Therapy has many benefits, but there can be multiple barriers to finding effective mental health treatment. For one, your in-person options might be limited. Finding an open appointment with a local provider can be challenging. You may be put on a waiting list or be unable to find a time slot that fits your schedule, and if you do find an opening, the commute can make it even more time-consuming. If you’re looking for a therapist in Santa Maria, CA, consider an online platform like BetterHelp.
BetterHelp providers are experienced with various aspects of counseling psychology and use a client-centered approach to help you experience growth. If you need support overcoming domestic violence, emotional abuse, or other traumatic events of the past, or if you want to learn to focus on the present and have more self-compassion, consider working with a therapist online.
Whether you need help prioritizing self-care or learning to manage the symptoms of mental health conditions like anxiety or depression, therapy can help you feel heard and give you the tools you need to live your best life. Connect with one of the Santa Maria-based counselors below to learn more.
Stacey Sugar
“Anyone can tell you what to do, but the true ability to grow comes from understanding who you are.” In 15 years of clinical practice, I've realized that within our uniqueness, we have one thing in common: We are all constantly writing our life stories. Many of us are passive biographers, believing that our book is already written, and that the ending is set in stone. Here's the secret: Our lives are not linear, and we have the power to edit our narrative at any--and every--moment. While we cannot change our past, we can learn to change our perspective of it. Once we unlock our unconscious defenses, we gain insight about who we've become and unleash the potential to transform into who we authentically want to be. When entering any new relationship, it is perfectly healthy--and encouraged-- to take the time you need to test it out and make sure it feels right. I promise to meet you where you are, and provide you with the tools to explore yourself deeper and make transformations at your own pace. I will support you to find the strength and motivation that will allow you to be more open and committed to making the changes you desire. In our time together, we will explore the full range of your emotions, including feelings that you may not be aware of--yet! Bringing these unconscious elements into your present experience offers you a series of a-ha moments that lay the foundation for greater self-awareness and enable you to live your best life. If you're ready to dig deep, it is my honor to join you on your journey. Let's remove the barriers that are blocking you from realizing your wants, needs, and actualizing your full potential!
Dr. Karin Celosse
(NO PHONE OR VIDEO at this time - but we can discuss live chat as needed after we start therapy, and come up with a schedule that works for us both) One of the hardest steps to take can simply be to ask for help. Many individuals feel that this makes them weak, especially if they have been accustomed to being told that they need to be tough or “keep it in the family”. But the simple fact that you have reached out for help speaks volumes about not only your resilience but also your strength. It is very common to feel overwhelmed, confused, and lost in an emotional place that feels like it has no way out. But we can work as a team to help you rise above this feeling, to be able to see what is at the other side of the “hill”, and help you visualize a path that you can follow. My goal is to facilitate the process of helping individuals become aware of and make choices toward living what they perceive to be a more fulfilled life and helping them to identify and address any barriers (actual and perceived) they may face. My approach is client-centered and strengths-based – you are the expert on what you want and what you need. I can help you when you feel stuck, overwhelmed, or lost. My goal is to facilitate, gently challenge at times, and guide your journey to wellness by helping you to change the things that are no longer working for you. I am a licensed clinical psychologist, based in the Orange County Area of California, specializing in the treatment of anxiety, depression, stress, trauma, and the psychological effects of living with chronic medical conditions. I specialize in working with individuals who struggle with substance use disorders, have a history of trauma, including work-related trauma such as that experienced in first responders, firefighters, law enforcement, and military, as well as individuals struggling with severe and persistent mental illness, as well as mood disorders. Additionally, individuals who are working on reintegrating with their community and adjusting to life after a period of incarceration are always welcome and encouraged to seek assistance in this process and this is something I am experienced in facilitating. I utilize a range of treatment methodologies including Motivational Interviewing, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Cognitive Behavioral (CBT), Object-Relations, Existential, Humanistic, Person-Centered, Solution Focused Brief (SFBT), and Strength-Based approaches in my work with adult clients, and can offer Psychological Testing and Evaluation as well. In terms of my therapy approach, I will always meet you with unconditional positive regard. My approach is always individualized and based on approaches that you are most comfortable with and can best benefit from. I provide a safe holding environment that includes empathetic listening, guidance, and support based on what your goals and objectives are. Together we can explore your cognitions, behaviors, and beliefs that seem to be standing in the way of what you want for yourself, to provide you insight on them, and to help you grow from them. Perhaps uniquely among clinicians who provide services in this setting, I have extensive experience working with individuals in the community mental health setting as well as in the forensic setting (state prison and probation), and with individuals struggling with substance abuse, severe and persistent mental illness, as well as homelessness. Some fun trivia (which also gives me a unique insight into trauma and health effects on mental health - prior to my work in the field of mental health, I was actually a medic and field training officer in the emergency medical services field for well over a decade, so I also have extensive experience in dealing with individuals who struggle with trauma especially as it relates to work. **Please be aware that I check into the platform on the five days I work online (weekdays). Please leave me a detailed message and understand that I will get back to you within 24 hours (during reasonable business hours). It is important you are aware of this not being an emergency service. If you are experiencing a psychiatric emergency, please call 911 or go to the closest emergency room. **
Guadalupe Rios
I am licensed in California with 25 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with coping with addictions, trauma and abuse, coping with grief and loss, & parenting issues. 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 look forward to supporting you in that process.
Robin Monk
Welcome to BetterHelp! I’ve been a Licensed Mental Health Counselor in the state of FL since 2009. I provided individual therapy to a diverse population in a community behavioral health center until I resigned and became a counselor with BetterHelp. In 2024, I also became licensed in CA as Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor. I previously worked for 5 years as an in-home parent educator for the University of Florida's Nurturing Program. My therapy specialties are : Stress/Anxiety, Coping With Life Changes, Coping with Grief/Loss, Improving Self Esteem I have a passion for helping others and believe in treating everyone with compassion and respect regardless of race, religion, gender or sexual orientation. I find it rewarding to work with people one on one. I especially like helping people discover strengths they didn't realize they had. People tend to seek counseling when they feel down, worried, frustrated, or upset. Many feel stuck, even hopeless, because what they have been doing hasn't improved the situation. Counseling can often help. Talking about your problems can give you a fresh perspective and help you find solutions. My clients say it's comforting to have someone to talk to that makes them feel safe and heard. They say counseling gives them hope that they can lead more satisfying lives. I prefer strength based client centered approaches like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Brief Solution–Focused Therapy. My counseling style is eclectic, so I draw from other approaches too if I think it can help someone. If you're ready to make changes in your life and want more support in moving forward, please call I’d love to work with you. Services Offered Messaging Live Chat Phone Video
Sheryl Mahon
Greetings. I am a professional counselor with over 18 years experience working in the areas of grief, trauma, anticipatory grief, caregiver stress, end of life issues, depression, life changes, stress, and chronic illness. I am certified as a grief counselor (GC-C) and as a grief counselor specializing in children and adolescents (GCCA-C). I am committed to assisting you with identifying the changes you want in your life and then exploring different strategies to help you achieve your goals. I would describe my approach to therapy as eclectic. I work with the individual to find the approach that best meets their needs and work to provide the tools that are needed to effect change and promote growth. Finally, I view the therapeutic alliance as a partnership requiring mutual trust, respect, honesty, communication, and commitment to do the work. Hopefully, what I have shared here will help you choose a therapist that best meets your needs. Should you choose me, I look forward to our journey together.
Kendall Jones
My work as a psychotherapist emerges from the many diverse experiences I have had in life, from my encounters with people of different cultures and languages, from my travels throughout various parts of the world, and from my own soulful journeys in search of self. Like Santiago, in Coelho’s classic novel, The Alchemist, I have been in search of the very things for which clients often come to me and dream of becoming. Each of us, in some way or other, is in search of love, to love or to be loved and on a mysterious quest—deeply longing for something far greater than ourselves within ourselves. I know the journey can seem, at times, long and hard. There are times along the way when you may feel sad, hopeless, frustrated, overwhelmed, numb, anxious, fearful if not terrified, disappointed in yourself or betrayed by another. You may have experienced or witnessed something that has traumatized you—leaving you bereft of any sense of meaning. Perhaps you are angry or resentful about something that has or hasn’t happened. Maybe you’re feeling alone, abandoned, left behind or believe that you never really mattered or are rejected for who you truly are. Or you’re just maybe a little lost right now and don’t know who you are anymore, much less where you’re going. Wherever you find yourself in this journey of life, on this personal quest of yours, chances are I’ve been there too. What I bring to my clients in psychotherapy are the very things I myself have learned—some from books (and academic research) but mostly from my own richly vast experiences. From these, I have formed a personal, genuine, client-centered, strength-affirming, hope-sustaining, meaning-finding and an unconditionally accepting therapeutic approach. If you are on such a journey and seek not so much an all-knowing guide but rather the company of a compassionate, caring, insightful and understanding person to walk beside you, then I will be both humbled and honored to work with you in psychotherapy. Let’s begin this awesome and amazing journey together...
Pauline Padrul
Hello! I am a licensed clinical social worker in the state of California with over twenty years of professional work experience in behavioral health treatment. I also have a Master's degree in Public Health with a strong interest in behavioral epidemiology. I have worked with clients who typically present with stress and anxiety, eating disorders, motivation, self esteem issues & depression. I believe that you are the expert of your story and that you have many strengths with which to overcome challenges and build resilience.
Mark Phelan
I am licensed in California with 10 years of professional work experience. I am a Veteran and familiar with PTSD and military life challenges. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, & trauma. 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.
Cynthia Clark
I am licensed in California with 7 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress, anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, trauma, & abuse. I also have experience working with 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. Ida Greene
I am licensed in California with 30 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress, anxiety, relationship issues, coping with grief, coping with loss, anger management, & executive coaching. I also have experience working with professional coaching. 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!
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!
William Money
I am licensed in California with 8 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress, anxiety, relationship issues, trauma, abuse, motivation, self esteem, & confidence. I also have experience working with despression. 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.
Donice Holbrook
I am a Licensed Clinical Therapist that provides specialty in anxiety management and depression. I bring over two decades of compassionate clinical experience supporting individuals through complex life challenges. My approach is deeply rooted in understanding and addressing mental health concerns with empathy and professional expertise. I specialize in helping clients navigate a wide range of emotional experiences, including depression, anxiety, stress management, and self-esteem challenges. My therapeutic practice focuses on supporting individuals through significant life transitions, social anxieties, communication difficulties, and personal growth journeys. With a commitment to holistic healing, I offer a supportive environment that honors each client's unique experiences. My work spans diverse areas including women's issues, addiction recovery, family dynamics, and support for individuals facing chronic health challenges. My practice is grounded in a Christian-informed perspective, providing culturally sensitive care that respects individual beliefs and values. I am particularly passionate about supporting older adults and individuals seeking a compassionate, conservative therapeutic approach. I believe in empowering clients to discover their inner strength, develop healthy coping strategies, and create meaningful personal transformation.
Fidelia Onyejekwe
As a licensed therapist in California, I specialize in supporting individuals navigating complex life challenges. My practice centers on empowering women, particularly those from multicultural backgrounds, through holistic and compassionate therapeutic approaches. I have expertise in addressing stress, anxiety, trauma, self-esteem challenges, and workplace dynamics. My professional approach is deeply rooted in understanding the intersectional experiences of individuals, with a particular focus on helping clients explore communication patterns, life purpose, and personal growth. I create a supportive environment that honors each person's unique journey, especially for those confronting workplace issues, discrimination, and cultural pressures. Drawing from evidence-based practices, I help clients develop resilient coping strategies, cultivate self-love, and transform challenging life experiences into opportunities for meaningful personal development. My goal is to walk alongside you, providing thoughtful guidance and unwavering support as you navigate your path toward healing and self-discovery.
Find a Therapist Near You in Santa Maria , 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.
With a population of California_POPULATION, 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_COUNTIES, 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 California_COUNTIES.
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.