Expensive cities typically have lots of great amenities to them. There are some notable counselors in Manhattan Beach that are ready to give you the help that you need no matter what life may throw at you. 

Manhattan Beach is part of the top 1% of high schools in the nation. It’s also one of the most expensive locations to live, but it is a hub for surfing and volleyball and is also known for the sand dunes that are underneath many of the buildings in the area. You can ride the dunes of life in a simpler manner with the help of a counselor in the area. 

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Kristin McNeese

Offering therapy in CA
License: LCSW
Stress, AnxietyFamily conflictsTrauma and abuseParenting issuesDepression
9 years of experience

Hello, My name is Kristin McNeese and I am a License Clinical Social Worker. I acquired a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology at California Polytechnic University Pomona. I also earned a Master of Social Work degree at Azusa Pacific University. I have been trained in various evidence based practices such as Seeking Safety, Crisis Oriented Recovery Services, Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, and Managing and Adaptive Practices. I have experience working with a broad age range starting from age four up to mature adulthood. I offer parenting skills for youth clients and will facilitate healthy communication in session. Sometimes in life we struggle to manage and process what we experience. Well I’m here to let you know you are not alone. I am here to assist you in working though some of life’s challenges you are faced with. As a clinician I draw from the humanistic and cognitive behavioral approaches. These approaches will assist you in exploring your thoughts and how they influence your feelings and behaviors. I’d like to provide you with practical tools to help you process and cope with daily struggles. I would also like to help you develop a mindset of positive growth to improve your confidence in facing your challenges in life. I will be available during the evening Monday through Thursday via video and by phone. I look forward to collaborating with you in working toward creating positive change in your life.

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Dr. Lusa Hung

Offering therapy in CA
License: PsyD
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesSelf esteemDepressionCoping with life changes
12 years of experience

Hello there and welcome to BetterHelp! Thank you for reading about me and the work that I do. I am Dr. Lusa Hung and I am a licensed Clinical Psychologist serving clients who reside in California, Washington, and New York. I received my Doctor of Psychology (Psy.D.) degree at Argosy University/Honolulu in 2005, with a specialization in Diversity. I have been a licensed psychologist since 2008. Psychology has always been a passion of mine in some shape or form. Helping people live their most vibrant and fulfilling lives with meaning and purpose is my aim. I have 12 years of clinical experience working with culturally diverse populations in international and domestic settings. I would describe my approach to be mindfulness-based with a blend of cognitive behavioral strategies, a person-centered stance, and Motivational Interviewing techniques. I have expertise treating a wide range of psychological and life challenges spanning the spectrum of depression, trauma, anxiety, life adjustments, grief and loss, relationship challenges, and improving health behaviors, serving people across the lifespan and in different clinical settings. I have served individuals in the U.S., China and Germany and have come to understand how universal and connected all human experiences are.  At the same time, I also appreciate how each person has a unique way of living these shared experiences. I am mindful about any contributions from the individual's social-cultural background, taking time to see from that person's perspective and not my own assumptions. My clients are my biggest therapy teachers, helping me balance theory with what really works in real life. Not only do my clients learn from me, I also learn from them, both as my clients and as fellow human beings. Therapy is a dance between the client and the therapist, sometimes the client leads, sometimes they follow. The journey is not always pleasant or easy but with openness and courage, you will find that things will become more clear and you can then set your intention and take purposeful steps to live life in the way you actually want. I believe that the therapist can provide guidance, support and expertise within a unique and safe relationship and can shape the conversations to promote the changes that the client wants to make. I help people reframe challenging and often painful events in their lives so that not only does the frame change, so does the picture. Turning pain and loss into wisdom, guilt into gratitude, and shifting from avoidance to awareness are ways that can be helpful. I wish you luck on your journey of well-being. I hope I can be of help to you. Be well!

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Christina Carey

Offering therapy in CA
License: MSW
Stress, AnxietyFamily conflictsADHD
4 years of experience

I am a motivated, well-rounded, clinically and spiritually-minded LCSW with rigorous experience in acute psychiatry, behavioral health evaluative services, parenting and child/family work (both inside the home and in a clinical office setting), pre-teen/teen issues and some substance dependence group therapy, whom provided outpatient therapy services in the hospital setting and at an in-home counseling agency for children and families. I had the privilege of training at the University of Norfolk State where I received my master’s in social work and gained a wealth of knowledge on the therapeutic process. As a previous employee at the Children’s Hospital of the King’s Daughters I utilized Beck’s Cognitive Behavioral Therapy model that has been clinically proven to assist with depressive and anxiety disorders, as well as, anger issues, chronic pain, poor body image, low self esteem, troubled sleep, managing relationship stress, coping with physical illness and more. I utilize other modalities, such as Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Emotionally Focused Therapy, Image Rehearsal Therapy, Dialectical and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Interpersonal Therapy and others. I have experience working with patients in the medical setting as well as the acute care of a psychiatric hospital. I have worked with single diagnosis patients as well as co-morbid patients, as well as assisting and planning discharge for these patients. I was recently working with children and families in the outpatient setting providing counseling to children and families as well as providing parenting psycho-education. I approach therapy holistically and I am interested in your entire life style, not just the mental aspect of your life. All the external factors greatly influences us and can change our mental health as well as can our childhood experiences. I love to dive deep into what makes you you, and learn as much as I can about your experiences to understand you as a whole person. Therefore, I also work with the spiritual side of our humanness, this is not a religious approach but an approach that dives into the deeper realms of who you are and therefore, helps me better help you help yourself reach your full potential! This approach is always only taken upon request and I work alongside you making sure I listen to your needs and wants and I greatly respect all your boundaries.

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Felicia Burnett-Lopez

Offering therapy in CA
License: LCSW
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesFamily conflictsAnger managementDepression
13 years of experience

My name is Felicia Burnett-Lopez, I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. I have been working in the mental health field for over ten years. I earned my Bachelors’ Degree in Psychology and earned my Masters’ Degree in Social Work. My education and experience include human behavior; environmental and biological psychology, substance abuse and addiction; understanding and working in mental health, with people with mental illnesses, within all populations. I chose the field of social work and specifically mental health, since everyone, including myself have life issues, whether they are work related or personal in nature. Being able to have someone who is unbiased and trained to help you process your thoughts, and become part of your support system, is why I chose this career. I enjoy the use of the psychodynamic approach, cognitive behavioral therapy, dialectical behavior therapy, solution focused therapy, and client-centered-therapy, which are all evidenced based practices. My use of these modalities depends on the needs of my client, as treatment is individually tailored to fit the clients needs. I believe that the client is the expert of themselves, and my role as your counselor is to help you better understand yourself, and help you get to a place where you are a happier and healthier version of yourself. The one thing I ask of my clients, is to be genuine, as I will always be genuine with you. Feel safe to vent your true feelings, as I will not judge you! Counseling only works if the client is willing and committed to actively participating in the therapeutic process. I look forward to working with you and helping you improve the quality of your life!

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Marla Monk

Offering therapy in CA
License: LCSW
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesTrauma and abuseSelf esteemCoping with life changes
3 years of experience

Marla Monk, MA, MSW, LCSW, LISWCP Clinician I have over 16 years of experience in the social work and mental health field. I also have experience working with the active duty military population and their families as well as veterans. Previously, I worked in Marine and Family Programs within Marine Corps Community Services as a Prevention and Education Specialist and as a Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Victim Advocate. Additionally, I have volunteered as a Command Ombudsman with the Navy and a Key Volunteer with the Marine Corps in San Diego and Hawaii. In 2013, I earned my MSW from the University of Southern California with a concentration in mental health and sub-concentration in military and veteran services. In 2011 I earned MA in Human Services with a specialization in marriage and families from Liberty University and in 2001 earned my B.A. in Criminology from the University of New Mexico. I am experienced in working with those impacted by trauma, grief and loss and domestic violence as well as couples and families. I am trained in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Trauma Focused CBT, Cognitive Processing Therapy and Motivational Interviewing. Additionally, I am trained in Gottman Method Couples Therapy.

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Perla Ray

Offering therapy in CA
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsTrauma and abuseBipolar disorderDepression
17 years of experience

I am Dual licensed in California with 17 years of professional work experience. I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, and was awarded a certification as a Licensed Advanced Alcohol and Drug Counselor. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, depression in all life cycles, struggling young adults , coping with chemical dependency, trauma and abuse, healing from toxic relationships & bipolar disorder to name a few. I work with my clients to create an open and safe environment where thoughts and feelings can be shared without fear of judgment in order to achieve healing. 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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Alexandra Sierra

Offering therapy in CA
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsLGBTSelf 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, coping with addictions, lgbt-related issues, & 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. 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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Miguel Gomez III

Offering therapy in CA
Stress, AnxietySelf esteem
6 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 5 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety & 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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This is Zaena Isaac's avatar and link to their profile

Zaena Isaac

Offering therapy in CA
Stress, AnxietySelf esteemCareer difficultiesCoping with life changesCoaching
12 years of experience

I am licensed in California and Colorado with 12 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, motivation, self esteem, and confidence, career difficulties, & coping with life changes. 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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Natalie Eden

Offering therapy in CA
License: MBA, MA, LCPC
Stress, AnxietyGriefAnger managementDepressionCoping with life changes
13 years of experience

I am dedicated to providing you with confidential, compassionate & personalized treatment to meet your individual needs & goals. Focus is on empowering you to make better decisions, gain more insight, and embrace the challenges of life. Focus is on restoring and developing a person’s dignity, strengths, and God-given talents for problem-solving, personal growth, and achievement. I am a fully licensed counselor with two advanced degrees. I have been in private practice for 10 years treating clients who present with a wide range of challenges. Prior to that I worked as a counselor at an outpatient behavioral health clinic at a major hospital in downtown Chicago, Illinois providing individual and group therapy to persons of all ages diagnosed with a wide variety of emotional challenges. My studies have also included extensive coursework in addictions and motivational interviewing. I have experience and training in treating anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorders and grief. As a fully licensed clinical professional in the states of Illinois and Pennsylvania, I have a Masters of Arts in Clinical Psychology from The Chicago School of Professional Psychology with a 4.0 GPA. Other degrees include a Master’s degree in Business Administration from James Madison University in Harrisonburg, VA as well as a Bachelor’s degree in English /Communications summa cum laude from Campbell University. I am married with two adult children. My hobbies include travel, writing, genealogy and art.

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How to find counseling in Manhattan Beach

Finding the best therapist close by in Manhattan 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 Manhattan 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 Manhattan 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 Manhattan 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 Manhattan 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 Manhattan 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 Manhattan Beach area can be found below:

How does the cost of in-person counseling compare to the cost of BetterHelp with a licensed Manhattan 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 Manhattan 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 Manhattan 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 Manhattan 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 Manhattan 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 Manhattan 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 Manhattan 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 Manhattan 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 Manhattan 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 90267 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 Manhattan 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 Manhattan 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 Manhattan 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.

Manhattan 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 Pinterest, LinkedIn, Instagram, Twitter, 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 Manhattan Beach.

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

90266, 90267

Popular cities near Manhattan Beach, CA

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