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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Caitlin Freige

Clinical therapist offering therapy in CA
Counselor License Type(s): LCSW
Stress, AnxietyLGBTTrauma and abuseDepressionCompassion fatigue
7 years of experience as a mental health therapist

I am a licensed clinical social worker (LCSW) in the states of California, Maine, South Carolina, and Texas with over 7 years of postgraduate experience in the field, with a MSW from the University of Southern California. Prior to providing care on the Better Help platform, I worked as a psychiatric social worker in the second largest jail in the nation. The work I performed at the jail was largely triage and crises management based. I worked the entire frontline of the pandemic, and am witnessing firsthand the effects this pandemic has had on the public's functioning. As a result, my passion shifted from a highly institutionalized setting to getting back into the community where I started. My lens of practice during graduate school included a concentration in children, youth, and families, with a sub-concentration in school social work. The various populations I have served during the past 7 years include those without homes, trauma survivors, families, children, single adult women, single adult men, LGBTQ+ youth and adults, along with the incarcerated male population. Prior to public servant service, I worked with non-profits in the field on ground in Skid Row and the valley area of Los Angeles providing direct mental health services to the unhoused. My approach to therapy can best be described as multimodal grounded in cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) with a consistent trauma informed care lens. My style of interaction is tailored to the client meaning I will meet you exactly where you are at. Whether you are brand new to therapy or are returning to therapy, I will pace with your needs. We are the experts of our own experiences, and only you know how life has treated you, where you have been, and where you are going. Self-empowerment resides within each of us, and I would be honored to be a part of the journey you seek to establish your best self. Let's get started on you creating your best life!

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Stephanie Howard

Clinical therapist offering therapy in CA
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesTrauma and abuseParenting issuesDepression
17 years of experience as a mental health therapist

Hello and Welcome to my therapy practice! My name is Stephanie Howard and I am a licensed therapist in the state of California with 17 years of professional work experience. I have worked in a variety of settings including inpatient and outpatient mental health facilities, schools, and community-based non-profits and clinics. I graduated from the University of California, Berkeley with my master's degree. I utilize Cognitive Behavioral and Psychodynamic therapy techniques in my practice. I believe in using a strengths-based, client focused approach to help clients reach their personal goals in therapy. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, trauma and abuse, & parenting issues. 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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Marcia Pontoni

Clinical therapist offering therapy in CA
LGBTRelationship issuesGriefDepressionCoping with life changes
25 years of experience as a mental health therapist

I am licensed in California with 25 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with relationship issues, coping with grief and loss, career difficulties, & 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. 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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Whitney Bruice

Clinical therapist offering therapy in CA
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesGriefSelf esteemCoping with life changes
22 years of experience as a mental health therapist

I am licensed in California with 22 years of professional work experience. I enjoy working with clients who want to learn to cope with stress and anxiety, improve relationships, process grief and loss, and improve motivation, self esteem, and confidence. I believe in treating everyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion. I will tailor our dialogue 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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Julie Mayer Norvilas

Clinical therapist offering therapy in CA
Counselor License Type(s): LMFT
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesFamily conflictsIntimacy-related issuesParenting issues
12 years of experience as a mental health therapist

As a rooted relationship therapist, I am passionate and committed to helping my clients explore their growth potential, both in relationships and individually. By nurturing insight and providing consistent support, you will have the opportunity to work at your own pace and work through issues that you feel are preventing you from moving forward. I provide Individual, Couples and Family therapy in addition to Life Coaching. I have extensive experience supporting clients from the full spectrum life cycle. I am passionate about play therapy, parent coaching, relationship therapy as well as individual therapy to help all of my clients identify where they may want help and how to build skills to meet their goals. I was recently named 2021 Best of Perkasie's Counselor of the Year! I use a warm, and curious approach. This is a collaborative process, and we will work at a pace that feels comfortable for you. Together we will work on identifying goals that meet your unique needs.

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Christine Paulsen

Clinical therapist offering therapy in CA
Stress, AnxietyLGBTRelationship issuesIntimacy-related issuesCoping with life changes
4 years of experience as a mental health therapist

I am licensed in California with 4 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, lgbtq+ related issues, relationship issues, & intimacy related issues. 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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Meghan Shamburger

Clinical therapist offering therapy in CA
Relationship issuesTrauma and abuseIntimacy-related issuesAnger managementCoping with life changes
5 years of experience as a mental health therapist

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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Edward Buchanan

Clinical therapist offering therapy in CA
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesTrauma and abuseSelf esteemDepression
15 years of experience as a mental health therapist

I am licensed in California with 15 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, trauma and abuse, & motivation, self esteem, and confidence. I believe in treating everyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion. I will tailor our dialog and treatment plan to meet your unique and specific needs. Taking the first step to seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process.

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Dionetta Mallory

Clinical therapist offering therapy in CA
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesTrauma and abuseSelf esteemDepression
6 years of experience as a mental health therapist

I am licensed in California with 6 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, trauma and abuse, & motivation, self esteem, and confidence. I 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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Margarita Araiza-Johnston

Clinical therapist offering therapy in CA
Counselor License Type(s): LCSW
Family conflictsParenting issuesDepressionCoping with life changes
10 years of experience as a mental health therapist

I graduated with a BA in Sociology/Anthropology and a Minor in French from the University of Redlands. After working with children and families in Illinois and California, I went back to school and earned my Masters in Social Work from Tulane University in New Orleans, LA. I worked as a social worker in Hospice and as a suicide and crisis counselor in Louisiana. I completed a program in the Theory and Practice of Mediation and Theory and Practice of Family Law Mediation. My areas of expertise include assessment, child abuse and neglect, bilingual therapy, family systems, domestic violence, crisis counseling, and suicide prevention. I offer compassionate and insightful therapy for people experiencing a broad range of issues, including LGBTQ+ issues.

How to find a therapist for 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 in San Fernando that work best for you in order to begin your personal journey towards emotional healing with a therapist.

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 in the San Fernando region and in the state of California. Find a therapist under any of these distinctions and know that the sessions they offer can provide a safe place to heal.

A mental health counselor 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, couples counseling, managing a mood disorder, improving coping skills, self help tips, offer life coaching, family therapy, or change in negative thinking patterns. A therapist may also provide a safe place and validation for clients experiencing emotional pain, or that simply want a psychological assessment. 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 San Fernando 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) about therapists and mental health services

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 with a therapist 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 a BetterHelp therapist 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). If you're looking for a therapist, Cincinnati offers a variety of professionals who can help with your mental health needs at a price you can afford.

How is a licensed therapist on this San Fernando 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 San Fernando psychiatrists to prescribe a drug or medication as treatment, or perform psychological assessments and other psychiatric services.

How does working with a professional 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, post traumatic stress disorder, and more. An online mental health therapist, 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, depression, trauma, stress, marriage counseling, and more. 

What mental health issues can psychotherapy address with the help of psychologists?

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:

  • Cognitive behavioral therapy - This type of therapy is provided by therapists who are professional counselors, helping clients identify and change negative thought patterns through structured sessions.
  • Behavior therapy - Therapists use behavior therapy techniques to help clients modify harmful behaviors and develop healthier habits, often through the guidance of a professional counselor.
  • EMDR therapy - EMDR therapists assist clients in processing traumatic memories to alleviate emotional distress and improve overall well-being, utilizing the expertise of a professional counselor.
  • Talk therapy - Therapists engage clients in talk therapy to explore their feelings and develop strategies for dealing with various mental health issues, often guided by a professional counselor.
  • Depression - Therapists offer counseling to help individuals manage symptoms of depression and improve their mood and functioning, often working closely with a professional counselor.
  • Anxiety disorders - Therapists specialize in anxiety disorders, offering strategies to manage and reduce anxiety symptoms effectively, often through counseling sessions with a professional counselor.
  • Stress - Therapists provide tools and techniques to help clients cope with stress and improve their mental resilience, frequently under the supervision of a professional counselor.
  • Eating disorders - Therapists experienced in eating disorders offer specialized counseling to address unhealthy eating patterns and body image issues, with the support of a professional counselor.
  • Grief - Therapists provide support and guidance to clients experiencing grief, helping them navigate the stages of loss, often in collaboration with a counselor.
  • Attachment therapy - Therapists use attachment therapy to help clients understand and improve their emotional bonds and relationships, often with the assistance of a counselor.
  • Relationships - Therapists work with clients to improve communication, resolve conflicts, and strengthen their connections with others, often using the skills of a counselor.
  • Children, adolescents, and teens - Therapists specializing in youth therapy address the unique mental health needs of children, adolescents, and teens, often involving a counselor in the process.
  • Addiction (substance abuse) - Therapists offer counseling for addiction, helping clients overcome substance abuse and maintain long-term recovery, often under the guidance of a counselor.
  • Divorce - Therapists support individuals through the emotional and practical challenges of ending a marriage, often working with a psychologist to provide comprehensive care.
  • Trauma or PTSD - Therapists specializing in trauma and PTSD help clients process traumatic experiences and reduce their symptoms, frequently collaborating with a psychologist.
  • Bipolar disorder - Therapists provide counseling to manage the mood swings and challenges associated with bipolar disorder, often in consultation with a psychologist.
  • Psychodynamic treatment - Therapists use psychodynamic treatment to explore unconscious processes and how they affect current behavior, often guided by psychologists.
  • Career counseling - Therapists assist clients in making informed decisions about their professional paths and resolving work-related issues, often with the help of psychologists.
  • Alcohol use disorders - Therapists offer specialized counseling to help clients manage and overcome alcohol use disorders, frequently under the supervision of psychologists.
  • OCD - Therapists provide strategies and support to manage obsessive-compulsive disorder symptoms, often via psychotherapy.
  • ADHD - Therapists offer counseling to help clients with ADHD improve focus, organization, and overall functioning, often via psychotherapy.
  • Mood disorders - Therapists work with clients to stabilize and improve mood through various therapeutic approaches, frequently in psychotherapy.
  • Sex addiction
  • Complex trauma
  • Life transitions

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 in San Fernando?

One of the potentially rewarding aspects of working with a San Fernando 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.

San Fernando therapists 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 San Fernando 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 psychotherapist.

With a lot of people in CA, therapists 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 from therapists 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 San Fernando 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 while offering mental health services. The first session will often serve as an intake to get to know you as a person and learn why you're attending therapy in San Fernando.

Should I find a therapist or psychologist for therapy 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 from a therapist. 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 with a San Fernando counselor 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 that a counselor can help with.

Is mental health care and therapy with a therapist worth it?

Therapy with a licensed counselor 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 therapist 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 during telehealth appointments?

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 for San Fernando, California

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 to customer service through the contact page or send an email to contact@betterhelp.com.

If you’re ready to sign up for online therapy, consider signing up with a platform like BetterHelp and get matched within 24 to 48 hours.

If you are experiencing a crisis or emergency, don't use this site's online services. If you are in life-threatening danger, call 911. If you require support for a crisis, reach out to the hotlines below:

A woman meets with a therapist online in her home city of San Fernando.

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

91340, 91341

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