In 1889, residents in the southern part of Los Angeles County voted to break away and form their own. After some heavy lobbying, Santa Ana won the designation as the county seat of this new region, Orange County. Today, the Santa Ana Freeway connects the city to Los Angeles, in some ways connecting it directly to its past. Your past connects to your present, too, but working with a therapist in Santa Ana, CA, can help you use your personal experience to grow.

A dedicated therapist can help you work through many things in your life that may make you feel stuck, and they can provide support and treatment for mental health issues, like eating disorders, the effects of domestic violence, or self harm. Whether you’re dealing with a chronic illness or chronic pain, self esteem issues, depression, or anxiety, talking to a therapist can help you work through negative emotions and learn to have self compassion. 

Many therapists are available in the Santa Ana area. A practice may be a more traditional way to seek therapy, but an online platform like BetterHelp is often more convenient and, in many cases, more affordable. If you want to speak to a therapist deeply committed to helping you through recovery, speak with one of the Santa Ana-based therapists below.

 

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Ralph Monroy

Offering therapy in CA
License: LMFT
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesFamily conflictsTrauma and abuseDepression
7 years of experience

My approach is friendly, relaxed, and motivational. Along with providing therapy for relationship complications and mental disorders, I am also a youth soccer coach where patience, understanding, and teamwork are must haves. I have worked with several folks with various diagnosis and have found success by applying a Cognitive Behavioral approach or at times a Rational Emotive Behavioral approach. Another strength of mine is trauma processing, where I apply Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR). I am light hearted and work hard to ensure good quality sessions, while maxing out the abilities of the folks who see me. I currently hold a Masters Degree in Marriage and Family Therapy and undergraduate studies in Social Science. My experience ranges from crisis interventions, to dealing with critical diagnosis such as Schizophrenia, and Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), to working with sleep disturbances and anxiety disorders.

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Zoe Paulson

Offering therapy in CA
License: MSW,LCSW
Relationship issuesFamily conflictsParenting issuesSelf esteemCoping with life changes
15 years of experience

Hi there! I'm a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) in California. I earned my Master of Social Welfare (MSW) degree from the University of California at Berkeley in 2004. I've worked in many different settings with individuals, couples, and families who have a variety of issues that include, but that are not limited to, relationship and family conflicts, parent/child challenges, adjustment to phases of life, depression, stress, and grief. My experience as a clinician has led me to focus on working with and helping my clients with a tailored approach that combines cognitive-behavioral, solution-focused, and strengths-based therapy models. I strive on bringing you to a point of becoming confident in your abilities to move forward by minimizing fear and leading you to tangible and realistic goals and outcomes. I offer a non-judgmental, empathic, and mindful approach with my clients who are willing to accept the challenges that come with participating in counseling and have the desire to work towards and make positive changes. Whether your challenges are recent or longstanding, whether you are wanting to improve your mood, relationships, or the ability to cope with complicated emotions, I am confident I can offer a perspective and additional support that allows you to gain the momentum you are seeking in order to move forward and start healing. I’d be happy to answer any questions you may have. You can message me anytime through BetterHelp. I usually check messages twice each day, Mondays through Fridays. I offer messaging, live chat, video and phone sessions with limited availability in the evenings. At this time, I am not able to provide services on the weekends. What you see in my calendar may not reflect my only availability so always check with me through a message first! I look forward to working together!

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Erin Hamer

Offering therapy in CA
License: LCSW
Relationship issuesFamily conflictsSelf esteemCoping with life changesCompassion fatigue
7 years of experience

Hello! My name is Erin and I am from California. I have been a social worker for over 12 years and have experience working with people from all different walks of life who may be going through some struggling times. I received my Bachelor as well as my Masters of Social Work from Clark Atlanta University (CAU) with a concentration in Health/Mental Health. I understand it can be hard to find a counselor who you feel comfortable speaking with. My approach is empathetic and supportive. The feedback I’ve received from clients is that they find me to be nonjudgmental, relatable and honest. Much of my experience has been working with clients who are dealing with Relationship issues, Family conflict, Anger management, Self esteem, Career difficulties, Woman’s issues, Spirituality and Coping with life changes. I would be a good match for anyone interested in a counselor of color and/or those seeking Christian counseling. I also have experience and am comfortable working with LGBTQ+ issues. I believe at beginning services where you are. I am available to you via phone, video and text depending on whatever is more comfortable for you. A majority of my availability is in the evenings but I can be flexible if needed during the day as well. I really enjoy my work and look forward to helping people learn more about themselves as they navigate through the world. Let us continue to reduce the stigma of mental illness as we grow and empower one another.

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Erin Haentjens

Offering therapy in CA
License: MA ,LMFT,Cert. Exercise and Sport Performance
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsTrauma and abuseParenting issuesSelf esteem
8 years of experience

I believe in working with the whole person- mind, body and spirit through body-centered and movement-oriented psychotherapy. This means I support my clients to develop a deep trust in their own intuition and a positive relationship with their bodies and themselves. The awareness that comes with this work brings authentic self-acceptance, feelings of connection, and confidence. I provide a supportive and safe experience, giving my clients space to navigate through their lives in their own way while assisting them with recognizing and building on their strengths as well as their internal resources. I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) in California. In addition to a Master’s Degree in Counseling Psychology, I have a Graduate Certificate in Exercise and Sport Performance. I provide psychotherapy services to individuals and families who suffer from depression, stress and anxiety, trauma, relationship difficulties, eating disorders, addiction, and life changes. I have over 8 years of experience working with children, adolescents, and adults in clinical and community settings. These settings include facilitating life skills camps for incarcerated and at-risk youth; counseling services to children, adolescents, and families in school, home, group home, and foster care settings; co-facilitating a women’s therapy group; individual psychotherapy to adults, and working with athletes and individuals with injuries. Additionally, I have experience supporting and coaching athletes of various abilities, age groups and persuasions. I understand from my own experience as a collegiate and semi-professional athlete how our identities become linked to our roles as players and team members as well as how our life-traumas, athletic training, and injuries impact our experience of ourselves and our bodies. Building on personal experience, I have a particular calling to work with individuals and athletes suffering from physical injuries supporting their rebuilding and resilience from the inside out. Credentials Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT), California MA Counseling Psychology Somatic Specialization, John F. Kennedy University Graduate Certificate Exercise and Sport Performance, John F. Kennedy University

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Thomas Lyon

Offering therapy in CA
License: LMFT
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesAnger managementDepressionCoping with life changes
23 years of experience

Hello and thank you for looking at my profile and considering me for doing therapy together. My name is Tom Lyon. I am a Marriage and Family Therapist licensed in the state of California since 1998. My personality is generally warm, sensitive, gentle, and caring. My nature is to treat everyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion. But with this comes the responsibility to not be afraid to work with you on the seemingly overpowering experiences of your life. The type of therapy I practice is called Depth Psychotherapy and it refers to helping people work through deep inner processes within themselves that affect them personally and in relationship with others. I help engage the various parts of a person’s self that have been neglected, hurt, undeveloped, unappreciated and hidden away. I provide a safe, non-judgmental space where you will experience being heard and understood. In collaboration, we will listen deeply to utilize your thoughts, feelings, thoughts, intuitions, and sensations, all of which offer valuable insight into parts of your inner wisdom. Our sessions are where you can explore your struggles as well as your dreams and desires. As painful and confusing experiences are explored in a safe way, you can connect more honestly and compassionately with your struggle, becoming the true person you want to be. I want to hear your story, and about what is bringing you to this therapeutic conversation. While I can facilitate helping you find specific solutions that you may be looking for, I provide therapy with a holistic view to listen and see you and accept everything you wish to discuss, to hear your story. I will tailor our therapeutic time together to develop a beneficial treatment plan to meet your unique and specific needs. As with many things in life, therapy may be too intense for you, or I may not have the skills to work as effectively with you as I would like, or for some other reasons. Through our interaction, we may come to the conclusion that we would not be able to work together therapeutically to achieve your goals. Hopefully, we will have a better idea about this during our first session. But as the adage says . . . "nothing ventured, nothing gained." The development of your personality, your own uniqueness, to engage the world in a useful, purposeful, meaningful way in psychotherapy is often a courageous undertaking and I am hopeful that we can develop a trust and rapport to confidently help you grow in a process that unfolds over time. It may be one of the most unique, and at times most difficult, collaborations of your life and together we can explore your hopes and goals, determine the pace of your work, and explore the stories, struggles, and questions you bring into a session. I look forward to working with you! Tom

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Kathryn Lorentz

Offering therapy in CA
License: LMFT
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsRelationship issuesFamily conflictsParenting issues
4 years of experience

I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. I received my Master of Arts in Marital and Family Therapy from California School of Professional Psychology, Alliant University with concentration in Family Dynamics. I have experience in Attachment Theory, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Crisis Intervention, Addiction Treatment, Trauma Informed Care, and Acceptance Commitment Therapy (ACT). I utilize a holistic approach that is grounded in authenticity; creating a nonjudgmental environment that allows for a strong therapeutic alliance to develop which I believe is an integral part of the therapeutic process. In my free time, I enjoy spending time with my rescue dogs, gardening, hiking, traveling and spending time with those closest to me.

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Sara Avratin

Offering therapy in CA
Stress, AnxietyFamily conflictsAnger managementSelf esteemDepression
5 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 5 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with depression, stress and anxiety, family conflicts, anger management, 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. Taking the first step to sign up for therapy takes courage and I am proud of you for getting started!

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Grace Katzenstein

Offering therapy in CA
Relationship issuesEating disordersParenting issuesDepressionADHD
30 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 30 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with relationship issues, eating disorders, parenting issues, anxiety & depression. I work with adults, families, couples and children. I will tailor our dialog and treatment plan to meet your unique and specific needs. It takes courage to seek out a happier life and to take the first steps towards a change. We can address whatever obstacles stand in the way of liking yourself and having a fulfilling life.

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Monica DuMont

Offering therapy in CA
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesSelf esteemCoping with life changesCoaching
23 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 23 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, motivation, self esteem, and confidence, & 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. 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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Joshua Mondary

Offering therapy in CA
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesParenting issuesSelf esteemDepression
8 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 8 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, parenting issues, & 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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How to find counseling in Santa Ana

Finding the best therapist close by in Santa Ana 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 Santa Ana. 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 Santa Ana, 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 Santa Ana 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 Santa Ana 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 Santa Ana, elsewhere in Orange, 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 Santa Ana area can be found below:

How does the cost of in-person counseling compare to the cost of BetterHelp with a licensed Santa Ana 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 Santa Ana 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 Santa Ana 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 Santa Ana, 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 Santa Ana 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 Santa Ana 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 Santa Ana 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 Santa Ana 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 Santa Ana 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 92707 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 Santa Ana 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 Santa Ana 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 Santa Ana, 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.

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

Do therapists judge you in therapy sessions?

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

Stay up to date with the leading online counseling platform

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

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

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

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

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

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

92701, 92702, 92703, 92704, 92705, 92706, 92707, 92712, 92735, 92799

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