Life can feel like a dance. When you're mentally prepared, you can dance across anything life throws at you, and end things off with grace. However, when you're mentally unwell, you may stumble, fall, and feel like everyone is throwing tomatoes at you. A counselor based in Encinitas can be the dance instructor you need. 

Encinitas is known for many things, including its ballet. Ballet dancing requires much training and precision, but it can be rewarding. This applies to life as well. If you need someone to help train you, a counselor can help you do just that. Speak to one today and see what you can do. 

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Mark Yeung

Offering therapy in CA
License: LCSW,MPH
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesGriefDepressionCoaching
12 years of experience

I imagine you may be experiencing a number of emotions. Are you feeling overwhelmed by the process of selecting a counselor? Hopeful about the possibility of receiving support and making change? Skeptical about how an online therapist profile can actually give you a sense of a therapist's approach and how you might be able to work with them? You're not alone. I can tell you facts about me. I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) licensed in the States of California, Oregon and Washington. I attended the University of California, Berkeley and received Masters in Social Work (MSW) and Public Health (MPH) and have had over 10 years of experience providing counseling to the medically sick, terminally ill, the bereaved, veterans and many others. I am experienced in and often use Dialectical Behavioral therapy (DBT), Cognitive Behavioral therapy (CBT) and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and I use a Humanistic approach that is Solution-Focused. These are techniques and approaches that you can Google to learn more about me but they alone may not tell you if you and I will work well together. Beyond the technical trainings and skills, here is who I am. I believe in therapy. I believe the statement that “People don’t care how much you know until they know how much you care”. Practicing therapy gives me the opportunity and joy of practicing caring in a professional and skilled way. The therapy outcomes research bears this out: Across all treatment approaches, the most important correlates of positive therapy outcomes are: 1. Therapist characteristics (empathy, warmth, genuineness) 2. Alliance between therapist and client 3. Adoption of new behaviors by client Contact me if this sounds like a good fit.

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Adriana Loo

Offering therapy in CA
License: MA,LMFT
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesFamily conflictsSelf esteem
15 years of experience

I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with over 15 years of experience in the field. I have worked with individuals, couples, children, and adolescents. I am a bilingual therapist (English/Spanish). I have worked with individuals from different cultural backgrounds and different levels of acculturation. My approach to counseling is to have a foundation of trust and unconditional positive regard. Creating a safe environment for individuals to express themselves without fear of judgment is key in my counseling style. I believe it takes courage to seek help when we are going through a difficult time. There are moments in life in which we are not able to approach even those closest to us for fear of judgment or fear of not being listened to. I am eclectic in my counseling style and will use different approaches to best fit your needs. No matter your situation, there is clarity and a way to move forward! I look forward to working with you and hearing your story!

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Fabian Clavijo

Offering therapy in CA
License: LMFT
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesIntimacy-related issuesSelf esteemDepression
9 years of experience

I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with seven years experience providing psychotherapy at a community mental health agency. I worked with diverse populations in Orange County and Long Beach, proving individual, group, and family psychotherapy. As a humanistic therapist, I maintain a positive approach to psychotherapy by focusing on strengths and positive attributes. I assist my clients with developing a stronger, healthier sense of self, and with making rational choices towards achieving their maximum potential. My hope is to provide a safe and supportive therapeutic environment, which is vital in helping clients overcome mental health issues and various problems in their lives. My foundation is in humanistic therapy; however, I do use interventions and techniques from other therapies (e.g., psychodynamic, cognitive behavioral therapy) when appropriate. I graduated from the University of California, San Diego with Bachelor's degrees in psychology and political science. I graduated from Azusa Pacific University with a Master's degree in Clinical Psychology with an emphasis in Marriage and Family Therapy.

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Amanda Ly

Offering therapy in CA
License: MA,MAEd,LMFT
Stress, AnxietySelf esteemDepressionCoping with life changes
6 years of experience

I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) in California with over 5 years of counseling experience. I practice in the Greater Los Angeles area and have worked with a wide range of clients on concerns regarding depression, anxiety, relationship issues, and life transitions. My therapeutic approach is a blend between Psychodynamic Therapy and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. Psychodynamic Therapy tends to focus on the client’s self-awareness and how a client’s understanding of their past behavior or experiences influences them in present time. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) tends to focus on changing patterns of thinking or behavior through practical evidenced based practices. In my practice as a professional counselor and having worked with adolescents (13-17) and transitional aged youth (18-24) for many years, I have found ways to utilize creative and expressive arts as an intervention to connect and assist clients in learning more about themselves. My counseling style is warm and interactive. I will tailor our dialogue and treatment plan to meet your unique and specific needs. I believe in treating everyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion. I believe everyone has a story and every story is equally important and valuable. It takes courage to seek a more fulfilling and happier life and to take the first steps towards a change. If you are ready to take that step, I am here to support and empower you. I look forward to working with you!

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Christy Crespin

Offering therapy in CA
License: MSW,LCSW
Stress, AnxietySelf esteemDepressionCoping with life changes
34 years of experience

I am Christy Crespin, LCSW, licensed in California in 1995. I graduated from California State University, San Bernardino and obtained my license in clinical social work while working with families and children in the probation and foster care settings. I have over 30 years of experience working with adults in various settings including vocational rehabilitation, blindness, a forensic hospital setting, and families and foster care in a community mental health setting. I have worked through treatment modalities including Solution-Focused, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Client-Centered, and motivational Interviewing. I strongly believe in the power of self-determination and that each of us is endowed with innate strength that we may need guidance to tap into, provided our avenues are explored, validated and empowered in a safe environment. Growth and change are difficult and it takes courage to step out in faith to discover who we are and that we can make changes so we live in balance at our optimal best. I hold the belief that each of us is a unique and precious child of the one who created us. Everyone is capable of working through difficulties to come out better on the other side, but at times we may need to summon the courage and strength to allow a therapist to assist. It takes being vulnerable and questioning our patterns to explore and embark on a path yet undiscovered, and I enjoy walking with others on their journey through life. I am a practicing Roman Catholic.

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Arlene Balcarcel

Offering therapy in CA
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesGriefSelf esteemDepression
6 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 6 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, coping with grief and loss, & 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. 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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Samantha Nelums

Offering therapy in CA
LGBTRelationship issuesFamily conflictsSelf esteemCoping with life changes
4 years of experience

I am licensed in California and New Mexico with over 12 years of professional social work experience. I have experience in helping clients with lgbtq+ related issues, relationship issues, family conflicts, 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.

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Jennifer Buer

Offering therapy in CA
Stress, AnxietyFamily conflictsSelf esteemDepressionCoping with life changes
10 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 10 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, family conflicts, motivation, self esteem, and confidence, & depression. I work with my clients to create an open and safe environment where thoughts and feelings can be shared without fear of judgment. Taking the first step to sign up for therapy can take courage and I am proud of you for getting started!

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Lisa Case

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

I am a licensed MFT in California with 6 years of professional work experience in both residential and private practice settings. My aim is to support you in a safe and non-judgmental container, where we can explore the roots of your challenges, as well as provide you skills which can help to alleviate any symptoms you may have. I specialize in helping individuals who experience stress, anxiety, depression, interpersonal and interfamilial conflicts, and trauma. I believe that you are the expert of your story and hold a space that is of compassion and unconditional positive regard. It takes courage to reach out, and I look forward to walking alongside you on your journey to a more fulfilling and happier life.

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Kimberly Fabbri-Devos

Offering therapy in CA
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesFamily conflictsTrauma and abuseSelf esteem
35 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 35 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts & trauma and abuse. I believe that you are the expert of your story and that you have many strengths that will assist you in overcoming things that challenge you. It takes courage to seek out a more fulfilling and happier life and to take the first steps towards a change. I am here to support & empower you in that journey.

How to find counseling in Encinitas

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

How does the cost of in-person counseling compare to the cost of BetterHelp with a licensed Encinitas 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 Encinitas 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 Encinitas 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 Encinitas, 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 Encinitas 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 Encinitas 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 Encinitas 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 Encinitas 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 Encinitas 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 92007 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 Encinitas 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 Encinitas 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 Encinitas, 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.

Encinitas has many clinicians who practice person or client-centered individual therapy in-person and through online therapy to assist clients in their healing journey. If you opt into online therapy, you might also be able to meet with providers all over the United States and change therapists easily at any time. Many people struggling with anxiety and depression, substance abuse, body image issues, and more find therapists that are a good fit for them, feel supported, and gain further insight into their lives through internet-based therapy.

Do therapists judge you in therapy sessions?

The boundaries between you and a therapist are in place to help you and them regarding ethical concerns. Mental health professionals are held by ethical standards through the American Psychological Association (APA) and are not allowed to judge or harm their clients. If you are concerned about sharing details about yourself, feel free to withhold personal information. Their job in the therapeutic relationship is to create a safe place, help you gain a deeper understanding of your mental health, and support you. You might consider changing counselors if you don't feel safe or respected.

Stay up to date with the leading online counseling platform

To stay up to date with BetterHelp's initiatives through their social channels, you can follow them on PinterestLinkedInInstagramTwitter, and Facebook. For mental health tips, check out the BetterHelp YouTube channel.

Take some time today to learn more about the team of therapists at BetterHelp to understand the services available to you clearly. If you are new to therapy or have any questions about the services and terms, please reach out through the contact page or send an email to contact@betterhelp.com.

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

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

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

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

92007, 92023, 92024, 92075

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