It can feel overwhelming to find a good therapist. In Orange County, there are a good mix of different professionals, from tech companies, sales, health care, and education. Sometimes it can feel very competitive to keep up with the “Orange County lifestyle” and the need to feel confident in your decision. Most professional careers come with stress and sometimes life throws you curve balls that can throw you out of balance. Getting therapy or counseling is a good way to find your balance and your “why” in life. If you are looking for a life coach, counselor, therapist, or psychologist – I’d like to help you find someone who can help.

The debate of finding a good therapist is an individual process. This is someone who you will need to open yourself up to and fully trust with your worries, anxieties, and fears. It is very important that you feel comfortable with your therapist. Trust doesn’t happen quickly. When you feel like you are ready to start, give yourself time to find a therapist who is the best fit for you. Ask around for referrals from friends, your primary care doctor, and local community contacts. Sometimes the best referrals are by word of mouth. Do web searches in your area and see who is close by. Also, Linkedin is a good site to do more research on professional background and experience. Interview a few therapists before you make your decision and, if necessary, take a few days to decide.

A therapist or psychotherapist will be licensed in marriage family therapy (LMFT) or as a licensed clinical social work (LCSW). LMFTs have a master’s level education that focus their education on providing mental health counseling/ psychotherapy. LCSWs also have a master’s level of education that have a variety of specialties, such as working in the community, non-profit organizations, medical settings, and mental health counseling/ psychotherapy. Psychologists have a doctorate level of education and have a Phd or a PsyD. Sometimes psychologists focus on research or on counseling. Also, psychologists can do testing to clarify diagnosis and help determine a treatment plan for patients/clients. A psychiatrist is a medical doctor whose specialty is psychiatry and focuses on prescribing medications to treat/stabilize symptoms such as depression, anxiety, mood disorders, and psychosis. Usually, psychiatrists do not provide therapy or counseling. Life coaches help clients in a more specific way such as life goals, motivation, help with relationships or careers. Life coaches do not have an educational requirement, licensure, or certification such as therapists and psychologists. Some life coaches do have educational background and combined with their own life experiences can be a great choice if it fits your needs.

I hope this helps you find the right therapist in Orange County. If you are still feeling stuck, feel free to call me at (949) 771-4461 for a free 15-minute phone consultation. I’d be happy to hear about what is happening in your life and help direct you to the right person. If you are looking for an anxiety therapist in Orange County, you can read more about how I can help on my website. My specialties include career driven professionals, caregiver stress, Asian American psychology, anxious teens, and social anxiety.