There is perhaps no more beautiful a place to live than in Pacific Grove California. The weather, the Monterey Bay, the people, the vegetation is simply extraordinary. But enjoying this incredible town can be hard to do when you're struggling to cope with mental wellness.
If you're fighting to enjoy life in Pacific Grove because mental illness is standing in the way, or you're having a hard time coping with loss, trauma, relationship difficulties, or other issues, consider reaching out to a qualified Pacific Grove area mental health professional today. They will give you the support you need to cope and start enjoying the beauty of life once again.
Dr. Brenda Bridges
Dr. Brenda Bridges has spent her life using her own personal and career experiences to help individuals overcome challenges and stressors. Dr. Bridges has vast experience in PTSD, Military Culture, and treating Mental Illnesses. Dr. Bridges is able to genuinely provide support and hope, especially when their life seem to be more than they can handle. As the Marines veteran, she knows how post-traumatic stress can affect every facet of one’s life as well as the lives of their loved ones. While her focus is on veteran care, she also provides services for children, teenagers, adults , couples and families who are dealing with traumatic situations of their own. I have worked with clients with a wide range of concerns including depression, anxiety, relationship issues, parenting problems, career challenges. I also helped many people who have experienced physical trauma or emotional abuse. My counseling style is warm and interactive. I believe in treating anyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion, and I don't believe in stigmatizing labels. My approach combines cognitive-behavioral, humanistic, psychodynamic and rational-emotive counseling. I will tailor our dialog and treatment plan to meet your unique and specific needs. Dr. Bridges has experience in many modalities and is trained in EMDR. Dr. Bridges knows there is no single approach that works for everyone, so she continues to educate herself on emerging therapies and psychological trends to provide the most comprehensive program that works for each of her client’s individual needs. Dr. Bridges received her education at Argosy University, earning her Doctorates in Counseling Psychology. Dr. Bridges earned her Masters with Brandman University Clinical Psychology with emphasis in Marriage & Family Therapy. She also holds a Bachelor’s in Social Psychology from Park University.
Jude Patton
I am an older out/open/proud transgender man. I have expertise and extensive experience in serving transgender, non-binary, and gender non-conforming clients. I prefer to serve my own community members, but do not discriminate against others. I am licensed as a therapist in California and Washington, as a Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT), with 45 years of professional counseling experience. My professional background also includes having worked as a Psychiatric Physician Associate for 43 years, and as a sex educator and sex therapist. Before my career in human medicine and mental health, I worked for 20+ years as a Veterinary Medical Assistant and understand the value of animal companions and of the natural environment in supporting healthy living. I have experience in treating clients who have ADHD, an autism spectrum disorder, chronic pain/chronic illness, and/or end-of-life concerns, sleeping disorders, anxiety, PTSD, and depression. I believe that you are the expert on your own story and that you have many strengths that will assist you in overcoming things that challenge you. Making the first step to sign up for therapy can take courage and I am proud of you for getting started. I am looking forward to working with you to find solutions to reach your goals in therapy.
Dr. James Decker
I am licensed in California with 45 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 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!
Noelle Sladon
I am licensed in California with 35 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress, anxiety, relationship issues, trauma, abuse, motivation, self esteem, & confidence. 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. 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.
Dr. Kristine Quallich
Welcome, I am a licensed psychologist in the states of Ohio and California. I am also a Certified School Psychologist who has worked for over 25 years in the field of education helping families and students with academic, behavioral, and social-emotional issues. I have also worked in a community-based therapy setting helping adults with anger management, employment matters that can be managed, and family concerns. I provide primarily cognitive-behavioral services with a focus on client-centered practices. I have extensive training in a range of modalities including family-therapy as well. I also teach at Kent State University. I enjoy meditation and exercise and truly believe that we can all find our purpose and meaning in life.
Kristin Perkins
I am licensed in California with 15 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with relationship issues, family conflicts, trauma and abuse, & parenting issues. 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.
Pauline Padrul
Hello! I am a licensed clinical social worker in the state of California with over twenty years of professional work experience in behavioral health treatment. I also have a Master's degree in Public Health with a strong interest in behavioral epidemiology. I have worked with clients who typically present with stress and anxiety, eating disorders, motivation, self esteem issues & depression. I believe that you are the expert of your story and that you have many strengths with which to overcome challenges and build resilience.
Mark Phelan
I am licensed in California with 10 years of professional work experience. I am a Veteran and familiar with PTSD and military life challenges. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, & trauma. 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.
Susan Faix
I am licensed in California with 25 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with coping with addictions, family conflicts, coping with grief and loss, & parenting issues. 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.
John Howard
I am licensed in California with 3 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 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.
Erica Nolasco
My name is Erica Nolasco, I am licensed in California with 7 years of professional work experience. My passion is helping indivduals overcome trauma, divorce, depression, anxiety, self-doubt and addiction. I welcome individuals and families to a safe nonjudgmental space with the goal of providing each client long lasting healing, personal growth and happiness. 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.
Sophia Dyer
I am licensed in California with 5 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress, anxiety, trauma, abuse, parenting issues, motivation, self esteem, & confidence. I also have experience working with depression. 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.
Esteban Avila
I am licensed in California and have 13 years of professional experience. I have experience helping clients with LGBTQ+ issues, relationship issues, and coping with grief. I also have experience working with people who have overcome loss. I believe you are the expert on your own story and possess many strengths that will help you overcome challenges. Taking the first step toward a more fulfilling and happy life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process.
Angilene Forrest
As a licensed therapist in California, I specialize in supporting individuals navigating complex emotional landscapes. My professional approach centers on helping clients explore self-love, personal growth, and healing from challenging life experiences. I have extensive training in addressing depression, anxiety, stress management, and addiction recovery. My therapeutic work focuses on empowering individuals to develop stronger communication skills, explore life purpose, and work through difficult emotions like guilt and shame. I'm particularly passionate about supporting clients through significant life transitions, attachment challenges, and personal transformation. Drawing from evidence-based practices, I create a compassionate, non-judgmental space where clients can explore their inner world, develop healthier coping strategies, and reconnect with their authentic selves. Whether you're struggling with relationship dynamics, personal identity, or emotional healing, I'm committed to walking alongside you with genuine care and professional expertise.
Find a Therapist Near You in Pacific Grove , California
Finding a licensed therapist near you in California can be an important step toward improving your mental health and overall well-being. Whether you’re dealing with anxiety, depression, relationship challenges, stress, or major life changes, working with a qualified mental health professional can offer meaningful support.
California is home to people with diverse mental health needs across urban, suburban, and rural communities. Online therapy makes it easier to connect with a therapist near you without being limited to nearby offices. BetterHelp connects you with licensed therapists authorized to practice in California, allowing you to attend sessions online from the comfort of your home.
Why work with a licensed therapist near you?
Working with a licensed therapist near you ensures that your provider meets state licensing requirements and professional standards in California (CA). Licensed therapists use evidence-based approaches to help individuals manage emotional challenges, develop coping skills, and work toward personal goals.
People seek therapy for many reasons. Some are navigating ongoing mental health concerns, while others want guidance during stressful periods or major life transitions. You do not need a mental health diagnosis to work with a therapist. Many individuals seek therapy to improve communication, strengthen relationships, manage stress, or gain greater self-awareness.
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 on BetterHelp support adults across California with a wide range of mental health concerns and life challenges, including:
- Anxiety and stress
- Depression and mood-related concerns
- Trauma and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
- Grief and loss
- Relationship and family challenges
- Life transitions and adjustment concerns
- Self-esteem and confidence
- Job stress and burnout
- ADHD-related challenges
- Sleep concerns
- Parenting stress
- Eating disorder support
Therapists use approaches such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), and other evidence-based methods tailored to individual needs.
Online therapy vs. in-person therapy in California
When searching for a therapist near me in California, many people compare online therapy with traditional in-person care. Online therapy offers several potential advantages:
- Greater accessibility: Attend sessions from anywhere with an internet connection
- Reduced wait times: Many people are matched in as little as 24-48 hours, faster than typical in-person availability
- Flexible scheduling: Sessions that fit around work, family, or school commitments
- Expanded provider options: Access licensed therapists across California, not just nearby offices
Research shows that online therapy can be effective for many mental health concerns. Online therapy may also reduce barriers such as transportation challenges, long commutes, or limited local availability, especially in larger or more rural counties across California.
Finding a therapist near me that accepts insurance
Many people looking for a therapist near me in California want to know whether insurance is an option.
Many providers on BetterHelp now accept major insurance carriers in select states. In many states, certain therapists on BetterHelp may be in-network with specific insurance plans. Coverage depends on your plan, provider, and therapist availability.
When sessions are covered, insured members typically pay an average copay of about $19 per session. Coverage varies by state and provider availability, so it’s important to check your in-network status directly on the BetterHelp site.
If insurance coverage is not available, BetterHelp’s flexible subscription model remains an option, with online therapy typically costing $70 to $100 per week, billed weekly or monthly. Additional discounts or financial aid may also be available for a lower price.
How BetterHelp helps you find the right therapist in California
BetterHelp simplifies the process of finding a therapist near you in California without requiring you to search through tons of profiles on your own.
Here’s how it works:
- Complete a brief questionnaire about your needs, preferences, and goals
- Get matched with a licensed therapist authorized to practice in California (CA)
- Begin online therapy sessions through video, phone, or live chat
BetterHelp works with one of the world’s largest networks of licensed therapists, with over 30,000 qualified providers globally. Many members are matched in as little as 24 to 48 hours, and 93% of user preferences are met during the matching process.
You can request a new therapist at no additional cost if your needs or preferences change.
Therapists near you in California
Below, you’ll find licensed therapists authorized to provide online therapy to adults across California, including residents in Pacific Grove.
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 vary depending on provider and location. In-person therapy sessions may cost $100 to $200 or more per session. BetterHelp offers online therapy subscriptions that typically range from $70 to $100 per week, billed weekly or monthly, depending on factors such as location, source, preferences, and therapist availability. Additional discounts or financial aid may also be available for a lower price. BetterHelp now accepts major insurance plans in select states and members pay an average copay of $19 per session. Coverage varies by plan, provider, and therapist availability. You can check coverage on the BetterHelp site.
Does BetterHelp accept insurance?
Yes. Many providers on BetterHelp now accept major insurance carriers in select states. In many states, certain therapists on BetterHelp may be in-network with specific insurance plans. When sessions are covered, insured members typically pay an average copay of about $19 per session. Coverage varies by plan, provider, and therapist availability. You can check coverage on the BetterHelp site.
Is online therapy effective?
Yes. Research shows that online therapy can be effective for many mental health concerns, including anxiety, depression, stress, and relationship challenges. Online therapy allows you to connect with a licensed therapist without commuting to an office.
Do I need a diagnosis to see a therapist?
No. You do not need a mental health diagnosis to seek therapy. Many people work with a therapist for stress management, relationship concerns, grief, life transitions, or personal growth.
How quickly can I start therapy?
Many people are matched with a licensed therapist in as little as 24 to 48 hours after completing the initial questionnaire. Match times may vary based on preferences and therapist availability.
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 private and secure?
Online therapy through BetterHelp allows you to communicate with your therapist in a discreet setting through video, phone, or messaging tools.