Hai Nguyen
I am honored to have the opportunity to meet you and explore areas of the heart, mind, and soul with you. I have fallen in love with studying "love" since a young age. It occurred to me that life gives us many paradoxes/contradictions such as: "Go through pain in order to heal". Since my awareness opened up to the vast internal world of the human mind, I strive to find the answer. In the combination of my teaching career (online Professor - Psychology, health/human services/Philosophy) and psychotherapy, I was given the gift of a special journey in revealing the invisible components in life - especially our internal world. I have personal and professional experience in diverse areas (gangs, addiction, violence, mood disorders, relationship dynamics, family connection, and many areas within the interpersonal/intrapersonal realm). In addition, I hold a special awareness for cultural sensitivity as well, and the assimilation process onto areas of adaptation and acculturation. I began viewing life with analytical, philosophical, and emotional perception at an early age as life became difficult since I could remember. When I had finally turned my life around and attended college, I was inspired by many individuals. From this, I earned a position with my previous professor as his T.A in stress management. From there, I moved onto graduate school after attaining my Psychology degree. During my Marriage and Family therapy program, I continued to teach. The last year of my studies I was honored to work as an intern at non-profit agency where I delivered therapeutic services to a vast array of different populations: Onsite therapist for a middle school and high school (pre-teens and teens). I also worked with couple's, anger management, domestic violence, family/individual therapy at the main facility. I was then given the chance to work as an online professor at Ashford University after completing my Master's degree, where I continued to do so until this day. After graduation I moved onto working with children with Autism Spectrum disorder (minority population) for over a year. Finally, I traveled into the work on dual diagnosis/addiction, where I started as a part-time therapist and moved towards becoming the primary therapist, and then the clinical director for the whole facility. From my journey, I have been given the privilege to uphold a vast array of experiences, even to the extent of online gaming addiction. My main focus now lies in areas of emotional connection (relationships - family, couples', and even with yourself), grief/loss, mood disorders, addiction, and education. Updated: For the past 12 years or so, I worked in dual diagnosis treatment for addiction and mental health as a therapist. Then moved onto become the clinical director, and then Chief Operating Officer (COO). During this time, I've opened up about 6 companies thus far for owners. My mentor is the ex-chief of state (DHCS) and I'm also getting certifications for organizations as well. It has been an amazing journey and I look forward, again, to being able to be gifted with learning from your journey.
Dr. Arthur Magana
My name is Dr. Art Magana, and I am a licensed clinical psychologist practicing in Sacramento California. I have been working in the field of mental-health for over thirty years and have been licensed since 2002. I believe I have a strong foundation in the field of psychology, benefiting from training at the University of California, Antioch University, and at the School of Professional Psychology in San Francisco. I have balanced this background with early doctoral work at The Institute for Integral studies in San Francisco as well as years of training and workshops which allow me to consider myself as a multi-modal therapist, drawing upon various schools of thought which inform my worldview and understanding of human nature. I have worked in the field of child protection, Early Child Development and Infant Toddler Mental Health, Foster Care and Adoption, inpatient psychiatric, as well as years as a social worker and a supervisor for social service programs. I have been on staff at numerous counseling centers over the years and worked with a broad range of clients and their presenting problems and needs. I have practiced at the Institute for Bi Polar Spectrum Disorders in Folsom California .This background has given me a unique experience and perspective to look at the whole person beyond the confines of the patient therapist interaction. My approach as a psychologist includes genuine respect for all my clients and a desire to help them. I try to hear beyond their words to take in the person's emotional reality , their strength, and their sense of trust and safety as they move forward. I feel that humor has an important place in the healing and growing process. The research backs me up. I am a father, a husband, a teacher and a Latino therapist. I'm comfortable working in conversational Spanish however my writing skills...well not so much. Thank you for taking a moment to tell you about myself. Now it's your turn! I hope we have the opportunity to work together.
Russell Pippin
Welcome. My name is Russell Pippin. I am living and working in California as a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. I have over 30 years of clinical experience in a variety of settings from Private Practice to working at a County Behavioral Health Agency to working as a clinical Supervisor for an agency that provides school systems with mental health services. I have a deep abiding faith in God that has grown over the past 50 years. That faith has led me to my calling to help empower, heal, and discover what is best in each person and commission each to live their best life. It is my belief that by providing a safe authentic and compassionate clinical setting we can work together to achieve your goals. Please contact me at your earliest convenience. I look forward to hearing from you. Russell Pippin LMFT EDUCATION Bachelor’s degree Simpson Bible College San Francisco Graduated in 1982 Major in Christian Education Master’s degree Fresno State University Fresno Graduated in 1994 Major in Counseling-Marriage, Family and Child Counseling SPECIALTIES: Stress, Anxiety Self esteem Depression Coping with Life Changes Anger Management Communication problems- Imago therapy certificated Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. EMDR level II trained since 2007 CLINICAL APPROACHES Client-Centered Therapy Cognitive Behavioral Therapy EMDR Therapy Solution Focused Therapy Imago-Couples Therapy Years of Experience 30 LANGUAGE English LICENSING LMFT40133
Diana Bernhardy
Hello, my name is Diana Bernhardy. I'm a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with many years experience working with diverse groups and treatment issues. Past experiences have included primarily working in a forensic inpatient psychiatric mental health facility providing dydactic treatment with individuals with moderate to severe mental disorders, antisocial /criminal behaviors, and substance abuse. I've also worked in private practice and outpatient mental health services providing various treatment modalities and interventions in addressing various topics, i.e., depression, anxiety, stress, anger, grief/loss , separation issues, self esteem issues, women issues, PTSD/trauma, and case management. I explore the mental, behavior and spiritual aspects of the person to achieve wholeness and wellness. Thank you for reading my profile and I look 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).
Janet Bein-Hickey
I am licensed in California with over 25 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with relationship issues, coping with grief and loss, motivation, self esteem, and confidence, & 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.
Samantha Kerdman
I'm here to support you throughout your therapeutic journey. My goal is to help you grow from your struggles, heal from your pain, rediscover your strengths, and achieve your individual or relationship goals. I offer a safe and supportive therapeutic environment, where we collaboratively search for new solutions using empirically based therapeutic treatment.
Peter Hilliard
I am licensed in California with 40 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, & anger management. 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.
Melinda Olivas
I am licensed in California with 4 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, & motivation. 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.
Louise Hoff
I am licensed in California with 36 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress, anxiety, relationship issues, coping with grief, coping with loss, & parenting issues. I also have experience working with 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. Taking the first step to seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process.
Sherri Kardell
Dear potential client (s) My name is Sherri and I am a licensed marriage family therapist and life coach in California. I offer psychotherapy and life coaching to individuals grappling with some of life's more challenging transitions. Whether you are experiencing grief from the loss of a significant loved one, the end of the a significant relationship, or have a broken heart, I am here to be a calm presence during turbulent times. Perhaps you are experiencing a cycle of stops and starts, but have been unable to access a sense of inner calm. Or you have experienced repetitive patterns of loneliness, an inability to decipher your life's purpose, or you struggle to form and/or maintain intimate partnerships. I work with individuals in order to improve self confidence and live more authentic lives, resolve relationship conflicts, and process early relational wounding and trauma in order to resolve faulty belief systems and address unconscious patterns. I work primarily from an attachment based understanding of human development that seeks to reclaim aspects of the self that were left by the wayside in order to adapt to early conditioning, often related to cultural norms, rigid gender conditioning, and outdated social expectations. I offer a depth of tools designed to help you reconnect with your core sense of self, and heal early relational wounding that have shaped your belief systems and sense of worthiness in the world. In addition to 6 + years of clinical experience, I have earned the highest level of education in my field. Additionally, I have committed myself to a decade if spiritual practice, which has given me the ability to see through entrenched defense systems and patterns, and has helped me to develop a deep sense of empathy and attunement to the unconscious whispers of the soul. I offer a highbred approach to psychotherapy that often includes life-coaching. I conceptualize my role as akin to the Irish concept of "soul friend" a Celtic concept that emphasizes the importance of having someone that acts as a confidant that connects and understands you at the deepest level. Thus, I believe in treating others with respect, sensitively and compassion. I will tailor our dialogue and treatment plan to meet your unique and specific goals. I understand, from my own experience, that taking the first step towards a more fulfilling life often takes courage and I am here to support you in that process.
Mary Entezar
I am licensed marriage family therapist in California with 7 years of professional work experience and bilingual in Farsi/persian. I have experience in helping clients with relationship issues, family conflicts, motivation, self esteem, confidence, & career difficulties. I also have experience working with 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. Taking the first step to sign up for therapy can take courage and I am proud of you for getting started!
Aruna Prabha Boyineni
I am licensed in California with 7 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress, anxiety, trauma, abuse, coping with grief, coping with loss, motivation, self esteem, & confidence. I also have experience working with 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. I , being a first generation South Asian specialize in working with South Asian community. Taking the first step to sign up for therapy can take courage and I am proud of you for getting started!
Cheryl Garnica
As a licensed therapist in California, I bring over a decade of compassionate mental health experience in supporting individuals through life's complex challenges. My approach centers on understanding each person's unique journey, with specialized expertise in addressing depression, anxiety, trauma, stress, and self-esteem concerns. I am deeply committed to creating a safe and supportive, therapeutic environment where clients can openly share their concerns, explore their experiences, and develop individualized and meaningful 'tools' and effective coping strategies symptom/problem specific, effective coping strategies. My practice honors diverse perspectives and individual needs, offering a welcoming space for personal growth and healing. Drawing from evidence-based practices, I help clients navigate their way through trauma/PTSD, substance use and addiction issues, seeking sobriety, living sober, effectively responding to crises and sudden unexpected events, grief and loss of people and pets, stressful events, learning to control and manage overwhelming, negative emotions, personal and family life transitions, addressing distressing changes, situations, life transitions, and emotional challenges with empathy, unconditional positive regard, and professional guidance. My goal is to empower individuals to build resilience, discover inner strengths, and create positive pathways forward. I understand that seeking therapy takes courage, and I'm dedicated to walking alongside you with respect, understanding, and genuine care as you work towards your personal wellness goals.
*BetterHelp insurance availability, coverage, and cost may vary by state, plan, provider network, therapist availability, and deductible status.
Find a therapist near you in Pacifica, California
Finding a therapist near you in Pacifica, 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 Pacifica.
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 Pacifica, California
Ready to begin? BetterHelp can match you with a licensed therapist serving Pacifica and the surrounding CA area. When you are ready to take the next step, get started.