In life, not only do you want to find a good place to live physically, but you also want to live in the best mental headspace possible. However, anxiety, depression, and other mental ills can make your life a tough place to live. A counselor based in Tustin can help you be able to achieve your goals and help you to achieve great mental health. 

Tustin is a very livable city and has been ranked as one of the best places to live. However, if your mental state isn’t cutting it, you may not think this way. Luckily, a counselor based in Tustin can help you. Speak to one today.

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Andrew Pari

Offering therapy in CA
License: LCSW, Diplomate
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesTrauma and abuseIntimacy-related issues
25 years of experience

You were raised to believe what you were told. Your parents told you one thing. Your friends another. The media confused you even more. And now you want something more fulfilling. More fun. More authentic. More…you! You’re afraid of being labeled. The people you date are the ones you are “supposed to,” not who you want. Maybe sex has been painful or unfulfilling and you want to understand why. Your sexual self is yours alone. But how do you sort your truth from everyone else’s? You want something different, but you are not sure how to talk about it. This is YOUR body! You get to decide how you want to Awaken. It’s time to break the Disney stereotype you were taught. Time to find out who you’re supposed to be. Time to learn all the sexual secrets that have been kept from you. You are ready to gain Awareness! You need a safe, supportive space to explore and talk about what you want and who you want to become without fear of being judged or shamed. You can finally live YOUR life! Whatever sex has been (or hasn’t), you can create the sex life you have been dreaming of! It’s time to change. To empower yourself. All you need is knowledge and guidance from someone who knows how to help you meet your sexual self. I am a nationally known therapist, speaker, and advocate for female sexual trauma, healing, and empowerment. I have pioneered open discussion of aspects of sexual trauma that were rarely addressed before. Women are often shamed for having experiences and reactions during unwanted sexual contact that they can't explain or don't understand. These experiences can sometimes end up being expressed in ways that continue that feeling of shame and self-harm, even though they may also feel good. I have spoken around the world at feminist, psychology, sex therapy, and forensic conferences about my work to further support for women whose experiences go unacknowledged. I have developed treatment strategies to address self-harm through sex and the urges and compulsions some women have to take sexual risks that end with more feelings of doubt and confusion. I work with women who are searching for their authentic self, free of societal stereotypes of what women are “meant for” and “supposed to be.” Whether it’s recovering from sexual trauma, exploring new desires, letting go of past relationships, discovering your own body, or diving deeper into understanding what you want, I can help. I know. I understand. And I care. Contact me now and simply say, “I’m ready.” I’m waiting to help you find your happy, worthy, and empowered life.

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Dr. Lavarez Harris

Offering therapy in CA
License: LMFT,CLC,CSFC
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesFamily conflictsTrauma and abuseIntimacy-related issues
15 years of experience

Hi! My name is Dr. Lavarez Harris (Hint: My first name rhymes with my last name). I have been providing therapy and other behavioral health services for the past 15 years. I have a Master's Degree in Counseling, a Doctorate in Clinical Psychology and I am a Certified Life Coach. I am also a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in both States of Arizona and California. Academics aside, my life experience has also contributed to my empathy and passion for helping others for as long as I can remember. I bring a rich and diverse background to my work as my family is multicultural. I see my clients as the experts in their journey to resolve life challenges. As a therapist, I work with clients to identify their unique needs and the obstacles that may be causing clients to experience anxiety, stress, depression, trauma, unsuccessful relationships or career goals, and a myriad of other difficult issues. My primary clinical approaches are Cognitive Behavioral, Family Systems and Solution Focus. My clinical goal is always the safety and well-being of my clients first. In therapy, I assist clients to reach their goals by increasing self-awareness, confidence, exploring and managing how they think and behave are interconnected. I work to increase the client's ability to make more informed positive choices and/or changes for the client's maximum growth and benefit. I also work with clients to develop a strategic treatment plan with detailed activities that focus on accomplishing goals at the client's pace. When appropriate, I use films, articles, music, and humor to keep the client’s therapeutic journey to healing and growth, creative and interesting.

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Marlo Lewis

Offering therapy in CA
License: LCSW
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesSelf esteemCareer difficultiesCoping with life changes
4 years of experience

I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker/Psychotherapist. I received a Bachelor of Science degree in Industrial Psychology from California State University, Hayward in 2002 and a Master's of Social Work from California State University, East Bay in 2008. I offer a supportive environment where we can work together to increase your happiness and emotional wellness. It takes strength and courage to facilitate change. My passion is helping clients overcome obstacles and barriers so they can enjoy their best selves. Together, we will work to uncover and resolve underlying issues that are causing negative feelings and develop new thought patterns and behaviors to help enhance your mental and emotional wellbeing. We will also focus on establishing your personal goals, make adjustments as needed and develop a plan to achieve them together. Let's plant and nurture the seed of hope as a part of your journey. I am currently offering video and phone chats only.

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Thomas Lyon

Offering therapy in CA
License: LMFT
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesAnger managementDepressionCoping with life changes
23 years of experience

Hello and thank you for looking at my profile and considering me for doing therapy together. My name is Tom Lyon. I am a Marriage and Family Therapist licensed in the state of California since 1998. My personality is generally warm, sensitive, gentle, and caring. My nature is to treat everyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion. But with this comes the responsibility to not be afraid to work with you on the seemingly overpowering experiences of your life. The type of therapy I practice is called Depth Psychotherapy and it refers to helping people work through deep inner processes within themselves that affect them personally and in relationship with others. I help engage the various parts of a person’s self that have been neglected, hurt, undeveloped, unappreciated and hidden away. I provide a safe, non-judgmental space where you will experience being heard and understood. In collaboration, we will listen deeply to utilize your thoughts, feelings, thoughts, intuitions, and sensations, all of which offer valuable insight into parts of your inner wisdom. Our sessions are where you can explore your struggles as well as your dreams and desires. As painful and confusing experiences are explored in a safe way, you can connect more honestly and compassionately with your struggle, becoming the true person you want to be. I want to hear your story, and about what is bringing you to this therapeutic conversation. While I can facilitate helping you find specific solutions that you may be looking for, I provide therapy with a holistic view to listen and see you and accept everything you wish to discuss, to hear your story. I will tailor our therapeutic time together to develop a beneficial treatment plan to meet your unique and specific needs. As with many things in life, therapy may be too intense for you, or I may not have the skills to work as effectively with you as I would like, or for some other reasons. Through our interaction, we may come to the conclusion that we would not be able to work together therapeutically to achieve your goals. Hopefully, we will have a better idea about this during our first session. But as the adage says . . . "nothing ventured, nothing gained." The development of your personality, your own uniqueness, to engage the world in a useful, purposeful, meaningful way in psychotherapy is often a courageous undertaking and I am hopeful that we can develop a trust and rapport to confidently help you grow in a process that unfolds over time. It may be one of the most unique, and at times most difficult, collaborations of your life and together we can explore your hopes and goals, determine the pace of your work, and explore the stories, struggles, and questions you bring into a session. I look forward to working with you! Tom

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Dr. Anna Lee

Offering therapy in CA
License: PhD
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsRelationship issuesSelf esteemCoaching
12 years of experience

I am a clinical psychologist licensed in California with over 10 years of experience working as a psychotherapist and university faculty. I have worked with clients in the areas of stress management, performance, depression, anxiety, relationships issues, and addictions. My therapy style is personable, connected, focused, and attuned. My approach combines mindfulness-based, cognitive-behavioral, acceptance and commitment (ACT), existential-humanistic, and Gottman Couples therapy approaches. Warmly, Dr. Anna

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Mary Ann Godefroy

Offering therapy in CA
License: LPCC,LPC,LAADC
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsRelationship issuesDepressionCoping with life changes
11 years of experience

As a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor (LPCC) I am committed to maintaining a personal environment that ensures my clients receive the individual attention and the services that best meet their needs. I work mainly with the individual adult population who are seeking to address a variety of issues and I provide comprehensive psychological services in a warm, supportive, and professional atmosphere. I help my clients effectively work through the problems they face in response to stress, difficult life transitions, relationship issues, emotional and behavioral difficulties as well as substance abuse and addiction. I use an integrative treatment approach to promote insight, individual growth, improved coping and interpersonal skills, and movement toward a contented and more fulfilling life. Cognitive-Behavioral (CBT), Psychodynamic/Insight-Oriented, Interpersonal and Motivational Interviewing Therapy Techniques are used to facilitate personal growth and treat an array of specific issues. Some of the issues worked on include but are not limited to: Depression & other Mood Disorders, Anxiety, Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder, Panic Disorder, Substance Abuse/Addictions & Major Life Transitions. By applying complementary therapy approaches & techniques we will help you uncover your true potential and lead a life that is worth celebrating!

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Angelique (Gigi) Tsontos

Offering therapy in CA
Relationship issuesFamily conflictsCareer difficultiesCoping with life changesCoaching
14 years of experience

I am Gigi, a licensed in California and Kansas with 14 years of professional work experience. My focus helping clients with work, professional development, 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 seek a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process.

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Dr. Shay Groenewold

Offering therapy in CA
AddictionsRelationship issuesFamily conflictsAnger managementSelf esteem
8 years of experience

I am licensed as a psychologist in California and New York, and registered as an out-of-state telehealth provider with the state of Florida. I have over a decade of professional education, training, and work experience in clinical and forensic settings. I strive to provide tailored support for my clients as they address issues like anxiety, depression, addiction, past trauma, communication issues, anger management, symptoms of serious mental illness, adjustment and decision-making issues, and relationship problems. Using an individualized, nonjudgmental approach, I will work with you collaboratively on building support, creating healthy independence, developing self-compassion and self-acceptance, clarifying values, and identifying goals for improving coping, fulfillment, and self-concept.

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Liena McCord

Offering therapy in CA
License: LCSW
Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseSelf esteemBipolar disorderDepression
21 years of experience

My name is Liena Hsieh McCord, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW). I have been providing mental health support to adults, adolescents, families, and couples for over 24 years in various settings. I have extensive experience working with individuals experiencing anxiety, depression, OCD, trauma, work concerns, and professional as well as personal relationship concerns. My clinical practice entails heightened sensitivity and awareness to diversity and cultural factors, such as race and ethnicity, racial trauma, generational differences, biculturality, LGBTQIA+ awareness, and more. I have a particularly strong passion for understanding and embracing diversity, especially when it comes to mental health impact on people of color. I am a first generation (and a half) Chinese American and speak Chinese Mandarin. My therapy approach is eclectic with a main goal of helping my clients become more aware of their own thoughts, feelings, and behaviors while increasing self-compassion and limiting self-judgment so that they can lead a content and satisfying life. My therapy style is solution-focused with a Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy approach while helping my clients better understand their history so that they can continue to move forward. I commend you for coming this far and I hope you will find the right therapist for you to support you along this journey!

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Lynette Alarcon

Offering therapy in CA
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsEating disordersDepression
6 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 6 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, coping with addictions, & eating disorders. I also have experience working with depression. I believe in treating everyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion. I will tailor our dialog and treatment plan to meet your unique and specific needs. 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.

How to find counseling in Tustin

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

How does the cost of in-person counseling compare to the cost of BetterHelp with a licensed Tustin 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 Tustin 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 Tustin 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 Tustin, 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 Tustin 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 Tustin 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 Tustin 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 Tustin 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 Tustin 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 92780 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 Tustin 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 Tustin 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 Tustin, 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.

Tustin 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 Tustin.

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

92606, 92780, 92781, 92782

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