Wasco, California is the headquarters of the Tejon Indian Tribe of California, which include the Chumash, Yokuts, and Kitanemuk Indigenous people. Their motto is “Come Grow with Us” because the city is always building on itself. Just like we are always trying to build on ourselves throughout our lives. 

When you are struggling with something going on in your life, you need someone to talk to and if you cannot find anyone who will listen without judging, it can be hard. But, the counselors in Wasco are available and will listen to you without judgement right now. Contact one of these professionals today and you could start feeling better tomorrow.

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John Hanig

Offering therapy in CA
License: LMFT
Stress, AnxietyLGBTTrauma and abuseDepression
6 years of experience

It is normal for traumatic life events (such as near-death experiences, being the victim of violence, or the loss of a loved one) to cause us to become stuck in patterns that prevent us from exploring emotional pain in order to let go of it; in this way, staying stuck further perpetuates ongoing suffering, like a “snake eating its tail.” I am here to support you with untangling these patterns in order to reclaim who you are and gain satisfaction with seeing how who you are can glow brighter than ever in your relationships and community. With our work through Better Help, I usually ask lots of questions not only to get to know you better but to also provide an opportunity for you to express yourself and see how it feels to release some of your more intense emotions through the power of words. I also ask lots of questions to guide you with exploring your relationships (such as family, friends, and intimate partners) and provide suggestions on ways to improve communication, since the majority of problems that occur in our relationships usually come from miscommunication and as a result not receiving the most mutual support that we could receive from our relationships. I can also teach techniques (such as breathing exercises and affirmations) that you can actually use at moments when you might feel particularly overwhelmed or “freaking out,” and I can help you adapt them to your unique lifestyle and personality so that it can hopefully feel easier to put them into practice in the real world. I am a queer man who specializes in providing psychotherapy to other queer men and LGBTQ people in English, Spanish, & Brazilian Portuguese. I am most passionate about serving LGBTQ people experiencing severe and persistent mental illnesses, including depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). As LGBTQ people, engaging in therapy is more important than ever.

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Andre Maxie

Offering therapy in CA
License: LMFT
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesParenting issuesDepressionADHD
12 years of experience

Greetings! Thank you for taking the time to view my profile. My Name is Andre and I am a Marriage and Family Therapist licensed in the state of California, I have over 12 years of experience working with a wide variety of clients with a range of concerns including depression, anxiety, relationship issues, substance abuse, parenting problems, career challenges, OCD and ADHD. My counseling style is accepting and engaging. I believe that building a therapeutic alliance is essential. I’m also a firm believer in treating everyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion, and I don't believe in stigmatizing labels. My approach combines cognitive-behavioral, humanistic, psychodynamic and rational-emotive counseling. I will customize our dialog and treatment plan to meet your unique and specific needs. It takes a tremendous amount of courage to seek a more fulfilling and happier life and to take the first steps towards a change. I am here to support and empower you. My goal is to meet you where you are and help you get where you want to go. I look forward to our journey.

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Dr. Cynthia Montgomery

Offering therapy in CA
License: Ph.D.
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesFamily conflictsTrauma and abuseDepression
42 years of experience

I am a licensed clinical psychologist with over 42 years of experience. I specialize in depression, anxiety, and life struggles. I also focus in neuropsychology and geriatric psychology. I've worked with active duty military and their families dealing with PTSD, depression and couple's issues. I've done individual and couple's counselling. The experience of a divorce with my first husband and then celebrating 40 years with my second husband has assisted me in helping struggling couples. My style is down to earth and straight forward which is shown in my book on parenting called " Kids were made cute so you won't throw them out the window." The 10 years of treating people with addiction has given me great insight into the family issues and roles of the family where there is addiction. Since I went to the University of Costa Rica for part of my studies, I am bilingual in Spanish.

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Caron Trataris

Offering therapy in CA
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesSelf esteemDepression
5 years of experience

Welcome! Thank you for taking the time to read a little bit about me – sometimes just getting this far can be a lot of work, and I understand that. My name is Caron Trataris, and I am a California Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist/LMFT. I work primarily with adults. Many of my clients engage therapy because they are experiencing emotional pain or may be feeling overwhelmed, either by symptoms of anxiety or depression, resulting in a limited ability to connect with others, or realize opportunities for personal growth. In session I utilize Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, an evidence-based approach to help clients understand how their thoughts, feelings, and behaviors are interconnected. Examining a client’s physical response to external stressors lends to the integration of mindfulness techniques to cultivate moments of calm, replacing a reactive response with the space necessary for thoughtful interpretation in the face of change. I hold 3 master’s degrees, a Master of Science in Counseling, Marriage, Child and Family Therapy from University of Phoenix-Pasadena, CA, as well as a Master of Science in Psychology and an MBA, also from University of Phoenix. I look forward to our journey, let me know if I can be of service.

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Margaret Moreno

Offering therapy in CA
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesFamily conflictsParenting issuesDepression
7 years of experience

I am licensed in California and have over ten years of professional experience working with adults, youths and families, providing direct services. I have experience working with clients with stress and anxiety, parenting and relationship issues, and depression. Throughout my career, I have focused my efforts on creating a collaborative relationship with my clients, helping them to identify their own strengths in order to address symptoms and intrusive thought patterns. My therapy style is warm and interactive. I believe in treating everyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion, and I don't believe in stigmatizing labels or judgments. My approach combines the use of CBT, mindfulness, and psychosocial techniques. I will tailor our dialog and treatment plan to meet your unique and specific needs. It takes courage to seek a more fulfilling and happier life and to take the first steps towards change. If you are ready to take that step, I am here to support and empower you. I look forward to working with you! Additional educational: Master's Degree in Social Work New York University Master's Degree in Public Health The George Washington University

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Dr. James Fishback

Offering therapy in CA
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesIntimacy-related issuesAnger managementCoping with life changes
33 years of experience

Hello, my name is Dr. Fishback, a licensed psychologist. It takes courage, curiosity, and commitment to reach out for help. I know because I have experienced my own psychotherapy, and it took a lot of work and a lot of truth about myself. I have done therapy work in California for the last 33 years, with many different people, children, teens, young and older adults, in places including my offices, schools, courts, prisons, outdoor settings, and online, with males and females, and with many different races, This has given me some deep experience and insight into humans and a large cross-section of our society. I have many years of experience in helping clients with stress, anxiety, depression, relationship issues, intimacy, abuse, and simply not knowing where U are going in life. I find that helping people solve their problems is a marvelous challenge for me. I work very hard for my clients, and I am honest with them, including if they seem to miss seeing something important. My therapy style is to be there for my clients in their way -- do they want me to primarily listen, or help problem-solve, or empathize in the moment, it's their call... But I also find that people who do improve their issues always work harder than me. With some guidance it is the client who figures things out and has the ah-ah experiences, not the therapist. Otherwise, the client can never fully own their own insight and understanding, and go on to reliably and accurately manage their own life problems. Those are my goals. I work on all weekdays except Fridays, so I can see clients on most days. In addition, I find that I can help others best when I communicate with them by live video or phone… (I don't do live chat, except messaging between sessions, because I am too slow a typist). You can read more about my background, education, experience, and therapy approach on this website. I would look forward to work with you on your issues, Dr. Fishback

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Keith McGowen

Offering therapy in CA
Relationship issuesFamily conflictsParenting issuesSelf esteemCareer difficulties
10 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 10 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with relationship issues, family conflicts, parenting issues, teen issues & motivation, self esteem, and confidence. 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.

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Richard Wendt

Offering therapy in CA
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesTrauma and abuseParenting issuesDepression
12 years of experience

I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. I earned a Masters of Arts in Marriage, Family, Child Counseling and a Masters of Divinity with an emphasis in New Testament Theology from Fresno Pacific Biblical Seminary. My Masters work in traumatic stress has led me to specialize in Trauma and PTSD in both adults and children and am a Certified Clinical Trauma Professional. I have experience in Law Enforcement, firefighting, and EMS as a Paramedic. I have experience in ministry working as pastor, chaplain, and pastoral counselor. Before opening my private practice I worked as a therapist at the College of the Sequoias, Visalia Youth Services and with Trinity Ministries Group. I work with adults, adolescents, children, family and couples. I enjoy working with adolescents and children with behavioral, mood and anxiety problems. I work with the military, law enforcement, firefighters, and paramedics and their families. My approach is to come along side of you to assist you in developing healthier relationships and coping skills. 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.

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Alexcis Grushinski

Offering therapy in CA
License: LCSW,M. Ed
Self esteemCareer difficultiesBipolar disorderDepressionCoping with life changes
5 years of experience

Hi, I'm Alexcis! I'm a Licensed Clinical Social Worker but you might also call me a mindful, coping skills, mood disturbance, values-oriented, polyamorous counselor. I help people who long to feel stable, secure, physically, and emotionally healthy but hold themselves back due to past and present difficulties. These barriers, keep them from moving forward and accomplishing their goals. Living a life of values does not guarantee a stress-free easy life. It can however help get through the tough times by keeping us on track to accomplish our goals. Life is hard and full of stress. I believe that through self-compassion, values, mindfulness, and a desire for something better will lead to a meaningful life. Call or send an email to start on your new path.

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Thomas Wilson

Offering therapy in CA
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsTrauma and abuseGriefDepression
5 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 5 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, coping with addictions, trauma and abuse, & 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. 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.

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How to find counseling in Wasco

Finding the best therapist close by in Wasco 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 Wasco. 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 Wasco, 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 Wasco 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 Wasco 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 Wasco, 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 Wasco area can be found below:

How does the cost of in-person counseling compare to the cost of BetterHelp with a licensed Wasco 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 Wasco 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 Wasco 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 Wasco, 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 Wasco 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 Wasco 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 Wasco 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 Wasco 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 Wasco 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 93280 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 Wasco 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 Wasco 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 Wasco, 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.

Wasco has many clinicians who practice person or client-centered individual therapy in-person and through online therapy to assist clients in their healing journey. If you opt into online therapy, you might also be able to meet with providers all over the United States and change therapists easily at any time. Many people struggling with anxiety and depression, substance abuse, body image issues, and more find therapists that are a good fit for them, feel supported, and gain further insight into their lives through internet-based therapy.

Do therapists judge you in therapy sessions?

The boundaries between you and a therapist are in place to help you and them regarding ethical concerns. Mental health professionals are held by ethical standards through the American Psychological Association (APA) and are not allowed to judge or harm their clients. If you are concerned about sharing details about yourself, feel free to withhold personal information. Their job in the therapeutic relationship is to create a safe place, help you gain a deeper understanding of your mental health, and support you. You might consider changing counselors if you don't feel safe or respected.

Stay up to date with the leading online counseling platform

To stay up to date with BetterHelp's initiatives through their social channels, you can follow them on Pinterest, LinkedIn, Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook. For mental health tips, check out the BetterHelp YouTube channel.

Take some time today to learn more about the team of therapists at BetterHelp to understand the services available to you clearly. If you are new to therapy or have any questions about the services and terms, please reach out through the contact page or send an email to contact@betterhelp.com.

If you’re ready to sign up for online therapy, consider signing up with a platform like BetterHelp and get matched within 24 to 48 hours.

If you are experiencing a crisis or emergency, don't use this site's online services. If you are in life-threatening danger, call 911. If you require support for a crisis, reach out to the hotlines below:

A woman meets with a therapist online in her home city of Wasco.

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

93280

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