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.
Margaretta Reyolds
I am a marriage and family therapist. I work with children, families, couples and adults for more than 25 years. I am friendly, warm and down-to- earth. I am skilled in delivering Christian Faith Base Counseling. I specialized in working with trauma, depression, anxiety, domestic violence, anger management, drug counseling and most mental health difficulties. I used evidence base interventions and employed current scientific findings to generate quick relief from symptoms. I provide support and understanding. I specialized in using CBT to help people change their thinking patterns in order for them to be successful. I can assist in helping to find solutions, answers, and some directions in life. I can provide a healing place to unlock your strength. Communicate feelings more effectively overcome struggles and become your own personal problem solver. Can provide a therapeutic relationship tailored to meet your needs.
Laurie Richardson
Having returned to grad school to become a therapist at the midpoint of my life, I bring a wealth of knowledge from being a parent, a preschool teacher, a 7th grade Waldorf teacher, an art instructor, a graphic designer and copyrighter, and an art consultant for over 20 years. My school trajectory took me from UCLA to San Jose State to Sac State, a Waldorf training college and finally to San Francisco's CIIS. As I've entered the field of being a therapist, what I've learned is that the act of becoming a therapist means you are a good listener and humbled each time a human being opens their heart to you. To that end, I work diligently to understand and tailor each treatment I design to work specifically with the client in front of me. I relish the empathy and dignity of Person-Centered Therapy because I firmly believe that each person knows themselves best and can apply what they learn when they are given the tools and perspective to see solutions within the framework of the very problems they brought to therapy in the first place. Being an EXA therapist means that I employ the Expressive Arts (poetry, rap, photography, 2D and 3D art, dance, sculpture, writing, drama, music, gardening, and cooking, and eco-art) into the healing process. The art becomes another tool and a living testament to the fact that healing is happening. My style of therapy focuses upon being sensitive, empathetic with a healthy dash of questions. My sessions are usually filled with interactive games, art, laughter, meditation and yes, breakthroughs and tears - all the range of possible human expression. People tell me they come away from their session feeling happier, lighter, clearer and understood. I have great compassion for the people I see, whether via telehealth or in-person. My goal is to be fully present, listening, supporting, acknowledging and empowering you forward, however that next chapter appears. Looking forward to chatting with you soon!
Alexcis Bradley
Hi, I'm Alexcis! I'm a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. I help people who long to feel stable and content. In working with clients I find that we all want to be physically, and emotionally healthy but hold ourselves back due to past and present difficulties. These barriers, keep us from moving forward and accomplishing our goals. Living a life of values does not guarantee a stress-free easy life. It can however help get through the tough times by keeping us on track to accomplish our goals. Life is hard and full of stress. I believe that through self-compassion, values, mindfulness, and a desire for something better will lead to a meaningful life. Please message me so that we can get scheduled to start your journey.
Richard King
I am licensed in California with 25 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, family conflicts, parenting issues, & 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.
Gina Clemente
Welcome! My name is Gina, and I am a licensed MFT (Marriage and Family Therapist) in the state of California. I graduated from California State University, Fullerton with my masters in counseling in 2017. I have over four years of providing psychotherapy services, and I specialize in working with adults with a variety of concerns such as anxiety, depression, life transitions, relationship issues, and substance abuse. My therapy style has been described by others as gentle, patient, sensitive, and authentic. I want you to know that you are not alone and that I will provide you with a safe space where you can share your thoughts and feelings without judgment. I utilize an integrative approach to therapy which combines psychodynamic, cognitive-behavioral, and humanistic ideas. I will work with you collaboratively to address your unique needs in therapy. I look forward to getting to know you and helping you begin your healing journey :)
Richard Berg
I am licensed in California with 12 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, trauma and abuse, & coping with grief and loss. 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.
Kelly Gesker
My name is Kelly Gesker and I'm a nationally licensed therapist. I currently live in Montana. You can take a look at my profile to learn a little bit more about my background and approach. Please also feel free to ask questions. Online counseling is fairly new and new to me. I felt a strong connection to what is troubling you and believe that I could help you work through these issues. My counseling style is pretty laid back. I have been described as supportive, caring, and compassionate, with a pretty good sense of humor. I like to focus on identifying your strengths and helping you to maximize them to overcome your obstacles. I'm here to help you sort through the things that are difficult right now, and offer you a safe place to be open and honest without fear of judgment. You have taken the first and most important step by reaching out for help. I have been working with individuals and families for over 25+ years. You can read more about my background, education, experience, and counseling approach by clicking on my name on this page. I generally check messages here a few times per day Mon-Sat and respond as quickly as I can. I do appreciate your patience when it takes a bit longer at times, as I may be tending to other clients or professional/personal responsibilities. I'm sorry you are having a tough time right now, but I'm really glad you are reaching out. I'd like to help you work on the struggles you are facing; and offer you a safe place to explore your thoughts and feelings. It sounds like you have a great deal going and that this might be impacting your mood and energy. Once you respond to this message, I will send you some additional general information about how this online counseling process works, and then we can get started. Should you feel in need of urgent help or that you are in crisis at any time during our work together; please call 1-800-273-TALK 24 hours a day; or 911. This forum does not provide any type of emergency services, so I want to be sure you know who to contact if you need immediate help. You are not alone. Things can and will get better. I'm really looking forward to working with you!
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).
Claudia Santiago
I am a licensed therapist in California with over twelve years of experience supporting individuals through complex emotional landscapes. My practice centers on helping clients navigate challenges like depression, anxiety, trauma, and life transitions with compassion and expertise. As a therapist of color, I bring a nuanced, culturally responsive approach to mental health care. I specialize in addressing a wide range of concerns, including self-esteem, communication difficulties, social anxiety, workplace stress, and interpersonal dynamics. My therapeutic style is collaborative and affirming. I work closely with clients to explore their unique experiences, develop meaningful insights, and cultivate strategies for personal growth. Whether you're struggling with mood disorders, relationship challenges, or seeking greater self-understanding, I'm committed to creating a supportive, non-judgmental space for your healing journey. I draw from evidence-based practices to help clients build resilience, enhance self-love, and move toward more fulfilling lives. My approach honors each individual's distinct path and strengths.
Aaliyah Rashad
I am licensed in California with 8 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, motivation, self esteem, and confidence, & depression. I believe that everyone has the ability to move in the direction of their goals and values. As a therapist and coach I see myself as as a facilitator and guide to help improve the alignment between what you want and the reality. You are the expert in your life. We will work as a team to explore cognitive processes and discover alternative ways to help you feel more joy, have better relationships, cope with life's challenges, and feel better overall. I utilize cognitive- behavioral (CBT), and acceptance- based (ACT) strategies infused with mindfulness in order to help clients feel better and live a life of meaning and purpose. I look forward to our journey together!
Ashby "Brooks" Larsen
I am licensed in California and Utah with 24 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, trauma and abuse, & coping with grief and loss. I also have experience working with 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 seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process.
Janice Snyder
I am licensed in California with 10 years of professional work experience. I have a Ph.D. from USC. I have experience in helping clients with stress, anxiety, relationship issues, coping with grief, coping with loss, 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. 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.
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.
*BetterHelp insurance availability, coverage, and cost may vary by state, plan, provider network, therapist availability, and deductible status.
Find a therapist near you in Pacific Grove, California
Finding a therapist near you in Pacific Grove, 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 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 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 Pacific Grove, California
Ready to begin? BetterHelp can match you with a licensed therapist serving Pacific Grove and the surrounding CA area. When you are ready to take the next step, get started.