When it comes to finding a therapist, Chula Vista, CA might seem like an option. Mental health services are typically available in a city, especially one located so near San Diego. However, it’s not always easy to find a therapist, even in a populated area. Mental health concerns can be very different, and manifest differently depending on the individual. There are a number of evidence-based therapeutic approaches, and what is effective for one mental illness may not work as well with another. The type of therapy you need may not be available in your area. Not to mention the importance of working with a therapist with whom you build a good rapport and who makes you feel comfortable. 

Online therapy with a platform like BetterHelp can make truly person-centered therapy possible. BetterHelp offers over 30,000 practitioners in the mental health field, including licensed professional clinical counselors, social workers, psychologists, and family therapists. These professionals specialize in the treatment of a variety of occurring mental illnesses from obsessive compulsive disorder to borderline personality disorder, and any number of co-occurring disorders in between. 

BetterHelp is also a convenient option for many who have difficulty making it to in-person appointments. With video chat, phone, and text messaging options, you can talk with your therapist anywhere, even from residential treatment settings. Busy professionals, students, and members of families experiencing mental health challenges can schedule sessions anywhere and anytime that works for them. 

It can sometimes feel overwhelming to take that first step on your mental health journey. BetterHelp offers a simple, easy, and timely way to get started talking to a licensed mental health professional. If you have been thinking about seeking therapy for any reason, contact BetterHelp to get matched with the right therapist to meet your needs. 

This is Michelle Stanton White's avatar and link to their profile

Michelle Stanton White

Offering therapy in CA
License: LMFT
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesFamily conflictsGriefSelf esteem
9 years of experience

Life is difficult and, at one time or another, everyone needs extra support. I am here to help you alleviate your anxiety, grief, depression... whatever that has brought you here today. Perhaps you only need some assistance to resolve a problem or to deal with a difficult relationship. You have made the right decision to get some help. I left a successful career in the computer industry to become a Marriage and Family Therapist because I love helping people lead better lives. I’m an active therapist, collaborating with my clients to help them recognize self-defeating behavior, change their perspective, and make the right choice. I may use one or more empirically-supported techniques—Cognitive Behavioral, Solution-Focused, Strategic Family, Motivational Interviewing, etc.—depending on the situation. But fundamentally, I believe change can only occur if my clients and I have a warm, trusting relationship. My goal is to help you move beyond your current difficulties so that you can achieve a happier and more productive life.

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Zachary Martin

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

Thank you for your consideration. I come by my profession honestly. I have always been known as a calming individual in my social circle. This led me to a helping profession early on. I worked in adult residential facilities for persons with development disabilities while I pursued my education. In 2008, I graduated with a bachelor’s degree in philosophy and a minor in psychology. My philosophy degree is uncommon for a therapist. However, I believe that greatly assists my work. This is especially relevant with CBT and existential crisis work. I graduated with my master’s degree in Social Work in 2013. My post graduate experience includes foster/adoption work, child welfare investigations, inpatient hospitalization, interdisciplinary teams, and outpatient therapy. My diverse experience gives me a strong perspective of the contributing factors that lead to mental illness. I have been practicing outpatient therapy for the last four years. My therapeutic approach draws upon cognitive behavioral, narrative, mindfulness, solution focused, motivational interviewing, and psychodynamic theories. My primary goal is to create a comfortable environment for patients in which they are able to freely express themselves. From there, I work closely with patients to find interventions that will produce results for them.

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Amy Allen

Offering therapy in CA
License: Masters of Arts in conflict resolution ,Masters of Science in marriage and family therapy
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsRelationship issuesTrauma and abuseDepression
13 years of experience

Hello, thank you for visiting my page. My name is Amy Allen, a licensed Marriage and Family therapist with over 15 years' experience in the Mental Health Field. I currently work with a diverse group of clients seeking assistance for depression, anxiety, homelessness, grief, loss parenting, life skills, as well as those looking to improve their lives by learning skills to navigate this ever-changing world. Change is difficult and I know, we need motivation and encouragement to help reach our goals and improve relationships. I graduated from California State University at Dominguez Hills with a Master of Arts in Behavioral Science and a concentration in Negotiation and Conflict Resolution and a Master of Science in Marriage and Family Therapy and have been licensed since 2015. My passion is helping people improve their lives which I feel could be attributed to much of my own life experience, education and being able to identify with clients. My goal is to assist in providing real life solutions to current barriers to living your best life I have been trained in and utilize CBT, DBT, Motivational interviewing, Solution Focused Therapy and EMDR.

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Kimberly Gallegos

Offering therapy in CA
License: MA
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesFamily conflictsTrauma and abuseGrief
6 years of experience

Hello ~ I am glad you are here! :) I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in the state of California since 2016. I believe our success in the ‘game’ of life is directly related to the quality of our relationships and the ability to establish and maintain, life long, healthy relationships. My experience extends to having worked with culturally diverse individuals, couples, and families of all ages, who are encountering life’s challenges. I have worked in both government settings and community mental health settings, helping clients to cope with and heal from such issues as chronic mental illness, substance abuse, homelessness, grief, and trauma. I have worked extensively, in the trenches of trauma with children and families involved in foster care system, and all the aspects that accompany this experience. I have experience helping couples develop communication skills and trust. My clinical background includes: completion of the Grief Share Recovery Program, being a Valley Trauma Center Advocate – working with clients in crisis due to sexual assault, Family Advantage Counseling Services, and volunteer counseling for the student population of Los Angeles Unified School District. I am currently pursuing certification in becoming a Life Coach. I was blessed to have maintained a therapeutic private practice from 2016 until 2019, during which time I provided supportive services primarily to teenagers, and young children, using ‘play’ therapy. I use a combination of Psychoanalytic Theory, Family Systems Theory, Narrative Therapy, Experiential Therapy, CBT, and Solution Focused Therapy to help clients identify and problem solve challenging issues. Additionally, I believe in the benefits of deep breathing, yoga, pilates and any other exercises that can bring one back to their ‘center’. I incorporate elements of meditation, and mindfulness into my clinical work. I feel I have helped individuals build awareness of self, resilience through difficult issues, inner strength, and a deeper connection between mind, body, and spirit. My goal is to get YOU to be the best “YOU” you can be, because I believe in PURPOSE. We all have one! YOU are here to identify your purpose, live it out, pay it forward, and be ready to help the next one………..

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James Wareham

Offering therapy in CA
Stress, AnxietyDepressionCoping with life changes
14 years of experience

I am licensed as a Marriage and Family Therapist in the state of California. I have well over a decade of professional work experience, providing psychotherapy and counseling services to people from many different backgrounds and across a wide variety of settings since 2008. I work with people who are struggling with symptoms of depression, anxiety and stress. My clients are often dealing with big life changes, or managing conflicts with family or friends. My approach is based on the firm belief that you are the expert of your story. Your strengths, insights and life experiences will be the foundation of our work together. You are taking a courageous step toward a more fulfilling and authentic life. I am here to support and empower you on that journey.

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Eric Aldaco

Offering therapy in CA
Self esteemCoping with life changes
15 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 14 years of professional work experience. I believe that you are the expert of your life journey 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 life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process. I am a Christian therapist and my approach to therapy is from a biblical perspective. I look forward in meeting you and collaboratively engaging in a strength base therapeutic model in treatment.

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This is Lisha Singleton's avatar and link to their profile

Lisha Singleton

Offering therapy in CA
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesParenting issuesSelf esteem
25 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 25 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, & parenting issues. I also have experience working with motivation, self esteem, and confidence. I believe that you are the expert of your story and that you have many strengths that will assist you in overcoming things that challenge you. It takes courage to seek out a more fulfilling and happier life and to take the first steps towards a change. I am here to support & empower you in that journey.

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This is Sloane Harris's avatar and link to their profile

Sloane Harris

Offering therapy in CA
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesTrauma and abuseDepressionCoping with life changes
9 years of experience

I am licensed in California and Georgia with 8 years of direct counseling experience and over 19 years of being in the helping profession. I enjoy helping people adjust to new life transitions such as parenthood, school issues, work/life balance, coping with a medical diagnosis, facing infertility, grief and loss, and trauma. 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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This is Dr. Cynthia Melton's avatar and link to their profile

Dr. Cynthia Melton

Offering therapy in CA
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsSelf esteemDepressionCoping with life changes
15 years of experience

I am licensed in Arizona, Arkansas, California, Florida, Hawaii, Maine, Maryland, Missouri and Oregon with 15 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, coping with addictions, 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.

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This is Meghan Shamburger's avatar and link to their profile

Meghan Shamburger

Offering therapy in CA
Relationship issuesTrauma and abuseIntimacy-related issuesAnger managementCoping with life changes
5 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 5 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with relationship issues, trauma and abuse, intimacy related issues, & anger management. 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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How to find counseling in Chula Vista

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

How does the cost of in-person counseling compare to the cost of BetterHelp with a licensed Chula Vista 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 Chula Vista 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 Chula Vista 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 Chula Vista, 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 Chula Vista 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 Chula Vista 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 Chula Vista 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 Chula Vista 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 Chula Vista 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 91910 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 Chula Vista 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 Chula Vista 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 Chula Vista, 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.

Chula Vista 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 Chula Vista.

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

91902, 91908, 91909, 91910, 91911, 91912, 91913, 91914, 91915, 91921

Popular cities near Chula Vista, CA

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