Looking for an ideal vacation spot full of great wineries and beautiful beaches? The residents of Pismo Beach can tell you their town has it all. But, not everyone in this gorgeous beach coastal town is enjoying all it has to offer.

Often, the trials and tribulations of life can be all-consuming. For those struggling with mental health issues, this is all too true. A little help from a professional can be just what you need to get back on track to enjoying all that life in an ideal location has to offer. If you're struggling mentally or emotionally please reach out today.

This is Jennifer Boyea's avatar and link to their profile

Jennifer Boyea

Offering therapy in CA
License: LMFT
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesSelf esteemDepressionCoping with life changes
16 years of experience

I am passionate about helping people find balance and peace in their lives whether they are struggling with relationship issues, mental health symptoms, or every day life stressors. I believe the therapeutic relationship we create is one of the most important components of a successful outcome. I strive to make people feel comfortable by remaining open minded, non-judgemental and genuine. I offer a strength based approach (utilizing DBT, Mindfulness, CBT and Solution Focused Therapy) to the people I work with and the situations they are dealing with because I strongly believe every individual has the capability to promote healthy change in their lives when they are ready and willing. Life is already hectic with never ending to-do lists and responsibilities that it can be easy to fall out of balance and begin to feel overwhelmed by it all. I feel confident that we can problem solve ways to help you regain that balance. I take a holistic approach to assessing the areas of your life that are causing the imbalances and help you develop ways to either cope with the circumstances or find other solutions to help alleviate suffering. I am a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in the state of California and have been working in the mental health field since 2000. I have been licensed since 2011 and before that worked as a behavior specialist . Most of my career has been working in the school system, juvenile detention centers and residential facilities for youth removed from their homes. I have worked extensively with children, adolescents and their parents. I am also passionate about the mind, body and soul connection and am constantly researching and learning new ways to improve this important connection within myself so that I can share insights and knowledge with others looking to do so as well. Important: Please Read I do work a full time job Monday-Friday from 8am-4pm Pacific Standard Time and will therefore be unavailable during those hours to respond. I have designated virtual office hours so that you will know when I am available online to either respond to messages you have sent me, or to provide a Live session (message chat, video, or phone call) if requested. Response time to messages varies Monday-Friday depending on when the message was sent and when my online office hours are that day. Typically response times can range from within the hour to 36 hours but could be up to 48 hours depending on the number and length of the messages received. It is very important to me to put together a thoughtful response rather than a rushed one, so thank you in advance for your understanding and patience. Betterhelp Virtual Therapy Office Hours Currently, Scheduled on an individual basis *I am not currently accepting new clients * Please keep in mind I am not typically available on the weekends but you are still free to send me messages as often as you need over the weekend and I will follow up with you on Monday during my office hours. Effective 11/7/2018, therapy appointments will be scheduled as follows: 30 minute appointments are actually 25 minute sessions, allowing for 5 minutes to write a note or take a quick break in between sessions. 60 minute appointments are actually 50 minute sessions (just like if you were to attend a therapy session in person), allowing for 10 minutes to write a note or take a quick break in between sessions. Betterhelp is still working on making changes to allow for sessions to be booked in hour blocks rather than 30 minute blocks. This will certainly help prevent people being able to book 30 minute blocks back to back, especially when they wanted a full hour and I can’t always get into the system quickly enough to block the 30 minutes following the scheduled time to guarantee an hour session. Please note this does happen from time to time and I do my best to avoid disrupting everyone's schedule to accommodate needs. I encourage you all to try and set up regular session times each week to ensure you have access to services more regular. While I do my best to accommodate last minute changes or requests, I also know I am not always able to do so and want to make sure you are getting what you need without a gap in being seen regularly. I have been working with Betterhelp now for over a year and a half during which time I have been evaluating my own habits and making efforts to improve my own self-care so that I can always be my most optimal to best serve you all. In that process I have come up with some ways to have more effective balance in responding to messages each day without sacrificing my own self-care time. If we have a regular scheduled therapy session that week, I will be responding to additional messages within approximately 48 hours. If we don’t have a therapy session scheduled that week, I will be responding to messages within approximately 24 hours. This will ensure that my time is being given to each of you more equally but also taking into consideration individual needs. Any messages received after 1pm on Friday, or Saturday and Sunday will be responded to on Monday during my online hours (6:00-9:30PM PST).

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This is Dr. Verda Bradley's avatar and link to their profile

Dr. Verda Bradley

Offering therapy in CA
License: PhD,LCSW,MeD
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsRelationship issuesFamily conflictsSelf esteem
30 years of experience

Hello, I am Dr. Verda Bradley. I have over thirty years experience as a licensed clinical psychotherapist. My practice is dedicated to the alleviation of emotional suffering brought about by psycho-social stressors, trauma, domestic violence, substance abuse misuse/abuse and mental illness. I am a Certified NIDA Relapse Prevention counselor. I have experience in various mental health, child protection and family services, criminal justice agencies and recovery services. I have been facilitating a bereavement group twice a month for several years. I like helping people work through problems and improve the quality of life they are seeking. I enjoy establishing a trusting and client centered environment. Specialties Individual, stress, anxiety , depression Bereavement Marital /Family Conflict

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This is Ranee Sahachartsiri's avatar and link to their profile

Ranee Sahachartsiri

Offering therapy in CA
License: LCSW
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesFamily conflictsTrauma and abuseDepression
15 years of experience

My name is Ranee and I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with over 13 years of experience in the Behavioral Health/Social Work field. My work experience includes working with individuals age 18 and up, who struggle with issues in phase of life, family of origin, grief and loss, trauma, anxiety, depression, and stress. I implement a culturally-competent, client-centered, and strengths-based approach to foster a safe environment to facilitate discovery of one's potential to learn about themselves and grow from past experiences, and to not allow the past to define their future potential. Each person has the ability to draw from their resilience and inner strengths to develop coping tools to achieve the best version of themselves. I generally respond to messages in the evenings and am available for early morning sessions during the weekends, with some availability on Fridays and weekday evenings. I am honored to be selected to partner with you on your journey to wellness, recovery, and peace within yourself.

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This is JULIE FUENTES's avatar and link to their profile

JULIE FUENTES

Offering therapy in CA
License: LMFT
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesFamily conflictsTrauma and abuseDepression
10 years of experience

Hola, I am a bilingual Spanish speaking Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. I have worked in the mental health field for over 10 years in various settings and with age groups. I have provided mental health services with inpatient, outpatient, community mental health, foster care youth, correctional and residential youth populations. I have experience working with individuals and couples with depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, childhood trauma, and relationship. I also have extensive clinical experience working with culturally diverse individuals from various ethnic backgrounds including the LGBTQ community. I believe in creating a safe, caring, and nonjudgmental therapeutic environment.  Although friends and family can be of support, there are times when professional help is needed and is more effective. Together we can begin your healing journey and empower you in reaching your personal potential.

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This is Dr. Michelle Andersen 's avatar and link to their profile

Dr. Michelle Andersen

Offering therapy in CA
Stress, AnxietySleeping disordersSelf esteemCoping with life changesADHD
15 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 15 years of professional experience. I enjoy helping clients with stress and anxiety, sleeping disorders, motivation, self esteem, and confidence, & coping with life changes….and eventually rendering myself irrelevant. I know…strange job description. Generally, I believe people are doing the best they can in life but occasionally hit a sand trap, finding themselves more deeply entrenched with the struggle. If this is you, welcome to the human race :-) Taking the first step to seeking a more fulfilling and meaningful life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process and do my best as a fellow, flawed human being to help you.

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Bonnie Yoo

Offering therapy in CA
Stress, AnxietyGriefDepressionCoping with life changes
12 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 12 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, trauma and abuse, cancer journey, recovery after cancer, coping with grief and loss, & 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. Taking the first step to sign up for therapy can take courage and I am proud of you for getting started!

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This is tami leffler's avatar and link to their profile

tami leffler

Offering therapy in CA
Stress, AnxietyGriefSelf esteemDepressionCoping with life changes
8 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 8 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, coping with grief and loss, motivation, self esteem, and confidence, & 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.

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This is Dr. Brian Green's avatar and link to their profile

Dr. Brian Green

Offering therapy in CA
Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseSelf esteemDepressionCompassion fatigue
5 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 30 years of professional social work/mental health experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, trauma and abuse, motivation, self esteem, and confidence, & 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.

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This is Susan Mcnally's avatar and link to their profile

Susan Mcnally

Offering therapy in CA
AddictionsRelationship issuesTrauma and abuseParenting issues
30 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 30 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with coping with addictions, relationship issues, & trauma and abuse. I also have experience working with parenting issues. 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!

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This is Herlay Divine's avatar and link to their profile

Herlay Divine

Offering therapy in CA
Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseSelf esteemDepressionCoping with life changes
11 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 11 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, trauma and abuse, motivation, self esteem, and confidence, & 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.

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How to find counseling in Pismo Beach

Finding the best therapist close by in Pismo Beach can feel challenging, but know that once you narrow your search for a counselor serving your area, you can find a therapist in your city that is accepting new clients and fits your goals. Whether you're struggling with depression, anxiety, marriage, family issues, or other emotional challenges, feel proud that you have begun your search to find the mental health care services that work best for you in order to begin your personal journey towards emotional healing.

Understanding the type of therapy you'd like to search for is crucial before finding a therapist or psychologist in Pismo Beach. Perhaps you're interested in narrowing your search for a psychotherapist that can offer psychodynamic, cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), talk therapy, provide group therapy, marriage and family therapy for individuals or couples, or couples therapy. Each type of therapy can offer various benefits and address or treat different disorders. If you're still unsure or are new to counseling in Pismo Beach, feel free to contact the provider via email to find out which methods they practice.

It is also important to understand that mental health professionals in the United States are accredited to provide care, helping individuals and couples, with a variety of licenses. These include licensed marriage and family therapist (LMFT), licensed clinical social worker (LCSW), and clinical psychologist or doctor of psychology (PsyD). Regardless of their licensure, they are trained to treat individuals and couples counseling, and sometimes children, in any type of therapy. Find a therapist under any of these distinctions and know that the sessions they offer can provide a safe place to heal.

Mental health professionals working through their own in- person therapy practice in Pismo Beach or online may assist clients in improving healthy relationships, communication skills, working through life transitions, managing a mood disorder, improving coping skills, or change in negative thinking patterns. They may also provide a safe place and validation for clients experiencing emotional pain. Verified providers can provide licensed marriage and couples therapy, tailor to individual needs, and create a therapeutic relationship as a National Certified Counselor.

There are all kinds of therapists working with clients today across the United States and in the greater Pismo Beach area in different types of therapy, including:

  • CBT
  • DBT
  • Substance use therapy
  • Couples therapy

When you're ready to start your search and find therapists, have in mind what type of therapy you'd like your provider to be most experienced with and choose an experienced provider with a practice located near you in the city of Pismo Beach, elsewhere in San Luis Obispo, or in the greater state of California.

Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

Some other commonly asked questions on therapy with a licensed counselor and BetterHelp serving the Pismo Beach area can be found below:

How does the cost of in-person counseling compare to the cost of BetterHelp with a licensed Pismo Beach therapist?

The average price of an in-person therapy session in the US is $100 to $200 per hour. These prices may be higher in Pismo Beach due to a higher cost of living. The price also depends on the type of provider you are looking for. See the following average prices for various mental health providers without insurance:

  • Counseling with a psychiatrist: $150-$500
  • Counseling with therapists: $100-300
  • Therapy with a psychologist: $100

While many psychologists in Pismo Beach may not take health insurance, some in the state of California may work on a sliding scale, meaning they'll factor in your income and charge what you can afford per session. With BetterHelp or clinicians throughout the state of California you can expect significantly more affordable options, with sessions ranging from $65 to $100 per week (billed every four weeks).

How is a licensed therapist on this online therapy platform verified?

Therapists in Pismo Beach, California working on BetterHelp are licensed, trained, experienced, and accredited as a doctor of psychology (PhD / PsyD), licensed marriage and family therapists (LMFT), licensed clinical social worker (LCSW / LICSW), or licensed professional counselors (LPC). All of these psychology clinicians have a Masters Degree or a Doctorate Degree in their field of psychology sciences, and follow the APA Code of Ethics. They have been qualified and certified by their state's professional board after successfully completing the necessary education, exams, training and practice with a patient, and extensive experience in a healthcare clinic or treatment centers, in order to become a mental health provider. While their lived experience, expertise, careers, and background vary, they all possess at least 3 years and 1,000 hours of hands-on experience with adult and sometimes teen patients, and have the necessary therapist credentials to provide a safe space for long lasting emotional healing in therapy. 

Please note BetterHelp does not offer or provide care from psychiatrists to prescribe a drug as treatment, or perform psychological assessments.

How does working with a counselor in BetterHelp online therapy sessions work?

BetterHelp clinicians treat clients online across the United States (individuals and couples) through life transitions, inner child exploration, long term depression or anxiety, and more. An online mental health professional, including the therapists in Pismo Beach above, can work with young adults, children, adolescents, and adults virtually as an accredited licensed clinical social worker (LCSW) or licensed marriage and family therapist (LMFT). You do not have to commute to a an office as a psychotherapy client.

Through BetterHelp therapy, you can partake in video, phone, or live chat therapy sessions with your licensed therapist. You can work through various symptoms, use the in app journaling feature, and receive worksheets. You'll also find support groups or group therapy lead by a therapist in Pismo Beach helping individuals on topics including managing life transitions, symptoms affecting sexual health, behavioral health, coping skills for anxiety or depression, trauma, stress, marriage counseling, and more. 

What mental health issues can psychotherapy address?

BetterHelp's verified Pismo Beach therapists specialize and have clinical experience in a wide range of mental health issues and modalities, helping clients to feel better and improve their lives every day. See below for examples.

Specialties on BetterHelp include:

You may also be struggling with relationship problems that could be addressed in couples therapy or with a sex therapist. In that case, you may choose to work with one of BetterHelp's experienced cognitive-behavioral therapists or licensed marriage family therapists (LMFT) who work with clients in relationships. You can also try a Pismo Beach therapy provider through BetterHelp's sister platform, ReGain, which is dedicated to couples and spouses worldwide. 

How do I know if online counseling is right for my family?

One of the potentially rewarding aspects of working with a therapist is the validation and active listening they can provide. Your friends and loved ones may also be available to listen, but you may feel that they may lack the skills to provide objective guidance. Counselors are trained to respond to various concerns, symptoms, and mental health conditions.

A psychologist in your city can support you toward a healthier emotional state, regardless of your mental health, life concerns, or healing needs. While supporting individuals in developing healthier habits, another good benefit of therapy is having an understanding, safe space with a non-judgmental party who can support you through challenging experiences.

Many people have sensitive topics that they may feel ashamed to discuss with their friends or partner. A Pismo Beach therapist can help you confront these concerns and open up through unique methods of support. There are also many types of therapy, such as art therapy, where you may find you can express yourself through creativity instead of words.

With a lot of people in CA, providers may be booked out with clients. Through the list of profiles above and others within BetterHelp's team, you may be able to find a psychologist within 24 to 48 hours. If you're searching to find a a nearby psychotherapist close to 93449 or the surrounding zip codes, consider others available through the BetterHelp site. No matter if you are seeking help in your area or beyond, online therapy can be a great option.

How should I prepare for my first therapy session with a Pismo Beach counselor?

Before seeing your therapist, prep for your session by reading to understand the therapy process. You might write a list of questions you want to ask your psychotherapist, any emotional pain you may feel, and the ways in which you hope to improve. When you attend your session, let them know if you have any concerns about therapy or feel unsure about what to talk about. They may help guide you with open-ended therapeutic questions. The first session will often serve as an intake to get to know you as a person and learn why you're attending therapy.

Should I find a therapist or psychologist if I feel fine? 

Some simply don't feel the need to see a psychologist. However, some people may avoid attending therapy due to stigma or preconceived notions of what therapy entails. Although psychologists often support people with mental health conditions, you do not need a diagnosis or condition to attend therapy. You can discuss grief, relationship concerns, stress, or life changes and ask for general feedback and advice. A Pismo Beach licensed clinical social worker may help you gain power over your life and emotions while you navigate day-to-day experiences.

Gaining a new perspective on yourself through various therapies might allow you to improve your self-esteem, work through relationships, and gain a better sense of your mental health goals. The success you may find through therapy can be dependent on your process.

People may also attend therapy for specific motives, such as bullying, an autism diagnosis, a desire to learn mindfulness meditation, personality concerns, trouble with office workers, specific phobias, and many other principles.

Is mental health care and therapy worth it? 

Therapy is effective and has the power to change individuals' lives. Each client is at a different stage of their emotional healing journey in life, as each human can be unique in their personality, expression, skills, and goals. A psychologist can target various symptoms, experiences, and personalities to help you feel your best and put you on the path to healing. Unlike advice from a friend, family, or non-professional, a mental health professional has an understanding of various disorders like ADHD and depression with many hours of experience in treating adults in their practice. For this reason, seeing an evidence based psychologist in Pismo Beach, California can be worth it. Over 41 million adults in the US attend therapy services each year, showing it's a popular option and is proven to be effective.

Pismo Beach has many clinicians who practice person or client-centered individual therapy in-person and through online therapy to assist clients in their healing journey. If you opt into online therapy, you might also be able to meet with providers all over the United States and change therapists easily at any time. Many people struggling with anxiety and depression, substance abuse, body image issues, and more find therapists that are a good fit for them, feel supported, and gain further insight into their lives through internet-based therapy.

Do therapists judge you in therapy sessions?

The boundaries between you and a therapist are in place to help you and them regarding ethical concerns. Mental health professionals are held by ethical standards through the American Psychological Association (APA) and are not allowed to judge or harm their clients. If you are concerned about sharing details about yourself, feel free to withhold personal information. Their job in the therapeutic relationship is to create a safe place, help you gain a deeper understanding of your mental health, and support you. You might consider changing counselors if you don't feel safe or respected.

Stay up to date with the leading online counseling platform

To stay up to date with BetterHelp's initiatives through their social channels, you can follow them on Pinterest, LinkedIn, Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook. For mental health tips, check out the BetterHelp YouTube channel.

Take some time today to learn more about the team of therapists at BetterHelp to understand the services available to you clearly. If you are new to therapy or have any questions about the services and terms, please reach out through the contact page or send an email to contact@betterhelp.com.

If you’re ready to sign up for online therapy, consider signing up with a platform like BetterHelp and get matched within 24 to 48 hours.

If you are experiencing a crisis or emergency, don't use this site's online services. If you are in life-threatening danger, call 911. If you require support for a crisis, reach out to the hotlines below:

A woman meets with a therapist online in her home city of Pismo Beach.

Below are some of the zip codes served by BetterHelp therapists in Pismo Beach:

93448, 93449

Popular cities near Pismo Beach, CA

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