This is Kamisha Ford's avatar and link to their profile

Kamisha Ford

Offering therapy in CA
License: LMFT
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesIntimacy-related issuesDepressionCoping with life changes
13 years of experience

Hello! My name is Kamisha, Sex Therapist, Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in California with over a decade of clinical experience. I work with adults reporting concerns related to mental health, sexual health, relationships, and intimacy issues. My style is warm, direct, and transparent. It is important that our therapeutic relationship is collaborative in order to establish concrete goals that will help you improve your overall well-being. I believe therapy is not a quick fix and requires time and commitment, and I am here help support your journey. I look forward to working with you.

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Alfred Gomes

Offering therapy in CA
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesFamily conflictsDepression
3 years of experience

Hello and welcome to my profile. First, I'd like to express recognition to you for taking the first step to addressing what concerns, challenges, and issues that may be happening for you. It takes courage to take the first step of reaching out for assistance to increase your quality of life. We live in an ever changing world and as human beings we are constantly evolving and adapting to change. Life can be overwhelming, unpredictable, and challenging. I would love the opportunity be of help to you in your journey to feel better, healthier, and motivated. I have many years of experience working with youth, families, and individuals. I am truly passionate about helping others gain introspective knowledge about themselves in an effort to heal past traumas, gain self-confidence, increase self-love, reignite passions, set and work toward SMART goals, and shift perspectives. I use a variety of modalities. I individually customize treatment approaches to each client I work with. I am a professional who offers a clean, relaxed, comfortable, confidential, safe, positive, therapeutic setting for you to express yourself free from critical judgement. I consider myself a kind, friendly, attentive therapist. I will do my best to provide you with consistent, quality care and treatment throughout our time working together.

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Dr. Kathleen Ayers

Offering therapy in CA
License: PsyD
Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseDepression
32 years of experience

I am a clinical psychologist, licensed in California since 2001. I have extensive experience in helping people who have chronic pain and other chronic medical conditions. I use a combination of cognitive-behavioral therapy and acceptance and commitment therapy. I am also certified in CBT for insomnia. I am interested in the role that nutrition and diet play in health and have certifications in this area (though I am not a dietitian or nutritionist). I enjoy working with individuals and groups. While many people think of CBT and being matter-of-fact and rooted only in the present, it is much more than that, allowing for exploration of past issues in a safe environment while working on present concerns and issues. It does often include homework, and I do give homework assignments. My many years of experience have taught me that I make a living from others' misfortunates, accidents, and tragedies. This realization makes me caring and compassionate. All too often, those with chronic pain and chronic medical conditions feel that they are not believed when they report their physical problems and pain levels. My goal is to provide a safe, caring , and accepting environment for people to discuss their concerns. I have recently developed an interest in also providing help to people who have been traumatized by paranormal experiences.

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Ugochi Apakama

Offering therapy in CA
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesFamily conflictsTrauma and abuseCoping with life changes
4 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 4 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 sign up for therapy can take courage and I am proud of you for getting started!

This is Burton "Burt" Swaim's avatar and link to their profile

Burton "Burt" Swaim

Offering therapy in CA
Stress, AnxietyIntimacy-related issuesSelf esteemDepressionCoping with life changes
50 years of experience

I am a licensed psychotherapist in California and Utah with over 50 years of professional experience. I have extensive successful experience helping individuals deal effectively with stress/anxiety, depression and helping clients reset and renew their efforts to achieve their life goals. I also have considerable experience helping clients deal with alcohol and drug related difficulties. I also help build and support goal setting, motivation, self esteem and work to increase confidence. This often involves relationship issues, and coping with previous loss, grief. and trauma. The overall strategy is identifying and Challenging the Inner, often unrealized Personal Potential. I work with my clients to create an open and safe environment where thoughts ,feelings and behaviors can be shared without judgment. It takes courage and willingness to seek out a more fulfilling , happier and meaningful life. I have a depth of life experience and a spirit that is a strength and resource in this personal growth. I thoroughly enjoy supporting my clients as they take their first steps towards positive change and healthy progress. Therapy is a collaborative process with clients in setting issues to work on in therapy and setting achievable goals and time setting for their progress. Active client participation in setting therapy goals is essential. I am here to support & empower you in that journey. I am focused on helping you improve your developing comfort, happiness and success in your life. I am All In! I want you to overcome, accept deal with and Improve your :Life whatever the Challenges may be! Note: I have co-produced several Documentary films to Support Full Recovery from alcohol and chemical dependency. "Living Sober Class of '76" was acclaimed by Marty Mann Founder/Director of the National Council on Alcoholism as "The Best Film ever Made in the Field of Alcoholism". It was helpful in remove to some degree the Stigma of Recovery. I have also been a guest faculty in the Summer School on Alcohol Studies at the University of California at San Diego with Topics such as "Intimacy, Sexuality and Recovery. I helped in the Publishing of " I'm Back and I'm Sober" by Chaney Allen Washington. Her book was a Ground Breaking Success with many publications. I assisted the State of Montana with increasing Liquor Taxes to help fund the "Alcoholism Programs of Montana". I was able to serve as a personal consultant to the late Joan Kroc, McDonald Owner regarding her producing treatment and recovery documentary films for her Operation Cork Program. Joan Kroc donated $1,700,000,000 to the Salvation Army prior to her passing. These funds have helped many, many individuals recover from alcohol and drug use and continue to do so. Most recently my wife Shirley and I wrote and published via Amazon, "Rebirth of the Broken Branches'" a True Love Story! It emphasizes the Positive Aspects of Recovery. It is being considered by an Academy Award Winning writer for a televised movie.

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Ryan McNeel

Offering therapy in CA
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesTrauma and abuseSelf esteemDepression
15 years of experience

Hello and welcome! I'm Ryan, a retired Air Force veteran and experienced therapist, here to guide you on your journey toward healing and self-discovery. My years of running a trauma room in Afghanistan have instilled in me a profound understanding of resilience and the human spirit's capacity to overcome adversity.In our sessions on BetterHelp, you'll find a compassionate and understanding environment where we address challenges like stress, anxiety, trauma, and life transitions. My approach is deeply influenced by my military background, where I learned the importance of empathy, adaptability, and strength in the face of life's most challenging moments.With a commitment to providing tailored support, I draw upon a range of therapeutic techniques to help you navigate your mental health journey. Whether you're seeking to heal from past experiences, build resilience, or find new pathways to wellness, I'm here to offer insights and strategies that can make a real difference.Let's work together to harness your inner strength and embark on a path to a more fulfilling and balanced life.

This is Domonqe Walker's avatar and link to their profile

Domonqe Walker

Offering therapy in CA
Eating disordersSelf esteemBipolar disorderDepressionADHD
7 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 7 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with eating disorders, motivation, self esteem, and confidence, bipolar disorder, ADHD, anxiety, & 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!

This is Lina Babani Suchov's avatar and link to their profile

Lina Babani Suchov

Offering therapy in CA
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesFamily conflictsSelf esteemDepression
34 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 34 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, & motivation, self esteem, and confidence. 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.

This is Hilary Weidig's avatar and link to their profile

Hilary Weidig

Offering therapy in CA
Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseSelf esteemBipolar disorderDepression
4 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 4 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, trauma and abuse, motivation, self esteem, and confidence, & bipolar disorder. 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 sign up for therapy can take courage and I am proud of you for getting started!

This is Jonathan Trost's avatar and link to their profile

Jonathan Trost

Offering therapy in CA
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesAnger managementCareer difficultiesCoping with life changes
36 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 36 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, anger management, & career difficulties. I work with my clients to create an open and safe environment where thoughts and feelings can be shared without fear of judgment. 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 Del Mar

Finding the best therapist close by in Del Mar 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 Del Mar. 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 Del Mar, 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 Del Mar 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 Del Mar 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 Del Mar, elsewhere in San Diego, 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 Del Mar area can be found below:

How does the cost of in-person counseling compare to the cost of BetterHelp with a licensed Del Mar 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 Del Mar 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 Del Mar 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 Del Mar, 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 Del Mar 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 Del Mar 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 Del Mar 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 Del Mar 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 Del Mar 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 92014 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 Del Mar 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 Del Mar 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 Del Mar, 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.

Del Mar 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 Del Mar.

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

92014

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