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315 verified Psychologists in Long Beach, CA
Zocdoc verifies all providers before they can appear in Zocdoc search results. Every provider that appears in search is open to new patients.
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Availability last updated 10/21/2026
Availability last updated 10/21/2026
Psychotherapist (Virtual)
4.80
·5 reviews
Orange, CA
Accepting new patients · Offers video visits ·
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Have you ever felt busy doing all the things you thought would bring you a happy life, yet still felt alone and disconnected from yourself and others? These feelings often lead people to turn to alcohol, drugs, food, shopping, or relationships in an attempt to create happiness, contentment, and j...Click to read more
Next available: tomorrow
Psychotherapist (Virtual)
5.00
·16 reviews
Orange, CA
Accepts Aetna, BlueCross BlueShield, Cigna + 67 more
Accepting new patients · Offers video visits · Highly recommended ·
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Welcome! I'm a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) currently living in Pennsylvania, but born and raised in California’s Bay Area. I hold a Master’s in Clinical Psychology from San Jose State University and have been practicing as a Marriage and Family Therapist for 19 years, licensed in b...Click to read more
Next available: tomorrow
Psychotherapist (Virtual)
4.75
·4 reviews
Orange, CA
Accepts Aetna, BlueCross BlueShield, UnitedHealthcare + 53 more
Accepting new patients · Offers video visits ·
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Hello, I am Coralia Valdez, a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist LMFT in California. I have been working in the mental health field for over 25 years. Throughout my work as therapist, I believe that real change happens when you feel truly heard and supported. My goal is to create a safe, welcomi...Click to read more
Next available: tomorrow
Adult Psychiatric & Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (Virtual)
4.17
·18 reviews
Los Angeles, CA
Accepts Aetna, BlueCross BlueShield, Cigna + 46 more
Accepting new patients · Offers video visits · Expertise in anxiety disorders ·
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I am a PMHNP-BC, Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner providing thoughtful, evidence-based care for patients navigating anxiety, depression, ADHD, trauma-related symptoms, sleep concerns, and other emotional or behavioral challenges. My practice focuses on clear diagnosis, practical treatmen...Click to read more
Next available: tomorrow
Psychotherapist (Virtual)
Los Angeles, CA
Accepts Aetna, UnitedHealthcare + 10 more
Accepting new patients · Offers video visits ·
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My name is Mary Sowah-Quaye, and I'm a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in the state of California. I earned my Master of Social Work degree from California State University, Bakersfield. I have worked in various settings with individuals and families facing a range of personal challenges, including ...Click to read more
Next available: Fri, Oct 23
Marriage and Family Therapist (Virtual)
5.00
·4 reviews
Within a few within a few months of treatment, life has improved greatly by BYClick to read more
Costa Mesa, CA
Accepts Cigna
Accepting new patients · Offers video visits · Highly recommended · Excellent wait time ·
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🌿 Trauma Therapist, EMDR, and Immigration Evaluations Virtual appointments--Safe video call appointments English & Español We provide Psychotherapy Services for: Individuals and families Many people continue struggling to feel truly happy, safe, or connected in their relationships without fully ...Click to read more
Next available: tomorrow
Psychotherapist (Virtual)
5.00
·1 review
Manhattan Beach, CA
Accepts Aetna, Cigna, Medicare + 8 more
Accepting new patients · Offers video visits · Highly recommended ·
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Kimberly Markley, LMFT, helps individuals and couples across California find stability, healing, and renewed purpose in their lives. She provides a safe and supportive environment where clients can explore their challenges, gain insight, and develop practical strategies for lasting change. Kimberly ...Click to read more
Next available: Mon, Nov 2
Psychotherapist (Virtual)
Orange, CA
Accepts Aetna, BlueCross BlueShield, UnitedHealthcare + 10 more
Accepting new patients · Offers video visits ·
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Hello, I am Stephanie Moreno-Carvajal and I have 11 years of experience providing therapy for adults and adolescents from various multicultural backgrounds with a trauma-informed approach. I specialize in working with women from various ethnic backgrounds, particularly first-generation children of i...Click to read more
Next available: Fri, Oct 23
Psychotherapist (Virtual)
5.00
·2 reviews
Orange, CA
Accepts Aetna, BlueCross BlueShield, Cigna + 62 more
Accepting new patients · Offers video visits · Highly recommended ·
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I am honored to have the opportunity to meet you and explore areas of the heart, mind, and soul together. I have been fascinated by the study of "love" since a young age. Life presents many paradoxes, such as "Go through pain in order to heal." Since my awareness opened to the vast internal world of...Click to read more
Next available: Fri, Oct 23
Psychotherapist (Virtual)
Orange, CA
Accepts Aetna, UnitedHealthcare + 9 more
Accepting new patients · Offers video visits ·
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I work with adults who are carrying experiences that are hard to put into words — adoption, foster care histories, grief, trauma, anxiety, identity questions, cultural displacement, creative blocks, and complicated family relationships. Many of my clients feel caught between worlds: between familie...Click to read more
Next available: Fri, Oct 23
Psychotherapist (Virtual)
5.00
·1 review
Orange, CA
Accepts Aetna, BlueCross BlueShield, Cigna + 51 more
Accepting new patients · Offers video visits · Highly recommended ·
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I am licensed in California with 34 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress, anxiety, recovery from addictions, relationship issues, trauma, & abuse. I also have experience working with depression and mens issues, including helping men deal with life t...Click to read more
Next available: Fri, Oct 23
Psychotherapist (Virtual)
5.00
·3 reviews
Orange, CA
Accepts Aetna, UnitedHealthcare + 9 more
Accepting new patients · Offers video visits · Highly recommended ·
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Welcome! I’m Elyse, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with ten years of clinical experience, licensed in California, Connecticut, and New Hampshire. I specialize in supporting women, mothers, children, and teens through anxiety, behavioral concerns, and life transitions. My goal is to support my cl...Click to read more
Next available: tomorrow
Psychotherapist (Virtual)
Anaheim, CA
Accepts Aetna, BlueCross BlueShield, Cigna + 46 more
Accepting new patients · Offers video visits ·
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Hi there, I'm Cynthia! I believe that life can be challenging at times, especially when we’re going through transitions or trying to manage everything life throws our way. My goal is to create a warm, safe space where we can work collaboratively, and I look forward to getting to know you and support...Click to read more
Next available: Tue, Oct 27
Psychotherapist (Virtual)
4.41
·22 reviews
Anaheim, CA
Accepts Aetna, BlueCross BlueShield, Cigna + 46 more
Accepting new patients · Offers video visits ·
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Change is hard but possible! I am here to help you reach your goals and encourage a healthier, more motivated you. My name is Kemi Ayanfalu, and I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in California with over 10 years of experience. I hold a Master’s in Clinical Health Services Marriage and Fa...Click to read more
Next available: Tue, Oct 27
Psychotherapist (Virtual)
Anaheim, CA
Accepts Aetna, BlueCross BlueShield, Cigna + 23 more
Accepting new patients · Offers video visits ·
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Hi there, I'm Jocelyn! I believe every individual has unique strengths, and I strive to create a warm, supportive environment where clients feel understood and empowered. I work with individuals using compassionate, evidence-based approaches that focus on building meaningful skills, increasing indep...Click to read more
Next available: Mon, Oct 26
Psychotherapist (Virtual)
Anaheim, CA
Accepts Aetna, BlueCross BlueShield, Cigna + 22 more
Accepting new patients · Offers video visits ·
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Hi there, I'm Eileen! I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) based in Los Angeles, California, and I work with clients statewide via telehealth. I work with adolescents and specialize in anxiety, stress, and depression using Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Solution Focus Therapy, and Motivat...Click to read more
Next available: Tue, Oct 27
Psychotherapist (Virtual)
5.00
·4 reviews
I did not want to do this but I am glad I did it. Eunice was very helpful for me.. I did not want to talk and she asked me easy questions that really helped me. She is very gentle and has a way to open me up comfortably if that makes sense. - Oct 7, 2026 by Tim V.Click to read more
Anaheim, CA
Accepts Aetna, BlueCross BlueShield, Cigna + 28 more
Accepting new patients · Offers video visits · Highly recommended · Excellent wait time ·
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Hi there, I'm Eunice! I am a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with a passion and calling to help my clients heal through various life challenges. My approach I tailor my approach based on my clients' preferred styles. Much of my work is informed by Internal Family Systems, Cognitive B...Click to read more
Next available: Mon, Oct 26
Psychotherapist (Virtual)
5.00
·3 reviews
Anaheim, CA
Accepts Aetna, BlueCross BlueShield, Cigna + 46 more
Accepting new patients · Offers video visits · Highly recommended ·
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My name is Michelle Charness-Adams. I hold an LCSW (Licensed Clinical Social Worker) with a Master’s in Social Work from the University of California, Los Angeles, a PsyD (Doctorate in Clinical Psychology), and a JD in law. I believe everyone deserves a chance to live their best life, and therapy ca...Click to read more
Next available: Mon, Oct 26
Psychotherapist (Virtual)
5.00
·1 review
Anaheim, CA
Accepts Aetna, BlueCross BlueShield, Cigna + 46 more
Accepting new patients · Offers video visits · Highly recommended ·
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Hi there, I'm Gabrielle! I’m a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. My practice is a warm, safe space where you’re seen as the expert on your own life. I’m here to walk beside you—not ahead of you—as we uncover your inner strengths and build the healing you deserve. Please note: I do not provide off-wor...Click to read more
Next available: Mon, Oct 26
Psychotherapist (Virtual)
Anaheim, CA
Accepts Aetna, BlueCross BlueShield, Cigna + 27 more
Accepting new patients · Offers video visits ·
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Hi there, I'm Wendy! I am a first generation Central American, bilingual, Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) based in California. I received my Masters from the University of Southern California and have been practicing for about 6 years post graduate degree. My focus I enjoy working with young...Click to read more
Next available: Tue, Oct 27
Psychotherapist (Virtual)
5.00
·2 reviews
Anaheim, CA
Accepts Aetna, BlueCross BlueShield, Cigna + 46 more
Accepting new patients · Offers video visits · Highly recommended ·
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Hi there, I'm Brenda! Hello! I'm Brenda P. Melgoza, a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (MFT#89587) in Southern California. I earned my Master’s in Marriage and Family Therapy from the University of La Verne. I’m passionate about supporting young professionals aged 20-45 within the BIPOC and...Click to read more
Next available: Mon, Oct 26
Psychotherapist (Virtual)
5.00
·4 reviews
Anaheim, CA
Accepts Aetna, BlueCross BlueShield, Cigna + 46 more
Accepting new patients · Offers video visits · Highly recommended ·
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Hi! My name is John Garcia, and I am a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in Orange County, CA. I hold a Master's degree in Marriage and Family Therapy from California Baptist University. I seek to support individuals through the process of improving mental health, addressing difficulties, and a...Click to read more
Next available: Mon, Oct 26
Psychotherapist (Virtual)
4.73
·11 reviews
Anaheim, CA
Accepts Aetna, BlueCross BlueShield, Cigna + 22 more
Accepting new patients · Offers video visits ·
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I believe that life's challenges do not need to be experienced alone and that there is immense value in having someone by your side to support you. It is an honor and a privilege to be able to hold space with clients and to be present with them as they experience the hard and the heavy of life. My ...Click to read more
Next available: Mon, Oct 26
Psychotherapist (Virtual)
5.00
·2 reviews
Anaheim, CA
Accepts Aetna, BlueCross BlueShield, Cigna + 46 more
Accepting new patients · Offers video visits · Highly recommended ·
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Hello! I'm Alexis. My name is B. Alexis Pettaway, and I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) practicing in California. I earned my Master's degree in Social Work from the University of Southern California (USC) and have 15 years of experience. I am based in Los Angeles, California, and work w...Click to read more
Next available: Mon, Oct 26
Psychotherapist (Virtual)
Anaheim, CA
Accepts Aetna, BlueCross BlueShield, Cigna + 45 more
Accepting new patients · Offers video visits ·
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My goal is to provide you with a supportive environment where you can express yourself, explore your thoughts and feelings, and take steps toward achieving personal happiness.Click to read more
Next available: Sun, Oct 25
Psychotherapist (Virtual)
Anaheim, CA
Accepts Aetna, BlueCross BlueShield, Cigna + 46 more
Accepting new patients · Offers video visits ·
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Whether you're seeking symptom relief or making a good life even better, I'm ready to guide you toward meaningful, lasting change. I specialize in men's mental health, trauma, moral injury, value clarification, intentional living, consensual nonmonogamy, and LGBTQ+ issues. I'm kink and sex worker-fr...Click to read more
Next available: Mon, Oct 26
Psychotherapist (Virtual)
4.00
·4 reviews
Anaheim, CA
Accepts Aetna, BlueCross BlueShield, Cigna + 46 more
Accepting new patients · Offers video visits ·
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Taking the first step toward change takes true courage. If you are navigating relationship issues, family conflicts, parenting stress, or career difficulties, you do not have to carry it alone. With 15 plus years of experience as an LCSW, I am here to help.Click to read more
Next available: Mon, Oct 26
Psychotherapist (Virtual)
Anaheim, CA
Accepts Aetna, BlueCross BlueShield, Cigna + 46 more
Accepting new patients · Offers video visits ·
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Hi! Hola! My name is Theresa Nayelie, and I am a bilingual Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor (LPCC) based in San Diego, CA, practicing statewide via telehealth. I earned my Master’s in Counseling from San Diego State University. Before licensure, I worked as an Associate with incarcerated you...Click to read more
Next available: Tue, Oct 27
Psychotherapist (Virtual)
Anaheim, CA
Accepts Aetna, BlueCross BlueShield, Cigna + 28 more
Accepting new patients · Offers video visits ·
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Hi there, I'm Jane! Jane Garnett is an Oxford-educated therapist, guide, and creative visionary with over 18 years of private practice experience in California. She blends talk therapy, attachment-focused EMDR, and a focus on spiritual connection to help individuals reclaim aliveness through deep h...Click to read more
Next available: Mon, Oct 26
Psychotherapist (Virtual)
4.71
·7 reviews
Los Angeles, CA
Accepts Aetna, BlueCross BlueShield, Cigna + 46 more
Accepting new patients · Offers video visits · Excellent wait time ·
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I am a bilingual (Spanish/English), bicultural Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with over 30 years of experience in mental and public health. I hold a Master's degree in Clinical Psychology from Santa Rosa Junior College. I am committed to providing high-quality holistic care for all my client...Click to read more
Next available: tomorrow
Psychotherapist (Virtual)
4.00
·4 reviews
Los Angeles, CA
Accepts Aetna, BlueCross BlueShield, Cigna + 46 more
Accepting new patients · Offers video visits ·
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Hi there, I'm Anthony! Hello, my name is Anthony. I am grateful for the opportunity to introduce myself; I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with a Master's in Social Work from California State University, Fresno. I have experience working with adults and adolescents. I believe in the dignity a...Click to read more
Next available: tomorrow
Psychotherapist (Virtual)
4.80
·20 reviews
Los Angeles, CA
Accepts Aetna, BlueCross BlueShield, Cigna + 46 more
Accepting new patients · Offers video visits ·
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Hi, my name is Lenny Hughley, California license #112845. I like to create a space that is warm and nonjudgmental where individuals can freely talk about whatever they choose. My specialties include depression, anxiety, and stress management. I hold a Master's in Social Work from the University of ...Click to read more
Next available: tomorrow
Psychotherapist (Virtual)
5.00
·12 reviews
Los Angeles, CA
Accepts Aetna, BlueCross BlueShield, Cigna + 46 more
Accepting new patients · Offers video visits · Highly recommended ·
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Allow me to introduce myself. I am Doreen Archuleta, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. I received my Master of Social Work degree from the University of Southern California. I have over 30 years of experience providing therapy and behavioral health services in outpatient clinics, emergency rooms, a...Click to read more
Next available: tomorrow
Psychotherapist (Virtual)
4.86
·7 reviews
Los Angeles, CA
Accepts Aetna, BlueCross BlueShield, Cigna + 45 more
Accepting new patients · Offers video visits ·
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Hey there. My name is Caron, and I am a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. I earned my Master's in Counseling Psychology from National University. The clients I currently work with seem to appreciate the Solution Focused, Narrative Therapy approach I use because the therapy is client-focused an...Click to read more
Next available: tomorrow
Psychotherapist (Virtual)
4.79
·14 reviews
Los Angeles, CA
Accepts Aetna, BlueCross BlueShield, Cigna + 45 more
Accepting new patients · Offers video visits ·
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Hi there, I'm Amy! I work with families and individual family members through family therapy sessions, marriage or couples counseling, domestic violence issues, depressive disorders, anxiety, and conduct disorders. My approach I utilize psychodynamic and cognitive-behavioral techniques, includin...Click to read more
Next available: tomorrow
Psychotherapist (Virtual)
Los Angeles, CA
Accepting new patients · Offers video visits ·
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Ms. Salma Soliman is a skilled and compassionate psychotherapist who offers virtual counseling through Brave You Therapy. Ms. Soliman completed her master's degree in social work at the University of Southern California and is a member of the National Association of Social Workers. She specializes ...Click to read more
Next available: tomorrow
Psychotherapist (Virtual)
Orange, CA
Accepts Aetna, UnitedHealthcare + 10 more
Accepting new patients · Offers video visits ·
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Hi, I am an experienced bilingual Spanish/Bi-Cultural LCSW psychotherapist raised in Los Angeles, CA. I earned my Master's Degree in Social Work from the University of Southern California (USC). I have been practicing for 14 years. My passion is helping people struggling with depression, anxiety, se...Click to read more
Next available: Sat, Oct 24
Psychotherapist
5.00
·2 reviews
Karin is a truly transformative experience. She has a rare gift for making people feel seen, heard, and supported exactly where they are. Her approach is compassionate yet empowering helping clients rediscover their strength, rebuild self-trust, and create lasting change from the inside out. Whether...Click to read more
17 mi · 8929 S Sepulveda Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90045
Also offers video visits · Accepting new patients · Highly recommended · Excellent wait time ·
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Hello. My name Is Karin (pronounced Kah-reen) Brewster and I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker based in Los Angeles, CA, working with adults and children since 2012. My area of practice focuses on the therapeutic relationship, ensuring the client's comfort in sharing some of their most difficult ...Click to read more
Next available: tomorrow
Psychotherapist (Virtual)
5.00
·5 reviews
Los Angeles, CA
Accepts Aetna, UnitedHealthcare + 10 more
Accepting new patients · Offers video visits · Highly recommended ·
Read bio
Hi there, I'm Amanda. Are life struggles getting you down? Do you worry so much that you can't relax? Do you overthink so much that you miss what is going on in front of you? Whether you are suffering from depression, anxiety, stress, or difficult life transitions, I can help you find more positivi...Click to read more
Next available: tomorrow
Psychotherapist (Virtual)
5.00
·5 reviews
Los Angeles, CA
Accepts Aetna, UnitedHealthcare + 10 more
Accepting new patients · Offers video visits · Highly recommended ·
Read bio
Hi! I'm a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) based in California. I have been practicing for 11 years. I help young adults and adults in their healing journeys by identifying and addressing the root thoughts and triggers contributing to their negative thought and behavioral patterns. I help them...Click to read more
Next available: tomorrow
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Frequently asked questions

How can I make a same-day appointment with a Psychologist in Long Beach?

On average, patients who use Zocdoc can search for a Psychologist in Long Beach, book an appointment, and see the Psychologist within 24 hours. Same-day appointments are often available, you can search for real-time availability of Psychologists in Long Beach who accept your insurance and make an appointment online.


How can I find a Long Beach Psychologist who takes my insurance?

Zocdoc lets you search specifically for a Long Beach Psychologist who takes your insurance. Just choose your carrier and plan from the drop-down menu at the top of the page. If you’re not sure which plan you have, you can use Zocdoc’s insurance checker to find out.


How can I book an appointment online with a Psychologist in Long Beach?

Zocdoc is a free online service that helps patients find Psychologists in Long Beach and book appointments instantly. You can search for Long Beach Psychologists by symptom or visit reason. Then, choose your insurance plan. Based on that information, you’ll see a list of providers who meet your search criteria, along with their available appointment slots.


How can I find a female Psychologist in Long Beach?

When you search for Long Beach Psychologists on Zocdoc, you can filter your results by gender, in addition to other criteria. That way, you’ll only see Psychologists in Long Beach who match your preferences.


How can I find a Long Beach Psychologist who sees patients after hours?

On Zocdoc, you can search specifically for Long Beach Psychologists with availability after 5 p.m.


How can I find a top-rated Psychologist in Long Beach?

You can use Zocdoc to find Psychologists in Long Beach who are highly rated by other patients. These ratings are based on verified reviews submitted by real patients. Every time a patient completes an appointment booked on Zocdoc, they’re invited to review their experience. Each review must comply with Zocdoc’s guidelines.


How can I find a video visit with a Psychologist online in Long Beach?

Psychologists in Long Beach on Zocdoc who see patients through online video visits will have a purple video icon on their profiles. You can also filter your search results to show only Psychologists who offer video visits.


Are video visits with a Psychologist online covered by my insurance?

Most insurers provide coverage for video visits at the same cost as in-person visits. You can search on Zocdoc specifically for Psychologists in Long Beach who accept your insurance for video visits by selecting your carrier and plan from the drop-down menu at the top of the page. We recommend you check with your insurance carrier directly to confirm your coverage and out of pocket costs for video visits.


How can I find a Psychologist in Long Beach who sees patients in the morning or evening?

Zocdoc lets you search specifically for a Psychologist who has appointments available before 10:00 am, or after 5:00 pm. Just choose the special hours filter at the top of our search page.


How can I find a Psychologist in Long Beach who sees patients during the weekend?

Zocdoc let's you see real-time availability for Psychologists in Long Beach. Many Psychologists offer appointments on Saturdays and Sundays.


Who is a psychologist, and what do they do?


A psychologist is a mental healthcare expert who helps people learn to better manage their mental health conditions and life and relationship issues by conducting psychological evaluations and providing talk therapy. They support people going through difficult times, such as those living with specific conditions like depression, PTSD, anxiety, or grieving the loss of a loved one. They undergo years of education and training before being qualified to offer various mental health services.


Psychologists study and help treat people's emotional, cognitive, and social processes and behaviors. They offer the following services:

  • Identify behavioral and emotional patterns
  • Diagnose disorders
  • Make referrals
  • Come up with effective treatment plans


Some psychologists conduct independent research and offer client consultations or patient care. They can also collaborate with medical doctors and social workers as part of a team or work with students, teachers, parents, and other educators in educational settings. To accommodate patients, private practitioners work on weekends and evenings.


Training and education of a psychologist


To become a qualified psychologist, candidates pursue 4 to 6 years of graduate school. Before this, they must earn an undergraduate degree. They hold either a Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) or a Doctor of Psychology (Psy.D.) degree in psychology, granting them specialized training.


Students typically combine their coursework with research and teaching. This is done while they are enrolled in graduate and post-graduate programs. They have to finish a year-long supervised internship before graduating.


In some states, students must complete additional years of managed practice to receive a license. The potential psychologists must also pass a national exam and any other licensing exams their state requires.


What conditions do psychologists treat?


Your psychologist can help you manage various life stressors and treat mental and behavioral health issues. These problems could be either long-term or short-term. You can consult a psychologist if you experience the following:

  • Anger issues
  • Anxiety
  • Alcohol and other substance abuse disorders
  • Coping with a new serious diagnosis 
  • Managing a chronic illness
  • Gambling disorder
  • Body dysmorphic disorder
  • Depression
  • Gender dysphoria
  • Eating disorders
  • Family and relationship issues
  • Hoarding disorder
  • Postpartum depression
  • Sleep disorders
  • Grief and loss
  • Problems with work or school performance
  • Obesity
  • Phobias
  • Unhealthy habits
  • Trauma
  • Pain
  • Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
  • Stress management
  • Self-confidence issues


What is post-traumatic stress disorder?


Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) stems from exposure to traumatic events. It affects people of all ages, ethnicities, and cultures. It can happen due to various traumatic experiences, like natural disasters, accidents, war, sexual assault, and violence. 


People with PTSD encounter persistent, distressing thoughts and feelings linked to the trauma, including flashbacks, nightmares, sadness, fear, anger, and detachment from others. Patients tend to steer clear of reminders of the traumatic event. A diagnosis of PTSD needs exposure to a traumatic event, whether personally experienced, witnessed, or learned about happening to a close one. Symptoms fall into four categories. These include intrusion, avoidance, alterations in cognition and mood, and alterations in arousal and reactivity.


Intrusion symptoms encompass involuntary memories, distressing dreams, and vivid flashbacks. Avoidance involves steering clear of triggers and avoiding discussions about the trauma. Alterations in cognition and mood in patients manifest as distorted beliefs, self-blame, detachment, and an inability to experience positive emotions. 


Alterations in arousal and reactivity may lead to irritability, recklessness, hypervigilance, being easily startled, and concentration or sleep problems. These symptoms often persist for over a month, causing significant distress and impairing daily life. Often, PTSD co-occurs with conditions like memory issues and depression. It can also co-occur with substance abuse and other physical and mental health problems.


Not everyone who experiences trauma may suffer from PTSD, and not all require psychiatric treatment. Some recover with support from family and friends, while others need professional help to overcome intense psychological distress. Trauma-induced distress is not the individual's fault, and PTSD is treatable. Early treatment increases recovery chances. Mental health professionals employ talk therapy and medication as effective, evidence-based PTSD treatments.


Psychologist vs. psychiatrist


Psychology studies the mind, emotions, and behavior, whereas psychiatry is an area of medicine that is concerned with diagnosing, preventing, and treating mental health conditions.

A psychologist has a doctoral degree (Ph.D. or Psy.D.) with extensive clinical psychology or research training. 


Psychologists use psychotherapy to treat conditions related to mental health (talk therapy). Typically, a psychologist cannot recommend medication. Alternatively, a psychiatrist is a medical professional specializing in diagnosing and treating mental illnesses. They are qualified to prescribe drugs and different types of medical care.


Subspecialties in psychology


The following are some subspecialties in psychology:

  • Brain science and cognitive psychology
  • Child psychology
  • Clinical psychology
  • Counseling psychology
  • Developmental psychology
  • Experimental psychology
  • Forensic and public service psychology
  • Health psychology
  • Rehabilitation psychology
  • Sport and performance psychology


What to expect on your first visit to a psychologist near you?


Although every professional has their style of practice and client interaction, in general, you can anticipate a psychologist to do the following:


Ask questions such as:

  • What brings you here today?
  • What is your personal history?
  • When did your problem begin?
  • How do you feel about using drugs and alcohol?
  • What makes your situation better or worse? 


It might take more than one appointment for your psychologist to understand your mental illness, but answering these questions will help them gather information.


Take a few tests

They might ask you to take a few psychological tests after that. These can help your psychologist understand the issue you're presenting and ultimately aid in making a diagnosis. Tests might evaluate your personality traits, mood, memory, and concentration.


Talk about treatment

Your psychologist will work with you to develop a treatment plan that is suitable for you once they have a clear understanding of the issues you may be experiencing. Psychologists use various treatment methods that are scientifically proven effective. It involves multiple types of therapy, including:

  • Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT)
  • Systems therapy
  • Interpersonal therapy


Finding the right psychologist near you in California


Are you looking for reliable psychologists in Long Beach, California? Before making an appointment, consider several factors. These include the type of insurance, the date of the consultation, the necessary specialty, etc. Zocdoc can help you do all this. It is an online tool that makes it simple and quick to make appointments.


All you need to do to begin scheduling appointments on Zocdoc is register for a free account. Then, enter information such as symptoms, doctor specialization, date, and insurance plan. Your search results will generate a comprehensive list. Use filters based on visit type, gender, hospital affiliations, and whether or not they treat children to further whittle down the search results. Once you've chosen a few doctors to interview, read through their biographies to learn more about them, including their credentials, affiliations, awards, areas of specialization, languages, etc.


Finally, you can use Zocdoc-verified reviews by past patients to compare doctors and reserve an appointment with the right psychologist in person or virtually.


Booking appointments with a psychologist near you through Zocdoc is safe, quick, and 100% free.


Statistics about psychologists in California


According to California Health Care Foundation statistics, nearly 1 in 7 California adults experience mental illness. 1 in 26 has serious mental health problems that make daily life difficult. The numbers related to the population under 18 are also concerning. Across 2018-19, 5.9% of California children experienced anxiety, and 2.5% went through depression.


The National Library of Medicine reported that around 18.8 million adults (7.6% of adults) in 2021 had at least one major depressive episode.


As per the reports by the American Psychiatric Association, nearly 3.5% of adult Americans have PTSD annually. For adolescents aged between 13 and 18, the lifetime prevalence of PTSD is about 8%. Approximately one in eleven people will receive a PTSD diagnosis during their lifetime. 


Sources


Cleveland Clinic

Healthline

WebMD

U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics[1]

U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics[2]

National Library of Medicine

California Health Care Foundation

American Psychiatric Association


The content herein is provided for general informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Medical information changes constantly, and therefore the content on this website should not be assumed to be current, complete or exhaustive. Always seek the advice of your doctor before starting or changing treatment. If you think you may have a medical emergency, please call your doctor or 9-1-1 immediately.

Zocdoc›Psychologists›Los Angeles, CA›Long Beach, CA