Living in Orange County, California is great! The weather is amazing with plenty of activities in the area – close to the beach, mountains, and LA. There is alot of diverse career opportunities in this area. Recently, there has been an increase of anxiety and depression. Mental health awareness is slowly becoming more accepted and normalized. Orange County has plenty of therapists or counselors available for help. If you are interested in learning more about how to find a therapist, counselor, or psychologist, in Orange County, check out my blog.

If you are a California resident, you can see any therapist in the state safely and conveniently because of the availability of telehealth therapy now available because of COVID-19. You can widen your search for a therapist that fits your needs and personality.

Feeling a bit anxious about starting therapy or counseling is completely normal. Watching therapy on tv can portray a different picture of what therapy really looks like. They show you what therapy looks like, but how does it all start?

After you talk to friends for referrals and do an online search for a therapist, start reaching out to the therapists and/or counselors for an initial consultation. Feeling a little lost on what to ask or say? Here a list of questions to ask.

After you have found potential therapists to work with in the San Diego area, you will then need to contact them, and determine whether they are the right fit for you. Starting therapy is a significant step in obtaining the help you need. Related to the pandemic, there has been a significant increase of people who are struggling with anxiety and depression. Major life changes and events can also trigger strong emotional reactions. It is not uncommon for potential clients to have difficulty explaining what they need help with because they feel overwhelmed and unable to identify their feelings. A therapist can help with this.

Once you have obtained a few referrals for therapists, here are some questions you can ask.

Some therapists specialize in certain types of therapy.

Getting to understand and learn more about your potential therapist can help you make a good decision about whether they are a good match for you.

Every therapist has a different approach/model. You know yourself the best! Find someone that can give you a sneak preview which you feel comfortable with.

Therapy can vary in number of sessions. The most common approach is once a week, however there might be more benefit in meeting 2-3 times a week depending on your needs. Some people prefer therapy every 2 weeks or more. The more consistent and frequent you meet your therapist, the better the outcomes.

Are you a person that needs the in-person feeling or does virtual meetings work better to fit your busy schedule? Since COVID-19, virtual practice increased, but there are therapists who will still meet in-person.

Usually meeting at the same time is the best approach. Make sure the therapist has time slots that work with yours.

Price of therapy can range. If you’re planning to use your insurance review or call them to ask about your coverage. Find something that is affordable and within your budget. You don’t want to stress or worry about the financial strains of therapy.

When you talk to a therapist they will also have questions for you too.

I hope this helps you with the process of finding an Orange County therapist that can help you with anxiety, depression, and major life changes.

If you are 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 in the right direction. If you are looking for an anxiety therapist in Orange County, Tustin, California area, you can read more about me on my website at https://www.janepearllee.com.