Pleasant Hill has many clinicians who practice person or client-centered individual therapy in-person and through online sessions to assist clients in their healing journey. If you opt into trying it online, you might also be able to meet with providers all over the United States and change 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 treatment.
When seeking mental health support in Pleasant Hill, CA, you will find a variety of services offered by therapists through online therapy. Whether you are dealing with difficult emotions or looking for personal growth, finding the right therapist is crucial.
Therapists in Pleasant Hill often utilize expressive arts therapy and other evidence-based approaches to help clients develop effective coping mechanisms. This can be especially beneficial for those who have experienced perinatal loss or other significant life changes. Residents of Contra Costa County and nearby Walnut Creek have access to compassionate care tailored to their specific needs.
If you are seeking therapy, it's important to find a professional who can help you navigate through difficult emotions such as stomach dropping and throat clenching sensations. Therapists in this region often specialize in helping women manage unique challenges and stressors.
Therapy can be a valuable tool for personal growth and emotional healing, enabling you to build resilience and improve overall well-being. Whether you are new to therapy or looking to continue your mental health journey, Pleasant Hill offers a supportive environment for your needs.
Please see the therapist profiles below for more information on the different therapists available online.

Amy Torn
Hello! I am a California- and Arizona-licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, with 25 years of experience counseling children, teens, and adults. I have trained and practiced extensively as a cognitive-behavioral therapist, and I also have a passion for mindfulness-based and holistic approaches for greater well-being. As a recovering worrier and formerly fierce self-critic, I find great peace and joy in Eastern and Western spiritual wisdom. I am happy to offer these perspectives to those who are interested. I also love to share self-compassion and mindfulness approaches to better cope with emotions and to address patterns of thought and behavior. In counseling, I encourage people to cultivate greater self-acceptance; release themselves from the burden of limiting, distressing beliefs; and find meaning and opportunity in challenging experiences. I offer a Spiritually-oriented, compassionate, research-based, and collaborative approach to counseling. I have a passion and specialty in assisting adults who are experiencing anxiety and those who wish to be more loving/accepting of themselves. I also enjoy helping individuals who are seeking deeper contentment or meaning in their lives - people who want to put new perspectives and skills to use, empowering themselves to feel greater peace and joy. Most of my clinical experience has been in outpatient settings (group and private practice). I have also worked in intensive-outpatient programs, providing cognitive-behavioral and mindfulness therapy. In addition, I am trained in a dream interpretation model developed at the University of Maryland, for those interested in using their dreams to better understand and enhance their waking lives. My other professional interests are: astrology, Reiki (Japanese energy healing), and functional nutrition (food for mood). Personally, I enjoy hiking, meditation, Spiritual talks and films, learning Spanish, and caring for animals. I lived in Southern California for two decades and relocated to Southern Arizona two years ago. Thank you for viewing my site. It will be a joy to connect with you!

Elizabeth Lee
Elizabeth Johnson Lee MA, LMFT Hi, I’m Liz. Are you feeling anxious, depressed, and angry or having trouble in your relationships? I’m here to help! I’m a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, and my area of expertise is in helping people develop a better relationship with themselves and with the world. I provide encouragement, support and validation with a nonjudgmental and accepting, empathetic and compassionate style, with an emphasis on what’s needed most to help you. I am good at seeing patterns in people’s lives and in bringing them to their awareness so that they can learn from them. Some patterns you may want to change, but others may be hidden strengths, talents and other assets that you can use to empower yourself and improve your life. I also use paradoxical approaches to help you flip weaknesses and painful experiences into strengths and benefits. I am experienced in teaching communication skills to help you improve your relationships in all areas of your life. By combining an exploration of your past relationships with a focus on the here-and-now, I can guide you in seeing how the past has affected you and how you can make changes in the present to transform your life. I received my Masters degree in Clinical Psychology from Antioch University in 1988 and my Marriage and Family Therapist license in 1998. I have worked with survivors of rape, incest, domestic abuse and other traumas, family problems, relationship issues, parenting issues, grief and loss, addiction, LGBTQ+ issues, anxiety, depression, suicidality, psychosis, personality disorders, inter-faith spiritual issues and more. I use an eclectic style to tailor my approach to the needs of each client. I also use a whole-person approach to address the person from a mind, body, and spirit perspective. I look forward to working with you. Let’s get started! Specialties: Anxiety Depression Suicidal thinking Sexual assault Trauma Domestic abuse Addiction Communication skills Relationship issues Years of experience 22

Dr. Nkem Anene
I am licensed in California with over 18 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with relationship issues, trauma and abuse, grief and loss issues; intimacy related issues, & motivation, self esteem, and confidence. I enjoy working with individuals, couples, young adults and teenagers. 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. I commend you for the courage of taking the first step to sign up for therapy, I am proud of you for getting started. I look forward to meeting you.

Claudia Santiago
I am licensed in California with 11 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with coping with addictions, relationship issues, trauma and abuse, & motivation, self esteem, and confidence. I believe that you are the expert of your story and that you have many strengths that will assist you in overcoming things that challenge you. Taking the first step to sign up for therapy can take courage and I am proud of you for getting started!

April Cobb
I am licensed in California with 7 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, parenting issues, & 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!

Susan Herbert
I am licensed in California with 4 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with coping with addictions, lgbtq+ related issues, family conflicts, & trauma and abuse. 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.

Kendra Kelly
Greetings, I am Kendra Kelly and I am a Licensed Counselor in Georgia and California. I maintain a counseling license in the state of Georgia, a National Board certificate in counseling, and a certificate in Reiki level I. I appreciate nature, the arts, spirituality, and helping people become their best selves. I am also in the world of entertainment and performing arts in the field of dance, film, stage, and fashion, so I have a diverse outlook on Creative individuals and their need for mental and emotional wellness in that career and passion field. I help my clients manage through anxiety, stress, depression, identity intersectionality, life transitions, and relationship dynamics. I spent many years working with children, youth, and young adults in the foster care system explore their feelings, thoughts, and behaviors while remaining resilient. It is my belief that each person is unique and dynamic and I prefer to integrate perspectives from multiple theoretical approaches to align with what is best for the person. I am trained in Cognitive Behavioral therapy, Solutions Focused Brief therapy, Midnfulness techniques, as well as Motivational Interviewing. Whether it is career concerns, life changes, relationships-of any types, a "stuck" feeling that has been lingering or something that just comes up in your life, gaining the support and insight to journey through is sometimes necessary. I believe that every adversity or misstep, each success and every joy, each moment and situation is an opportunity to grow, learn, heal, and live the life that you love. I work with primarily women clients, cis-gender or feminine identifying individuals, yet gender does not define my ideal client. I also have the openness to work with individuals of alternative, varying and open relationship styles and sexual identities and expressions. As your counselor, I will not have all of the answers, yet it is my job to help navigate with you to gain the answers for yourself. My work focuses on building self-esteem and self-concept, increasing coping skills, and decreasing disruptive actions and thought patterns while fostering creativity, self-love, and personal insight and emotional intellect. I offer therapeutic space and time for you to get what you need for your best life and the journey along your way. My mission is to provide you with the space, therapeutic relationship, tools/resources, and opportunity to grow through what you are going through and live in and create the life you love. The overall goal of counseling can vary from person to person. I help to guide you towards your goals for counseling and your life. I can assist in fostering self-discovery and confidence, facilitating innate growth and healing, and strengthening interpersonal relationships, decision making and overall coping and life skills. You are to expect some changes as you go through the counseling process. With change can come growth, yet change may not always pleasant, easy, or desired. As navigate through our lives, we may sometimes become lost, frustrated, or overwhelmed. Seeking guidance and support through counseling can be the first step that we take toward achieving balance, wellness, and personal fulfillment in our lives and relationships. I encourage you to write as often and as much as you like - this room is open 24 hours a day, seven days per week. I typically respond to all messages within 24 - 48 hours. The only exception is when I take off on Sundays to rest and have extended self care. It's also possible to schedule a live phone or chat session - if you click on the schedule tab on the left hand side of the page, you can see what times I have available. These sessions will last 35-45 minutes and we can meet for one session per week. Feel free to move forward and schedule a time for us to meet. I have flexibility in my schedule - message me if you do not see a date or time that works for you!

Pak Poon
I am licensed in California and Texas with 8 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, & motivation, self esteem, and confidence. I 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.

Patsy Folauo'o
I am licensed in California with 6 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, family conflicts, parenting issues, & 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 seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process.

Dr. Alton Carswell
I am licensed in California with 16 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, lgbtq+ related issues, relationship issues, & family conflicts. 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!

Devon Doan Ortiz
I am licensed in California with 26 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress, anxiety, family conflicts, trauma, abuse, & anger management. I also have experience working with depression. I work with my clients to create an open and safe environment where thoughts and feelings can be shared without fear of judgment. Taking the first step to sign up for therapy can take courage and I am proud of you for getting started!

Candice Yu Simon
I am licensed in California with 14 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress, anxiety, parenting issues, anger management, motivation, self esteem, & confidence. I also have experience working with depression. I believe in treating everyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion. I will tailor our dialog and treatment plan to meet your unique and specific needs. It takes courage to seek out a more fulfilling and happier life and to take the first steps towards a change. I am here to support & empower you in that journey.

Daniel Smolen
I am licensed in California with 30 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress, anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, & parenting issues. I also have experience working with anger management. 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!

Rachel Howard
I am licensed in California with 10 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress, anxiety, relationship issues, trauma, abuse, coping with grief, coping with loss, motivation, & self esteem. I also have experience working with confidence. I work with my clients to create an open and safe environment where thoughts and feelings can be shared without fear of judgment. Taking the first step to sign up for therapy can take courage and I am proud of you for getting started!
How to find a licensed therapist serving clients in Pleasant Hill, California
Finding the best therapist close by in Pleasant Hill can feel challenging, but know that once you narrow your search for a counselor serving your area. You can get connected with a clinician 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 with therapists 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. Perhaps you're interested in narrowing your search for a psychotherapist that can offer psychodynamic, cognitive-behavioral (CBT), talk therapy, provide group therapy, marriage and family therapy for individuals or couples, or couples therapy. Each type of support of this kind with BetterHelp therapists can offer various benefits and address or treat different disorders. If you're still unsure, feel free to contact the provider via email to find out which methods they practice.
Licensed therapists & mental health professionals available through BetterHelp
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 for therapists. These include licensed marriage and family therapist (LMFT), licensed clinical social worker (LCSW), and clinician or doctor of psychology (PsyD). Regardless of their licensure, they are trained able to treat individuals and couples, and sometimes children, in any type of therapy in the Pleasant Hill region and in the state of California. Find a therapist under any of these distinctions and know that the sessions they offer can provide a safe place to heal.
A mental health professional working through their own in-person therapy practice in Pleasant Hill or online may assist 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 may also provide a safe place and validation for clients experiencing emotional pain, or that simply want a psychological assessment. 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 Pleasant Hill area offering therapy for:
- CBT
- DBT
- Substance use
- Couples
When you're ready to start your search keep in mind what support 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 Pleasant Hill, elsewhere in Contra Costa, or in the greater state of California. Get matched with one of the therapists working on the BetterHelp platform today.
Frequently asked questions (FAQs) about licensed therapists and mental health services
Some other commonly asked questions on therapy with a licensed counselor and BetterHelp serving the Pleasant Hill area can be found below:
How does the cost of an in-person therapist compare to BetterHelp?
The average price of an in-person therapy session in the US with most therapists is $100 to $200 per hour. These prices may be higher in Pleasant Hill due to a higher cost of living, and a limited number of therapists taking new clients. 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:
- With a psychiatrist: $150-$500
- With therapists: $100-300
- With a clinician: $100
While many psychologists in Pleasant Hill 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 a BetterHelp therapist 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).
Read more about this cost related question here. Contact us now for help, and supportive personalized mental health services. BetterHelp will help you find and connect to a licensed professional counselor helping people. Get started today to book a personalized consultation appointment online.
How are therapists on a Pleasant Hill online therapy platform verified?
Therapists in 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. Therapists 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, therapists here 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.
Please note BetterHelp does not offer or provide care from Pleasant Hill psychiatrists to prescribe a drug or medication as treatment, or perform psychological assessments and other psychiatric services.
Read more about this license question here. Contact us now for help, and supportive personalized mental health services. BetterHelp will help you find and connect to a licensed professional counselor helping people. Get started today to book a personalized consultation appointment online.
How does BetterHelp online therapy work?
BetterHelp clinicians treat clients online across the United States (individuals and couples) through life transitions, inner child exploration, long term depression or anxiety, post traumatic stress disorder, and more. An online mental health professional, including the therapists in Pleasant Hill 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 for in person sessions.
Through BetterHelp, 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 helping individuals on topics including managing life transitions, symptoms affecting sexual health, behavioral health, coping skills for anxiety, depression, trauma, stress, marriage, and more. Get matched today.
Read more about this question here. Contact us now for help, and supportive personalized mental health services. BetterHelp will help you find and connect to a licensed professional counselor helping people. Get started today to book a personalized consultation appointment online.
What mental health issues can a therapist address?
BetterHelp's verified 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.
Pleasant Hill therapists' specialties available through the BetterHelp platform
- Cognitive behavioral
- Behavior
- EMDR
- Talk therapy
- Depression
- Anxiety disorders counselor
- Stress
- Eating disorders
- Grief
- Attachment
- Relationships
- Children, adolescents, and teens
- Addiction (substance abuse)
- Divorce
- Trauma or PTSD
- Bipolar disorder
- Psychodynamic treatment with a counselor
- Career
- Alcohol use disorders
- OCD counselor
- ADHD
- Mood disorders
- Sex addiction
- Complex trauma
- Life transition
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 provider through BetterHelp's sister platform, ReGain.us, which is dedicated to couples and spouses worldwide with licensed therapists.
Read more about this psychotherapist question here. Contact us now for help, and supportive personalized mental health services. BetterHelp will help you find and connect to a licensed professional counselor helping people. Get started today to book a personalized consultation appointment online.
Is BetterHelp right for me?
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.
Therapists 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 in Pleasant Hill 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 therapist can help you confront these concerns and open up through unique methods of support. There are also many types of therapy, where you may find you can express yourself through creativity instead of words with a psychotherapist.
With a lot of people in CA, therapists 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 94523 or the surrounding zip codes, consider others available through the BetterHelp site where you can schedule a session based on your and the therapist's schedule. No matter if you are seeking help from therapists around or in your area or beyond, online therapy can be a great option.
Read more about this family question here. Contact us now for help, and supportive personalized mental health services. BetterHelp will help you find and connect to a licensed professional counselor helping people. Get started today to book a personalized consultation appointment online.
How should I prepare for my first therapy session with a Pleasant Hill therapist?
Before seeing your therapist near you, prep for your session by reading to understand the 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, you can let our therapists know if you have any concerns or feel unsure about what to talk about. therapists near you may help guide you with open-ended therapeutic questions while offering mental health services. The first session will often serve as an intake to get to know you as a person and learn how to best help and support you.
Read more about this first session question here. Contact us now for help, and supportive personalized mental health services. BetterHelp will help you find and connect to a licensed professional counselor helping people. Get started today to book a personalized consultation appointment online.
Should I find a Pleasant Hill therapist or psychologist for therapy 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 it might entail. Although psychologists often support people with mental health conditions, you do not need a diagnosis or specific condition. You can discuss grief, relationship concerns, stress, or life changes and ask for general feedback. A Pleasant Hill 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 with a counselor 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 that a counselor can help with.
Read more about this question here. Contact us now for help, and supportive personalized mental health services. BetterHelp will help you find and connect to a licensed professional counselor helping people. Get started today to book a personalized consultation appointment online.
Is therapy worth it?
Therapy with a licensed counselor 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. An experienced clinician 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 therapist 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 licensed clinician in Pleasant Hill, 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.
Counseling with an online Pleasant Hill provider
Do therapists judge you in therapy?
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 BetterHelp, the leading therapist platform serving the population of California
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 BetterHelp or have any questions about the services and terms, please reach out to customer service 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.
- Thehotline.org - National Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-799-SAFE (7233)
- Suicidepreventionlifeline.org - National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-TALK (8255)
- Crisistextline.org - Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741741
- Veteranscrisisline.net - Veterans Crisis Line: Call 1-800-273-8255 (and press 1) or text 838255. For support for the deaf and hard of hearing community, please use your preferred relay service or dial 711 then 1-800-273-8255.
- Thetrevorproject.org - Trevor Lifeline (LGBTQ Lifeline): (866)488-7386
- Samhsa.gov/find-help/national-helpline - SAMHSA National Helpline (Substance Use): (800)662-4357
- Nationaleatingdisorders.org/help-support/contact-helpline - National Eating Disorder Association Helpline :1-800-931-2237 (M-Th: 9 AM-9 PM EST, Fri 9 AM - 5 PM EST)
- Childhelphotline.org/resources-for-teens/ - Child Help Hotline: Call 1-800-422-4453 or use the online chat feature
- Fraternallaw.com/help-us-stop-hazing - National Anti-Hazing Hotline for young adults, adolescents, and adults: 1-888-NOT-HAZE (1-888-668-4293)
- Physiciansupportline.com - Physician Crisis Support Line: Contact 1-888-409-0141 if you are a first responder or medical provider experiencing crises related to Covid-19
- Rainn.org - Sexual Assault Hotline: Call RAINN at 1-800-656-4673
