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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Sharon (Shonnie) Brown

Offering therapy in CA
License: M.A.,LMFT
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesSelf esteemCareer difficultiesADHD
30 years of experience

Hello! I'm a northern California native and have lived much of my adult life adapting to other cultures. Life's challenges and transitions, including divorce and shyness, have facilitated my growth as a psychotherapist, helping me to accept change as part of life. I received my B.A. from UC Berkeley and my M.A. in counseling psychology from JFK University in Orinda, CA. I have 25+ years experience as a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT), working primarily with individuals and couples. I have facilitated groups on separation and divorce, infidelity, co-parenting education, and social anxiety. Particular areas of interest are: major life transitions, separation and divorce, infidelity, couples and relationship counseling, broken friendships, self-esteem issues, young adulthood, employment issues, parenting, and aging issues. I am also a professional writer and use writing as a tool for emotional healing.. My work is honest, direct, and from the heart. I use a variety of approaches, including cognitive and solution-focused therapies, family systems, and psychodynamic. Recently I have incorporated Pete Walker, MFT’s roadmap on childhood trauma (Complex PTSD) into my work. An inability to self-soothe or tolerate one’s own feelings (i.e. hurt, anger, jealousy, guilt, fear) is the underlying main issue for my clients. The other main issue is lack of self-compassion, self-protection, and self-love. I use tools such as goal setting, coping skills, mindfulness exercises, and writing exercises (as desired) along with building a strong therapeutic relationship. Life is delicate and fragile. I work on optimism and gratitude every day. As human beings we can only take one step at a time. Please consider contacting me as a step toward the change you want in your life.

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Cheryl Youngblood

Offering therapy in CA
License: LCSW
Stress, AnxietyFamily conflictsTrauma and abuseDepression
4 years of experience

Greetings and welcome. I'm Cheryl Youngblood, a native Californian with over 15 years of experience working with foster and adopted children, and their families. My passion for helping others has been rooted in who I am since I was a child. Working as the director of a foster/adopt agency, and realizing that so many children and families are plagued with trauma, domestic violence, self-injurious behaviors, Post Traumatic Stress Disorder and other mental health concerns, I decided that I wanted to expand my knowledge base, and my capacity for helping others, so I obtained my license in social work. Realizing that anxiety may be fueled by one's inability to live in the present, my client-centered focus is a holistic/talk therapy multicultural, eclectic approach, that I utilize while integrating interventions, based on the here and now, and mindfulness. Creating a safe, nurturing environment that allows my clients to feel supported, and empowered, provides me with a venue to introduce interventions, tools, and ideas that are strength based, client-centered, and derived from living in the moment. Some evidenced based treatments that I have found through the years that have been insightful, and provided calmness to my clients are, guided imagery, breathing techniques, sensory tools, tapping and meditation. Providing an empathetic, ear, in a non-judgmental space, with an eagerness and willing to help, is the basis for my ideals for providing the first step towards healing.

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Emily Vierra

Offering therapy in CA
License: LMFT
Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseGriefDepression
13 years of experience

Welcome! My name is Emily Vierra and I'm a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in California. Many of us experience difficulties at different points in our lives and need help to overcome these obstacles. It takes courage to ask for help and I commend you for reaching out. Many of us need a safe place to share our feelings and I am here to help you talk openly without judgment. I approach therapy with respect, compassion, and empathy. I will work collaboratively with you to help you identify your needs and work through these difficult experiences. I have over 13 years experience working with individuals, families, and couples dealing with a wide range of issues in numerous settings. I have experience working with all ages, from very young children to elderly adults. I am currently working with foster children ages 0-18 in an outpatient clinic as well as their parents, foster parents, and other family members. I also am currently working in a private practice setting with children and adults who have been a victim of a crime. This includes sexual/physical abuse, domestic violence, and the death of a loved one. Prior to this, I have experience working at a hospice clinic, an outpatient clinic with individuals, couples, and families dealing with daily life stressors, and a clinic with at-risk children displaying behavioral issues at home/school. These positions have given me extensive experience treating depression, anxiety, stress, suicidal/homicidal ideations, PTSD, trauma and abuse, relationship issues, family conflict, parent/child issues, adjustment disorders, anger management, at-risk behaviors, conduct disorders, self-esteem/self-worth issues, and so forth. I take an eclectic approach with therapy and will tailor my treatment based on your specific needs and goals. I will utilize different modalities including Cognitive-Behavioral, Solution-Focused, Family Systems, Humanistic, Client-Centered, etc. In terms of availability, I check and respond to messages several times a day. I am flexible with my schedule and understand that you may have obligations during the day and am happy to accommodate most schedules, including nights and weekends. I look forward to working with you!

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Jennie Jensen

Offering therapy in CA
License: LMFT
Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseSelf esteemDepression
7 years of experience

Hi, my name is Michelle Jensen and I'm glad you've taken the first step in seeking therapy. It can be a difficult thing to trust a stranger with your most intimate thoughts, feelings and concerns. I can assure you that I never judge. I am there for you, to help you through whatever the issue/issues might be in your life. I have a license in Marriage and Family Therapy, which means I can help with just about any kind of issue, not just marriages and family issues. I have been practicing professionally for 7 years, and the approaches I use in therapy are CBT (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy), Solution Focus Therapy, Psychotherapy, Mindfulness Practices, and Person-Centered Therapy. I work with many emotional and behavioral issues including depression, anxiety, grief/loss, woman’s health issues, post-traumatic stress disorder, attention deficit, low self-esteem, motivational issues, confidence issues, personal growth, meaning of life questions, concerns of self-image, and building leadership skills. I am passionate about helping people gain knowledge and skills that they need to improve their lives. I am passionate about helping clients uncover blocked stuck feelings, and giving them a space to feel safe in.

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Tishawna Mims

Offering therapy in CA
License: MS LMFT
Stress, AnxietyAnger managementSelf esteemCareer difficulties
6 years of experience

Hello! My name is Tishawna Mims and I am a Licensed Marriage and Family therapist (LMFT) with the state of California. I have over 6 years of experience in the mental health field and substance use field. I have worked with various populations within community agencies. I have a passion for helping and welcome the opportunity to meet with you! Now, I do realize that coming to therapy is initially a scary process, but I am here every step of the way providing a safe, authentic, respectful, nonjudgmental and a compassionate environment. My therapeutic approach is client centered and individualize to the person’s need. I am trained in Cognitive Behavioral therapy, Dialectical behavioral therapy, and EMDR. I am also trained in Solution focus therapy and Motivational Interviewing.

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christine joseph

Offering therapy in CA
Stress, AnxietySelf esteemDepressionCoping with life changesCompassion fatigue
25 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, motivation, self esteem, and confidence, depression, & coping with life changes. I work with my clients to create an open and safe environment where thoughts and feelings can be shared without fear of judgment. It takes courage to seek out a more fulfilling and happier life and to take the first steps towards a change. I am here to support & empower you in that journey.

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Jerome Hoffman

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

As a therapist whose been seeing clients for over 20 years in a variety of settings, I feel that I can be helpful in the majority of circumstances you might find yourself in. I tend to work from a Cognitive Behavioral Framework (which basically means to bring one's thoughts, actions and feelings together to challenge problem areas). I believe that providing a place of trust, safety and support is key to doing the hard work. I am also a person of Faith and if this is important to you please let me know. Otherwise, our work together will focus on the problem areas we identify. Trouble areas may include anxiety issues, sadness, loneliness, family dynamics, past traumas and/or abuse, or any other roadblocks preventing you from achieving your goals. I look forward to meeting you and assisting you in finding the solutions that will create a new future.

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Jamie Kirk

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

I am a California licensed Marriage, Family, & Child Therapist, and Certified Life Coach. I have over 10 years' experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, & motivation, self-esteem, and confidence. I work with my clients to create an open and safe environment where thoughts and feelings can be shared without fear of judgment. Taking the first step to sign up for therapy can take courage and I am proud of you for getting started!

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saundrea young

Offering therapy in CA
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesGriefCoping with life changesCompassion fatigue
40 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 40 years of professional clinical knowledge. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety related to Phase-of-Life issues, medical diagnosis and treatment issues, and grief and loss. I also work with relationship concerns, issues related to aging, identity, and sexuality. I am committed to treating everyone with unbiased respect, sensitivity, and compassion. I will tailor our dialog and treatment plan to meet your unique and specific needs. I recognize that taking the first step to sign up for therapy requires courage, insight, and strength. It is my privilege to help you investigate and grow those inner strengths.

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Dr. Lisa Zaslove

Offering therapy in CA
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsRelationship issuesEating disordersDepression
40 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 40 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, coping with addictions, relationship issues, & eating disorders. I work with my clients to create an open and safe environment where thoughts and feelings can be shared without fear of judgment. It takes courage to seek out a more fulfilling and happier life and to take the first steps towards a change. I am here to support & empower you in that journey.

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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 91341 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 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 San Fernando.

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

91340, 91341

Popular cities near San Fernando, CA

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