In a city with towering growth and new heights, sometimes it’s hard to meet these expectations. If you feel like you're having trouble with meeting expectations, and building new connections in life, a counselor in Rancho Santa Margarita can help you. 

The city is known for more than just having the longest name for a city in California, it also contains the Santa Margarita Lake Tower, which is a beautiful tower in the city. You can reach new heights in this budding city, and with the help of a counselor, all is possible. 

This is Monika Broecker's avatar and link to their profile

Monika Broecker

Offering therapy in CA
License: MA, MS, LMFT
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesFamily conflictsCareer difficultiesCoaching
13 years of experience

Do you feel stressed, anxious, or depressed? Do have difficulties in relationships? Whatever it is that you are struggling with, I can work with you and help your find inner peace. The Vietnamese Buddhist Monk and teacher of Mindfulness, Thich Nhat Hanh, says, if we are anxious, we are living in the future; if we are depressed, we are living in the past. If we live in the present, we can feel peace. If we feel calm and relaxed in the here and now, we can also become more thoughtful and optimistic about the future. We can start building this future with ever step we take and thus make progress immediately. I am a Solution-Focused and Somatic Psychotherapist. I trained at the legendary Mental Research Institute in Palo Alto and in Solution-Focused Brief Therapy with the founders of the approach. I graduated with a Masters degree in Somatic Psychology from California Institute of Integral Studies. I am certified in Analytic Somatic Therapy. Analytic Somatic Therapy is a further development of Bioenergetic Analysis and includes cutting-edge research in trauma and brain research. I am also certified in Systemic Therapy. I look forward to working with you.

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Rachel Ford

Offering therapy in CA
License: LCSW,MSW
Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseSelf esteemDepression
13 years of experience

I am a licensed clinical social worker (LCSW) and have been practicing social work and counseling for the past 13 years. I have worked with clients with a range of concerns including anxiety, depression, trauma and issues around work life balance. My style is client focused with a holistic approach as I believe that we have to address all parts of our being (socially, emotionally, physically and financially) to be the best versions of ourselves. Through my evidenced based, compassionate yet challenging style, I am able to move individuals from a place of "just surviving to thriving." I work with individuals to help them "get out of survival mode," through decreasing feelings of stress, anxiety and strengthening the inner spirit. My treatment modalities include Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Performance Psychology and Mindfulness based therapy. I always meet my clients where they are at and work with them towards their own definitions of success, fulfillment and emotional health. Life is HARD. Taking that first step to ask for help or assistance shows courage, strength, and a desire to change. We all deserve to live abundant lives in all aspects of our being and I am glad that you have taken the first step in achieving that! I look forward to working with you.

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Anthony (Tony) Roach

Offering therapy in CA
License: MSW,LCSW
Relationship issuesFamily conflictsGriefParenting issuesAnger management
17 years of experience

Hi my name is Tony, I am an LCSW in the State of California. My experience includes over 16 years of experience in various mental health settings. These include community mental health, private psychiatric facilities, doing mobile crisis work and working in multi-disciplinary teams focused on military families. Additionally, I have extensive knowledge working with individuals associated with Child Protective Services. These include foster parents, bio-parents and their children. I have provided therapeutic services in the California State Prison System and in a county jail. My approach is very respectful, nonjudgmental and client-centered. I meet you where you are emotionally, and most importantly, where you are ready to start. My belief is that you are in control of this journey, but not alone. I remain with you to find solutions to life’s difficulties and healing, and to celebrate your successes. My approaches include Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Solution Focused Therapy, and Mindfulness. I also work with addiction issues, anger management and parenting issues. Reaching out for help is not always easy and takes courage. Taking this first step is the beginning of a journey towards achieving your goals. I am here to support, encourage and empower you. I look forward to talking with you.

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Lisa Tran

Offering therapy in CA
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesParenting issuesSelf esteemDepression
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, relationship issues, parenting issues, & 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. Taking the first step to seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process.

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Dr. James Decker

Offering therapy in CA
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesTrauma and abuseSelf esteemDepression
45 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 45 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, trauma and abuse, & 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. 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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Maria Montano

Offering therapy in CA
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesTrauma and abuseSelf esteemDepression
20 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 20 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, 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. 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 Karyn McElroy's avatar and link to their profile

Karyn McElroy

Offering therapy in CA
AddictionsRelationship issuesTrauma and abuseSelf esteemDepression
15 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 15 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 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.

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Sabrina Brown

Offering therapy in CA
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesAnger managementSelf esteemDepression
6 years of experience

I am licensed in Georgia with 6 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, anger management, & motivation, self esteem, and confidence. I believe in treating everyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion. I will tailor our dialog and treatment plan to meet your unique and specific needs. 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 Melissa Birdwell's avatar and link to their profile

Melissa Birdwell

Offering therapy in CA
AddictionsRelationship issuesTrauma and abuseIntimacy-related issuesDepression
6 years of experience

I am licensed in with 6 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with coping with addictions, relationship issues, trauma and abuse, & intimacy related issues. 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. If you are ready to do the work, I am ready to walk with you during your healing journey. Solution Focused Brief Therapy is a great tool that is a strengths based approach, focusing on the current circumstances you are in while also exploring how to start steps towards your goals. Socratic dialogue is sometimes used during therapy to help you explore thoughts and feelings more, especially if you are at a stuck point. Sometimes Socratic Dialogue feels less empathetic, it has the purpose of helping you shift perspective or trust yourself to find solutions. Examples of Socratic Dialogue can include: How do you know? Can you give me an example of that? What do you mean by that? What would be the consequences of that? What is the counterargument? Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, the best description for this modality comes from Healthline.com: "This core principle underlies acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT). ACT views “negative” emotions and experiences as part of life. Trying to avoid them can lead to unhelpful or unproductive behaviors. ACT (pronounced “act”) helps you accept the reality of these experiences and commit to pursuing your values." (www.Healthline.com). My treatment focus is client centered, we will work towards your goals (of course you have to do the work).

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Quinsea Pratt

Offering therapy in CA
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesTrauma and abuseSelf esteemDepression
9 years of experience

Hello! I'm a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and have historically served clients who have experienced domestic violence, sexual assault, incarceration, homelessness and/or have serious mental health disorders. I have worked as a professional in community mental health for nine years and am excited to now be using my knowledge to offer private individual sessions. What can you expect when working with me? Each session is individualized to meet your unique needs. We'll first have a discussion of what brings you to therapy and go from there. We'll develop goals to help guide our conversations and ideally meet once a week. It's important for me to see each person as an individual with complex needs and histories. My goal is to work besides you and support you while you navigate life's challenges. Depending on your identified needs, I can use Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Narrative Therapy, Solution Focused all from a trauma informed lens.

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How to find counseling in Rancho Santa Margarita

Finding the best therapist close by in Rancho Santa Margarita 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 Rancho Santa Margarita. 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 Rancho Santa Margarita, 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 Rancho Santa Margarita 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 Rancho Santa Margarita 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 Rancho Santa Margarita, elsewhere in Orange, 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 Rancho Santa Margarita area can be found below:

How does the cost of in-person counseling compare to the cost of BetterHelp with a licensed Rancho Santa Margarita 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 Rancho Santa Margarita 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 Rancho Santa Margarita 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 Rancho Santa Margarita, 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 Rancho Santa Margarita 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 Rancho Santa Margarita 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 Rancho Santa Margarita 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 Rancho Santa Margarita 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 Rancho Santa Margarita 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 92679 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 Rancho Santa Margarita 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 Rancho Santa Margarita 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 Rancho Santa Margarita, 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.

Rancho Santa Margarita 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 Rancho Santa Margarita.

Below are some of the zip codes served by BetterHelp therapists in Rancho Santa Margarita:

92679, 92688

Popular cities near Rancho Santa Margarita, CA

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