Living anywhere in California is supposed to be fabulous but Shafter, although not well-known, is a gorgeous place to live with a giant fountain in the middle of their downtown. This southern California town is a nice place to raise a family. However, if you have an addiction, raising a family is impossible. 

Anyone with any kind of addiction has to get treatment to get better. Even if you think you are able to kick the habit alone, no matter what it is, you really need professional treatment. The town of Shafter has many dedicated therapists who are trained in treating all kinds of addictions, so give one of them a call today.

Stress, Anxiety, Addictions, Self esteem, Depression
11 years of experience

Hi, I’m Krista. I’m a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in the state of California with over 11 years of experience providing counseling and mental health care. I received my Masters in Social Work from the University of Southern California. In my personal life, I enjoy swimming, yoga, podcasts and time with my kids. In my professional life, I have worked with a broad range of adults in outpatient settings experiencing a wide variety of life challenges including substance abuse, anxiety, depression, trauma and stress. My counseling style is centered on compas...

LGBT, Relationship issues, Family conflicts, Trauma and abuse, Intimacy-related issues
6 years of experience

Hello there, my name is Jennifer (pronouns she/her/hers), and I am so glad you're here. As one of my favorite therapists wrote, "The true counselor seeks to understand people from the standpoint of appreciation...it is like inviting the traveler in from a snowy and chilly journey to sit for an hour before the fire." In a nutshell, this is my approach. I aim to provide a warm, non-judgmental presence with the curiosity and tools to help you free yourself of what you think you "should" be to accept and love who you are. There is nothing more comforting than being...

Stress, Anxiety, Relationship issues, Family conflicts, Trauma and abuse, Depression
7 years of experience

My approach is friendly, relaxed, and motivational. Along with providing therapy for relationship complications and mental disorders, I am also a youth soccer coach where patience, understanding, and teamwork are must haves. I have worked with several folks with various diagnosis and have found success by applying a Cognitive Behavioral approach or at times a Rational Emotive Behavioral approach. Another strength of mine is trauma processing, where I apply Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR). I am light hearted and work hard to ensure good quali...

Stress, Anxiety, Trauma and abuse, Self esteem, Depression
10 years of experience

Hello, my name is Daniel Barrera and I am a licensed marriage and family therapist (LMFT). I earned my master’s in clinical psychology from Hope International University in Fullerton, CA. I have ten years in the inpatient / counseling field focus in the areas of anxiety, depression, daily stressors, PTSD, developing coping strategies, and young adult concerns. My therapy approach includes cognitive behavioral therapy, person-centered and solution focused. I believe that changes may only occur when we are honest with ourselves and willing to open our minds to ex...

Stress, Anxiety, Grief, Self esteem, Depression, Coping with life changes
40 years of experience

When I moved to California to accept the job of my dreams I experienced a significant JOLT! Nearly everything in my life changed - I lost a lot of my support system, I lost some of my self, I lost my ability to tap into my strengths and positives in my life. Fortunately I was guided to an excellent therapist who encouraged me to invest in people and activities that brought joy. The most important lesson I learned was to talk less and DO more! I re-connected with nature and began painting - and I still love to paint after 18 years. What is your story? What d...

Trauma and abuse, Grief, Parenting issues, Self esteem, Depression
9 years of experience

I am Kanika Shelly, a licensed therapist and a Certified Integrative Mental Health Professional. I use strength-based, trauma-focused family systems and holistic treatment methods as a pathway to healing. I am licensed in California with over ten years of experience working as an Associate and Therapist. Using Pain In the Heart (PITH), I have worked with people with various concerns, including depression, trauma resulting from abuse and neglect, anxiety, relationship issues, parenting, family problems, and self-esteem. I have worked with Children, Teens, Young A...

Stress, Anxiety, LGBT, Relationship issues, Family conflicts
10 years of experience

Hello, I am Frankie. I am from the San Francisco Bay Area. I've been a therapist and social worker for many years, working with a vast cross-section of society. My experience has been primarily focused on working with families dealing with domestic violence and child abuse. I have also worked in the areas of substance abuse, homelessness, and mental health and illness. My goal as a therapist is to help people make the most of their lives, despite obstacles. I believe that happiness is created within. I want to assist in developing true, healthy, and inspirational ...

Stress, Anxiety, Addictions, Relationship issues, Family conflicts, Depression
18 years of experience

I have worked with families and children for 18 years. I work with children from 3 years old to 22 years old in educational settings stuggling with social skills in educational settings. My specialized area is in high functioning autism and coping skills. I work with adults that have a difficult time with coping skills and anger management. Areas of a high anxiety, depression and grieving issues are areas of expertise as well. I am licensed in California with 18 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxi...

Relationship issues, Grief, Coping with life changes, Compassion fatigue
15 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 15 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with relationship issues, coping with grief and loss, & coping with life changes. I also have experience working with compassion fatigue. 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.

Stress, Anxiety, Relationship issues, Family conflicts, Self esteem, Coping with life changes
3 years of experience

I am a licensed professional counselor licensed in the state of Pennsylvania. I have experience with family and couples therapy. I have worked with many different age populations including parents, couples, adolescents, and children, for example. I have worked with clients bringing a wide range of concerns to the table including relational and intimate issues, depression, anxiety, addiction, self-esteem, parenting problems, career change and life transitions, among others. My therapeutic style is warm and interactive and tailored to your needs at the time. I a...

How to find counseling in Shafter

Finding the best therapist close by in Shafter 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 Shafter. 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 Shafter, 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 Shafter 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 Shafter 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 Shafter, elsewhere in Kern, 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 Shafter area can be found below:

How does the cost of in-person counseling compare to the cost of BetterHelp with a licensed Shafter 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 Shafter 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 Shafter 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 Shafter, 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 Shafter 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 Shafter 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 Shafter 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 Shafter 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 Shafter 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 93314 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 Shafter 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 Shafter 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 Shafter, 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.

Shafter 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 PinterestLinkedInInstagramTwitter, 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 Shafter.

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

93263, 93314