Living in the sunshine state of California, it does not seem like anyone would be unhappy or stressed out. But, it does not matter where you live or how sunny it is, you can get depression or anxiety from a chemical imbalance or it could be inherited. The counselors based in Imperial Beach are dedicated to help those with mental health disorders like anxiety or depression. 

The mission statement of Imperial Beach is to maintain a classic southern California beach-oriented community. The town is focused on being safe and rich in culture and natural resources. This is the kind of town you want to raise a family in. But, if you have depression or anxiety, it's important to speak with a therapist so you can start feeling better. 

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Amanda Wiginton

Offering therapy in CA
License: LMFT
Relationship issuesFamily conflictsSelf esteemCareer difficultiesCoping with life changes
13 years of experience

Throughout our lives, we are faced with many challenges and counseling can help provide the tools needed to overcome these life obstacles in a healthy way. It is vitally important to the therapeutic process to find a therapist with whom you feel comfortable and trust. I hope to be this person for you. I believe that therapy is a collaboration and together we can focus on issues that may be negatively impacting your healthy development. I specialize in adjusting to transitions and new phases of family life, especially the postpartum period. Amanda has expertise in helping expectant and new parents adapt and thrive in their new roles. Counseling is different for every person and I work to tailor my treatment specifically to your needs and personality in order to help you in best possible way. I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with years of experience working with people to enhance their lives through developing new skills and tools to tackle life's challenges. I look forward to working with you!

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Maureen McEachen

Offering therapy in CA
License: LCSW
Stress, AnxietyFamily conflictsGriefDepression
10 years of experience

I am an LCSW specializing in life transitions, grief and loss. Having relocated 20 years ago to California from the Washington, DC area where I primarily focused on mental health and depression, I began to concentrate on the importance of coping and supporting healthy navigation of life's challenges. I received a specialty credential in Hospice and Palliative care with an emphasis on helping individuals and families through serious illness, and the loss of a loved one. I would be honored to talk through part of your life's journey with you!

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Vicki Hart

Offering therapy in CA
License: MA, MSW, LCSW
Stress, AnxietyGriefCareer difficultiesCoping with life changesCoaching
17 years of experience

Hello! My name is Vicki, and I am a licensed clinical social worker (LCSW), executive coach, and management consultant. I began my career in the Neuropsychology Department at Baylor College of Medicine where I conducted cognitive tests for patients with memory impairments. Over the next 15 years, I held progressively responsible clinical and management positions in medical research centers, hospitals, and community settings, working with individuals and families. We focused on managing stress, relaxation techniques, and coping with aging parents, as well as caregiver stress, grief, and loss. I taught Stress Management for 8 years and have specialized training in palliative care, Critical Incident Stress Debriefing, and support for suicide loss survivors. My cross-cultural experience includes living and working in Japan, Singapore, and Germany for 7 years. Along the way, I had the opportunity to establish and provide counseling services to help military personnel and their families living on Army bases overseas, focusing on stress and PTSD. While living in Singapore, I provided community education, counseling, and post-hospitalization aftercare to support the social and emotional well-being of individuals and families. I am dedicated to continuous individual change and professional growth, which provides the focus of my coaching. I believe that executive coaching is the most effective approach to stimulate self-awareness, behavior change, and growth for professionals at all levels in their career. I base my coaching work on tying coaching goals to clear business outcomes. Through feedback, questions, challenges, and discernment, I help my clients to see possibilities, make plans, and take action to reach their goals. I am a published and credentialed executive coach. I love to help. And I welcome a conversation with you! We can explore your concerns, struggles, challenges, and goals - and map a path forward to more calm, peace, and fulfillment. NOTE: I work with clients in California, New Mexico and internationally.

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Erica Youngblood

Offering therapy in CA
License: MSW, LCSW
Self esteemCareer difficultiesCoping with life changes
8 years of experience

We all have those moments in life where we want a kind person to be present, listen and encourage us through what may be a difficult time. I am a licensed clinical social worker (LCSW). I have worked in the therapeutic setting for the past 8 years providing a gentle presence to clients in need. I am available to those individuals who may be struggling with self-love, finding purpose and meaning in life and life changes. I use motivational interviewing, solution focused counseling and client-centered care to help you move forward in your life. I am a kind presence, who is ready to listen and help you achieve your goals. Also specializes in counseling for: Single women navigating dating and situationships Talking through breakups Work Stress and Burnout Boundaries Creating the life that you want

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Jonathan Eymann

Offering therapy in CA
Stress, AnxietyDepression
20 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 20 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety & depression. 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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Jeannie Yeager

Offering therapy in CA
Stress, AnxietyGriefSelf esteemDepressionCoping with life changes
3 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 3 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, coping with grief and loss, motivation, self esteem, and confidence, & depression. I believe in treating everyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion. I will tailor our dialog and treatment plan to meet your unique and specific needs. 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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sona topalian

Offering therapy in CA
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsDepression
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, coping with addictions, & depression. 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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Yasmin Lluveras

Offering therapy in CA
Stress, AnxietyLGBTRelationship issuesAnger managementDepression
24 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 24 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, lgbtq+ related issues, relationship issues, & anger management. 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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Jennifer Mendoza

Offering therapy in CA
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsTrauma and abuseDepressionCoping with life changes
10 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 10 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, coping with addictions, trauma and abuse, & depression. I believe in treating everyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion. I will tailor our dialog and treatment plan to meet your unique and specific needs. 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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Johanna Crespin

Offering therapy in CA
Stress, AnxietyLGBTRelationship issuesTrauma and abuseADHD
3 years of experience

Welcome to a space of healing and growth. I'm here to walk alongside you on your journey towards a brighter, more fulfilling life. As a therapist, I believe in the power of compassion, empathy, and understanding to foster positive change. My practice is grounded in a holistic approach, valuing your unique experiences, strengths, and challenges. At the heart of my work lies a deep commitment to creating a safe and affirming environment for all individuals. I specialize in supporting those who have experienced trauma, recognizing the profound impact it can have on every aspect of life. Whether you're navigating past wounds or facing present struggles, I'm here to offer gentle guidance and unwavering support. Whatever brings you here, know that you are not alone. Together, we will embark on a journey of healing, discovery, and transformation. Your story matters, and I am here to help you rewrite it with compassion, resilience, and hope.

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How to find counseling in Imperial Beach

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

How does the cost of in-person counseling compare to the cost of BetterHelp with a licensed Imperial Beach 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 Imperial Beach 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 Imperial Beach 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 Imperial Beach, 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 Imperial Beach 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 Imperial Beach 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 Imperial Beach 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 Imperial Beach 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 Imperial Beach 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 91932 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 Imperial Beach 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 Imperial Beach 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 Imperial Beach, 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.

Imperial Beach 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 Imperial Beach.

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

91932, 91933, 92154

Popular cities near Imperial Beach, CA

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