Naomi Smith
My name is Naomi Smith. I am a licensed master social worker with 24 years of experience in working in mental health and also providing therapeutic services to Individuals. My primary focus as a clinician is helping my clients meet their needs and build their confidence. As a therapist, I have the skill to compassionately listen, be non-judgmental, and at all times provide support, encouragement and empowerment. My approach to therapy is simple: “Restoring peace, one day at a time, one piece at a time.” My commitment to my clients is to be open and honest in all my communication and to help each client reach their personal goals. The process of change is a heart issue and that change can only come from within. I believe every client has a purpose to fulfill and the ability to realize that purpose in their present life. This is why I enthusiastically use Person-Centered Planning with clients. In order to be successful, a client must be willing, dedicated, and committed to accomplishing their individual plan. My commitment as a therapist is to help guide, impart, and facilitate that change process. The integrity of my character and words are of the highest standard. My communication is honest and open. I am excited and privileged to be a part of your journey to change, success, and a future that looks much brighter. I look forward to working with you! SPECIALTIES • Bi-polar Disorder • Depression • Anxiety • Grief and Loss • Self-Esteem • Anger Management Also experienced in: Spiritual Counseling, Emotional Issues, Behavioral Issues, Substance Abuse, Life Application Coach, Forgiveness, Communication Problems, Caregiver issues and Stress, Abandonment, Co-dependency, Guilt and Shame. Clinical approaches: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Motivational Interviewing, Solution-Focused Therapy, Person-Centered Therapy, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, Mindfulness, Psychodynamic Therapy Years of Experience: 24
Dr. Paula Alvarez
Greetings! I am a licensed clinical social worker (LCSW) in the states of California, Illinois, and Missouri, and I have a doctorate in Organizational Psychology. I have worked in locked and outpatient mental health facilities for the last 30 years. I facilitated group treatment of domestic violence perpetrators in Spanish and English for eight years. I specialize in treating trauma-related symptoms, anxiety and depression, anger management, geriatric well-being, mental health recovery, cultural diversity issues, and self-esteem issues. My doctorate degree (EdD) In Leadership and Learning with a specialization in Organizational Psychology was conferred on May 27, 2021. I use a client-centered approach (Carl Rogers), and I know that the client is the expert. I tailor my therapy sessions to what the client wants. I used cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) with those who like CBT interventions. I offer homework assignments and bibliotherapy for those clients who want those interventions. I also use Brief-Solution Focused Therapy, Trauma-Informed Therapy, and Motivational Interviewing techniques. I invite you to contact me to see if I am a good fit to help and empower you on your journey to better living.
Sheryl Mahon
Greetings. I am a professional counselor with over 18 years experience working in the areas of grief, trauma, anticipatory grief, caregiver stress, end of life issues, depression, life changes, stress, and chronic illness. I am certified as a grief counselor (GC-C) and as a grief counselor specializing in children and adolescents (GCCA-C). I am committed to assisting you with identifying the changes you want in your life and then exploring different strategies to help you achieve your goals. I would describe my approach to therapy as eclectic. I work with the individual to find the approach that best meets their needs and work to provide the tools that are needed to effect change and promote growth. Finally, I view the therapeutic alliance as a partnership requiring mutual trust, respect, honesty, communication, and commitment to do the work. Hopefully, what I have shared here will help you choose a therapist that best meets your needs. Should you choose me, I look forward to our journey together.
Cynthia Rumford-Jones
CONGRATULATIONS!!!! You are in the right place at the right time, and I commend you for your courage and follow-through. My name is Cynthia Rumford-Jones and I am a Licensed Clinical Therapist (LCSW), welcome to my BetterHelp Therapist profile! Life is pretty complex and sometimes presents us with challenges that require support and therapeutic interventions to achieve the balance and overall wellness we may desire . Today is a good day as you have taken one of the most important steps towards elevating your wellness and living a life you love; you are “taking action”. My educational background includes a Master’s Degree in Social Work (MSW) from the University of California, Berkeley. I have over 20 years of experience working as a therapist/counselor, and an additional 10 years working in the field of social work and human services, public and private sectors. My specialties include treating anxiety, depression, trauma, and challenges related to life transitions, anger management, relationship issues, family conflict, parenting, and foster care. I am also experienced in grief/loss, eating disorders, and challenges related to divorce and separation, multi-cultural concerns, prejudice and discrimination, and chronic mental illness. CLINICAL APPROACHES My therapy style is warm, supportive, interactive, and empowering. I utilize a client-centered, cognitive behavioral therapy approach with a solution focused perspective, and have training and extensive experience in Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), Trauma Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TFCBT), and Multi-Dimensional Treatment Foster Care (MTFC). As a conscientious therapist it is important to me to provide a safe, non-judgmental, therapeutic environment and offer a style and approach that best fits the needs of each individual. I know finding a therapist who is a “good fit” is key to the overall effectiveness and successful outcome of therapy and the task of doing so can be quite arduous. May your mission to find that “good fit” be accomplished swiftly. If you are ready to take the next step, I’m here and looking forward to partnering with you to create a treatment plan with specific and structured goals that meet your specific needs, as well supporting and empowering you as you strive to elevate your wellness. YEARS OF CLINICAL, SOCIAL WORK, and HUMAN SERVICES EXPERIENCE 30 years
Chauncey Chatman
I have over 15 years of experience providing therapy services to adolescents, couples, families and adults. My approach is a combination of collaborative talk therapy with a strong emphasis on mindfulness practices that foster self-awareness and behavior modification that result in more positive outcomes. My approach: My approach also includes active use of the principles of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Narrative Therapy, Motivational Interviewing and Solution Focused therapy. I currently work with individual adult clients. I have worked as a School Counselor/Case Manager and Marriage and Family Therapist in various hospital and mental health clinic treatment settings in California to include work as a member of mental health treatment service teams that included psychologists, psychiatrists, social workers, peer counselors and family service workers. I earned a Master's degree in Counseling Psychology from Chapman University. I am licensed in the State of California as a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT). I also hold certification as a Substance Use Disorder Certified Counselor (SUDCC).
Stacy Brown
I am licensed in Texas with 12 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, family conflicts, eating disorders, & anger management. 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.
Walter Nielson
I am licensed in California with 15 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, coping with addictions, coping with grief and loss, & anger management. I believe that you are the expert of your story and that you have many strengths that will assist you in overcoming things that challenge you. Taking the first step to sign up for therapy can take courage and I am proud of you for getting started!
Chula Tran
I am licensed in California with 11 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with family conflicts, trauma and abuse, parenting issues, & bipolar disorder. 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!
Adolfo Hernandez
I am licensed in California with 22 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 that you are the expert of your story and that you have many strengths that will assist you in overcoming things that challenge you. Taking the first step to sign up for therapy can take courage and I am proud of you for getting started!
Dr. Malcolm Stanislaus
I am licensed in California with 40 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with shame-based issues, trauma and abuse, depression, spiritual bypass, & executive and professional coaching. I believe that you are the expert of your story and that you have many strengths that will assist you in overcoming things that challenge you. Taking the first step to sign up for therapy can take courage and I am proud of you for getting started!
Alexandra "Lexy" Spett
As a licensed therapist with 24 years of experience in California, I specialize in supporting late adolescents (16-19), young adults (20–30), and their parents through life’s transitions and challenges with clarity and confidence. Please note: I do work with adults (35-64) on a case by case basis. Becoming an adult is not easy. Whether you’re dealing with stress, anxiety, family conflicts, or issues with motivation, self-esteem, or confidence, I’m here to help. With parents of emerging adults, I offer compassionate guidance to navigate relational shifts while fostering a stronger, more meaningful connection with your young adult. My style is warm, direct, honest, and rooted in compassion. I believe in creating a safe, respectful space where we can collaborate to build a treatment plan tailored specifically to you. Your journey is unique, and I’m committed to meeting you exactly where you are. Taking the first step toward change can feel overwhelming, but it’s also an act of courage and self-care. Together, we’ll work to identify your strengths, build your confidence, and help you create the life you want. I'm ready to take this journey with you!
Ronald Gardner
I am licensed in California with 40 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress, anxiety, trauma, abuse, coping with grief, coping with loss, & bipolar disorder. I also have experience working with 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. Taking the first step to sign up for therapy can take courage and I am proud of you for getting started!
Zachariah Cooney
I am licensed in California with 7 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress, anxiety, coping with addictions, trauma, abuse, motivation, self esteem, & confidence. I also have experience working with coping with life changes. I believe in treating everyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion. I will tailor our dialog and treatment plan to meet your unique and specific needs. Taking the first step to seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process.
Kayla Henry
I am licensed in California with 5 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress, anxiety, trauma, abuse, motivation, self esteem, confidence, & depression. I also have experience working with coping with life changes. 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.
*BetterHelp insurance availability, coverage, and cost may vary by state, plan, provider network, therapist availability, and deductible status.
Find a therapist near you in Morro Bay, California
Finding a therapist near you in Morro Bay, California starts with matching to a licensed professional who fits your needs, schedule, and goals. California is home to people with diverse mental health needs across urban, suburban, and rural communities, which can make it challenging to find care. BetterHelp connects you with a licensed therapist through tailored matching, so you can begin care from home or wherever works for you.
The network includes over 30,000 licensed therapists globally, and over 4 million people have used BetterHelp to find support through online therapy. During matching, 93% of user preferences are met, which helps you connect with a therapist suited to what you are looking for. Whether you are searching for help with anxiety, trauma, affordable or insurance covered therapy, weekend or flexible scheduling, or virtual sessions, you can find a therapist and get started when you are ready.
Why work with a licensed therapist near you?
Working with a licensed therapist near you gives you access to professional mental health support from someone trained to help you understand and manage what you are going through. A licensed therapist can offer evidence-based approaches, a steady space to talk, and guidance tailored to your situation. In California, online therapy can make that care more accessible, since sessions happen from home or wherever you are, without the need to travel to an office. This can help if your schedule is full, if travel is difficult, or if you simply prefer a more discreet setting. You can learn more about what a therapist does on the therapist role page.
Online therapy can be especially helpful for people living across California, where access to in-person mental health care may vary by location.
What concerns can therapists help with?
Therapists can help with a wide range of concerns, including anxiety and stress, depression, trauma and PTSD, self-esteem and identity, people-pleasing and fear of rejection, insomnia and racing thoughts, workplace stress and burnout, substance use, parenting and co-parenting stress, grief and loss, and relationship and family challenges. Therapists on BetterHelp may draw on approaches such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), depending on your needs and goals. You can explore support for specific concerns on pages such as generalized anxiety disorder, major depressive disorder, posttraumatic stress disorder, attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder, and eating disorders.
Please note that therapists on BetterHelp do not provide psychiatric medication management or formal diagnoses.
Online therapy vs. in-person therapy in California
Online therapy and in-person therapy both connect you with a licensed professional, and the main difference is how you meet. In California, online therapy through BetterHelp lets you have sessions by phone, video, or in-app messaging, so you can meet from home or on a schedule that fits your life. In-person therapy takes place at an office and may involve travel and set appointment windows. Online therapy may be more accessible for people with busy schedules, limited transportation, or a preference for a more discreet setting. Both formats can support meaningful progress, so the right choice often comes down to what fits your life.
Finding a therapist that accepts insurance in California
BetterHelp accepts insurance through many major insurance plans. Insurance availability and coverage may vary by state, plan, provider network, and therapist availability, and deductible status. Eligible members' copay is as low as $15, some pay $0.
You can check your in-network status on the BetterHelp site through the sign up flow. If you prefer to pay without insurance, BetterHelp subscriptions range from $70 to $100 per week, billed as an alternative way to access the same care, and you can use HSA and FSA funds toward the cost. For a full breakdown of how BetterHelp works with insurance plans, see BetterHelp insurance coverage.
How BetterHelp helps you find the right therapist in California
BetterHelp helps you find the right therapist in California through personalized matching that considers your needs, preferences, and goals. After you answer a few questions during the sign up flow, you can be matched with a licensed therapist from a network of over 30,000 professionals, and 93% of user preferences are met during matching. The search and location matching cover common near-me needs, including anxiety, trauma, affordable or sliding-scale support, weekend or flexible scheduling, and virtual sessions. If your first match is not the right fit, you can switch therapists at no extra cost. When you are ready, you can get started and begin the process.
Therapists near you in California
Below, you’ll find licensed therapists authorized to provide online therapy to adults across California, including residents in Morro Bay.
Each provider meets state licensing requirements and has experience supporting clients with a wide range of mental health concerns using evidence-based therapeutic approaches.
Please note: Therapists on BetterHelp in California do not provide psychiatric medication management or formal diagnoses.
Frequently asked questions about finding a therapist near me
How much does therapy cost near me?
Therapy costs near you can vary by provider, format, and payment method. With BetterHelp, subscriptions range from $70 to $100 per week, and you can use HSA and FSA funds toward the cost. BetterHelp also accepts insurance through many major insurance plans, and eligible members' copay is as low as $15 per session. Insurance availability and coverage may vary by state, plan, provider network, and therapist availability, and deductible status.
Does BetterHelp accept insurance?
Yes. BetterHelp accepts insurance through many major insurance plans. Insurance availability and coverage may vary by state, plan, provider network, and therapist availability. Eligible members' copay is as low as $15 per session. Check your in-network status on the BetterHelp site through the sign up flow. For a full breakdown of how BetterHelp works with insurance plans, see BetterHelp insurance coverage.
Is online therapy effective?
Online therapy can be an effective way to receive licensed mental health care for many common concerns. Research suggests that online therapy may support progress in ways comparable to in-person care for concerns such as anxiety and depression. On BetterHelp, you connect with a licensed therapist who can use evidence-based approaches such as CBT and DBT, and you can meet by phone, video, or in-app messaging.
Do I need a diagnosis to see a therapist?
No, you do not need a diagnosis to see a therapist. Many people begin therapy to work through stress, life changes, relationships, or personal growth without any diagnosis. Please note that therapists on BetterHelp do not provide psychiatric medication management or formal diagnoses. If you are looking for a starting point, personalized matching can connect you with a licensed therapist suited to your goals.
How quickly can I start therapy?
You can often start therapy within 24 to 48 hours of signing up with BetterHelp. After you answer a few questions during the sign up flow, personalized matching connects you with a licensed therapist, and you can schedule your first session once you are matched. This process is designed to help you begin care at your own pace, without a long wait.
Can I switch therapists if it’s not the right fit?
Yes. If you feel your therapist is not the right match, you can request to be matched with another licensed provider at no additional cost. You are able to do so through the BetterHelp user portal and select switch therapists if needed.
Is online therapy discreet?
Online therapy with BetterHelp offers a discreet setting where you can connect with a licensed therapist from the comfort of your home. Sessions take place by phone, video, or in-app messaging, so you can meet without going into an office. Your account and sessions are protected with strong safeguards, and you choose how and where you attend. This can make therapy feel more comfortable for people who prefer a discreet way to get support.
Find a Therapist in Morro Bay, California
Ready to begin? BetterHelp can match you with a licensed therapist serving Morro Bay and the surrounding CA area. When you are ready to take the next step, get started.