Therapists in Palm Desert, CA
In Palm Desert, CA, individuals seeking mental health support have access to a variety of therapist services specializing in modalities such as clinical psychology and interpersonal therapy. These therapeutic approaches may help individuals address challenges related to family conflict, women's issues, or other interpersonal challenges. Therapists in this area often focus on creating a judgment-free space where clients can explore their thoughts and feelings openly.
Interpersonal therapy is one modality that may be utilized by therapists to help individuals understand and improve their thought patterns, which can influence how they interact with others. This method is often solution-focused and may aim to resolve specific challenges or enhance interpersonal relationships. The emphasis on being person-centered means that therapeutic techniques are often tailored to fit each individual's unique needs and circumstances.
For residents of the Coachella Valley, including nearby areas like Cathedral City, Palm Springs, and Rancho Mirage, therapists in Palm Desert can provide expert guidance and support. Individuals begin their therapeutic journeys for a number of reasons such as developing better coping strategies for dealing with daily stresses or improving overall mental health.
Please see the therapist profiles below for more information on the different therapists available online.
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Andrea McLellan
Clinician
License Type(s): MA,LMFT
Mental Wellness Specialties: Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesParenting issuesDepression
14 years offering treatment
"What lies behind us and what lies before us are tiny matters compared to what lies within us." — Ralph Waldo Emerson In my journey, I have learned that the roots of our disharmony must be identified – we must become aware of the underlying causes of our problematic issues before we can recover our authentic self. In addition to doing individual therapy, I am an adjunct at a university where I teach Psychology and I am a court-recognized expert on sexual assault and child abuse. In this role, I do Forensic Psychology consultation work with attorneys who represent court-dependent minors. I look closely into the lives of people harmed, both physically and emotionally, within the context of the family. Victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, the maltreatment of children, and the elderly – vulnerable people who were harmed instead of protected by the family system. I am keenly aware of the negative impact, generationally, of this childhood exposure to family chaos and trauma. These experiences led me to intensely examine underlying motivations and to the advanced study of a psychological theory—family systems theory. I have learned that while justice is an important component of healing, it is not the whole picture. Authentic recovery must include awareness, responsibility, courage, and forgiveness. I help my clients discover for themselves these vital components of authentic healing. On a personal level, I enjoy nature and outdoor activities – the beach, hiking, bird-watching, and camping. I would like to include a note to our modern-day warriors – today’s public servants - those individuals who must daily share the pain of others- up close – our first responders. You may find yourself having significant impairment in your social or occupational areas of functioning, or you may have the need to process a stressful event you have experienced. If you begin experiencing increased emotional arousal (anger, irritability, fear, depression) in daily events, you may be experiencing acute stress response. There are critical components involved in coming to terms with acute or post-traumatic stress, and I would be honored to help you recognize and implement these steps. I have been there. To anyone considering therapy, no matter the source of their emotional pain, authentic healing involves understanding the fundamental processes of life and using the principles inherent in that understanding. Once the roots of our disharmony are identified—awareness—we can employ the principles of responsibility, courage, and forgiveness to recover genuine emotional health. My clients have taught me that they prefer practical, goal-driven therapy. Because of this, I like to use solution-focused and Cognitive Behavioral theories in my work. Many of my past clients have reported that they prefer these theories. They prefer improving negative symptoms during treatment via solution-focused therapy and setting clear, concise, and realistic goal-setting concepts found in Cognitive Behavioral treatment. Thank you for taking the time to read about me. I wish you the emotional health needed to live the life you dream of. In considering me as a therapist for yourself, I can't overstate my gratitude to you for allowing me to serve you in this way.
Julie Borden
Clinician
License Type(s): LCSW
Mental Wellness Specialties: Stress, AnxietyGriefParenting issuesDepressionCoping with life changes
23 years offering treatment
I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and have been providing counseling for more than twenty years. I have a master's degree in Social Welfare and experience in a wide range of areas, including grief and loss, stress management, parenting challenges, depression, and communication in relationships. I know that making the decision to start therapy, and reaching out to find someone you can trust, is a big step, often one that people think about for a long time before they actually take it. As you take that step today, I would like to offer some ideas about where this journey could take you. From my work with clients over the years, and from my own personal experience as well, I have come to see the process of therapy as something like looking through a new window, one that allows you to see your life and situation more clearly. In all of the challenges we face, big and small, perspective is key. Each of us is looking at our situation from the inside, in the way we have become accustomed to looking at it. This view is often fogged up and blurry. We are so close to it that we can’t see the forest for the trees. Therapy is about getting distance and perspective. This can come through insight, recognizing relationship patterns and being open to changing them, and questioning long-held assumptions that you didn’t realize you had until someone calls your attention to them. But as important as this awareness is, it usually needs to be followed with concrete steps in order to result in true change. Baby steps at first – in my experience we often underestimate the big results that can come from the smallest shifts. As we experiment with new behaviors, we begin to see ourselves differently. One small success doing something you didn’t think you could do can result in a ripple effect of seeing possibilities that you never knew were there before, and that is where real growth happens. My goal is to help people live more authentically, live with intention, and make deliberate and conscious choices rather than following old patterns that they never before thought to question. These ideas have brought me to some of the most important light bulb moments in my own life, and it brings me great happiness to see the moment that someone else begins to see that they have a wider range of options than they ever realized. If it sounds like I might be a good fit for you, I look forward to getting to know you, hearing the unique story that is yours alone, and working as a team as you find the clarity, peace, and confidence that will lead you to a brighter future.
Janette Hernandez
Clinician
License Type(s): LMFT
Mental Wellness Specialties: Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesFamily conflictsDepressionCoping with life changes
8 years offering treatment
My name is Janette, LMFT. Through a person-centered approach, I thrive in assisting people address their areas of concern. You are the expert in you and I use my skillset, experience and knowledge base that I have acquired over the past 8 years to work with you. I am a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) under the state of California. I have had the honor of working with adults, youth and families who have had difficulties with life's stressors dealing with relationships, trauma, depression, anxiety and other concerns. Utilizing a combination of theoretical approaches, including, cognitive-behavioral therapy, I collaborate with you to meet you where you are. I specialize in the following areas, however, this list is not exhaustive, if you have a question please reach out. • Anxiety (Social, Generalized, Panic) • Adjustment Issues • Mood Disorders (Major Depressive Disorder) • Trauma & Stress Related Concerns • Problems related to family/interpersonal relationships
Lester Jones Jr
Clinician
Mental Wellness Specialties: Self esteemDepressionCoping with life changesCoachingCompassion fatigue
20 years offering treatment
Transformative HEALING begins only when you graciously surrender to the knowing that you and only you can uniquely heal yourself. I will assist in identifying, dissolving, resolving, and eliminating the causality of unhealthy thoughts, beliefs, and negative internal dialogues that perpetuates unhappiness & suffering. Forgiveness, rather, Forgiving ourselves is the ultimate in healing. We will focus on letting go and releasing the present and past pain associated with those who you believed have physically, psychologically, or emotionally harmed you. We will practice “BELIEVING in the KNOWING” nothing can stop or hinder your WILL and DESIRE to heal your magnificent, marvelous, and perfectly loving self. Affirming “you are indestructible INFINITE divine and ETERNALLY sovereign being. Remembering "YOU" are the ultimate creator and sustainer of your peace, happiness, joy, and the LOVE you so deservingly desire when you SURRENDER WITH SINCERITY to your Authentic and Perfect Self... Emphasizing the utilization of Metaphysical and Universal Principles of Self-Love, Self-Mastery, and Self-Awareness to inspire, motivate, and transform our magnificent and marvelous souls to a greater understanding of the perfection not only within "YOU" but our perfect universe. Learning to Love ourselves is the greatest gift to healing ourselves by simply by BELIEVING... Focusing on YOU as a phenomenal "SPIRITUAL ESSENCE" having an experience in this physical realm of existence. Resolution to all challenges are always within you. Radical Acceptance that the pain and suffering stems from the resistance... “IT IS THE UNWILLINGNESS TO FORGIVE and THE DEVALUATION OF ONE'S SELF THAT IS USUALLY THE ULTIMATE CAUSALITY OF ILLNESSES, DISEASES, and ALL SUFFERING...” -Shams Plant Medicine Coaching and Herbal Healing!
Alejandra Guzman-Valencia
Clinician
Mental Wellness Specialties: Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesSelf esteemDepressionCoping with life changes
3 years offering treatment
I am a strong believer in meeting individuals where they are at that is, validating and supporting their current stage of change while encouraging them to actively visualize the best version of themselves. Together we will come up with treatment goals and we will work towards that at your speed. The first couple of sessions involve rapport building in which you and I get to know each other and determine if the therapeutic alliance is a good fit. As sessions progress, I will be here to support and encourage you every step of the way while also respecting your right to self determination. I am Alejandra Guzman-Valencia, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. I have worked in a variety of settings and with different populations such as hospitals, schools, outpatient health clinics and with individuals struggling with end of life issues, chronic diseases, anxiety, depression, adjustment disorders, personality disorders and grief amongst others. My practice helps individuals dealing with anxiety, depression, family changes, life circumstances, interpersonal relationship issues and more. Together we will implement therapeutic practices and interventions that best meet your needs.
Daniel "Dan" Bjierke
Clinician
Mental Wellness Specialties: LGBTRelationship issuesGriefSelf esteemCoaching
32 years offering treatment
I am licensed in California with 32 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with lgbtq+ related issues, relationship issues, coping with grief and loss, & motivation, self esteem, and confidence. I am a certified applied positive psychology specialist. 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.
Jennifer Miele
Clinician
License Type(s): LCSW
Mental Wellness Specialties: Stress, AnxietySelf esteemDepression
3 years offering treatment
I am a Licenced Clinical Social Worker in California who has 3 years experience as a counselor and therapist working with individuals struggling with depression, anxiety, life transitions, and career challenges. I received my certification as a Health and Life Coach about a year ago and I have about a year of experience helping individuals make incremental changes to improve their health. My therapy style is warm and interactive. I believe in treating anyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion. My approach combines cognitive-behavioral, humanistic and mindfulness, with a focus on self-care and stress management. I will tailor our dialogue and treatment plan to meet your unique and specific needs. It takes courage to seek a more fulfilling and happier life and to take the first steps towards change. If you are ready to take that step, I am here to support and empower you.
Margaret Auguste
Clinician
License Type(s): LMFT
Mental Wellness Specialties: Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesTrauma and abuseSelf esteemCoping with life changes
20 years offering treatment
I am a family and marriage counselor licensed in New Jersey with over 10 years of experience working as an individual, family, and marriage counselor. I have worked with clients with a wide range of concerns including depression, anxiety, relationship issues, parenting problems, career challenges, OCD, and ADHD. I also helped many people who have experienced 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 solution-focused therapy, cognitive-behavioral, humanistic, psychodynamic, and acceptance and commitment counseling. I will tailor our dialog and treatment plan to meet your unique and specific needs. It takes courage to seek for a more fulfilling and happier life and to take the first steps towards a change. If you are ready to take that step I am here to support and empower you. I look forward to working with you!
Dr. Jennifer Scharding
Clinician
Mental Wellness Specialties: Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesFamily conflictsTrauma and abuseCareer difficulties
10 years offering treatment
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, trauma, & abuse. I also have experience working with career difficulties. 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.
Megan Pierce
Clinician
Mental Wellness Specialties: Stress, AnxietySelf esteemCoping with life changes
5 years offering treatment
I am licensed in California with 5 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress, anxiety, family conflicts, eating disorders, motivation, self esteem, & confidence. I also have experience working with coping with life changes. 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.
Find a therapist serving clients in California
What types of therapists are available to clients in Palm Desert?
Understanding the type of therapy you'd like to search for is crucial before finding a therapist or psychologist. Be sure to narrow your search for therapists in Palm Desert that can offer psychodynamic therapy, cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), therapeutic talk therapy, group therapy, marriage and family therapy for individuals or couples, or couples therapy depending on your needs.
Licensed therapists & mental health professionals available through BetterHelp's online platform
Mental health therapists in Palm Desert available through BetterHelp are accredited as psychologists to help individuals and couples. Palm Desert therapists' credentials can include licensed marriage and family therapist (LMFT), licensed clinical social worker (LCSW), and clinician or doctor of psychology (PsyD). Regardless of their licensure, Palm Desert therapists are trained in any type of therapy in the Palm Desert region and in the state of California.
How can a therapist help you destress, manage your emotions, and guide you towards the life you want?
Therapists in Palm Desert can help clients in improving healthy relationships, communication skills, working through life transitions, couples challenges, managing a mood disorder, improving coping skills, self help tips, offer life coaching, family life, or change in negative thinking patterns. A therapist in Palm Desert may also provide a safe place and validation for clients experiencing emotional pain, or that simply want a psychological assessment.
Is it better to find a mental health counselor or therapist in Palm Desert offering online therapy or in person?
Studies show online therapy can be just as effective as in-person counseling. Online therapy with licensed counselors is often more affordable, with BetterHelp pricing ranging from $65-$100 weekly, while in person therapy can cost up to $200 per session.
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