Located in the Ojai Valley and northwest of Los Angeles, the City of Ojai is a popular tourist destination known for its retreats, hiking, recreation, hotels, and organic agriculture. In fact, the city prohibits chain stores such as Walmart and Walgreens because they promote local small businesses instead, making this a very unique town.
However, the city does have some great mental health experts in and around the Ojai area who are available to help with any kind of questions or concerns you may have about your feelings, emotions, behaviors, or mental health. Contact one of the Ojai area counselors today to talk about what is going on.
Elizabeth Shartle
As a licensed therapist in Ohio, I bring 15 years of dedicated experience supporting individuals through life's complex challenges. My approach is compassionate and holistic, focusing on helping clients navigate stress, anxiety, relationship dynamics, and personal growth. I specialize in addressing a wide range of emotional experiences, including social anxiety, life transitions, self-esteem challenges, and interpersonal conflicts. My therapeutic work centers on empowering individuals to develop stronger communication skills, overcome isolation, and rediscover their sense of purpose. My practice is particularly attuned to supporting adults through significant life stages—from young adult transitions to midlife challenges. I offer a supportive environment where clients can explore difficult emotions, work through trauma, and develop healthier coping strategies. Drawing from evidence-based practices, with an emphasis on ACT, I create a collaborative space that honors each individual's unique journey. Whether you're struggling with workplace stress, relationship issues, or personal growth, I'm committed to walking alongside you with understanding and professional guidance. I believe that being seen and heard can be priceless, and it's an honor and a joy to work with people from all walks of life here on this platform!
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.
Dr. Demi Shugrue
I am licensed in California with 10 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress, anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, motivation, self esteem, & confidence. 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!
Carol Wood
You re not alone. You don’t have to deal with your current situation without help whether it is hopelessness, anxiety, Pain, grief, loss or indecision. If you feel alone in your partnership or life isn’t what you imagined and you don’t know what you can do to get relief from those sinking, lost or frantic feelings, there are answers. Life can change quite quickly. I am a Reiki Master Teacher so I am able to tune into the needs of my clients on many levels. I give homework for clients who enjoy extra work between sessions. Mindfulness is a focus that I’ve used for many years. Eighteen years with TWA in customer service on the east and west coasts has afforded me an understanding of airline issues and the behavior of many different groups of people under stress from all over the world as well as dealing with solutions to many problems on a daily basis to help people feel better and more control. No one wants to feel powerless. I was on the board of directors of Project Touch in Hermosa Beach and California Marriage and Family Therapists South Bay/Long Beach. I was under contract with South Bay Youth Project as well as Beach Cities Health District providing therapy to individuals, couples and families for decades. I care about people and love my work.
Dr. Susan Graysen
I am a licensed doctor of psychology practicing in Beverly Hills for 20+ years. I have a credential from the UCLA Neuropsychiatric Institute, Human Sexuality Program. I would very much be available to treat many human sexuality problems which plague relationships and individuals: Disorders of Desire; Arousal Disorders; Relationship Problems which may lead to Lack of Intimacy and/or Confidence. Any of these issues may lead to Depression and/or Anxiety. You do not have to face these problems alone. I am here to listen carefully to you. I have many approaches with which to help you. My approach is a collaborative one. I will give you the tools and insights that make sense to you. You and your needs come first. It is important to me as your therapist that you feel heard!
Eileen Maxwel
I am licensed in California with 20 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress, anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, & parenting issues. I also have experience working with 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 sign up for therapy can take courage and I am proud of you for getting started!
Dorothy Holley
I am licensed as a clinical social worker in both Georgia and Florida with more than 25 years of professional work experience. 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!
Dr. Peter Muonagor
As a licensed therapist in California, I specialize in supporting individuals through complex life transitions and interpersonal challenges. My approach centers on understanding the unique experiences of diverse clients, with a particular focus on relationship dynamics, family systems, and personal growth. I bring compassionate expertise to addressing issues like communication barriers, self-esteem, intimacy challenges, and multicultural concerns. My practice honors the intersectionality of personal identity, offering culturally responsive support for individuals navigating complex emotional landscapes. My therapeutic work emphasizes healing through self-love, purposeful living, and transformative communication. I'm committed to creating a supportive environment where clients can explore sensitive topics like forgiveness, relationship transitions, and personal empowerment. Whether you're confronting family conflicts, exploring sexuality, or processing life changes, I aim to walk alongside you with understanding and professional guidance.
Eustacia Joseph
I am licensed in Florida with 4 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress, anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, motivation, self esteem, & confidence. I also have experience working with career difficulties. 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.
Guy Sartee
As a licensed therapist with extensive experience in California and Ohio, I specialize in supporting individuals ,couples and families, navigating complex life transitions and relationship challenges. My practice focuses on helping clients address communication issues, explore life purpose, and work through difficult emotional experiences like guilt, shame, and attachment wounds. With over three decades of professional counseling, I bring deep expertise in supporting individuals through significant life changes, including midlife transitions, grief and loss, family conflicts, and personal growth. My approach is compassionate and tailored, drawing from years of working with diverse clients including veterans, individuals experiencing domestic challenges, and those managing aging-related concerns. I am committed to creating a supportive environment where clients can explore their experiences, heal from past wounds, and develop stronger, more authentic connections with themselves and others. Whether you're dealing with relationship struggles, grief, or seeking to understand your personal journey, I offer a thoughtful and experienced perspective to support your healing process.
Darci Simms
My name is Darci C Simms and I've served the Central Valley of California as a Social Worker over 15 years. In my role as Licensed Clinical Social Worker I have experience working with all ages from 6 years to end of life. I have provided behavioral health therapy, case management, helping people cope with complex medical diagnoses and severe mental health illnesses, and provided patient advocacy and support services. I enjoy direct patient care and promote mental health and wellness. Taking the first step to sign up for therapy can take courage and I am proud of you for getting started!
Stella Galarza De Saggese
As a licensed therapist in California with four decades of experience, I specialize in supporting individuals through complex emotional landscapes. My professional journey has been dedicated to helping clients navigate challenges related to depression, anxiety, relationship dynamics, trauma recovery, and self-esteem development. Drawing from my extensive clinical background, I offer a compassionate and culturally sensitive approach that honors each person's unique lived experience. I am bilingual English-Spanish. I understand the nuanced ways life experiences shape our emotional well-being, and I'm committed to creating a supportive, affirming therapeutic environment. My approach centers on empowering clients to discover their inner strengths, develop resilient coping strategies, and cultivate meaningful personal growth. I bring deep empathy, professional expertise, and a genuine commitment to walking alongside you as you work through life's most challenging moments. I welcome individuals seeking thoughtful, experienced guidance in their healing journey, with a particular understanding of the needs of diverse communities and older adult populations.
Thia Haselton
I am a marriage and family therapist licensed in California with over 20 years of experience working in clinical practice. I work with clients who experience a wide range of symptoms and concerns, including addictions, anxiety, relationship issues, career challenges, eating disorders, and body dysmorphia. I have also worked with many people who have experienced trauma and emotional abuse. "Breathe in peace, breathe out stress" is my wish for you in your day. Thank you for reaching out.
Elena Balashova-Shamis
Dr. Elena Balashova-Shamis is a highly experienced, licensed clinical psychologist who works with children, adults, and elderly. She is trained as a psychoanalyst and provides integrative, personalized treatments for her patients. She teaches at 5 local universities, including UCLA’s medical school and NPI. She is known for her presentations, publications, and dissertation advising.
*BetterHelp insurance availability, coverage, and cost may vary by state, plan, provider network, therapist availability, and deductible status.
Find a therapist near you in Ojai, California
Finding a therapist near you in Ojai, 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' average copay is $23 per session.
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 Ojai.
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' average copay is $23 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' average copay is $23 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 Ojai, California
Ready to begin? BetterHelp can match you with a licensed therapist serving Ojai and the surrounding CA area. When you are ready to take the next step, get started.