Life can feel like a dance. When you're mentally prepared, you can dance across anything life throws at you, and end things off with grace. However, when you're mentally unwell, you may stumble, fall, and feel like everyone is throwing tomatoes at you. A counselor based in Encinitas can be the dance instructor you need. 

Encinitas is known for many things, including its ballet. Ballet dancing requires much training and precision, but it can be rewarding. This applies to life as well. If you need someone to help train you, a counselor can help you do just that. Speak to one today and see what you can do. 

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Christina Harley-Bishara

Offering therapy in CA
License: LMFT
Relationship issuesFamily conflictsParenting issuesSelf esteemCoping with life changes
22 years of experience

Asking for help can be so difficult, but you are not alone. Whether you are suffering from anxiety, depression, personal loss or chronic stress, I am here to help you. As a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with over 17 years of experience, I will help you find the tools to overcome the barriers that are stopping you from finding balance and happiness in your life. I provide a very safe, relaxed and non-judgmental environment, where we collaborate as a team to help you meet your personal goals. My approach is to be empathic and directive, tailored to your needs. I've worked with children, adolescents, couples, adults and families. However, because I've treated people of all ages, I have the skills to help you with a variety issues, including parenting, divorce, and family trauma/conflict. I'm here for you.

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April Garcia

Offering therapy in CA
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsLGBTRelationship issuesDepression
15 years of experience

Welcome & Hello, It all began at the age of 5, my first client myself. Ever since I could recall I've been fascinated with my own thoughts and behaviors. Standing up for myself, when I was in kindergarten, when a teachers aide was pinching and leaving marks on me was my first memory of advocating for myself and standing up for what I knew was abuse. People have asked me my purpose for choosing to be a therapist and I tell them: I want to share and teach others what I gave myself at the age of 5: understanding, acceptance, and care. I understand you are a person first and any mental health needs that you have, will be secondary to how I will approach my counseling with you. Depression, anxiety, and inattention does not control you, You do. Anxiety doesn't own your thoughts, You own your thoughts. I will hold you accountable and will work with you, to find ways for YOU to be the best version of yourself that you will be proud of. Be an influencer in life by taking loving care of the only person you can truly be responsible for, which is YOU. If you've heard nothing else I've said thus far, please hear this: Fear is the excuse we give ourselves for not doing something. I will support you with your journey of growth by connecting with you; encouraging you to go outside your comfort zone; and I will challenge your thinking but you will be responsible for changing YOU. I will offer you NEW ways to see yourself and when doing so you may see the world change around you. Changing just a little bit every day, may produce a larger change, you never knew, you always wanted. I Can't wait to take the journey with you.

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Jeanine Bourcier

Offering therapy in CA
License: LMFT
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesCareer difficultiesDepressionCoping with life changes
15 years of experience

I am a licensed therapist with over 15 years of experience in working with mental health issues. I have worked with clients who have a wide range of concerns including depression, relationship issues, life changes, young adult transitions and aging issues. I have worked in public mental health as well as private practice, giving me a wide range of experience with many issues and a diversity of clients. My counseling style is empathic, collaborative, and I draw from the person-centered approach as my goal is to meet you where you are. This allows me to assist you in your journey of self-discovery and self-determination. My approach focuses on solution-focused counseling to help you make the changes you want to improve your current condition. While we may explore deeper issues, my focus is on how we can work together to improve your life in the here and now. I look forward to helping you make the changes you want to have the best quality of life. I believe in creating a safe-space where we can have conversations that will assist you in resolving issues, addressing concerns and becoming the best version of yourself. I am always honored to be part of someone’s journey and I look forward to working with you!

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Joseph Delgado

Offering therapy in CA
License: LMFT
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsRelationship issuesFamily conflictsTrauma and abuse
7 years of experience

How can I be of service? I have been a practicing clinician for 7 years. I have experience with individuals, families, couples, and adolescents. I have a bachelors degree in pastoral ministry from Life Pacific University, and a masters degree in marriage and family therapy from Hope International University. I am fully certified to provide EMDR trauma counseling. I am a family systems therapist and my approach is to walk alongside you in the journey and adventure that is your life.

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Shirley Ikenze

Offering therapy in CA
Trauma and abuseGriefCoping with life changesCoachingADHD
24 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 27 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, trauma and abuse, coping with grief and loss, & coping with life changes. 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. 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. I believe in the Almighty, whether He is called God, Allah, Buddha, etc. I do not politicize my faith. Please note that I am not a religious extremist in any way, although I call myself a Christian. 2 Corinthians 1:4 "He comforts us in all our troubles so that we can comfort others. When they are troubled, we will be able to give them the same comfort God has given us.

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Jason Stringer

Offering therapy in CA
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsRelationship issuesSelf esteemDepression
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, relationship issues, & 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. 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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Linda Abdelbaki

Offering therapy in CA
Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseSelf esteemDepressionCoping with life changes
17 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 17 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, trauma and abuse, motivation, self esteem, and 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 seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process.

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Roberto Attalla

Offering therapy in CA
AddictionsFamily conflictsSelf esteemCoping with life changesCompassion fatigue
11 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 14 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with coping with addictions, family conflicts, motivation, self esteem, and confidence, coping with life changes & connecting to community resources. I believe in treating everyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion. I will tailor our dialog and treatment plan to meet your unique and specific needs. Taking the first step to sign up for therapy can take courage and I am proud of you for getting started!

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Dr. Hal Levine

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

I am a licensed psychotherapist in California, and I hold degrees as a Licensed Marriage-Family-Therapist and a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor. I’ve been in the field for over 40 years, including mental health clinics, residential, psychiatric, emergency response, and private practices. I’ve worked in professional positions in both Social Services and Behavioral Mental Health. Concomitantly, I’ve dedicated myself to be the best person I can be so that I may serve others. This has included a Spiritual Path, where I have completed a Doctorate of Spiritual Science degree. I don’t see this as a terminal degree as I will continue self-exploration to be the best person I can be for the rest of my life. So, along with having a strong clinical background, I personally value all that I have learned in Spiritual Psychology. I will offer you practical solutions to living one’s life in a healthy way, and with it, clear and concise ways that you can transform your life in profound and meaningful ways. This is offered without judgment and in a supportive atmosphere of loving and compassion. I will share with you my own professional experience, my personal growth, and the lessons I’ve learned from my spiritual journey while always focusing in on you, where you are at, and your needs. Clinically, I will offer practical solutions to help you resolve issues quickly. This involves a reduction in stress and anxiety, how to have healthy relationships, resolving trauma and abuse, increasing motivation (reducing depression), letting go of addictions, building self-esteem, understanding dynamic themes in one’s life, and finding practical ways to finally feel good about yourself. I strive 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 ultimately to experience Joy. When was the last time you declared to yourself, “I love being me, I love my life.” Let’s create this together.

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Cynthia Lopez

Offering therapy in CA
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesSelf esteemCareer difficultiesDepression
3 years of experience

I am licensed in California. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, motivation, self esteem, and confidence, & career difficulties. 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 Encinitas

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

How does the cost of in-person counseling compare to the cost of BetterHelp with a licensed Encinitas 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 Encinitas 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 Encinitas 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 Encinitas, 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 Encinitas 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 Encinitas 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 Encinitas 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 Encinitas 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 Encinitas 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 92075 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 Encinitas 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 Encinitas 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 Encinitas, 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.

Encinitas 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 Encinitas.

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

92007, 92023, 92024, 92075

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