Maria Biasiotto
My therapy style is warm, interactive, action orientated and focused. I have experience working with adults, both in Individual and Group Therapy for many years. I believe in treating everyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion. Spiritual/Religious, as well as cultural sensitivity is included in my approach. My approach combines humanistic, cognitive-behavioral/CBT, and brief solution focused therapy. I am here to meet your unique and specific needs. Clients that I have interacted with have included those with issues involving Self Esteem, Complex Trauma, MST, PTSD, CPTSD, Bipolar, Depression, Anxiety, Panic, Substance Abuse, Sexual Trauma, and Domestic Violence and Behavioral issues. These clients over all have reported reduction in unwanted symptoms and improvement in quality of life. A quote I share here was from a client I had been seeing for about a year: "I did not think this could help and one day I realized that it really was helping and I never believed it could." "The Longest journey BEGINS WITH A SINGLE STEP." My Masters is in psychology and I hold a License as a Family Therapist, LMFT. I have a RN and I am Certified in Behavioral Health by the ANCC, RN-BC. Please feel free to ask any questions about my experience, that may be of a help for you.
Patricia Riley
I am licensed in California with 25 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, & parenting 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. 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.
Dr. Frederick Smoot
I am a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (CA #12959) with over 15 years of experience counseling/ accompanying persons through difficult parts of their life-journeys. I have worked with a wide range of concerns including Isolation. loneliness, fearfulness, anxiety, intimacy/relationship issues, parenting and career challenges, addiction, physical and emotional abuse and life transitions. My counseling style is warm, curious and appropriately truth-telling.. I treat others with respect and consistent presence. I work to sustain and shame-free context that empowers persons to (re)claim their lies and future with dignity. I am an accompanist, using therapeutic tools gathered from several clinical approaches. I am relational, client centered, mindful, and strategic. I believe that direction and goals for therapy are shaped together with the client. We will tailor a treatment plan to meet your unique and specific needs. Your willingness to reach out for support shows your courage and desire for a better future. I encourage you to take this step, accompanied and supported I look forward to working with you.
Jeanette Merchant
I am licensed in California and Oregon with 27 years of professional work experience. 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!
Renee Lafriniere
As a licensed therapist in Florida with extensive experience, I specialize in supporting individuals through life's complex emotional landscapes. My practice centers on helping clients navigate challenges like depression, anxiety, relationship dynamics, and personal growth. I have a deep commitment to addressing issues across diverse life stages—from young adulthood through aging and end-of-life transitions. My therapeutic approach is compassionate and holistic, focusing on areas such as self-love, communication skills, social connections, and healing from isolation or shame. I particularly enjoy working with women, multicultural populations, and individuals experiencing significant life transitions. Whether supporting those managing mood disorders, processing grief, or exploring life purpose, I create a supportive environment where clients can develop meaningful insights and strategies for emotional wellness. With 25 years of professional experience, I bring a nuanced, empathetic perspective to our work together. My goal is to help you understand yourself more deeply and cultivate resilience through collaborative, personalized therapeutic support.
Christine Piddington
Hello! I'm a California-licensed therapist with 11 years of professional experience dedicated to helping individuals navigate life's challenges. My passion and deep expertise lie in coping with grief and loss, profoundly shaped by my background as a hospice social worker. I understand the unique complexities that come with navigating profound loss. For the past 7.5 years, I've worked exclusively via remote sessions, providing comprehensive support to clients across California. I'm here to help you with a wide range of concerns, including: Stress & Anxiety Family Conflicts Trauma & Abuse Grief & Loss (specialty area) Depression Beyond these, I bring a strong background in client advocacy, stemming from my two years in the Peace Corps in Belize advocating for those with HIV/AIDS, and my broader work championing the rights of underprivileged communities. This includes experience with disability leave in the workplace and securing Emotional Support Animals (ESA) in housing. My diverse journey also includes experience in prison and hospital settings, enriching my understanding of varied client needs. I believe you are the expert of your own story and possess immense strengths. Taking the first step towards a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage, and I am here to support you in that process. While I'm currently based in Alaska and pursuing licensure here, I maintain my active California license and am committed to helping you on your healing journey.
Cristina Dawes
Hello and thanks for reaching out! I have been practicing in California with 25 years of work experience, of which 17 have been licensed. I specifically trained and have experience in helping clients with stress, anxiety, family conflicts, trauma, abuse, depression, & executive coaching. I also have experience working with professional coaching. 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!
Kellye Laughery
"With 22 years of professional experience as a licensed provider in California, I specialize in helping individuals navigate stress, anxiety, relationship challenges, family dynamics, life transitions, and executive coaching. My approach is supportive and solution-focused, creating a safe, judgment-free space where you can explore your thoughts and feelings openly. Whether you're facing personal struggles or seeking professional growth, I’m here to guide you with expertise and compassion. Taking the first step toward therapy is a courageous decision, and I commend you for investing in yourself. Let’s work together to create meaningful change!"
Mark Saverino
I am licensed in California with 35 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress, anxiety, coping with grief, coping with loss, 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.
Esteban Avila
I am licensed in California and have 13 years of professional experience. I have experience helping clients with LGBTQ+ issues, relationship issues, and coping with grief. I also have experience working with people who have overcome loss. I believe you are the expert on your own story and possess many strengths that will help you overcome challenges. Taking the first step toward a more fulfilling and happy life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process.
Christopher Lum
I grew up navigating the space between cultures—balancing the desire to fit in with my peers while honoring the Chinese roots my family cherished. Those early experiences taught me how complex identity, belonging, and cultural expectations can feel, especially for those who move between multiple worlds. That understanding eventually led me to AAPI Studies and psychology, where I discovered my passion for supporting Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) communities. Throughout my training, I sought out opportunities to work directly with AAPI individuals and other marginalized groups. I volunteered with AADAP on community health initiatives, supported research on AAPI depression and perfectionism, and taught CBT-based social skills to veterans with dual diagnoses. Hearing a Hmong social worker speak about the power of multilevel social interventions was the moment I realized social work was where I belonged. After earning my MSW, I worked with veterans experiencing homelessness and with individuals in psychiatric inpatient settings. Today, I serve as a medical social worker in emergency and outpatient settings at the VA and Kaiser. Much of my work has involved supporting geriatric clients through dialysis, end-of-life issues, caregiving challenges, and placement decisions. In recent years, I’ve felt called to reconnect with my roots by creating healing spaces for BIPOC and AAPI communities. My own healing journey has shaped my approach as well. Through mindfulness and loving-kindness practices, I learned to soften the inner critical voice that so many of us carry—especially in communities where perfectionism, pressure, and family expectations can feel ever-present. I also bring lived experience: navigating mental health challenges, AAPI sexuality/gender expectations/conflicts, speech therapy in childhood, addiction, depression, social anxiety, and the pressure of not fitting the “model minority” image. These experiences deepen my belief that therapy should be a compassionate, culturally attuned space where clients feel seen, understood, and supported. Today, I am committed to holding space for AAPI and BIPOC individuals as they explore identity, generational differences, trauma, and healing. I believe there are many different cultural masks that one is wearing at a time that shapes the roles and expectations of what it means to be one's self in the moment. My approach is grounded in mindfulness, self compassion, CBT, ACT and cultural humility—and in the belief that every person has the capacity to grow with the right support.
Javier Gonzalez
I am a Hispanic Licensed Clinical Social Worker based in California, originally from Mexico, and I am deeply committed to supporting the mental health and well-being of the Latino/Hispanic community. My therapeutic work is grounded in cultural understanding, respect, and lived experience. I specialize in helping individuals navigate relationship challenges, cope with stress and anxiety, and overcome struggles with addiction. Growing up in poverty and surrounded by the very real risks of gang involvement and community violence, I understand firsthand the complex pressures many in our community face. Through resilience, support, and education, I was able to forge a different path—becoming a U.S. citizen, completing my college education, and earning my master’s degree in social work. These experiences shape the way I practice therapy today: with authenticity, empathy, and a deep belief in each person’s capacity for healing and change. For many years, I have worked closely with Latino/Hispanic individuals and families, providing therapy from a culturally attuned perspective that honors our shared values, challenges, and strengths. My goal is to create a safe and welcoming space where clients feel understood—where they can explore their experiences openly and build healthier relationships with themselves, their partners, and their families. I bring real-world insight, professional training, and cultural connection to every session. Whether you’re struggling with addiction, stress, relationship conflict, or simply feeling stuck, I’m here to help you move forward with compassion and clarity.
Dr. Michele Forte-Perry
As a licensed therapist with over two decades of experience, I specialize in supporting individuals navigating complex emotional landscapes. My professional journey has been dedicated to helping clients address challenges like depression, anxiety, trauma, and self-esteem issues. I understand that each person's path to healing is unique, and I approach therapy with deep compassion and personalized care. My therapeutic approach is rooted in creating a supportive, non-judgmental environment where clients can explore their experiences and develop meaningful strategies for personal growth. I draw from evidence-based practices to help individuals build resilience, understand their emotional patterns, and cultivate stronger, healthier relationships with themselves and others. Whether you're struggling with stress, processing past experiences, or seeking to enhance your overall emotional well-being, I'm committed to walking alongside you with empathy, expertise, and genuine care. Together, we can work towards understanding your strengths and creating positive, sustainable changes in your life.
Lorena Silva
I’m a LCSW therapist specializing in helping adults navigate anxiety, depression, relationship challenges, and major life transitions. My approach is warm, collaborative, and grounded in evidence-based methods. I believe therapy works best when you feel safe, understood, and actively involved in your own growth.
Find a Therapist Near You in San Juan Bautista , California
Finding a licensed therapist near you in California can be an important step toward improving your mental health and overall well-being. Whether you’re dealing with anxiety, depression, relationship challenges, stress, or major life changes, working with a qualified mental health professional can offer meaningful support.
California is home to people with diverse mental health needs across urban, suburban, and rural communities. Online therapy makes it easier to connect with a therapist near you without being limited to nearby offices. BetterHelp connects you with licensed therapists authorized to practice in California, allowing you to attend sessions online from the comfort of your home.
Why work with a licensed therapist near you?
Working with a licensed therapist near you ensures that your provider meets state licensing requirements and professional standards in California (CA). Licensed therapists use evidence-based approaches to help individuals manage emotional challenges, develop coping skills, and work toward personal goals.
People seek therapy for many reasons. Some are navigating ongoing mental health concerns, while others want guidance during stressful periods or major life transitions. You do not need a mental health diagnosis to work with a therapist. Many individuals seek therapy to improve communication, strengthen relationships, manage stress, or gain greater self-awareness.
Online therapy can be especially helpful for people living across California, where access to in-person mental health care may vary by location.
What concerns can therapists help with?
Therapists on BetterHelp support adults across California with a wide range of mental health concerns and life challenges, including:
- Anxiety and stress
- Depression and mood-related concerns
- Trauma and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
- Grief and loss
- Relationship and family challenges
- Life transitions and adjustment concerns
- Self-esteem and confidence
- Job stress and burnout
- ADHD-related challenges
- Sleep concerns
- Parenting stress
- Eating disorder support
Therapists use approaches such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), and other evidence-based methods tailored to individual needs.
Online therapy vs. in-person therapy in California
When searching for a therapist near me in California, many people compare online therapy with traditional in-person care. Online therapy offers several potential advantages:
- Greater accessibility: Attend sessions from anywhere with an internet connection
- Reduced wait times: Many people are matched in as little as 24-48 hours, faster than typical in-person availability
- Flexible scheduling: Sessions that fit around work, family, or school commitments
- Expanded provider options: Access licensed therapists across California, not just nearby offices
Research shows that online therapy can be effective for many mental health concerns. Online therapy may also reduce barriers such as transportation challenges, long commutes, or limited local availability, especially in larger or more rural counties across California.
Finding a therapist near me that accepts insurance
Many people looking for a therapist near me in California want to know whether insurance is an option.
Many providers on BetterHelp now accept major insurance carriers in select states. In many states, certain therapists on BetterHelp may be in-network with specific insurance plans. Coverage depends on your plan, provider, and therapist availability.
When sessions are covered, insured members typically pay an average copay of about $19 per session. Coverage varies by state and provider availability, so it’s important to check your in-network status directly on the BetterHelp site.
If insurance coverage is not available, BetterHelp’s flexible subscription model remains an option, with online therapy typically costing $70 to $100 per week, billed weekly or monthly. Additional discounts or financial aid may also be available for a lower price.
How BetterHelp helps you find the right therapist in California
BetterHelp simplifies the process of finding a therapist near you in California without requiring you to search through tons of profiles on your own.
Here’s how it works:
- Complete a brief questionnaire about your needs, preferences, and goals
- Get matched with a licensed therapist authorized to practice in California (CA)
- Begin online therapy sessions through video, phone, or live chat
BetterHelp works with one of the world’s largest networks of licensed therapists, with over 30,000 qualified providers globally. Many members are matched in as little as 24 to 48 hours, and 93% of user preferences are met during the matching process.
You can request a new therapist at no additional cost if your needs or preferences change.
Therapists near you in California
Below, you’ll find licensed therapists authorized to provide online therapy to adults across California, including residents in San Juan Bautista.
Each provider meets state licensing requirements and has experience supporting clients with a wide range of mental health concerns using evidence-based therapeutic approaches.
Please note: Therapists on BetterHelp in California do not provide psychiatric medication management or formal diagnoses.
Frequently asked questions about finding a therapist near me
How much does therapy cost near me?
Therapy costs vary depending on provider and location. In-person therapy sessions may cost $100 to $200 or more per session. BetterHelp offers online therapy subscriptions that typically range from $70 to $100 per week, billed weekly or monthly, depending on factors such as location, source, preferences, and therapist availability. Additional discounts or financial aid may also be available for a lower price. BetterHelp now accepts major insurance plans in select states and members pay an average copay of $19 per session. Coverage varies by plan, provider, and therapist availability. You can check coverage on the BetterHelp site.
Does BetterHelp accept insurance?
Yes. Many providers on BetterHelp now accept major insurance carriers in select states. In many states, certain therapists on BetterHelp may be in-network with specific insurance plans. When sessions are covered, insured members typically pay an average copay of about $19 per session. Coverage varies by plan, provider, and therapist availability. You can check coverage on the BetterHelp site.
Is online therapy effective?
Yes. Research shows that online therapy can be effective for many mental health concerns, including anxiety, depression, stress, and relationship challenges. Online therapy allows you to connect with a licensed therapist without commuting to an office.
Do I need a diagnosis to see a therapist?
No. You do not need a mental health diagnosis to seek therapy. Many people work with a therapist for stress management, relationship concerns, grief, life transitions, or personal growth.
How quickly can I start therapy?
Many people are matched with a licensed therapist in as little as 24 to 48 hours after completing the initial questionnaire. Match times may vary based on preferences and therapist availability.
Can I switch therapists if it’s not the right fit?
Yes. If you feel your therapist is not the right match, you can request to be matched with another licensed provider at no additional cost. You are able to do so through the BetterHelp user portal and select switch therapists if needed.
Is online therapy private and secure?
Online therapy through BetterHelp allows you to communicate with your therapist in a discreet setting through video, phone, or messaging tools.