As well as assist you to overcome whatever has been holding you back. It isn’t always easy but working on ourselves brings great rewards. I truly believe all of us can benefit from therapy at some point in our lives. I am here to help provide support, work through a challenging decision, process a difficult event or just assist you to become a better stronger you. Whatever your goals are I am happy to help you along your path to feeling more fulfilled.

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James Salter

Offering therapy in CA
License: LCSW
Stress, AnxietyFamily conflictsTrauma and abuseGriefDepression
3 years of experience

I have 20 years of experience providing mental health and therapeutic services in multiple settings, including medical, adoptions, school social work, correctional mental health, and military veteran populations. My experience includes psychiatric assessment, DSM diagnosis, medical case management, treatment and care plan development, and crisis intervention. I am licensed to provide the full range of clinical mental health and social work services . My goal is to continue to develop my expertise in the mental health and medical social work field and provide services that improve the lives of individuals and families.

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Amy Hatcher

Offering therapy in CA
License: LMFT
Relationship issuesFamily conflictsTrauma and abuseParenting issuesCompassion fatigue
12 years of experience

Hello and welcome! My name is Amy Hatcher, and I am a military veteran, career firefighter/EMT, licensed marriage and family therapist (LMFT), and soon to be Doctor of Psychology (PsyD). But don't let the fancy titles and acronyms daunt you! That all just means by education, training, experience, and a genuine desire to help people, I will do my best to be the clinician you need. My approach to therapy is both integrative and holistic, where all aspects of the person – physical, mental, emotional, and behavioral - are addressed. I have worked in a multitude of different therapeutic settings, including active duty, veteran, and first responder counseling services, community mental health treatment centers serving individuals, couples, families, and children, residential recovery programs, and as a member of the psychiatric emergency response team (PERT). Seeking therapy is a big step and ensuring a good fit with your therapist is a major component. My goal is to establish a solid relationship, meet you where you are, figure out where you want to be, and work together to help you get there. I look forward to working with you! Crisis Line: 1-800-273-8255 (1-800-273-TALK) Crisis Text Line: Text TALK to 741-741

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Jessica Whittington

Offering therapy in CA
Stress, AnxietyFamily conflictsGriefDepressionADHD
10 years of experience

I am licensed in North Carolina with 8 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, family conflicts, coping with grief and loss, & 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.

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Dr. Katarina Thomas

Offering therapy in CA
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesFamily conflictsSelf esteemCareer difficulties
35 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 35 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 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.

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Syed Shayan Mehdi

Offering therapy in CA
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesGriefSelf esteemCompassion fatigue
3 years of experience

I've had a spiritual near-death experience, lost my loving mother to Cancer, immigrated as a child, lived under an oppressive regime in the Middle East as a minority, experienced complex family dynamics and through it all still believe that we are all meant to shine our light in this world. You may be reading this while at your lowest point in life but don't worry, I'm here to guide you back to your true self ("Remember Who You Are"). I'm a compassionate therapist who believes in the transformative power of healing through a holistic approach. With a deep understanding of the mind-body-spirit connection, I will successfully guide you through your journey of inner peace, emotional well-being & personal growth. My therapeutic approach combines evidence-based practices with mindfulness techniques, allowing you to explore your inner child, cultivate self-awareness, and develop effective coping strategies to address challenges such as anxiety, trauma, and depression. What can clients expect to take away from sessions with you? I provide a safe & nurturing space where you can explore your inner child & develop a sense of inner peace. By cultivating mindfulness & awareness, you'll learn to observe your thoughts and emotions without judgment, gaining a greater understanding of your patterns and triggers. I firmly believe that true healing lies in self-discovery and the cultivation of one's inner wisdom. In our sessions, you will embark on a journey of self-exploration, guided by the principles of mindfulness and spirituality. Together, we'll uncover underlying beliefs, patterns, and traumas that may be contributing to your anxiety, trauma & depression. We'll create a therapeutic journey that honors your unique experiences and supports your transformation toward a more fulfilling & balanced life. What treatment methods and tools do you utilize? Acceptance and Commitment (ACT) Attachment-based Cognitive Behavioral (CBT) Dialectical Behavior (DBT) Existential Family Systems Forensic Psychology Integrative Mindfulness-Based (MBCT) Motivational Interviewing Person-Centered Positive Psychology Solution Focused Brief (SFBT) Strength-Based Trauma Focused Explain to clients what areas you feel are your biggest strengths. I would say my ability to connect with you on a deep level & being able to carry your vulnerability where you feel heard & understood is my gift as I guide you & inspire you toward a solution to your life's problems. I'm grounded, spiritual & honor good values. I used to work in the Tech field so I'm aware of how "perfect" your life might feel to the outside world however chaotic things may be on the inside. I've provided therapy in prisons, schools, non-profits, government offices, hospitals, hospices & psychiatric institutions so my "well-rounded" experience prepares me for any issue you may present to me. My name means "Light" so my greatest gift to you is us shedding a 'light' on your problems and finding compassionate solutions to help you overcome all your challenges in life.

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Ka Yu (Emma) Lam

Offering therapy in CA
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesTrauma and abuseSelf esteemDepression
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, 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!

How to find counseling in Los Banos

Finding the best therapist close by in Los Banos 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 Los Banos. 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 Los Banos, 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 Los Banos 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 Los Banos 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 Los Banos, 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 Los Banos area can be found below:

How does the cost of in-person counseling compare to the cost of BetterHelp with a licensed Los Banos 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 Los Banos 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 Los Banos 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 Los Banos, 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 Los Banos 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 Los Banos 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 Los Banos 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 Los Banos 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 Los Banos 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 93635 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 Los Banos 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 Los Banos 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 Los Banos, 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.

Los Banos 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 Los Banos.

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

93635

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