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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 06/01/2026
Availability last updated 06/01/2026
Psychotherapist (Virtual)
Anaheim, CA
Accepts Aetna, BlueCross BlueShield, Cigna + 56 more
Accepting new patients · Offers video visits ·
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Hi there, I'm Carol! My name is Carol Koshimizu, and I am a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with a Master’s in Counseling from the University of Phoenix. My approach is to join with you in a safe environment; to guide and support you in healing using the most innovative therapies. I will wo...Click to read more
Next available: Thu, Jun 4
Psychotherapist (Virtual)
Los Angeles, CA
Accepts Aetna, BlueCross BlueShield, Cigna + 71 more
Accepting new patients · Offers video visits ·
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Hello, I’m a licensed clinical social worker with over a decade of experience supporting individuals through unexpected and challenging life transitions. I work with adults who may be feeling overwhelmed by uncertainty, anxiety, grief, or the emotional impact of ongoing stress. My background includ...Click to read more
Next available: tomorrow
Psychotherapist (Virtual)
4.89
·19 reviews
Los Angeles, CA
Accepts Aetna, UnitedHealthcare, UnitedHealthcare Oxford + 12 more
Accepting new patients · Offers video visits ·
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As a California Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) with a Master's degree in Clinical Psychology from Antioch University, Los Angeles, I have 15 years of experience helping clients navigate complex emotions and enhance their relationships. I typically work with professionals seeking suppo...Click to read more
Next available: tomorrow
Psychotherapist (Virtual)
4.73
·11 reviews
Los Angeles, CA
Accepting new patients · Offers video visits ·
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I have over 20 years of experience and aim to understand your history, its impact, and how to help you make adjustments that ease your path forward. My expertise includes anxiety, depression, relationship and self-esteem issues, and work/career concerns, among others. I primarily utilize cognitive b...Click to read more
Next available: tomorrow
Psychotherapist (Virtual)
4.57
·7 reviews
Los Angeles, CA
Accepts Aetna, BlueCross BlueShield, UnitedHealthcare + 15 more
Accepting new patients · Offers video visits ·
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Hello and welcome! I'm so glad you're here. I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with 7 years of experience. I have earned two master's degrees from California Baptist University and am currently pursuing my Doctoral Degree in Clinical Psychology. I truly love the work I do and feel honore...Click to read more
Next available: tomorrow
Psychotherapist (Virtual)
5.00
·6 reviews
Manhattan Beach, CA
Accepts Aetna, BlueCross BlueShield, Cigna + 26 more
Accepting new patients · Offers video visits · Highly recommended · Excellent wait time ·
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Ryann J. Walker is a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor (LPCC) specializing in depression, anxiety, self-esteem, interpersonal conflict/relationships, life transitions, grief, and trauma. She treats adults (18+) using a holistic and integrative approach that encompasses Psychodynamic Theory an...Click to read more
Next available: Tue, Jun 9
Psychotherapist (Virtual)
5.00
·5 reviews
Los Angeles, CA
Accepts Aetna, BlueCross BlueShield, Cigna + 54 more
Accepting new patients · Offers video visits · Highly recommended ·
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A gently contained, consistently safe, and respectful space to explore your thoughts and emotions that you have never dared to think twice about, nor spoken of�this is my offering to you. The conversations that happen in this space and time together are your offering to yourself. Expectations for ...Click to read more
Next available: tomorrow
Psychotherapist (Virtual)
4.00
·1 review
Los Angeles, CA
Accepts Aetna, BlueCross BlueShield, Cigna + 53 more
Accepting new patients · Offers video visits ·
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Whether you recently started feeling overwhelmed and out of sorts or you've been struggling for a long time, therapy CAN help. The stresses of daily life can be made more difficult by anxiety, depression, trouble adjusting to changes in your life, and unresolved traumatic experiences. This can lead ...Click to read more
Next available: tomorrow
Psychotherapist (Virtual)
5.00
·1 review
Los Angeles, CA
Accepts Aetna, BlueCross BlueShield, Cigna + 54 more
Accepting new patients · Offers video visits · Highly recommended · Excellent wait time ·
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Hello! My name is Lexi Nicodemus, LMFT, and I am so excited to have you here. I understand how vulnerable asking for help and coming to therapy can be, and I am thankful you have trusted me to go alongside your journey. My approach I set clear goals for myself and my clients and treat every ses...Click to read more
Next available: tomorrow
Psychotherapist (Virtual)
Orange, CA
Accepts Aetna, BlueCross BlueShield, Cigna + 71 more
Accepting new patients · Offers video visits ·
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Hi there! Nice to meet you. My name is Ryan and I am really glad you are here. I’m not your stereotypical “sit and nod” kind of therapist—I like to keep things real, down-to-earth, and maybe even a little fun when it feels right. My goal is to create a space where you can show up exactly as you ar...Click to read more
Next available: tomorrow
Psychotherapist (Virtual)
4.81
·16 reviews
Los Angeles, CA
Accepts Aetna, BlueCross BlueShield, UnitedHealthcare + 68 more
Accepting new patients · Offers video visits ·
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I'm BIPOC and culturally sensitive. You may be reading this at a time when you're going through a crisis and need moral support. Perhaps you're starting to doubt yourself and dimming your flame. My name means "Light," so my greatest gift to you is us shedding a light on your problems and finding co...Click to read more
Next available: tomorrow
Psychotherapist (Virtual)
4.67
·6 reviews
Los Angeles, CA
Accepting new patients · Offers video visits ·
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Hey there! I'm Michelle, a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor with a Master's in Educational and Clinical Counseling from Azusa Pacific University. I treat Asian American adults aged 18-40 in California, primarily through teletherapy. My approach to therapy is holistic, focusing on talk therap...Click to read more
Next available: tomorrow
Psychotherapist (Virtual)
5.00
·2 reviews
Los Angeles, CA
Accepts Aetna, BlueCross BlueShield, UnitedHealthcare + 15 more
Accepting new patients · Offers video visits · Highly recommended ·
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Hi! I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) based in California. I received my masters in clinical mental health counseling from California State University, Fullerton( go Titans!). I have practiced therapy for the past 7 years. I am a proud queer and gender diverse therapist that has e...Click to read more
Next available: tomorrow
Psychotherapist (Virtual)
5.00
·3 reviews
Los Angeles, CA
Accepts Aetna, BlueCross BlueShield, Cigna + 71 more
Accepting new patients · Offers video visits · Highly recommended ·
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Hello! I'm a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist based in California. I received my master's in 2014 and have been practicing for 10 years. I help adults manage their stressors in life and help them reduce their symptoms to be successful in their own life. I have experience working with children ...Click to read more
Next available: Wed, Jun 3
Psychotherapist (Virtual)
5.00
·1 review
Anaheim, CA
Accepts Aetna, BlueCross BlueShield, Cigna + 54 more
Accepting new patients · Offers video visits · Highly recommended · Excellent wait time ·
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Welcome! My name is Michele. I am a California Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist actively working in the field since 2019. I have a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from San Jose State University and a Master of Arts in Counseling from Palo Alto University. My approach My therapeutic style invo...Click to read more
Next available: Fri, Jun 5
Psychotherapist (Virtual)
5.00
·4 reviews
- May 26, 2025 by John K.Click to read more
Anaheim, CA
Accepts Aetna, BlueCross BlueShield, Cigna + 53 more
Accepting new patients · Offers video visits · Highly recommended · Excellent wait time ·
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Hi there, I'm David! Hi, my name is David Bonfanti, LMFT. I enjoy getting to know my clients and hearing them share their stories. I've found that being a better listener is more effective than having something to say. I certainly do have things to say, but it really helps to hear a client's persp...Click to read more
Next available: Sat, Jun 6
Psychotherapist (Virtual)
Anaheim, CA
Accepts Aetna, BlueCross BlueShield, Cigna + 27 more
Accepting new patients · Offers video visits ·
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Wanting to make a change but not knowing how to get there? My passion is collaborating with individuals like you to help them discover their best selves. I help clients resolve the negative and limiting beliefs that hold them back from stepping into their true identities and help them move forward w...Click to read more
Next available: Fri, Jun 5
Psychotherapist (Virtual)
5.00
·1 review
- Apr 25, 2026 by Gillian R.Click to read more
Anaheim, CA
Accepts Aetna, BlueCross BlueShield, Cigna + 56 more
Accepting new patients · Offers video visits · Highly recommended · Excellent wait time ·
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Hi there, I'm Ann! I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, who has enjoyed a deeply gratifying private practice for 30 years. I see children, adolescents, and adults in my office in Capitola, CA, as well as via telehealth. Local colleagues and physicians refer to me for their clients to work ...Click to read more
Next available: Fri, Jun 5
Psychotherapist (Virtual)
Anaheim, CA
Accepts Aetna, BlueCross BlueShield, Cigna + 27 more
Accepting new patients · Offers video visits ·
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I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT). I choose to take the attitude that you will improve and find relief from the symptoms that you are currently experiencing. I find great satisfaction in observing the growth of each of my clients. This work is my second career, so while I don’t ha...Click to read more
Next available: Fri, Jun 5
Psychotherapist (Virtual)
Anaheim, CA
Accepts Aetna, BlueCross BlueShield, Cigna + 34 more
Accepting new patients · Offers video visits ·
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Hi there, I'm Jesse! My name is Jesse Jimenez. I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) with a Master’s in Social Work from California State University, Monterey Bay. I strive to create a safe space where clients can explore complex feelings and emotions that feel like barriers to a meaningfu...Click to read more
Next available: Thu, Jun 4
Psychotherapist (Virtual)
Anaheim, CA
Accepts Aetna, BlueCross BlueShield, Cigna + 27 more
Accepting new patients · Offers video visits ·
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I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. I work with individuals, couples, and families who are looking for support through life’s ups and downs. Whether that’s stress, relationships, anxiety, or just feeling stuck. My goal is to create a comfortable, nonjudgmental space where you can feel heard and ...Click to read more
Next available: Fri, Jun 5
Psychotherapist (Virtual)
Anaheim, CA
Accepts Aetna, BlueCross BlueShield, Cigna + 27 more
Accepting new patients · Offers video visits ·
Read bio
I work with children, adolescents, individuals, and couples, supporting them through anxiety, depression, trauma, life transitions, and relationship conflicts. I believe that healing and growth happen in a space where you feel safe, understood, and empowered.Click to read more
Next available: Fri, Jun 5
Psychotherapist (Virtual)
Anaheim, CA
Accepts Aetna, BlueCross BlueShield, Cigna + 54 more
Accepting new patients · Offers video visits ·
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My name is Jamie Burger, and I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) based in Los Angeles, California, providing telehealth services throughout the state. I work with adults and couples, specializing in anxiety, life transitions, grief, stress, and relationship issues using a cognitive ...Click to read more
Next available: Thu, Jun 4
Psychotherapist (Virtual)
Anaheim, CA
Accepts Aetna, BlueCross BlueShield, Cigna + 54 more
Accepting new patients · Offers video visits ·
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I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) based in California. I earned my Master's in Counseling Psychology from National University and hold a Bachelor's degree from California State University, Dominguez Hills. My approach I use various evidence-based methods, including Cognitive ...Click to read more
Next available: Fri, Jun 5
Psychotherapist (Virtual)
5.00
·1 review
Anaheim, CA
Accepts Aetna, BlueCross BlueShield, Cigna + 54 more
Accepting new patients · Offers video visits · Highly recommended ·
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I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker who enjoys working one-on-one with clients to best meet their mental health goals. I use multiple techniques, tailoring therapy to your unique needs. I welcome feedback to ensure you get the help you seek-this is your therapy! I have expertise with adults and t...Click to read more
Next available: Thu, Jun 4
Psychotherapist (Virtual)
5.00
·4 reviews
Anaheim, CA
Accepts Aetna, BlueCross BlueShield, Cigna + 54 more
Accepting new patients · Offers video visits · Highly recommended ·
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Are you feeling burnout, depressed, anxious, or as though your life is stagnant? I am here to offer a gentle hand to guide and support you through the various challenges that arise throughout your life. I believe every individual is unique, with their own strengths, experiences, and challenges. When...Click to read more
Next available: Thu, Jun 4
Psychotherapist (Virtual)
Anaheim, CA
Accepts Aetna, BlueCross BlueShield, Cigna + 56 more
Accepting new patients · Offers video visits ·
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I'm an LMFT, a therapist with over 15 years of experience based in the San Francisco Bay Area. I help adults navigate anxiety, trauma, depression, and life transitions using a compassionate, trauma-informed approach that supports lasting healing and growth.Click to read more
Next available: Fri, Jun 5
Psychotherapist (Virtual)
Anaheim, CA
Accepts Aetna, BlueCross BlueShield, Cigna + 27 more
Accepting new patients · Offers video visits ·
Read bio
Are you experiencing anxiety, depression, family conflict and/or trauma? Using a trauma-informed approach, I help clients develop tools and strategies towards reaching their goals. My approach By using Cognitive Behavioral Therapy I can help you identify and change negative thought patterns and beh...Click to read more
Next available: Thu, Jun 4
Psychotherapist (Virtual)
Anaheim, CA
Accepts Aetna, BlueCross BlueShield, Cigna + 27 more
Accepting new patients · Offers video visits ·
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I am a Licensed Therapist dedicated to supporting individuals as they navigate life’s challenges and transitions. My approach is compassionate and collaborative, helping clients build emotional awareness, strengthen coping skills, and develop healthier relationships with themselves and others.Click to read more
Next available: Fri, Jun 5
Psychotherapist (Virtual)
Anaheim, CA
Accepts Aetna, BlueCross BlueShield, Cigna + 56 more
Accepting new patients · Offers video visits ·
Read bio
The first steps to your healing journey have already begun. Congratulations on taking the initiative and overcoming the fear of reaching out for support.Click to read more
Next available: Fri, Jun 5
Psychotherapist (Virtual)
Anaheim, CA
Accepts Aetna, BlueCross BlueShield, Cigna + 35 more
Accepting new patients · Offers video visits ·
Read bio
Hi there, I'm Steven! Welcome. Starting therapy is a meaningful step, and I commend you for considering this journey. I'm here to support you in a way that feels genuine and tailored to your needs. I specialize in working with individuals navigating life transitions, anxiety, depression, trauma, as...Click to read more
Next available: Sat, Jun 6
Psychotherapist (Virtual)
Anaheim, CA
Accepts Aetna, BlueCross BlueShield, Cigna + 34 more
Accepting new patients · Offers video visits ·
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Hi there, I'm Karla! Hello, my name is Karla, and I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. I am of Mexican and Salvadorian descent and grew up in Highland Park. I am passionate about providing support and guidance in people's journey of healing. I believe every individual has the ability to s...Click to read more
Next available: Fri, Jun 5
Psychotherapist (Virtual)
5.00
·1 review
Orange, CA
Accepts Aetna, BlueCross BlueShield, UnitedHealthcare + 18 more
Accepting new patients · Offers video visits · Highly recommended ·
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If you are looking for structured CBT or skills-based homework, I may not be the right fit. Therapy with me involves examining avoidance and ambivalence as they arise (I’ll tend to be more direct with you when emotional or mental patterns like that emerge). Most people don’t need more advice. They ...Click to read more
Next available: tomorrow
Psychotherapist (Virtual)
Orange, CA
Accepts Aetna, Cigna, UnitedHealthcare + 14 more
Accepting new patients · Offers video visits ·
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All things are interconnected. To feel better, you have to act better. To feel better, you have to think better. To think better, you have to feel better. To act better, you have to think better. To think, feel, and act better, you have to care for your physical health. To care for your physical hea...Click to read more
Next available: tomorrow
Psychotherapist (Virtual)
Orange, CA
Accepts Aetna, BlueCross BlueShield, Cigna + 69 more
Accepting new patients · Offers video visits ·
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My name is Victoria Wuest, and I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist LMFT based in Redding, California, and working with clients statewide via telehealth. I work with children, adolescents, and adults I specialize in trauma, anxiety, and stress. I utilize Cognitive Behavioral Therapy CBT, Tr...Click to read more
Next available: Wed, Jun 3
Psychotherapist (Virtual)
5.00
·1 review
- May 26, 2026 by Hailey C.Click to read more
Brea, CA, CA
Accepts Aetna, BlueCross BlueShield, Cigna + 8 more
Accepting new patients · Offers video visits · Highly recommended · Excellent wait time ·
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Feeling overwhelmed by work, family, and everything in between? You don’t have to navigate it alone. I work with adults to manage stress, anxiety, depression, and ADHD using a warm, practical, and collaborative approach. As a professional adult, your life extends beyond work—your relationships, fami...Click to read more
Next available: tomorrow
Adult Psychiatric & Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (Virtual)
4.75
·12 reviews
los angeles, CA
Accepting new patients · Offers video visits · Highly recommended ·
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With almost 20 years working in healthcare, I understand how the drastic lack of attention towards mental health can lead to unnecessary physical and mental disability resulting in a poor quality of life. With a passion and dedication towards the field of mental health, my goal is to greatly improve...Click to read more
Next available: tomorrow
Psychotherapist (Virtual)
Los Angeles, CA, CA
Accepts Aetna, BlueCross BlueShield, UnitedHealthcare + 66 more
Accepting new patients · Offers video visits ·
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You deserve support that actually feels supportive. Therapy isn’t just talking — it’s being understood, validated, and strengthened. I’m here to walk beside you with warmth and a holistic lens as you navigate anxiety, depression, trauma, life changes, and self‑esteem challenges. My goal is to offer ...Click to read more
Next available: tomorrow
Psychotherapist (Virtual)
5.00
·4 reviews
Los Angeles, CA
Accepts Aetna, BlueCross BlueShield + 55 more
Accepting new patients · Offers video visits · Highly recommended ·
Read bio
I am a NY, and FLA. state licensed mental health counselor and CA state professional clinical counselor with a specialty in substance abuse disorders. I offer psychotherapy in a safe, non-judgmental environment where individuals are free to express themselves. I utilize traditional and non-tradition...Click to read more
Next available: tomorrow
Psychotherapist
5.00
·1 review
18 mi · 633 W 5th St, 26th Fl, Los Angeles, CA 90071
Accepts Aetna, BlueCross BlueShield, Cigna + 54 more
Accepting new patients · Highly recommended ·
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I have been in the field of mental health for 29 years. My goal as a therapist is to help you achieve ultimate happiness and peace in your life. As human beings we can not go back and change our past but we can find the tools that can help us live our lives fully and find the ways to use our full po...Click to read more
Next available: tomorrow
Calendar Check
1-3 days

Average time it takes to be seen by a provider

Doctor
100k

Verified providers with a 4.8 average rating

Primary Care Physician
15+ years

In the business of finding quality care for patients

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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.


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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.

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