Life is about sustainability. You want to have the right balance in life if you want to succeed, and the fruits of your labor should keep you afloat. However, a dead-end job or depression can make you unsustainable. You may feel like there is no hope. A counselor based in Santee can help you. 

Santee has a motto, which is “Sustainable Santee.” Life is all about being sustainable, but not everyone knows how to be so. One way you can be sustainable is to speak to a counselor based in Santee. They can help you be as sustainable as possible. 

This is Nadja Zapasov's avatar and link to their profile

Nadja Zapasov

Offering therapy in CA
License: MA, LMFT
Relationship issuesSelf esteemCareer difficultiesCoping with life changesCoaching
20 years of experience

Nadja Zapasov (MA, LMFT) ABOUT ME Welcome! I salute you on your choice to get help in moving forward in your life. Once you have made that decision, your own positive energy will support you and guide you to the next level. Whatever you can do or dream you can, begin it. Boldness has genius, power and magic in it. Begin it now.” William Hutchison Murray The energy of one’s thoughts has the power to create an extraordinary life (or not). Directing your positive and constructive thoughts and emotions to the creation of your goals is the first step in achieving them. I would be honored to assist you in realizing the next step in your life plan, whether it is in the area of relationships, education or career, creative pursuits, coping with life changes, or your personal spiritual evolution. Your “world view” or what your beliefs are about life (and death) are the key to what is happening (or not happening) for you. If you change the way you think, you change the energy that creates things in your life. You are in control of your thoughts. Can you change how you think and what you believe? Of course! Are you looking to explore the possibility of a more spiritual perspective? Although I may not have all the definitive answers, I have learned enough not to fear death. I can help with the ability to discuss those spiritual questions and universal laws, and assist you in learning to use practical methods to move you towards living your best life. I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in California since 2004, with a Masters in Marriage and Family Therapy from Phillips Graduate University. The last twelve years I have worked with the active military and their families, and supervised thirty psychotherapists in their work with adults, children, families, and couples on military installations. Most people are looking for a better balanced life between work and personal satisfaction, as well as better communication, self-esteem, stress management, and how to cope with anxiety, infidelity, body issues, infertility, and parenting. We will work together using educational videos, books, art projects, and various other techniques that will enlarge your personal insights and are sure to make life more interesting and exciting!...you are the most important project you can work on! I really look forward to working with you--on YOU!

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This is Heather Brooks's avatar and link to their profile

Heather Brooks

Offering therapy in CA
License: LMFT
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesGriefSelf esteemCoping with life changes
13 years of experience

We all do the best we can, with what resources are available to us at any given time. A lack of resources or support, can make difficult times all the more challenging. Do you feel alone, overwhelmed, heartbroken, trapped or flawed? Through a supportive therapeutic process, my goal is to help clients discover and build upon their own inner strengths and resources. I know it takes courage to seek services, so I strive to create a nurturing, non-judgmental, honest, and respectful atmosphere. I believe in working together to create individualized solutions to the problems in your life. I've always been passionate about working with grief/loss/bereavement. I specialize in helping clients work through their grief process and find emotional completion; saying goodbye to any unmet hopes, dreams, and expectations that they wish were different, better, or more. My goal is helping clients live their best life possible. I pull from a variety of approaches in order to best suit my client's individual needs. I am influenced by client centered, strength-based therapies, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), and Dialectical (DBT). Over the past two years I have spend most of my time transitioning to more solution focused practices that aim at symptom relief/reduction in dealing with the overwhelming pressures of every day life. Anxiety, depression, high expectations, trying relationships, job pressures, and drug addiction/substance abuse have been areas of focus. I look forward to providing support with whatever your needs may be.

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Claire Nana

Offering therapy in CA
License: LMFT
AddictionsTrauma and abuseAnger managementSelf esteemCoping with life changes
15 years of experience

I am a licensed marriage and family therapist with 15 years experience working as a psychotherapist and life coach. I work with a variety of concerns including trauma, addiction, body image and weight loss issues, relationship issues, and life purpose. I have also worked with many people recovering from mass traumas, such as school shootings. I have presented at International conferences and written 25 continuing education courses for psychotherapists. My goal is always to identify ways the practice of psychotherapy can be improved, and find new and innovative ways clinicians can help their clients. In my free time, I enjoy ultrarunning, bringing my three rescue horses up the levels in dressage and completing a long overdue manuscript. I believe in empowering my clients, treating them with respect, and honoring their life choices. I believe that the keys to improved mental health and happiness exist inside every client. My approach is existential in nature, and looks to help people find what is truly most important to them, and move in that direction. Together, I believe we can find a way to a fulfilling, rewarding, and meaningful life - regardless of what life has put you through. I look forward to working with you!

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This is Nathalie Contro's avatar and link to their profile

Nathalie Contro

Offering therapy in CA
License: LMFT
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsRelationship issuesFamily conflictsDepression
3 years of experience

I have been working with couples, individuals and families for over twenty years. As a therapist, I collaborate with clients in finding healthier ways of coping with stress, communicating their needs, and resolving conflicts and in developing intimacy within their relationships. Each client is met where they are at, and with unconditional regard, the time we spend together will involve you developing tools and insights to living you life, and relationships authentically and to their full potential. I specialize in couples, intimacy issues, substance use disorders, PTSD, anxiety, depression, Bipolar Disorder, and Personality Disorders. The therapeutic relationship is a vessel in which with unconditional positive regard, our collaboration will serve to support your discovering the road to living your life to your full potential. My approach is to support you in uncovering and utilizing your insight, intuition, and self-efficacy , to empower you on your journey towards a life that purposeful, balanced, and centered. You will be met with empathy and presence, so that can freely, explore behavior, challenges, and identify road to healing and self actualization. No one person fits a mold, we are all very unique individuals with a special set of qualities and skills set, therefore it is essential to meet the client where they are at. My approach integrates various techniques that include psychotherapeutic strategies (CBT, DBT, Self Psychology, Object Relations, and Systems Therapy). Movement, active imagination, dreams work, breathwork are also tools utilized to increased insight, promote balance and integration.

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This is Paulette Jansen's avatar and link to their profile

Paulette Jansen

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

I am licensed in California with 17 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, trauma and abuse, motivation, self esteem, and confidence, & depression. I 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 seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process.

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This is Dr. Robert Cipriano Jr's avatar and link to their profile

Dr. Robert Cipriano Jr

Offering therapy in CA
License: Psy.D.,ABPP
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsRelationship issuesFamily conflictsDepression
20 years of experience

Dr. Robert J. Cipriano Jr. has been working with the South Florida community as a licensed psychologist for 20 years. Dr. Cipriano is currently a Florida , California, & North Carolina Licensed Psychologist. He is board certified in Police and Public Safety Psychology by the American Board of Professional Psychology (ABPP) and for the majority of his experience practices cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and more recently within the past two years has acquiesced to providing EMDR, Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing therapy to clientele experiencing trauma based symptoms. Dr. Cipriano has provided therapeutic and an array of clinical services to both the Trauma-Intensive Care Unit (ICU) and inpatient behavioral health units at one of the largest Trauma hospitals in northern Miami-Dade County and has provided a number of critical incident stress debriefings (CISD) for a variety of staff. Dr. Cipriano has handled well over a 200 CISDs in his professional career. He assisted one of the largest metropolitan police departments in the southeast part of the United States in gaining insight and managing individuals who suffered from severe mental illness and who were in crisis as a "in- house" staff psychologist assigned to a Crisis Negotiation Team. He provided critical support to the crisis negotiation team when they were faced with crisis situations, hostages, career criminals, and barricaded subjects who posed a threat for police and the community at large. Dr. Cipriano has also assisted in providing crucial therapeutic support to the victims and victim's families of the school shooting in Parkland, FL along with the first responders affected by & connected to the critical incident. Dr. Cipriano is also the psychological supervisor for a major metropolitan police department, developing the program from infancy, and expanding the wellness concept for public safety sworn and civilian professionals. Dr. Cipriano is highly engaged in wellness and has written several articles on wellness and the importance of the continuity of wellness to other facets of one's life. Dr. Cipriano also offers expert training in understanding the psychological dynamics and warning signs of active shooters, school shooters, school place violence, and bully behavior. Dr. Cipriano has a strong interest in this area and has developed a clinical curriculum to target, intervene, and potentially prevent such acts along this specific spectrum of aggression. His knowledge, experience, and expertise will benefit clinicians, educational institutions, administrators, public safety professionals, and the private sector on a local, state, and national level.

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This is Cassandra Lawrence 's avatar and link to their profile

Cassandra Lawrence

Offering therapy in CA
License: LMHC
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesCareer difficultiesDepressionCoping with life changes
5 years of experience

**At this time I am only providing 30 minute cbt focused live chat sessions** **I do not work with clients in crisis situations and/or for urgent needs, as this is not the appropriate platform for this. If you are in a crisis situation, please call 911 or local emergency services, or visit the nearest emergency room.** Welcome and congratulations on completing the first step on your journey! By signing up and searching for a counselor, you are already demonstrating insight and motivation, which will be beneficial within the therapeutic process. Whether you have been feeling more upset than usual, overwhelmed, frustrated, or just stuck; I am here to help you navigate through this and develop the skills you will need to manage similar difficulties in the future. I have been working for over four years with clients with mental health diagnoses. Throughout this time I have assisted clients both in person and via telehealth with various life stressors such as work, relationships, symptom management, and self-direction. Within our work together, I will actively listen to you in a nonjudgmental manner and strive to create a comfortable environment so that you feel confident to talk about your concerns. From what you have read, if you feel we are a match, I look forward to your outreach.

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This is Dr. Alicia Fahr's avatar and link to their profile

Dr. Alicia Fahr

Offering therapy in CA
Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseGriefSelf esteemDepression
17 years of experience

I am a licensed professional counselor in Virginia and Arizona with 17 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients manage chronic illness and chronic pain, trauma and abuse, grief and loss, post-partum anxiety and depression, women's issues, aging issues, loneliness, phobias, career changes, and lack of purpose or direction in life. I practice Existentialism, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Positive Psychology, Rogerian Counseling, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Psychosocial Theory, and Adlerian Therapy, in my counseling sessions depending upon the client’s needs, goals, and personality. 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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This is Lisa Case's avatar and link to their profile

Lisa Case

Offering therapy in CA
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesFamily conflictsTrauma and abuseDepression
6 years of experience

I am a licensed MFT in California with 6 years of professional work experience in both residential and private practice settings. My aim is to support you in a safe and non-judgmental container, where we can explore the roots of your challenges, as well as provide you skills which can help to alleviate any symptoms you may have. I specialize in helping individuals who experience stress, anxiety, depression, interpersonal and interfamilial conflicts, and trauma. I believe that you are the expert of your story and hold a space that is of compassion and unconditional positive regard. It takes courage to reach out, and I look forward to walking alongside you on your journey to a more fulfilling and happier life.

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This is Linda Bramel's avatar and link to their profile

Linda Bramel

Offering therapy in CA
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesTrauma and abuseAnger managementDepression
14 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 14 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, trauma and abuse, & 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 seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process.

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How to find counseling in Santee

Finding the best therapist close by in Santee 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 Santee. 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 Santee, 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 Santee 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 Santee 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 Santee, elsewhere in San Diego, 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 Santee area can be found below:

How does the cost of in-person counseling compare to the cost of BetterHelp with a licensed Santee 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 Santee 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 Santee 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 Santee, 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 Santee 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 Santee 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 Santee 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 Santee 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 Santee 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 92071 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 Santee 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 Santee 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 Santee, 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.

Santee 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 Santee.

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

92071

Popular cities near Santee, CA

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