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Jessica Ortiz

Offering therapy in CA
License: LMFT
Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseParenting issuesSelf esteemDepression
15 years of experience

Hello, my name is Jessica Ortiz. I am a licensed Marriage and Family therapist with over 16 years of experience. I am licensed in the states of California and Texas. I received my Masters in Psychology from Antioch University in 2008. I have experience working with a diverse population of clients with a wide range of clinical problems including: depression, anxiety, individual psychological problems, marital problems, and child-parent problems. I work with adults, couples, adolescents, children and families. My goal is to help you resolve issues in your life in order for you live a healthier and happier one. I like to use cognitive and behavioral approaches to help my clients achieve their goals quicker and within a specified time. I am trained in several modalities in therapy and will adjust my approach to my client needs. Iā€™m here to help you resolve any issues that you are finding difficult to figure out on your own. I can provide suggestions and insight, but ultimately my goal is to empower you to feel confident in making decisions that are right for you. I am ready to help.

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Pamela Peringer

Offering therapy in CA
License: MA,LMFT
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesSelf esteemDepression
8 years of experience

Thank you for reading my profile ā€“ I hope I will get a chance to meet with you soon! I am a Marriage and Family Therapist licensed by the state of California, Board of Behavioral Sciences, LMFT #117301, with nine years of counseling experience working with adults, children and teenagers, individually and in groups. When working with adults, I find it helpful to remember and honor the precious children they once were, and to strive to treat them with the sensitivity, kindness, patience and unconditional positive regard that they still need and deserve now that they are grown up. I look forward to working with you to increase your resilience and psychological flexibility, so that you can be more open, aware and engaged in life. I will encourage you to explore your own values and help you to take positive actions towards them. I hope to help you to feel better, have more fulfilling relationships and feel empowered to lead a more meaningful life. My counseling style is based on a special client-centered relationship that is caring, respectful, genuine and accepting, to encourage your self-compassion and personal growth. I use an eclectic approach of evidence-based practices that best suit your individual strengths and needs, and that provide you with coping skills you can use when you need them. We can also explore the use of mindfulness training and the power of metaphors to help you tap into your own brainpower. These are difficult times. Even in times like these we can still find meaning, and move towards hope, individuation and joy! I would be honored to be a small part of your life journey. I would like to help you to explore and expand your own unique potential!

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Steven Smith

Offering therapy in CA
License: LMFT,MA
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesTrauma and abuseBipolar disorderDepression
7 years of experience

I am a licensed marriage and family counselor, practicing in the state of California. My focus is with individuals and couples. I have a bachelor's in Psychology, and a Master's in Clinical Psychology. I have 6 years of experience working with clients of varying ages, sexual orientations, ethnicities, and socioeconomic status. I work well with, but am not limited to; clients struggling with anxiety, depression, bipolar, and PTSD. I use a client centered, existentialist approach, which essentially means that I work with you to help you be the way you want to be. I listen to your needs, and work with you to set your own goals. I am not here to "fix" people, and I am not focused on changing people. Instead, I hope to assist you in your path toward life satisfaction, and to not be overwhelmed by your symptoms.

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Shirin Roberts

Offering therapy in CA
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesTrauma and abuseSelf esteemCoping with life changes
26 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 26 years of professional work experience. I find working with people very enjoyable and rewarding. I work in a client centered way, getting to know each individual. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, trauma and abuse, & 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.

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Diane Cullen

Offering therapy in CA
License: LCSW
AddictionsGriefCompassion fatigue
15 years of experience

I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with more than 30 years of experience in the Human Services field. I am based out of the Los Angeles, CA, area, My interest as a clinician is to work as a therapist who is resourceful, motivated, passionate, approachable, non- judgmental, diverse and informed. I have the interest and ability to offer assistance through the various stages and experiences of life as well as mental health issues for you. . My ability is to bring education, resources, hope and comfort to you. I will provide positive regard, respect, honesty and caring. We will examine the emotional experiences of life challenging mental health concerns. It takes courage to seek a more balanced and fulfilling life. I can create comprehensive therapy and treatment planning. Please feel free to contact me with any questions or concerns.

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Natalie Alepin

Offering therapy in CA
License: LPCC,LPC,MA
Stress, AnxietyGriefSelf esteemDepressionADHD
27 years of experience

I am a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor in Ohio and California and a Licensed Professional Counselor in Missouri and Arizona with 28 years of experience working in crisis, outpatient and inpatient settings. I have worked with clients from 3 to the 90's with a wide range of concerns including depression, anxiety, relationship issues, parenting problems, anger management, career challenges, existential crisis, and ADHD. I also helped many people with debilitating medical illnesses and chronic pain. I am flexible and available for reality therapy if requested. My therapy style is warm and interactive. I believe in treating everyone with unconditional positive regard. I am respectful, sensitive, and compassionate. My approach combines cognitive-behavioral, humanistic, psychodynamic, mindfulness and rational-emotive therapy. I will tailor our dialog and treatment plan to meet your unique and specific needs. It takes courage to seek a more fulfilling and happier life. You are taking steps towards change and I am here to support and empower you. I look forward to working with you!

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Xkizin Wright

Offering therapy in CA
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesFamily conflictsTrauma and abuseDepression
8 years of experience

YOU ARE NOT ALONE. Often times we go through tough situations by ourselves because we feel no one will understand us or we are told "get over it". So we suffer in silence. I am here to tell you that you do not have to be alone. My name is Xkizin Wright, LMFT and with my support you can become the best and healthiest version of yourself in ALL aspects of your life. I help individuals, couples, and families with: the inability to deal with negative emotions and negative thinking, not feeling supported, loneliness, not being heard and feelings of uncertainty due to life tribulations. Individually, I can help you quiet those unwanted thoughts or feelings by acknowledging, releasing and replacing them with positive ones to help increase belief in yourself and improve your relationships. As a couple and/or family, learn ways to communicate and interact effectively as a unit in a healthy matter. My mission is to provide a SAFE, Non-Judgmental, Understanding and Encouraging space for you to be your true self, so you have the opportunity to Heal, Ease into Forgiveness, Let go and Push Forward to live the life you have always wanted too. H.E.L.P is Here. ***** ATTENTION ATTENTION PLEASE READ: If you find me to be a potential fit, in supporting you on this journey and due to the federal health laws and regulations set by the Board of Behavioral Sciences, the organization that monitors my license, there are expectations as a therapist I will have to abide by. With that, Immediately after scheduling an appointment this information would need to be submitted: full name, date of birth, phone number, email address, the address of where you will be when we will meet, the name of the local police department that serves that address, the name, relationship and the phone number of a local emergency contact, any medications you are taking and the name of the treating psychiatrist, if there is one, and upload a copy of a state or federal issued photo ID. After this information is received the appointment will be confirmed. If the information is not received immediately or within a 24 hour window of scheduling, the appointment will be delayed and removed off the schedule until the information is received. All this information is deemed confidential and cannot and will not be shared with anyone else. Thank you for your understanding. **** Updated: September 20, 2023

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Jennifer Buer

Offering therapy in CA
Stress, AnxietyFamily conflictsSelf esteemDepressionCoping 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, family conflicts, 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 sign up for therapy can take courage and I am proud of you for getting started!

This is Kendra Riley's avatar and link to their profile

Kendra Riley

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

I am dual-licensed in California as a Registered Nurse and Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor with over 22 years of professional work experience between the two professions. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, trauma and abuse, insomnia issues, motivation, self esteem, and confidence. I also have experience working with depression. I believe in treating everyone with unconditional respect and radical compassion. Therapy with me is warm, friendly and interactive. I am a person-centered therapist, which means that I prioritize the therapeutic alliance built between myself and my client, and I believe all clients have the ability to heal and grow; they just need to be offered the right tools and insights! I am trained and experienced in EMDR, CBT, and mindfulness based stress reduction.

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Nicole Ethridge

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

I provide therapy to people located in California, Delaware, Missouri, and New Jersey. I reside in California with 6 years of counseling experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, trauma and abuse, motivation, self esteem, and confidence, & 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.

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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