The motto of the City of South El Monte, California in Los Angeles County is “Growing Our Future.” Their mission is to protect and improve the quality of life for the community. They also have some of the best mental health professionals in the state who can help if you or someone you love has a mental health disorder.
Some of the signs of the most common mental illnesses include unexplained sadness, fatigue, sleeping and eating changes, confusion, difficulty making decisions, and chronic aches and pains. If you or someone you care about is experiencing any of these or other signs of a mental illness, talk to one of the South El Monte psychiatrists today.
Hai Nguyen
I am honored to have the opportunity to meet you and explore areas of the heart, mind, and soul with you. I have fallen in love with studying "love" since a young age. It occurred to me that life gives us many paradoxes/contradictions such as: "Go through pain in order to heal". Since my awareness opened up to the vast internal world of the human mind, I strive to find the answer. In the combination of my teaching career (online Professor - Psychology, health/human services/Philosophy) and psychotherapy, I was given the gift of a special journey in revealing the invisible components in life - especially our internal world. I have personal and professional experience in diverse areas (gangs, addiction, violence, mood disorders, relationship dynamics, family connection, and many areas within the interpersonal/intrapersonal realm). In addition, I hold a special awareness for cultural sensitivity as well, and the assimilation process onto areas of adaptation and acculturation. I began viewing life with analytical, philosophical, and emotional perception at an early age as life became difficult since I could remember. When I had finally turned my life around and attended college, I was inspired by many individuals. From this, I earned a position with my previous professor as his T.A in stress management. From there, I moved onto graduate school after attaining my Psychology degree. During my Marriage and Family therapy program, I continued to teach. The last year of my studies I was honored to work as an intern at non-profit agency where I delivered therapeutic services to a vast array of different populations: Onsite therapist for a middle school and high school (pre-teens and teens). I also worked with couple's, anger management, domestic violence, family/individual therapy at the main facility. I was then given the chance to work as an online professor at Ashford University after completing my Master's degree, where I continued to do so until this day. After graduation I moved onto working with children with Autism Spectrum disorder (minority population) for over a year. Finally, I traveled into the work on dual diagnosis/addiction, where I started as a part-time therapist and moved towards becoming the primary therapist, and then the clinical director for the whole facility. From my journey, I have been given the privilege to uphold a vast array of experiences, even to the extent of online gaming addiction. My main focus now lies in areas of emotional connection (relationships - family, couples', and even with yourself), grief/loss, mood disorders, addiction, and education. Updated: For the past 12 years or so, I worked in dual diagnosis treatment for addiction and mental health as a therapist. Then moved onto become the clinical director, and then Chief Operating Officer (COO). During this time, I've opened up about 6 companies thus far for owners. My mentor is the ex-chief of state (DHCS) and I'm also getting certifications for organizations as well. It has been an amazing journey and I look forward, again, to being able to be gifted with learning from your journey.
Lorena Borella-Clements
We all inherently harbor the capability to heal from emotionally painful experiences. I utilize an eclectic approach to psychotherapy based on where one is emotionally, physically and spiritually. I have experience in treating and helping clients reduce and better manage symptoms of stress, anxiety, lingering symptoms of trauma/PTSD and in coping with grief, loss and depression. I provide a safe and empathetic place for healing. Your thoughts, feelings and experiences can be brought to light, without fear of judgment. I provide coping skills and techniques on how to improve emotional health and well being. It takes courage to initiate the process of healing and to identify that something is not working for ourselves. I am here to support & empower you, during your journey towards healing and emotional well being. I have been practicing and providing psychotherapy for 16 years. I'm a multicultural therapist. I was born in Argentina and immigrated to the United States, when I was 6 years old. I grew up in the Bay Area of California. I provide psychotherapy in both English and Spanish. I have a Bachelor's degree in Sociology from UC Santa Cruz and a Master's degree in Counseling Psychology from Sofia University in Palo Alto, California.
Janetta Berry- Sissoko
I am a Licensed Professional Counselor with over 14 years of experience in the mental health and behavioral health field. I am licensed to practice in Oklahoma, Texas, Washington, California, and Nevada. Throughout my career, I have worked with individuals facing a wide range of concerns, including anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, substance use, and court-ordered treatment. This diverse experience allows me to support clients with compassion, structure, and a clear understanding of complex challenges. My therapeutic style is warm, collaborative, and respectful. I strive to create a safe, nonjudgmental space where you feel heard, valued, and supported. I believe meaningful change is possible for anyone who is willing to engage in the process, and my role is to guide and support you every step of the way. My primary approach is Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). Together, we will identify unhelpful patterns of thinking and behavior, develop practical coping strategies, and work toward goals that are meaningful to you. Treatment is always individualized—I tailor each session and treatment plan to meet your unique needs and circumstances. Recognizing that something in your life needs to change takes courage, and reaching out for support is a powerful first step. I would be honored to partner with you on your journey toward growth, healing, and lasting change. I look forward to working with you.
Brandy Walker
I am an LCSW in the state of California and Georgia. I have been in the field for over 20 years. I work with individuals, couples and families. I have worked with a wide range of clients such as: LGBTQ, depression, stress, anxiety, ADHD, PTSD, trauma, physical trauma, emotional abuse, relationship problems, family conflicts, intimacy related issues, parenting problems, anger management and the like. Life is an individual journey with many different experiences. Sometimes those experiences can lead to turmoil, tragedy, trauma and pain. The pain can feel debilitating as if moving on is merely impossible. However, I am a firm believer that there are solutions to all of life’s problems, and I believe therapy is a gateway to change. Those changes can transform an individual’s life. Thus, the road to therapy begins with one single step. If you are willing to take the first step, the journey of healing and transformation can begin. By understanding your mindset, increasing self-awareness, and practicing mindfulness, you can have significant benefits on your overall well-being. My job is to provide you with tools that you need to rebuild your life and sense of self. If you are willing to do the work, the benefits and possibilities are endless. Investing in therapy can be a rewarding experience, and it can be the key to a more fulfilling life. I am here for you every step of the way as you blossom from a caterpillar into a beautiful butterfly. In my spare time, I enjoy reading, writing, listening to music, meditating and praying. I am eager to help you begin your journey of self-discovery.
Dr. Kristine Quallich
Welcome, I am a licensed psychologist in the states of Ohio and California. I am also a Certified School Psychologist who has worked for over 25 years in the field of education helping families and students with academic, behavioral, and social-emotional issues. I have also worked in a community-based therapy setting helping adults with anger management, employment matters that can be managed, and family concerns. I provide primarily cognitive-behavioral services with a focus on client-centered practices. I have extensive training in a range of modalities including family-therapy as well. I also teach at Kent State University. I enjoy meditation and exercise and truly believe that we can all find our purpose and meaning in life.
Jean Juarez
I am licensed in California and Illinois with 15 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients cope with addictions, relationship issues, family conflicts, & trauma and abuse. I believe in treating everyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion. I will tailor our dialogue and treatment plan to meet your unique and specific needs. Taking the first step to ask for and seek help is a courageous one, and I recognize and acknowledge you for this. I am an ally to the LGBTQ+ community.
Joseph De Vico
Hello, my name is Joseph De Vico. Let’s talk. We’ll work together until that unsolvable problem is history, until that overwhelming pain is bearable, until the dream future that seems a million miles away is right in front of you. You’ve always been strong, resourceful, and intuitive. I’m just going to help clear away the junk you’re trapped beneath so you can actually feel that way: false beliefs that make life seem harder than it really is; stories about yourself that are so outdated, they have nothing to do with who you are now; distractions that keep you from deciding what is most meaningful to you; power imbalances that take away good things that are rightfully yours. This stuff has to go. What will you feel when you feel better? Peaceful? Hopeful? Whole? Decisive? Free? Seen, validated, grounded, elevated, invigorated, triumphant? Just plain better? When do we start?
Melissa Lehrich
I am licensed in California with 18 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, & coping with grief and loss. 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.
Matthew Poje
Welcome! My name is Matt Poje, LPCC. I specialize in the healing of emotional trauma, using the Instinctual Trauma Response method (ITR). I have 15 years working with Veterans via Department of Defense contracts, and over 23 yrs of professional work experience. I am licensed in CA and WI. The ITR method uses over 100 years of neuroscience to help heal the brain. Since ITR uses neuroscience, you will learn the steps of the ITR method that will help you to become more resilient. ITR is not talk therapy in the classical sense. ITR is a focused, purposeful method of trauma healing and proven to work. If you are ready to work on a proven method of reducing symptoms of trauma, I look forward to work with you. I do not perform diagnostic tests. I use screening tools, and therefore will not provide any letters to employers or court systems. Before scheduling a session, watch the ITR video: https://vimeo.com/752151441
Dr. Karen Vertti
I am licensed in California and Florida with 30 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, trauma and abuse, sexual offender treatment, & motivation, self-esteem, family issues including teenage problems, and confidence. I believe that you are the expert in 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.
Alexandra Irish
I am licensed in California and Colorado with 6 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, trauma and abuse, relationship issues, & depression. I have worked with clients from ages 5 years old to 65 years old with a vast variety of struggles and diagnosis. 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.
Earl Barrios
I am licensed in California with 36 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, & trauma and abuse. 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.
June Cichowicz
I am licensed in California with more than 20 years of professional counseling experience. My work began after completing graduate work at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. I have experience in helping clients with stress, anxiety and depression, coping with relationship issues , and motivation and self esteem. My work includes assisting clients who are coping with life changes and transitions ( including serious illness, grief and loss). I completed a two year mental health fellowship at Cedars-Sinai Hospital in Los Angeles working with a broad and diverse client population from children to teens and adolescents, as well as adults with a variety of abilities and backgrounds. My personal life experience has served me well as a roadmap and path toward my goal of assisting others in managing life transitions and changes. It may surprise you to know that I find a sense of humor can be a helpful tool in many, but not all situations. You may ask why I do this work: My reward is the ability to be part of a goal oriented team with members/clients. It is a gift to have the opportunity to participate in the change process. 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, although you may not always be aware of that . Taking the first step to seeking a more fulfilling and satisfying life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process. June A. Cichowicz. M.S.S.W., L.C.S.W.
Cindy John
Hello, I’m a licensed psychologist with over a decade of experience helping individuals and families navigate emotional, behavioral, and life challenges. My approach is warm, supportive, and practical. I work with adults experiencing stress, anxiety, and life transitions, as well as parents who want support understanding and managing their child’s behavior, including attention and emotional regulation challenges. Therapy with me focuses on helping you gain insight, develop effective coping strategies, and feel more confident in handling difficult situations. For parents, I provide guidance on strengthening relationships with your child, managing challenging behaviors, and creating a more positive family dynamic. For individuals, I offer a supportive space to process stress, anxiety, and everyday pressures. My goal is to help you feel understood, supported, and equipped with tools to move forward in a healthier and more balanced way.
Find a Therapist Near You in South El Monte , 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 South El Monte.
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.