Finding a Psychologist, Counselor or Therapist in Ventura, CA
Ventura is a beautiful, quirky coastal city in Southern California. It is a world-renowned surf destination and is located just north of Los Angeles County and just South of Santa Barbara County. It is a great place to visit and to live. Looking for a psychologist, counselor or therapist can be daunting anywhere, even in larger metropolitan areas. But finding a therapist in smaller cities like Ventura can be even more challenging. If you’re looking for a life coach, counselor, therapist, or psychologist, I’d like to help!
I’d like to help you find a therapist in Ventura, CA
It can feel overwhelming to decide what kind of provider to begin working with, and even harder to find one. Let me help with a couple of logistical points to consider.
How severe are your symptoms? If you have a severe mental health issue that is impacting your ability to function, consider searching for a psychologist or psychiatrist. If you know you’ll want support with medication management, this is the best option to choose. If you are having difficulty finding someone, I always recommend searching in the Psychology Today database and try refining your search to narrow your options. If you are feeling so unwell you are concerned for your safety or the safety of others, call the national suicide hotline by dialing 988 for immediate phone support. You can also visit the SAHMSA website and call their number 24 hrs a day, 365 days a year to get immediate support finding local services.
Counselors and Therapists have very similar roles, and often even provide the same services. Sometimes, their license is different, as in Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor (LPCC) and Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT). According to Psychology Today, “Counseling tends to be shorter term, goal-oriented, and it addresses concrete, specific life challenges. By contrast, therapy tends to be longer term, more exploratory and holistic, and it treats mental illness.”
Life coaching? This is a great option for anyone looking for help setting clear goals related to life circumstances, and tangible action items. A life coach will help you set a reach goals. This field has exploded recently, and you can find a life coach that focuses on specific areas, like relationships, finances, family, and personal care. It is important to remember that, unlike the other providers I’ve mentioned, life coaches are not licensed, and do not answer to any governing board. The benefit of this is the freedom to practice anywhere and without restriction, the drawback is an increased risk for poor practices.
My biggest recommendation is to reach out to providers, whether psychologists, therapists or counselors, and trust your gut feelings while talking with them. Most providers will offer a free initial consultation. This is usually a phone call lasting 15-30 minutes, depending on the provider. There is no limit to how many people you can consult with before making a decision. Ask yourself during and after your consultation: do you feel comfortable? Does the conversation flow naturally? Do they seem comfortable and confident in the way they communicate with you? Do they put you at ease?
Consider the cost of services and if you can afford their fee for weekly sessions. Does their location, whether in person or online, work for you and your needs? Is their schedule compatible with yours? There are so many options out there, and you are always welcome to change your mind.
A free consultation with a therapist in Ventura
Whoever you are, whatever your struggles, you deserve a competent, attentive, and compassionate provider to support you on your journey. Whether you’re looking for help with relationship conflict, parenting challenges, anxiety or depression, substance use, or navigating career and life goals, there are qualified providers both in person in Ventura and surrounding areas, and online who can help.
My specialties include perinatal mental health, including family planning, prenatal and postpartum anxiety and depression support, and parenting in the early childhood years. I work with panic and anxiety, including social anxiety, and I work with couples experiencing conflict and disconnection. If you’d like to learn more about working with me, contact me today for a free phone consultation. Prioritize your mental health and experience the support you deserve.