Therapists in California
![Photo of Vanessa Rosas, LCSW , Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/471a5480-e5ad-48ac-a453-6e2f95922124/1/320x400.jpeg)
Vanessa Rosas
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Pasadena, CA 91103 (Online Only)
My background for the past 20 years is in individual therapy where I specialize in depression, anxiety, PTSD (including severe and complex),and adjustment disorders. I also have a Masters in Public Health which makes me uniquely qualified to help people with chronic illness (diabetes, heart disease, HIV, and autoimmune diseases) because physical health and mental health are enmeshed. My unique background helps my clients feel better physically and mentally with the goal of creating coping mechanisms that are obtainable and easy to implement.
My background for the past 20 years is in individual therapy where I specialize in depression, anxiety, PTSD (including severe and complex),and adjustment disorders. I also have a Masters in Public Health which makes me uniquely qualified to help people with chronic illness (diabetes, heart disease, HIV, and autoimmune diseases) because physical health and mental health are enmeshed. My unique background helps my clients feel better physically and mentally with the goal of creating coping mechanisms that are obtainable and easy to implement.
![Photo of Edna Ibel Barnes, MA, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/47437a01-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/3/320x400.jpeg)
Edna Ibel Barnes
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
Los Angeles, CA 90015
Therapy is a process and it takes time. It can be confusing, intimidating and even traumatic. However, it is possible to resolve some of the issues that trauma can cause through professional help. I will bring authenticity and balance to explore the root cause of the ongoing distress in your life. I will provide a compassionate environment for you to feel comfortable. My approach to therapy is eclectic approach. I believe that there is no single approach that fits every individual so I work collaboratively with my clients to find what works best for them.
Therapy is a process and it takes time. It can be confusing, intimidating and even traumatic. However, it is possible to resolve some of the issues that trauma can cause through professional help. I will bring authenticity and balance to explore the root cause of the ongoing distress in your life. I will provide a compassionate environment for you to feel comfortable. My approach to therapy is eclectic approach. I believe that there is no single approach that fits every individual so I work collaboratively with my clients to find what works best for them.
![Photo of Lankavi Guneratne Moore, MA, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/66d10cee-9321-4b58-a883-0ff14960c78e/2/320x400.jpeg)
Lankavi Guneratne Moore
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Woodland Hills, CA 91364 (Online Only)
Have you ever wondered “what would my life be like if I didn’t feel this way?” Do you feel like something needs to change, but don’t know where to start? Perhaps the gratitude journals, self-help books and internet advice isn’t really cutting it anymore, and you feel stuck while others are moving forward with their lives. The good news- you’re not alone and you no longer have to suffer in silence. Finding the "right" therapist can be daunting, especially if this is your first time. I strive to be transparent and authentic with you. I understand struggle because I’ve struggled myself. I’m a real person. I’m here to help.
Have you ever wondered “what would my life be like if I didn’t feel this way?” Do you feel like something needs to change, but don’t know where to start? Perhaps the gratitude journals, self-help books and internet advice isn’t really cutting it anymore, and you feel stuck while others are moving forward with their lives. The good news- you’re not alone and you no longer have to suffer in silence. Finding the "right" therapist can be daunting, especially if this is your first time. I strive to be transparent and authentic with you. I understand struggle because I’ve struggled myself. I’m a real person. I’m here to help.
![Photo of Dean Leav - Psychological Testing & Evaluations - Dr. Dean, PsyD, QME, Author, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/e2adf5fe-4054-440c-b2b6-c25c1c46f254/2/320x400.jpeg)
Psychological Testing & Evaluations - Dr. Dean
Psychologist, PsyD, QME, Author
Verified Verified
Santa Monica, CA 90401
I'm Dr. Dean Leav, licensed psychologist and qualified medical evaluator (QME). I've been featured on ABC, NBC, KCAL, and other programs as an expert psychologist. I provide Evaluation Services, including (and not limited to): diagnostics (ADHD, Autism, Learning Dis.), cognitive/neuropsychological evaluations, workers' compensation (QME/AME), immigration-related evaluations, pre-adoption psychological evaluations, parenting/bonding assessments, drug & alcohol evaluations, pre-employment evaluations, and legal/forensics/criminal evaluations. These evaluations may be used to meet eligibility for certain services or accommodations.
I'm Dr. Dean Leav, licensed psychologist and qualified medical evaluator (QME). I've been featured on ABC, NBC, KCAL, and other programs as an expert psychologist. I provide Evaluation Services, including (and not limited to): diagnostics (ADHD, Autism, Learning Dis.), cognitive/neuropsychological evaluations, workers' compensation (QME/AME), immigration-related evaluations, pre-adoption psychological evaluations, parenting/bonding assessments, drug & alcohol evaluations, pre-employment evaluations, and legal/forensics/criminal evaluations. These evaluations may be used to meet eligibility for certain services or accommodations.
![Photo of Katja Monika Rapp, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/6b457ea9-8c49-48da-b23c-a48e72a6cc08/1/320x400.jpeg)
Katja Monika Rapp
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
San Francisco, CA 94105 (Online Only)
I believe that we all have resources within us that help us through life's difficulties and can also provide healing, but sometimes we need a little help and guidance on our way to get back on the path that is right for us. I want to help guide you back to this route and find a connection to your “Self” again, using an approach that is tailored to your individual needs. I specialize in working with individuals who struggle with eating disorders, trauma, grief, loss, LGBTQ+, HIV and AIDS, substance abuse, as well as, anxiety and depression/bipolar.
I believe that we all have resources within us that help us through life's difficulties and can also provide healing, but sometimes we need a little help and guidance on our way to get back on the path that is right for us. I want to help guide you back to this route and find a connection to your “Self” again, using an approach that is tailored to your individual needs. I specialize in working with individuals who struggle with eating disorders, trauma, grief, loss, LGBTQ+, HIV and AIDS, substance abuse, as well as, anxiety and depression/bipolar.
![Photo of Nicole Tries-Botti, MA, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/f2b875d8-681b-4312-bd2c-b17462147e65/1/320x400.jpeg)
Nicole Tries-Botti
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Ventura, CA 93001
I am a Licensed Marriage Family Therapist that helps clients who feel overwhelmed, scared, confused, angry, frustrated, or lost. I help clients manage their anxiety, fear, depression, conflicts in relationships, trauma, life transitions, lack of self-esteem, or whatever else that is causing them to seek a therapist at this time in their life.
I am a Licensed Marriage Family Therapist that helps clients who feel overwhelmed, scared, confused, angry, frustrated, or lost. I help clients manage their anxiety, fear, depression, conflicts in relationships, trauma, life transitions, lack of self-esteem, or whatever else that is causing them to seek a therapist at this time in their life.
![Photo of Marvin Jones, PhD, LCSW, BCD, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3c399f8c-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/3/320x400.jpeg)
Marvin Jones
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, PhD, LCSW, BCD
Verified Verified
Oakland, CA 94609
Not accepting new clients
Hello. Do you have concerns about feeling tired, overwhelmed, unmotivated,or anxious? Are you feeling concerned, stressed and worried about your lack of energy on a daily basis. First of all you are not alone. I am available to assist and address your concerns. As a psychotherapist with many years of experience, I see myself as an interactive therapist and I provide support and practical feedback to my clients.
Hello. Do you have concerns about feeling tired, overwhelmed, unmotivated,or anxious? Are you feeling concerned, stressed and worried about your lack of energy on a daily basis. First of all you are not alone. I am available to assist and address your concerns. As a psychotherapist with many years of experience, I see myself as an interactive therapist and I provide support and practical feedback to my clients.
![Photo of Matilda St John, MFT, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3bf90aac-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/3/320x400.jpeg)
Matilda St John
Marriage & Family Therapist, MFT
Verified Verified
Oakland, CA 94610
Not accepting new clients
Struggling with anxiety can be a debilitating, frightening, and isolating experience. Whether the anxiety stems from trauma(s), trying to be "good" all the time, or something you can't quite put your finger on, together we can begin to understand and unravel the fears that are keeping you from living more fully. Many people I see are anxious for good reason, and their lives can be improved by learning ways to step back and take a broader view.
Struggling with anxiety can be a debilitating, frightening, and isolating experience. Whether the anxiety stems from trauma(s), trying to be "good" all the time, or something you can't quite put your finger on, together we can begin to understand and unravel the fears that are keeping you from living more fully. Many people I see are anxious for good reason, and their lives can be improved by learning ways to step back and take a broader view.
![Photo of Brandy Malloy, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/0107e6d8-364c-4a8a-86e5-dc00a830c23e/1/320x400.jpeg)
My name is Brandy Malloy, and I'm a Licensed Clinical Therapist. I enjoy working with clients who are seeking support and guidance with the following issues: Stress management, grief/loss, anxiety, depression, couples counseling, women's health issues, self-esteem issues, and boundary setting.
My name is Brandy Malloy, and I'm a Licensed Clinical Therapist. I enjoy working with clients who are seeking support and guidance with the following issues: Stress management, grief/loss, anxiety, depression, couples counseling, women's health issues, self-esteem issues, and boundary setting.
![Photo of Dr. Melissa Hofstetter, PhD, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/0344d16c-b144-46db-9e83-65a95c972f22/2/320x400.jpeg)
Those who gravitate to me for therapy are often incredibly strong, high-functioning people who have already fought harder in life than anyone should have to, just to make it through. If this sounds like you, know that you already have my respect before you walk through the door. Perhaps you now find yourself in adulthood after a traumatic beginning, ready to break generational cycles of pain or patterns of abuse that you’ve seen, but it’s still a struggle despite your best efforts. It has been my honor to help such individuals and couples achieve emotional peace and relationship harmony that once felt out-of-reach to them.
Those who gravitate to me for therapy are often incredibly strong, high-functioning people who have already fought harder in life than anyone should have to, just to make it through. If this sounds like you, know that you already have my respect before you walk through the door. Perhaps you now find yourself in adulthood after a traumatic beginning, ready to break generational cycles of pain or patterns of abuse that you’ve seen, but it’s still a struggle despite your best efforts. It has been my honor to help such individuals and couples achieve emotional peace and relationship harmony that once felt out-of-reach to them.
![Photo of Marcela Rondani, MA, LMFT, CEDS, PsyD, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3ca4239e-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
Marcela Rondani
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT, CEDS, PsyD
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Los Angeles, CA 90025
I believe that psychotherapy can be a tool to help someone to increase their self-awareness and promote healing and reparation to the life's pain and struggles. If you would like someone on your side to the new journey of rediscovering who you are and who you want to be, that is my goal. To provide support through this new path with the objective that life will unfold with more joy and happiness.
I believe that psychotherapy can be a tool to help someone to increase their self-awareness and promote healing and reparation to the life's pain and struggles. If you would like someone on your side to the new journey of rediscovering who you are and who you want to be, that is my goal. To provide support through this new path with the objective that life will unfold with more joy and happiness.
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Are you experiencing challenges dealing with anxiety, depression, relationship/family issues, and trauma/PTSD? Due to these symptoms, we can be in too much emotional pain and feel too stuck to reframe our perceptions or to find solutions to our problems. Childhood or recent trauma can cause emotional distress that can be difficult to process. I am here to support you in working through unresolved trauma and guide you toward healing. Therefore, you can feel empowered, rejuvenated, and enthusiastic about life again.
Are you experiencing challenges dealing with anxiety, depression, relationship/family issues, and trauma/PTSD? Due to these symptoms, we can be in too much emotional pain and feel too stuck to reframe our perceptions or to find solutions to our problems. Childhood or recent trauma can cause emotional distress that can be difficult to process. I am here to support you in working through unresolved trauma and guide you toward healing. Therefore, you can feel empowered, rejuvenated, and enthusiastic about life again.
![Photo of Micheline Worth, MFT, RYT200, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/4953465c-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
Micheline Worth
Marriage & Family Therapist, MFT, RYT200
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Sebastopol, CA 95472
Do you long to rediscover your connection to passion, fulfillment and purpose? Have the pressure and stress of the past few years become burdens that get in the way of being with what really matters to you? A continuing journey on paths to healing combining somatic, spiritual, creative & communal practices has helped birth a deep wisdom that I'd love to share with you. Tap into the healing power of engaging your personal history, ancestry and intuition with the help of an experienced guide.
Do you long to rediscover your connection to passion, fulfillment and purpose? Have the pressure and stress of the past few years become burdens that get in the way of being with what really matters to you? A continuing journey on paths to healing combining somatic, spiritual, creative & communal practices has helped birth a deep wisdom that I'd love to share with you. Tap into the healing power of engaging your personal history, ancestry and intuition with the help of an experienced guide.
![Photo of Jamie Picker, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/f4c0bd28-1913-4d3e-ac1f-f4b20e2b9feb/1/320x400.jpeg)
I have been a practicing Licensed Clinical Social Worker since 1981. I like to be interactive, practical and creative to give patients increased understanding and awareness of their issues, to increase coping skills to alleviate distress, to practice new behaviors, and offer support and convey understanding. I seek to understand each individual holistically, including their backgrounds and the strengths they already possess to provide an individualized approach. Establishing a strong alliance with clients is essential to getting the most out of therapy and creating lasting change.
I have been a practicing Licensed Clinical Social Worker since 1981. I like to be interactive, practical and creative to give patients increased understanding and awareness of their issues, to increase coping skills to alleviate distress, to practice new behaviors, and offer support and convey understanding. I seek to understand each individual holistically, including their backgrounds and the strengths they already possess to provide an individualized approach. Establishing a strong alliance with clients is essential to getting the most out of therapy and creating lasting change.
![Photo of Julie Wensel, MA, AMFT, CTP, Marriage & Family Therapist Associate](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/388cfe81-5e45-464b-92f3-5228d227f96a/2/320x400.jpeg)
Julie Wensel
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, MA, AMFT, CTP
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Hermosa Beach, CA 90254
Hi, my name is Julie, I support individuals and couples who may struggle with trauma, anxiety, panic attacks, and stress. Every client’s needs are unique, but as humans, we all have the resilience to heal and live a meaningful life. My job is to remind you of your strengths, explore what may be holding you back, give you tools to self-regulate, and insight into yourself. I use a gentle and straightforward approach to help you reconnect, understand your inner world, and feel more empowered in your decisions. My goal is for you to process and overcome the obstacles that pull you back in a supportive and collaborative environment.
Hi, my name is Julie, I support individuals and couples who may struggle with trauma, anxiety, panic attacks, and stress. Every client’s needs are unique, but as humans, we all have the resilience to heal and live a meaningful life. My job is to remind you of your strengths, explore what may be holding you back, give you tools to self-regulate, and insight into yourself. I use a gentle and straightforward approach to help you reconnect, understand your inner world, and feel more empowered in your decisions. My goal is for you to process and overcome the obstacles that pull you back in a supportive and collaborative environment.
![Photo of Sara Lappan, PhD, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/b6a61e33-dc61-4d00-86d0-65699440cd0c/2/320x400.jpeg)
Sara Lappan
Marriage & Family Therapist, PhD, LMFT
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Alhambra, CA 91803 (Online Only)
Humans are relational beings and relationships play an important role in our everyday lives. When relationships get off track, it can be overwhelming. I work with individuals, couples, and families to help relationships heal. I seek to help individuals, couples and families navigate a wide range of challenges pertaining to relationships. I have an interest in relational concerns around sexual dynamics as well as improving relational vulnerability and connection. I work from both a contextual and systems perspective to honor how an individual's intersections of identity influence how they interact with and are received by the world.
Humans are relational beings and relationships play an important role in our everyday lives. When relationships get off track, it can be overwhelming. I work with individuals, couples, and families to help relationships heal. I seek to help individuals, couples and families navigate a wide range of challenges pertaining to relationships. I have an interest in relational concerns around sexual dynamics as well as improving relational vulnerability and connection. I work from both a contextual and systems perspective to honor how an individual's intersections of identity influence how they interact with and are received by the world.
![Photo of Dr. Anna Yam, PhD, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/038a180f-652a-4f5d-b3d7-c5334f2e4e2e/2/320x400.jpeg)
I offer a warm, honest, and collaborative space where we can explore and address the issues that are troubling you. My aim is to help you develop resilience to life's stressors, and build stronger, more secure connections to the people in you life. I specialize in early parenthood, prenatal and postpartum mental health and wellness, as well as in the behavioral treatment of chronic pain conditions. Within the pain space, I have a sub-focus on female pelvic pain conditions such as endometriosis, painful sex (sexual health), vulvodynia (vulvo-vaginal pain) and vaginismus (vaginal spasm), among others.
I offer a warm, honest, and collaborative space where we can explore and address the issues that are troubling you. My aim is to help you develop resilience to life's stressors, and build stronger, more secure connections to the people in you life. I specialize in early parenthood, prenatal and postpartum mental health and wellness, as well as in the behavioral treatment of chronic pain conditions. Within the pain space, I have a sub-focus on female pelvic pain conditions such as endometriosis, painful sex (sexual health), vulvodynia (vulvo-vaginal pain) and vaginismus (vaginal spasm), among others.
![Photo of Maria Estante - Exposure Therapy Designs, Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/ad9f17eb-6232-4288-9472-7985dc3eb592/1/320x400.jpeg)
Welcome to Exposure Therapy Designs! We’re here to provide virtual EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization Response), Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT) or Prolonged Exposure (PE) for PTSD, and Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) with Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) for OCD. Our clinicians offer teletherapy for residents of California, Delaware, Florida, Hawaii, Indiana, Massachusetts, Nevada, South Carolina, Vermont, and Virginia. We are provider members of the Lotus Therapy Fund and Open Path Collective out of our commitment to making mental health care accessible.
Welcome to Exposure Therapy Designs! We’re here to provide virtual EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization Response), Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT) or Prolonged Exposure (PE) for PTSD, and Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) with Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) for OCD. Our clinicians offer teletherapy for residents of California, Delaware, Florida, Hawaii, Indiana, Massachusetts, Nevada, South Carolina, Vermont, and Virginia. We are provider members of the Lotus Therapy Fund and Open Path Collective out of our commitment to making mental health care accessible.
![Photo of Carina Bondoc, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/e5f61a02-2798-4192-86e4-9a4bb4e163cd/1/320x400.png)
Hello! My name is Carina Leilani Bondoc, and I am a Native Hawaiian and Mexican American Licensed Clinical Social Worker, based out of San Diego, California. My pronouns are she/her/hers. I work with adolescent and adult clients statewide, via telehealth. I am a strong advocate for folks, especially BIPOC and LGTBQIA+ people, to break through cultural stigmas surrounding mental health and use therapy as a tool to be a better version of themselves.
Hello! My name is Carina Leilani Bondoc, and I am a Native Hawaiian and Mexican American Licensed Clinical Social Worker, based out of San Diego, California. My pronouns are she/her/hers. I work with adolescent and adult clients statewide, via telehealth. I am a strong advocate for folks, especially BIPOC and LGTBQIA+ people, to break through cultural stigmas surrounding mental health and use therapy as a tool to be a better version of themselves.
![Photo of Curtis Knecht, LMFT, PCC, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/e1741fa5-f553-4191-86ad-644fbcadbf1d/2/320x400.png)
If you're here, I imagine you're suffering from something that feels beyond your ability to cope. I'm guessing you'd like to lay it all out on a table to see what's true and what's a lie, to discover what you need to do and to learn so you can grow past this thing. Would you like to move forward with confidence in yourself? Do you want a safe and courageous space to do what it takes to heal and grow? That's what I offer.
If you're here, I imagine you're suffering from something that feels beyond your ability to cope. I'm guessing you'd like to lay it all out on a table to see what's true and what's a lie, to discover what you need to do and to learn so you can grow past this thing. Would you like to move forward with confidence in yourself? Do you want a safe and courageous space to do what it takes to heal and grow? That's what I offer.
See more therapy options for California
How does your Therapist compare?
Average cost per session
$175
Therapists in California who prioritize treating:
92% | Anxiety |
87% | Depression |
76% | Relationship Issues |
72% | Self Esteem |
67% | Trauma and PTSD |
64% | Coping Skills |
64% | Stress |
Average years in practice
12 Years
Top 3 insurances accepted
67% | Aetna |
61% | Cigna and Evernorth |
56% | UnitedHealthcare UHC | UBH |
How Therapists in California see their clients
68% | In Person and Online | |
32% | Online Only |
Gender breakdown
80% | Female | |
19% | Male | |
1% | Non-Binary |
FAQs - About Therapy and Counseling
How can I find a therapist in California?
Search for nearby therapists or counselors by inputting your city, town, or suburb; or zip code; or a provider’s name into the search bar. From there, you can filter providers by the issues they treat, cost, insurance, gender, and other factors to find providers who are well-suited to your needs. To navigate between locations within the same country, enter a new city or zip code into the search bar.
Learn more about how to find a therapist
Learn more about how to find a therapist
Is everyone in the Psychology Today Therapy Directory a licensed therapist?
The Psychology Today directory lists providers who offer legitimate mental health services to the public, including psychologists, psychiatrists, social workers, and counselors.
Many have been licensed by the country or state where they practice; providers whose license or primary credential has been verified by Psychology Today are signified by a “Verified” symbol. Some clinicians or organizations provide services for which their state or country does not offer licenses, such as pastoral counseling. They may be selectively included without the “Verified” seal.
Many have been licensed by the country or state where they practice; providers whose license or primary credential has been verified by Psychology Today are signified by a “Verified” symbol. Some clinicians or organizations provide services for which their state or country does not offer licenses, such as pastoral counseling. They may be selectively included without the “Verified” seal.
What’s the difference between a psychologist, a therapist, and a counselor?
Therapists, psychologists, and counselors are all licensed mental health professionals. In the US, psychologists have earned a doctoral degree. The terms “therapist” and “counselor” are used somewhat interchangeably, but generally therapists offer longer-term, mental health care, while counselors offer shorter-term care that may focus on one domain, such as marriage, career, or academic challenges.
Clients should consider factors such as insurance coverage and their primary reason(s) for seeking therapy to determine the type of professional best suited to their needs. Someone struggling with mental health challenges such as depression or anxiety, for example, may wish to seek out a clinical psychologist or therapist, while someone navigating career obstacles or marital upheaval may benefit from seeing a counselor who can offer short-term, targeted support.
Clients should consider factors such as insurance coverage and their primary reason(s) for seeking therapy to determine the type of professional best suited to their needs. Someone struggling with mental health challenges such as depression or anxiety, for example, may wish to seek out a clinical psychologist or therapist, while someone navigating career obstacles or marital upheaval may benefit from seeing a counselor who can offer short-term, targeted support.
What type of therapy is right for me?
The type of therapy best suited to a particular individual depends on several factors, including their primary reason for seeking therapy, their preferred timeline (some therapy types last for a set number of sessions, while others are open-ended), and their personality and preferences—some may prefer a more structured approach. For many individuals, multiple types of therapy could provide a good fit.
How much does therapy cost?
The cost of therapy depends on a number of variables, including location and the therapist’s experience and training. On average, a therapy session in the United States could cost between $100 and $200 or more. If you have insurance, the expense of mental health care is typically lower, but it varies based on your insurance plan details and whether you choose an in-network or out-of-network mental healthcare provider.
What are more affordable or low cost therapy solutions?
Many therapists offer sliding scale payments, usually on a limited number of slots, which consists in an agreement between the therapist and a client to pay a reduced rate. Therapists who provide such arrangements often consider the client's income or ability to pay, but the extent of the discount is ultimately at the therapist's discretion. Furthermore, while group therapy may have different goals and benefits compared to individual therapy, it can be a more affordable solution to address certain types of issues.
Is online therapy cheaper than in-person therapy?
Many therapists charge the same amount for online therapy as they do for in-person therapy—though clients may still find this cost-effective if it cuts down on their transportation costs. Health insurance plans often offer equivalent coverage for online and in-person therapy; indeed, in many places, they are legally required to do so. Text-based or on-demand therapy apps may be cheaper than traditional one-on-one psychotherapy; however, the practice may be less effective and is not likely to be covered by insurance.
Is online therapy a good option?
Therapy conducted online can be just as effective as in-person therapy, as long as there is a strong alliance between the client and the therapist. To find a therapist who provides telehealth services to clients in your area, click “Online Therapy” on the directory homepage and search by your city or town or your zip code.
Are therapy sessions confidential?
Confidentiality is a crucial part of the therapeutic relationship. Therapists in the United States are bound by the regulations set out by the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (HIPAA), which aims to protect sensitive health information. With very few exceptions, a therapist will only discuss their client with others when the client has given their written permission. The instances in which a therapist would be required to disclose personal information are: if a client poses a danger to themselves or others, if the therapist suspects the abuse of a child or an elderly or otherwise dependent adult, or if they are legally forced to by court order. These exceptions to the confidentiality agreement are usually discussed with a client before their first session.