Warm weather, a beautiful view of the ocean, and friendly people are sometimes all you need to live a good life. The people of El Segundo, California should know. They have the fortune of living on the scenic shores of the Pacific.

Sometimes, warm weather and a beautiful view just aren’t enough to keep you feeling your best. When that happens, El Segundo-area therapists are here to help. Whether you need someone to talk to, intensive therapy, or crisis intervention, qualified mental health professionals can assist in helping you take a beautiful view on life again.

This is Christie Stegmaier's avatar and link to their profile

Christie Stegmaier

Clinical therapist offering therapy in CA
Counselor License Type(s): MS,LMFT
Stress, AnxietyDepression
8 years of experience as a mental health therapist

I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in California (LMFT# 111636) with over seven years’ experience. Along my journey of becoming a therapist, I have also received 40-hours of domestic violence training through House of Ruth; specializing in intimate partner violence. I have worked with individuals with a wide variety of issues including domestic violence, depression, grief, anxiety, relationship and intimacy issues, parenting issues, personality disorders, and OCD. I have also worked with many individuals who have experienced trauma and abuse. Although I am more of a direct therapist, I am also a warm and interactive therapist. I create a nurturing and safe environment that is non-judgmental and caring. I often will use a solution-focused approach, providing options and tools necessary to make immediate changes in your life. However, every individual is unique, and I tailor my therapy sessions to fit what you are looking for. I also see therapy as a collaborative effort - we work together to create solutions. I will remain by your side on your therapeutic journey. It takes courage to seek a more fulfilling and happier life, and to take the first steps towards positive change. I am dedicated to helping individuals find ways that work best for their needs, and I respect every individual's uniqueness. I am committed to helping my clients develop attainable and valuable treatment goals that will lead them to achieve lasting positive life changes and personal growth.

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Dr. Capri Cruz

Clinical therapist offering therapy in CA
Counselor License Type(s): LPC
Stress, AnxietyGriefSelf esteemDepressionCoping with life changes
8 years of experience as a mental health therapist

I knew I was called to be a mental health therapist when I was an abused and confused 11 years old foster child sitting in a therapist’s office myself. It was the very first time I ever felt safe. Since then I've gone on to receive my PhD in Mental Health Counseling and a degree in Hypnotherapy. I completed my internship at a women's residential substance abuse facility assisting women to increase their self-esteem, self-worth, self-image, process their trauma and grief, manage their anxiety and depression, and taught various life skills. I then went on to work in an out-patient substance abuse facility with clients struggling with addiction, trauma, rejection, comorbidity (two or more diagnoses i.e. anxiety, depression, bipolar, or substance abuse, etc), and feelings of worthlessness. I've also worked in conjunction with the Division of Family and Children Services to help families regain custody of their children, facilitate adoptions, and counsel children in foster homes and in group homes. I authored From Foster Care to FABULOUS: An Imperative Movement, Maximize Your Super Powers & 6 Steps to 6 Figures; co-authored Ripping Gripping Fear Out of Your Story, have several other e-books on Amazon as a result of my own life experiences, and completed rigorous research on the protective factors that evolved foster children into healthy and effective adults. Having grown up in the foster care system myself, I struggled with my own challenges ranging from being controlled by fear to overcoming abusive relationships and self-medicating. I believe it is in the transparency of my personal challenges and triumphs that I am solidified as an effective therapist, not solely by my PhD. As a mental health therapist, public speaker, and life coach (see client feedback at www.capricruz.com), I've assisted thousands of clients in achieving greater awareness of their mind, body, and spirit connection, assisted in identifying the root of their challenges in order to regain personal power through solidifying their desired identity, created action plans to self-correct and resolve inner-conflicts, and helped my clients to identify and achieve their life goals. My therapeutic approaches include, but are not limited to Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Trauma-Focused CBT, Psychodynamic Therapy, Solution-Focused Brief Therapy, Hypnotherapy, Narrative Therapy, Family Systems, Guided Imagery, Stress Reduction, Positive Psychology, and Neuro-Linguistic Programming. As a mental health therapist what I've learned is that my greatest gift to my clients is to be non-judgmental in my listening in order to help facilitate healing. I believe people want, and often need, to be heard, validated, cared for, accepted, and assisted with feedback. I believe my clients are the experts of their own lives; and I am their guide. Together we are a team. My job is to provide a safe and trusting environment that will help bring that awareness and confidence into their consciousness to empower their ability to meet their own needs.

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Janice Loboda

Clinical therapist offering therapy in CA
Counselor License Type(s): LPCC,LMHC
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesFamily conflictsParenting issuesSelf esteem
15 years of experience as a mental health therapist

I am a licensed professional clinical counselor. I began my working with people struggling with addiction issues, working in an Inpatient and Outpatient substance abuse treatment facility. While I was there, I enjoyed working with teenagers and families recovering from addiction. I later began a private practice, that helped parents address parenting and family stressors and help them work with their children's school to obtain 504/IEP accommodations to support their child's educational and emotional needs. I also worked with adult professionals, as an EAP counselor, to help resolve career stressors, overcome professional barriers, and address burnout and return to finding professional and personal purpose.

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Lisa Smith

Clinical therapist offering therapy in CA
Family conflictsTrauma and abuseGriefDepressionCoaching
5 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 family conflicts, trauma and abuse, coping with grief and loss, & 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. 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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Angeline Thomson

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

I am licensed in California with 17 years of professional work experience in health/mental health field. My experience includes helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, & motivation, self esteem, and confidence and more. I believe that every individual is the expert of their life story and that we all have many strengths that assists us in obtaining, strengthening, and overcoming things that challenge us and in turn creates resiliency. Taking the first step to engage in therapy can feel scary, anxiety provoking, and it takes courage. I am proud of you for getting started and taking that first step. ~The journey of a thousand miles begins with one step~ Lao Tzu

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Annette Malijen

Clinical therapist offering therapy in CA
Relationship issuesDepression
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 stress and anxiety, coping with addictions, relationship issues, & 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. 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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Maria Ward

Clinical therapist offering therapy in CA
Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseParenting issuesAnger managementDepression
12 years of experience as a mental health therapist

I am licensed in California with 12 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, trauma and abuse, parenting issues, & anger management. 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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Derrell Tidwell

Clinical therapist offering therapy in CA
Stress, AnxietyLGBTRelationship issuesFamily conflictsDepression
40 years of experience as a mental health therapist

I am licensed mental health practitioner in California and Washington with 40 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress, anxiety, depression, LGBTQ+ related issues, relationship issues, & family conflicts especially for people of color. I strongly believe that you are the expert of your story and that you have many strengths that will assist you in overcoming your challenges. My goal is to provide you clarity and assist you in utilizing your "natural toolbox" toward successfully addressing your challenges. I generally work Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturday mornings until 1 PM. 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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Pablo Orozco-Castro

Clinical therapist offering therapy in CA
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsTrauma and abuseSelf esteemDepression
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 stress and anxiety, coping with addictions, trauma and abuse, & 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!

This is Maureen Allen Kaczmarski's avatar and link to their profile

Maureen Allen Kaczmarski

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

I am licensed in California with over 25 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, & motivation, self esteem, and confidence. I also have experience working with coping with life changes. 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 a therapist for counseling in El Segundo

Finding the best therapist close by in El Segundo 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 El Segundo 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 El Segundo. 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 El Segundo, 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 El Segundo 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 El Segundo 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 El Segundo area in different types of therapy, including:

  • CBT
  • DBT
  • Substance use therapy
  • Couples therapy

When you're ready to start your search and find El Segundo 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 El Segundo, 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 El Segundo 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 El Segundo 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 El Segundo 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 El Segundo 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 El Segundo online therapy platform verified?

Therapists in El Segundo, 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 El Segundo 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 El Segundo 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 El Segundo 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 El Segundo 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 El Segundo 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 El Segundo?

One of the potentially rewarding aspects of working with a El Segundo 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.

El Segundo 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 El Segundo 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 El Segundo 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 90245 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 El Segundo counselor?

Before seeing your El Segundo 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 El Segundo.

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 El Segundo 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 El Segundo 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 El Segundo, 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.

El Segundo 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 El Segundo, 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 El Segundo.

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

90245

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