Surrounded by the Santa Monica Mountains, Simi Hills, San Gabriel Mountains, Chalk Hills, and Verdugo Mountains, the City of San Fernando is nestled within the Valley to which it lent its name as the region’s first town. No matter where you look, there are amazing picturesque views.  

However, if you have a mental illness like depression, you may have trouble just getting yourself out of bed, let alone appreciating the gorgeous landscape. It is important to get treatment for your depression to prevent it from getting worse. Talk to one of the San Fernando mental health professionals to see what you can do to feel better. 

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Moushumi Ghose

Offering therapy in CA
License: MA, LMFT
LGBTRelationship issuesIntimacy-related issuesCoaching
17 years of experience

Hello! I have been working with couples and individuals, specifically in the realm of sex-positive psychotherapy, empowering relationships and sex lives since opening my practice in 2007. My work focuses on developing stronger communication, a better understanding and awareness of our desires, driving forces, and developing a deeper connection between mind and body. I work to help people break down shame, guilt and to feel more positive, to develop healthier attitudes around sex, sexuality, gender, fluidity and more. I deal with relationship issues, and have extensive experience with ethical and consensual non monogamy, polyamory, kink, LGBTQIA++, sex work, dating concerns, creative expression, sexual/social minorities, gender issues, BIPOC. I am also a published author, and have appeared in the media multiple times. I have extensive experience working with trauma around religion and sex. I feel that all things are interconnected. Our relationships cannot be healed unless we look at ourselves and vice versa. Our psychological experiences will have an affect on our bodies. Some issues I can help you with might include: Sex Therapy Relationship Concerns Polyamory, Non Monogamy LGBTQ Transgender, Agender, Non-Binary Infidelity Sexual Trauma Fear of Intimacy Lack of Sexual Desire, Problems with Arousal Feelings of Guilt, Fear, Anxiety around Sex Uncertainty About Sexual Orientation or Gender Emotional Love Addictions Career Changes Breaking Up

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Dr. Trina Hamas

Offering therapy in CA
License: PsyD,LMFT
Stress, AnxietyFamily conflictsTrauma and abuseDepression
16 years of experience

Welcome! My name is Dr. Trina Hamas and I am a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in the state of California. I have over ten years of experience providing therapeutic services for individuals, couples, and families. My expertise lies in alleviating symptoms related to depression, anxiety, abuse, trauma, grief and loss, family dysfunction, relationship issues, chronic pain, as well as issues related to motivation, self-esteem, and confidence. My style of therapy is collaborative, integrative, and considerate of cultural influences. I believe the most effective treatment is one that encourages the active participation of my clients so that my understanding of their needs is thorough and accurate, and therapeutic goals are meaningful and realistic. I want my clients to feel welcomed, listened to, and empowered. I strive to understand their cultural and personal backgrounds so they feel the changes they are working towards are consistent with their values and beliefs. I am trained extensively in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, which means I tend to focus on the connection between thoughts and behaviors. I find the use of CBT is effective in helping clients understand their dysfunction in practical ways and allows them to gain a sense of authority and agency over their lives. I am also an expert in Family Systems Theory and am partial to Virginia Satir's work, specifically her theories related to communication and human validation. I use CBT and Satir approaches together to create a safe and effective place for clients to feel comfortable while working through their issues in a practical way. I may also draw from other interventions, such as mindfulness practices and relaxation techniques. I also “practice what I preach.” I believe in the importance of self-care and healthy relationships. I do not ask of my clients that which I am unwilling to ask myself. If you are ready to begin your journey, I am here to support you along the way.

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Jan Gabrielle Galinanes

Offering therapy in CA
License: LMFT,ATR-BC
Stress, AnxietyGriefSelf esteemCoping with life changesCompassion fatigue
9 years of experience

I am an ATR-BC and licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and have been practicing since I graduated in 2013. I have experience working in a wide variety of settings such as, hospitals, inpatient, residential programs, schools, and outpatient clinics. I work with all ages, couples and families struggling with mental illness, grief and loss, adjustment issues, anxiety, serious medical issues, trauma, death/dying, dementia/ Alzheimer’s, personality disorders, and and a variety of other issues. I draw from an eclectic person-centered approach, incorporating theories from jungian psychology, object relations theory, and narrative therapy, while also keeping mindful to meet my clients needs and work with what is comfortable for them. My goal is to meet my clients where they are at by providing a consistent, safe, holding space and experience. My specialties include using art modalities in combination with other techniques and topics, such as music, mindfulness, life skills, and animal assisted therapy. I use these modalities and techniques to help decrease anxiety, manage anger, manage pain, improve sleep, decrease anxiety, raise self-esteem, increase self awareness \mindfulness, and create a safe and healthy environment where clients can express themselves. For my professional growth, I continuously read related literature, keep myself up to date with the ethical and legal guidelines in the field, and the latest research, and attend conferences and trainings. I also cultivate my own personal art therapy practice to keep current with new mediums, techniques, and themes.

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Claire Nana

Offering therapy in CA
License: LMFT
AddictionsTrauma and abuseAnger managementSelf esteemCoping with life changes
15 years of experience

I am a licensed marriage and family therapist with 15 years experience working as a psychotherapist and life coach. I work with a variety of concerns including trauma, addiction, body image and weight loss issues, relationship issues, and life purpose. I have also worked with many people recovering from mass traumas, such as school shootings. I have presented at International conferences and written 25 continuing education courses for psychotherapists. My goal is always to identify ways the practice of psychotherapy can be improved, and find new and innovative ways clinicians can help their clients. In my free time, I enjoy ultrarunning, bringing my three rescue horses up the levels in dressage and completing a long overdue manuscript. I believe in empowering my clients, treating them with respect, and honoring their life choices. I believe that the keys to improved mental health and happiness exist inside every client. My approach is existential in nature, and looks to help people find what is truly most important to them, and move in that direction. Together, I believe we can find a way to a fulfilling, rewarding, and meaningful life - regardless of what life has put you through. I look forward to working with you!

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Kevin Wurtz

Offering therapy in CA
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsRelationship issuesFamily conflictsSelf esteem
21 years of experience

I am licensed in California with over 21 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, coping with addictions, relationship issues, & family conflicts. 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 seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process.

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Iria Sebastiao

Offering therapy in CA
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesTrauma and abuseGriefCoping with life changes
10 years of experience

Are you struggling with feeling stuck, lost, or overwhelmed? Do you have angst because life doesn't feel right, or could it be better? Do you want to have better and healthier relationships? If you're motivated to do personal work and move toward a better-feeling life, I'm here to help. As a licensed therapist in California with a decade of professional experience, I have the expertise and compassion to guide you toward healing and personal growth. But that's not all - I'm also a certified life coach and intuitive healer. This means that I can offer you a holistic, transformative experience beyond traditional therapy. As we work together, you'll learn practical skills for managing stress and anxiety, better navigating relationships, and tapping into your inner wisdom and intuition to uncover your true desires and passions. You are the ruler of your life, and you define your goals for therapy. My approach is collaborative and tailored to your unique needs and desires. I offer a safe, non-judgmental space where you can feel heard and understood. We'll work together to create a plan that aligns with your values and aspirations, and I'll support you every step of the way. Together, we can light the path toward the life you deeply yearn for. If you're ready to take that first step toward healing and personal growth, I invite you to reach out to me today. Seeking help takes courage, and I'm here to support you. Let's work together to overcome the challenges holding you back and create a life filled with joy, fulfillment, and purpose.

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Claudia Diaz

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

I am licensed in California with 12 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, trauma and abuse, & motivation, self esteem, and confidence. I believe that you are the expert of your story and that you have many strengths that will assist you in overcoming things that challenge you. Taking the first step to seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process.

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Maureen Sanders

Offering therapy in CA
Stress, AnxietySelf esteemDepressionCoping with life changesCompassion fatigue
18 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 18 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety. 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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Lauren Graovac

Offering therapy in CA
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesSelf esteemCoping with life changesCoaching
20 years of experience

I am a wellness coach and licensed psychotherapist combined for over 20 years in NY, and California. I bring my enthusiasm for healing and helping my clients reclaim their lives. My approach is holistic and includes mindfulness, DBT, Somatic and Psychodynamic. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, motivation, self esteem, and confidence, & 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. 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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Gwendolyn Yvonne Tyson

Offering therapy in CA
Stress, AnxietyFamily conflictsGriefSelf esteemDepression
29 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 29 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, family conflicts, coping with grief and loss, & motivation, self esteem, and confidence. I believe that you are the expert of your story and that you have many strengths that will assist you in overcoming things that challenge you. Taking the first step to seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process.

How to find counseling in San Fernando

Finding the best therapist close by in San Fernando 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 San Fernando. 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 San Fernando, 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 San Fernando 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 San Fernando 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 San Fernando, elsewhere in Los Angeles, 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 San Fernando area can be found below:

How does the cost of in-person counseling compare to the cost of BetterHelp with a licensed San Fernando 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 San Fernando 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 San Fernando 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 San Fernando, 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 San Fernando 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 San Fernando 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 San Fernando 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 San Fernando 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 San Fernando 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 91340 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 San Fernando 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 San Fernando 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 San Fernando, 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.

San Fernando 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 San Fernando.

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

91340, 91341

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