The City of Taft, California was named after President William H. Taft in 1909 and they are extremely proud of their history. They have many buildings and places on the National Register of Historic Places to explore and learn about the town’s history.

Exploring historic places and enjoying other places of recreation are excellent for both your mental and physical health but sometimes some of us need a bit more help than everyone else. If you are looking for some extra help, contact one of the mental health professionals in and around Taft today so you can start feeling better.

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Krista Wilts

Clinical therapist offering therapy in CA
Counselor License Type(s): LMFT
Addictions
5 years of experience as a mental health therapist

I am a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with 5 years of experience working as a counselor in California. I have experience working with a number of issues including depression, anxiety, substance abuse, relationship and family conflict, co-parenting, trauma and abuse, OCD, and more. I am comfortable working with individuals, couples, families and group therapy. I work with clients using a nonjudgemental, warm and compassionate approach. I am interactive with my clients and believe in working collaboratively to achieve their goals. I use a mix of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Dialectical Behavioral Therapy as well as a Narrative Therapy Approach. I also have experience with Motivational Interviewing. I will tailor my approach to best fit your needs and treatment goals. I believe that if you "change your mind, you change your world." I am here to support you in your journey to living your best life. I will ask you questions you've never been asked before and offer a respectful and compassionate approach to your concerns.

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Tony Thompson

Clinical therapist offering therapy in CA
Counselor License Type(s): LCSW
Family conflictsTrauma and abuseParenting issuesDepressionCoping with life changes
7 years of experience as a mental health therapist

I have worked for the last 10 years in child welfare services. Currently, I am a licensed clinical social worker and a supervisor for children services. I have worked with clients with a wide range of concerns including depression, substance abuse, parenting issues, trauma, adoption and Foster Care issues, general life concerns and adjustments, domestic violence and many others. I have worked closely with families, teenagers, emancipated youth and children of all walks of life and backgrounds. My counseling style is pretty laid back. I've been described as supportive, caring and compassionate, with a pretty good sense of humor. Usually, I like to focus on identifying your strengths, what has been working well and helping you to maximize those strengths to help overcome your obstacles. I'm here to help you start through the things that are difficult right now and offer you a safe place to be open and honest without fear of judgment. You have taken the first and most important step by reaching out for help. My counseling style is warm, and interactive. I believe in treating everyone with compassion, respect, honesty and I don't believe in judgment, shame or stigmatizing labels. My belief in counseling is that everyone deserves an opportunity for healing, hope and self-confidence. My clinical approach is client centered and combines cognitive-behavioral, humanistic, solution focused and the recognition of trauma and how it impacts our well-being. I'm also oriented in strength-based practices and other modalities as needed for the purposes of treatment. My goal is to assist and work with individuals to achieve their fullest potential. Seeking counseling can be fearful and overwhelming but I want to encourage you to continue the journey to seek help and regain hope and control over your life. My goal for every client is to gain new perspectives and to develop the skills necessary to live meaningful lives.

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Michelle Vasquez

Clinical therapist offering therapy in CA
Counselor License Type(s): MA,LMFT
Stress, AnxietyFamily conflictsTrauma and abuseSelf esteemDepression
11 years of experience as a mental health therapist

My name is Michelle Vasquez, and I am a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) in California. I have worked in the social services field for 26 years and have been a LMFT for over 5 years. My passion for helping people became evident in high school as a peer counselor. I went on to complete a Bachelor’s in Psychology from the University of California Riverside and a Master’s in Psychology from Chapman University. I enjoy helping clients become more self-aware, discover their inner strength, and develop skills to overcome life challenges. I have worked in a variety of settings with youths, families, and adults. My approach to therapy is to meet clients where they are at, provide a safe environment, and develop a supportive and compassionate therapeutic relationship that will promote change and growth. A treatment plan is created based on the client’s needs and what they would like to address in therapy. I use several modalities such as Cognitive Behavior Therapy, Trauma Focused-Cognitive Behavior Therapy, Attachment Theory, Psychodynamic, Mindfulness and EMDR. Some of the concerns I have worked with are anxiety/stress, depression, suicidal ideation, trauma, low self-esteem, family conflict, grief, domestic violence, work stressors, and relationship issues. My availability with BetterHealth is Monday through Thursday evenings. I generally check messages from BetterHelp during those hours and respond within 24 hours except for Friday through Sunday. I understand it may feel uncomfortable to reach out and share your story. I commend you for having the courage to begin the therapeutic process and I hope you will allow me to walk this journey with you towards a more whole and fulfilling life.

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Sandra Terifaj

Clinical therapist offering therapy in CA
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsTrauma and abuseEating disordersDepression
35 years of experience as a mental health therapist

Hello, I am a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with 35 years of experience in private practice and the training/supervision of interns at various non profit agencies. I am committed in helping you find healing, resolution and growth by guiding you within a safe environment in accessing the emotional pain/obstacles that are holding you back from living the life you fully want to live. My approach is to work collaboratively with you by using interventions based on your needs, including Client-Centered, Psychodynamic and Cognitive Behavioral.

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Dr. Emily Eckstein

Clinical therapist offering therapy in CA
LGBTSelf esteemCareer difficultiesDepressionCoping with life changes
14 years of experience as a mental health therapist

I am licensed in the state of California with over 14 years of professional clinical experience as a therapist. I have expertise in supporting members in the LGBTQIA2S+ community, as well as clients experiencing depression, anxiety, parenting issues, career difficulties, & coping with life transitions. I work from a place in which I believe you are the expert of your story and that you have many strengths that will assist you in overcoming things that challenge you. 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 and am excited to get started!

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LaQuita Suggs

Clinical therapist offering therapy in CA
Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseGriefSelf esteemDepression
19 years of experience as a mental health therapist

I am licensed in California with 19 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, trauma and abuse, coping with grief and loss, & motivation, self esteem, and confidence. 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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Kennetha Royal

Clinical therapist offering therapy in CA
Counselor License Type(s): LPC
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesGriefParenting issuesDepression
13 years of experience as a mental health therapist

Hi there! I am a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) in Texas with over 10 years working with children, families, individuals in an array of areas of seeking clarity, wanting to work through complex emotions or traumatic experiences, learning new techniques to cope with difficult situations or to challenge negative thinking patterns. This includes depression, anxiety, career challenges/changes, ADHD, grief, and many focused on personal growth. My motto is stop the stigma. Many people believe because you see a therapist, "there has to be something wrong with you." My approach combines cognitive-behavioral, humanistic, psychodynamic and mindfulness therapies and I will tailor our dialog and treatment plan to meet your unique and specific needs. Since you are reading my bio, it proves you are ready for change. I am here to support you along the way. I love forward to working with you!!!

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Sayrah Garrison

Clinical therapist offering therapy in CA
Stress, AnxietySelf esteemDepressionCoping with life changesCompassion fatigue
10 years of experience as a mental health therapist

I am a California licensed clinical social worker with over 10 years of clinical experience. I specialize in working with individuals presenting with anxiety, depression, substance use and mood disorders. I have a strong belief that everyone should be treated with dignity and respect and take every effort to ensure that you feel heard each step of the way. Clients have described me as calm, compassionate and grounded. I believe that therapy must be driven by your own desire to change and work in collaboration with you to create a treatment plan that will assist you in meeting your desired goals. I find Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) to be a great tool in therapy and also use aspects of Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), mindfulness and Solution-Focused Therapy in sessions with clients. Congratulations on taking this step to ensure a more fulfilling and happier life! I would be honored to help you in this process.

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Chula Tran

Clinical therapist offering therapy in CA
Family conflictsTrauma and abuseParenting issuesBipolar disorderDepression
11 years of experience as a mental health therapist

I am licensed in California with 11 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with family conflicts, trauma and abuse, parenting issues, & bipolar disorder. 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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Treasure Newton

Clinical therapist offering therapy in CA
Stress, AnxietyGriefSelf esteemDepressionCoping with life changes
7 years of experience as a mental health therapist

I am a licensed clinician in California with 7 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, coping with grief and loss, motivation, self esteem, confidence, & depression. 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!

How to find a therapist for counseling in Taft

Finding the best therapist close by in Taft 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 in Taft that work best for you in order to begin your personal journey towards emotional healing with a therapist.

Understanding the type of therapy you'd like to search for is crucial before finding a therapist or psychologist in Taft. 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 Taft, 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 in the Taft region and in the state of California. Find a therapist under any of these distinctions and know that the sessions they offer can provide a safe place to heal.

A mental health counselor working through their own in-person therapy practice in Taft or online may assist clients in improving healthy relationships, communication skills, working through life transitions, couples counseling, managing a mood disorder, improving coping skills, self help tips, offer life coaching, family therapy, or change in negative thinking patterns. A therapist may also provide a safe place and validation for clients experiencing emotional pain, or that simply want a psychological assessment. 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 Taft area in different types of therapy, including:

  • CBT
  • DBT
  • Substance use therapy
  • Couples therapy

When you're ready to start your search and find Taft 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 Taft, elsewhere in Kern, or in the greater state of California.

Frequently asked questions (FAQs) about therapists and mental health services

Some other commonly asked questions on therapy with a licensed counselor and BetterHelp serving the Taft area can be found below:

How does the cost of in-person counseling with a therapist compare to the cost of BetterHelp with a licensed Taft 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 Taft 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 Taft 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 a BetterHelp therapist 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). If you're looking for a therapist, Cincinnati offers a variety of professionals who can help with your mental health needs at a price you can afford.

How is a licensed therapist on this Taft online therapy platform verified?

Therapists in Taft, 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 Taft psychiatrists to prescribe a drug or medication as treatment, or perform psychological assessments and other psychiatric services.

How does working with a professional 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, post traumatic stress disorder, and more. An online mental health therapist, including the therapists in Taft 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 Taft helping individuals on topics including managing life transitions, symptoms affecting sexual health, behavioral health, coping skills for anxiety, depression, trauma, stress, marriage counseling, and more. 

What mental health issues can psychotherapy address with the help of psychologists?

BetterHelp's verified Taft 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:

  • Cognitive behavioral therapy - This type of therapy is provided by therapists who are professional counselors, helping clients identify and change negative thought patterns through structured sessions.
  • Behavior therapy - Therapists use behavior therapy techniques to help clients modify harmful behaviors and develop healthier habits, often through the guidance of a professional counselor.
  • EMDR therapy - EMDR therapists assist clients in processing traumatic memories to alleviate emotional distress and improve overall well-being, utilizing the expertise of a professional counselor.
  • Talk therapy - Therapists engage clients in talk therapy to explore their feelings and develop strategies for dealing with various mental health issues, often guided by a professional counselor.
  • Depression - Therapists offer counseling to help individuals manage symptoms of depression and improve their mood and functioning, often working closely with a professional counselor.
  • Anxiety disorders - Therapists specialize in anxiety disorders, offering strategies to manage and reduce anxiety symptoms effectively, often through counseling sessions with a professional counselor.
  • Stress - Therapists provide tools and techniques to help clients cope with stress and improve their mental resilience, frequently under the supervision of a professional counselor.
  • Eating disorders - Therapists experienced in eating disorders offer specialized counseling to address unhealthy eating patterns and body image issues, with the support of a professional counselor.
  • Grief - Therapists provide support and guidance to clients experiencing grief, helping them navigate the stages of loss, often in collaboration with a counselor.
  • Attachment therapy - Therapists use attachment therapy to help clients understand and improve their emotional bonds and relationships, often with the assistance of a counselor.
  • Relationships - Therapists work with clients to improve communication, resolve conflicts, and strengthen their connections with others, often using the skills of a counselor.
  • Children, adolescents, and teens - Therapists specializing in youth therapy address the unique mental health needs of children, adolescents, and teens, often involving a counselor in the process.
  • Addiction (substance abuse) - Therapists offer counseling for addiction, helping clients overcome substance abuse and maintain long-term recovery, often under the guidance of a counselor.
  • Divorce - Therapists support individuals through the emotional and practical challenges of ending a marriage, often working with a psychologist to provide comprehensive care.
  • Trauma or PTSD - Therapists specializing in trauma and PTSD help clients process traumatic experiences and reduce their symptoms, frequently collaborating with a psychologist.
  • Bipolar disorder - Therapists provide counseling to manage the mood swings and challenges associated with bipolar disorder, often in consultation with a psychologist.
  • Psychodynamic treatment - Therapists use psychodynamic treatment to explore unconscious processes and how they affect current behavior, often guided by psychologists.
  • Career counseling - Therapists assist clients in making informed decisions about their professional paths and resolving work-related issues, often with the help of psychologists.
  • Alcohol use disorders - Therapists offer specialized counseling to help clients manage and overcome alcohol use disorders, frequently under the supervision of psychologists.
  • OCD - Therapists provide strategies and support to manage obsessive-compulsive disorder symptoms, often via psychotherapy.
  • ADHD - Therapists offer counseling to help clients with ADHD improve focus, organization, and overall functioning, often via psychotherapy.
  • Mood disorders - Therapists work with clients to stabilize and improve mood through various therapeutic approaches, frequently in psychotherapy.
  • Sex addiction
  • Complex trauma
  • Life transitions

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 Taft 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 in Taft?

One of the potentially rewarding aspects of working with a Taft 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.

Taft therapists 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 Taft 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 Taft 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 psychotherapist.

With a lot of people in CA, therapists 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 93252 or the surrounding zip codes, consider others available through the BetterHelp site. No matter if you are seeking help from therapists in your area or beyond, online therapy can be a great option.

How should I prepare for my first therapy session with a Taft counselor?

Before seeing your Taft 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 while offering mental health services. The first session will often serve as an intake to get to know you as a person and learn why you're attending therapy in Taft.

Should I find a therapist or psychologist for therapy 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 from a therapist. A Taft 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 with a Taft counselor 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 that a counselor can help with.

Is mental health care and therapy with a therapist worth it?

Therapy with a licensed counselor 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 therapist 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 Taft, 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.

Taft 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 during telehealth appointments?

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 for Taft, California

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 to customer service 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 Taft.

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

93252, 93268

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