Find Therapists, Counselors and Psychologists in Whittier, California
Find a therapist in Whittier, California that meets your needs. Browse our comprehensive list of affordable and licensed therapists in Whittier to find a professional specializing in counseling people with stress, anxiety, depression, relationship issues, grief and more.
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Disclaimer:
The information presented on this page has been compiled by our editorial team as well as via data feeds provided to us by partners. Although we make every effort to keep it up-to-date, misrepresentations and inaccuracies in the data are possible. We recommend that you contact the providers listed below directly to verify any information that may be of interest to you. Some of the therapists listed here pay referral fees to this website, which helps us fund the considerable work involved in collecting and maintaining all this data. This information is subject to change at any time and we take no responsibility for its accuracy.
Hi, I am a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in California (LMFT) and I have been working in a counseling field since 2000. I have experience working with Domestic Violence Abusers and Victims. In my own private practice ive worked successfully with clients experiencing depression, anxiety, relationship issues, parenting, teen concerns, life transitions, and a wide range of challenges, including grief/loss, trauma, abuse, Families, self esteem, Domestic abuse, anger and crisis management. I mostly tend... Read More
Hi, I am a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in California (LMFT) and I have been working in a counseling field since 2000. I have experience working with Domestic Violence Abusers and Victims. In my own private practice ive... Read More
As an experienced therapist I appreciate the energy it takes to confront issues that feel overwhelming without clear solutions. I take my role seriously in facilitating healing. I care about my clients and do my best to minimize any unpleasant symptoms you are experiencing while we work on strategies that move you towards a more satisfying life. I am authentic, non-judgmental, and direct in my approach. If you are feeling emotionally overwhelmed, stuck, anxious, or... Read More
As an experienced therapist I appreciate the energy it takes to confront issues that feel overwhelming without clear solutions. I take my role seriously in facilitating healing. I care about my clients and do my best to minimize any unpleasant... Read More
I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. I earned my Masters in Clinical Psychology from Antioch University in 2011, and I have been working as a therapist since that time. I work with clients who are dealing with anxiety, depression, career concerns, substance abuse, LGBT issues, family and relationship issues, and coping with chronic illnesses. I utilize various types of therapy in my practice, such as, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT),... Read More
I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. I earned my Masters in Clinical Psychology from Antioch University in 2011, and I have been working as a therapist since that time. I work with clients who are... Read More
Family structure, life circumstances, trauma and grief can challenge the way we think and feel. Our emotions are often triggered by these life circumstances causing negative behavioral responses such as anxiety, angry outbursts, obsessive-compulsive disorders, drug addiction, alcoholism, sexual addiction, gambling, depression, and relationship conflict. The consequences of these behaviors cause heartache and pain in our lives and often have adverse effects on the people around us. Therapy can show you how negative behaviors limit... Read More
Family structure, life circumstances, trauma and grief can challenge the way we think and feel. Our emotions are often triggered by these life circumstances causing negative behavioral responses such as anxiety, angry outbursts, obsessive-compulsive disorders, drug addiction, alcoholism, sexual addiction,... Read More
Hello & Welcome, There are times when we feel stressed beyond repair, alone, misunderstood, helpless, even hopeless. During these difficult times it can be hard to ask for help. You've taken the first step, now I can assist you on the road towards healing, peace, and happiness. I help individuals, families, and teenagers through difficult situations with understanding, acceptance, and with genuine caring. I can help you recognize your strengths and teach you new ways... Read More
Hello & Welcome, There are times when we feel stressed beyond repair, alone, misunderstood, helpless, even hopeless. During these difficult times it can be hard to ask for help. You've taken the first step, now I can assist you on... Read More
Hello! I am a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor in California with over 10 years of combined unlicensed and licensed experience in the mental health field providing services for young children, adolescents, & adults. Are you dealing with depression, anxiety, trauma, grief & loss, school or work trouble? Maybe a unique challenge with a transition or goal in your life? You are not alone, and I am here for you. I’ll share with you that... Read More
Hello! I am a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor in California with over 10 years of combined unlicensed and licensed experience in the mental health field providing services for young children, adolescents, & adults. Are you dealing with depression, anxiety, trauma,... Read More
My goal as a therapist is to help clients navigate through some of the darker, more difficult times we experience as humans. I help provide clarity on murky situations and provide a non-biased sounding board to clients who are struggling. A lot of my techniques and tools as a therapist come from a Cognitive Behavioral (CBT) framework and solution-focused. I utilize a narrative approach, which is the belief that people are the... Read More
My goal as a therapist is to help clients navigate through some of the darker, more difficult times we experience as humans. I help provide clarity on murky situations and provide a non-biased sounding board to clients who are... Read More
I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in the state of California with a Doctoral Degree in Clinical Psychology. I have been working as a therapist for over 21 years. I have worked in outpatient as well as inpatient settings, including hospitals, clinics, group homes, and private practice. Many of my clients are high achieving people who find themselves surprised to be struggling with a problem. By drawing upon their strengths, I assist them... Read More
I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in the state of California with a Doctoral Degree in Clinical Psychology. I have been working as a therapist for over 21 years. I have worked in outpatient as well as inpatient settings,... Read More
Hello and welcome! Thank you for viewing my profile more closely. I am a strong advocate and very passionate about helping clients further their understandings of themselves and their relationships, as well as finding a deeper meaning and joy in their lives. I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in the state of California and have a substantial amount of experience in working with teens and transitional aged youth, trauma, depression and anxiety,... Read More
Hello and welcome! Thank you for viewing my profile more closely. I am a strong advocate and very passionate about helping clients further their understandings of themselves and their relationships, as well as finding a deeper meaning and joy... Read More
I am Kathy Helgerson. I earned my master's degree in Marriage and Family Therapy from California State University, Dominguez Hills. My story: I have personally experienced trauma and grief. My divorce was final on October 1, 1996. Then in November, my 21-year-old son died, instantly. And in January 1997, I was struck by a van and suffered severe physical and emotional injuries. After the accident, I went back to college and eventually earned my master’s degree... Read More
I am Kathy Helgerson. I earned my master's degree in Marriage and Family Therapy from California State University, Dominguez Hills. My story: I have personally experienced trauma and grief. My divorce was final on October 1, 1996. Then in November, my... Read More
An Overview of Mental Health in Whittier, California
Just 12 miles from Los Angeles, Whittier is home to just over 87,000 people inside its 14.8 square miles. This is one of the more economically stable areas with a median household income of $73,886 as of 2016, which was higher than the state median at that time by about $6,000. Estimated median real estate values in Whittier are approximately $30,000 higher than the state median. The population of the city is predominantly Hispanic (66.3 percent), followed by 25 percent Caucasian people, and 5.4 percent Asian residents. The remaining individuals are from a variety of groups each representing less than 1 percent of the population.
Another appealing aspect of living in Whittier is the crime rate of 248.9 incidents per 100,000 residents, which is lower than the national average. Only a small percentage of crimes are violent with the vast majority being offenses against property. Jobs are plentiful, and the unemployment rate of 4.8 percent is lower than the state average as well. Even the weather contributes to the pleasantness of living in Whittier. Typical for this part of California, Whittier receives much less precipitation than the rest of the United States through the spring and summer months.
However, even in this idyllic setting, people still need help dealing with mental health challenges and their overall emotional well-being. As part of Los Angeles County, Whitter was evaluated as part of the Community Health Needs Assessment published in 2016 by PIH Health Hospitals. Los Angeles County did not meet its targets in terms of mental and behavioral health when compared to the rest of the state and the Healthy People 2020 benchmarks. The same was true for substance abuse. Mental health care was one of the top three health issues, along with obesity and cardiovascular disease, found to be having a severe or very severe impact on the community.
Barriers to Mental Health Care in Whittier, California
Whittier is part of Service Planning Area 7 in the Community Health Needs Assessment. In this region, respondents indicated that mental health needs were significant.
Of adults responding, 9.2 percent reported serious psychological distress in the last year.
Approximately 21 percent indicated needing help for emotional and/or substance abuse issues in the past year. However, only 12.2 percent of the population actually received that type of help.
Almost half of the responding population reported needing mental health and/or substance abuse services and being unable to access it.
For teenagers responding to the survey, 18.9 percent reported needing help with emotional or mental health difficulties in the past year. Stress is cited as a primary cause of mental health distress among teens.
The community includes a high percentage of foreign born and non-English speakers. This population is more susceptible to a perceived stigma associated with seeking out help with mental health difficulties.
In spite of increasing availability of insurance coverage for behavioral and mental health services, copays and deductibles are high and benefits are limited.
Innovation in Whittier, California
As awareness has grown about these issues, the Whittier Police Department and the Los Angeles County Department of Mental Health (LACDMH) entered into an innovative partnership. Together these two agencies create the Whittier Mental Health Evaluation Team (WMHET). Officers and mental health professionals work together to handle calls involving people who may be experiencing a mental health crisis. The teams can also respond to situation that call for a social services intervention. Once the initial emergency has passed, the WMHET arranges for follow up and ongoing care. Besides leading to better outcomes for consumers, this approach has led to an improved relationship between law enforcement and the provider community.
How to Find the Help You Need in Whittier, California
If you’re looking for the help of a qualified mental health professional in Whittier, E-Counseling.com offers a directory to help you find the information you need quickly and anonymously. This comprehensive list includes each provider’s credentials, level of experience, and any specialties. You can also read a statement written by each counselor or therapist, so you can get a sense of how he or she approaches the therapeutic relationship. Consumers find this helpful in identifying someone they can work with comfortably without having to waste time on phone calls and visits that don’t help them get better.
