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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 07/31/2026
Availability last updated 07/31/2026
Psychotherapist (Virtual)
Anaheim, CA
Accepts Aetna, BlueCross BlueShield, Cigna + 48 more
Accepting new patients · Offers video visits ·
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Ramon Ortega-Caballero, LCSW, is a therapist who provides a space for those seeking support to process, heal, and grow. He earned his Master's in Social Work from California State University, Long Beach. Ramon is experienced in serving a diverse population, including BIPOC and LGBTQ+ communities, as...Click to read more
Next available: Fri, Aug 7
Psychotherapist (Virtual)
Anaheim, CA
Accepts Aetna, BlueCross BlueShield, Cigna + 46 more
Accepting new patients · Offers video visits ·
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My educational background includes earning a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and a Master's in Clinical Counseling from the University of the Cumberlands, as well as a Master's in Addictions. I am a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor (LPCC #16395) and a certified addictions counselor. My areas ...Click to read more
Next available: Thu, Aug 6
Psychotherapist (Virtual)
Anaheim, CA
Accepts Aetna, BlueCross BlueShield, Cigna + 27 more
Accepting new patients · Offers video visits ·
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Hi and Welcome! I’ve been practicing psychotherapy for 10 years, focusing recently on child psychotherapy, maternal mental health, and parenting interventions. As a mother of two, I understand the challenges parents face with behaviors and adjusting to parenthood. Stable mental health is key for a s...Click to read more
Next available: Thu, Aug 6
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 Robert! Robert (Bob) Phillips, LPCC, understands that beginning your therapy journey takes courage. He has witnessed firsthand the transformative power of this journey, as those who engage fully often emerge with a greater understanding of themselves and valuable tools to enhance the...Click to read more
Next available: Thu, Aug 6
Psychotherapist (Virtual)
Anaheim, CA
Accepts Aetna, BlueCross BlueShield, Cigna + 46 more
Accepting new patients · Offers video visits ·
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I am a highly experienced Licensed Clinical Therapist with over 20 years of practice in Illinois, Texas, California, and Nebraska. I hold a Master's in Counseling Psychology from National Louis University. Throughout my career, I have successfully helped numerous individuals and families navigate li...Click to read more
Next available: Thu, Aug 6
Psychotherapist (Virtual)
Anaheim, CA
Accepts Aetna, BlueCross BlueShield, Cigna + 45 more
Accepting new patients · Offers video visits ·
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Hi there, I'm Maria! Maria Alfaro, LMFT. I can offer you a healing experience that is sensitive to your strengths as well as your pain. I believe in respecting clients and their intrinsic wisdom and can help you gain a joyful, peaceful life. I specialize in trauma, sexual abuse, relationship proble...Click to read more
Next available: Thu, Aug 6
Psychotherapist (Virtual)
5.00
·1 review
Anaheim, CA
Accepts Aetna, BlueCross BlueShield, Cigna + 46 more
Accepting new patients · Offers video visits · Highly recommended · Excellent wait time ·
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My name is Princess Coleman, and I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) with over eight years of experience. I earned my Master's in Counseling from Universitas Nasional. I am based in the South Bay region of Los Angeles County in Southern California and work with clients statewide via...Click to read more
Next available: Thu, Aug 6
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 Steven! My name is Steven Schwartz, and I am an LCSW with a Master’s in Social Work from the Wurzweiler School of Social Work at Yeshiva University. My approach to therapy is very much client-centered. We all have our innate wonderful qualities, and sometimes life experiences hinder ...Click to read more
Next available: Thu, Aug 6
Psychotherapist (Virtual)
5.00
·1 review
Anaheim, CA
Accepts Aetna, BlueCross BlueShield, Cigna + 45 more
Accepting new patients · Offers video visits · Highly recommended ·
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Hi there, I'm Angela! I am a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with a Master's in Counseling from Argosy University. My goal is to provide you with tools to enhance the potential you already possess. My style is direct and encouraging while allowing you to choose your priority. My approach I...Click to read more
Next available: Thu, Aug 6
Psychotherapist (Virtual)
Anaheim, CA
Accepts Aetna, BlueCross BlueShield, Cigna + 46 more
Accepting new patients · Offers video visits ·
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I am an LMFT helping individuals, children, and families build stronger connections and heal from trauma. I know the exhaustion of feeling overwhelmed by anxiety and cultural stress. I offer a safe, nonjudgmental space for you to find clarity and peace. Let's partner to empower your growth.Click to read more
Next available: Thu, Aug 6
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 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, Aug 6
Psychotherapist (Virtual)
Anaheim, CA
Accepts Aetna, BlueCross BlueShield, Cigna + 23 more
Accepting new patients · Offers video visits ·
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Empowerment, safety, and wholeheartedness. These are the values that drive my work. I use a holistic approach to focus on individual strengths and needs. I work to help clients change stuck patterns and feel empowered in their lives, as well as to teach skills for managing mental health symptoms and...Click to read more
Next available: Thu, Aug 6
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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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, Aug 6
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 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, Aug 6
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 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, Aug 7
Psychotherapist
5.00
·144 reviews
empathy, something I wasn't taught as a kid but can help change a lot of things in our lives. - Apr 16, 2026 by Nick B.Click to read more
14.5 mi · 440 E Commonwealth Ave, Ste 205, Fullerton, CA 92832
Accepts Aetna, Cigna, UnitedHealthcare + 1 more
Also offers video visits · Accepting new patients · Highly recommended · Excellent wait time ·
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I have served my clients in Fullerton for more than nine years. If you are looking for a sense of acceptance from the world and those around you, I invite you to contact me. We will start by setting realistic goals and create a plan to make those goals a reality. A struggle I see often is clients n...Click to read more
Next available: Tue, Aug 18
Psychotherapist (Virtual)
5.00
·4 reviews
Orange, CA
Accepts Aetna, BlueCross BlueShield + 42 more
Accepting new patients · Offers video visits · Highly recommended ·
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Hello! My name is Lisa Thiel, and I'm a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in the state of California. I earned my Master's in Social Work from Walla Walla University. I have had the opportunity to work with a wide range of individuals from all backgrounds. I started my career working with children a...Click to read more
Next available: Sun, Aug 2
Psychotherapist (Virtual)
4.91
·23 reviews
Los Angeles, CA
Accepting new patients · Offers video visits · Highly recommended ·
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Beginning therapy is generally a decision that has been contemplated and carefully considered for quite some time. It requires an incredible amount of courage to take that first step and face what is no longer working in your life. I completed my Bachelor's degree in Psychology at California State...Click to read more
Next available: tomorrow
Psychotherapist (Virtual)
Anaheim, CA
Accepts Aetna, BlueCross BlueShield, Cigna + 28 more
Accepting new patients · Offers video visits ·
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Healing begins with conversation, and I am here to listen, support, and guide you through life's challenges with empathy and understanding. Whether you're navigating relationships, career transitions, personal hardships, or emotional struggles, you don't have to do it alone. Together, we will create...Click to read more
Next available: Sat, Aug 8
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 Wendi! As a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) with a Master’s in Clinical Social Work from California State University, San Bernardino, I am committed to supporting individuals in navigating life's challenges and fostering emotional well-being. With expertise in Eye Movement Des...Click to read more
Next available: Fri, Aug 7
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 Brianna! My name is Brianna Ramming, and I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) based in California, working with clients statewide via telehealth. I hold a Master's in Counseling from California Baptist University and a Bachelor's degree from the University of Californi...Click to read more
Next available: Fri, Aug 7
Psychotherapist (Virtual)
Anaheim, CA
Accepts Aetna, BlueCross BlueShield, Cigna + 28 more
Accepting new patients · Offers video visits ·
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I am a licensed clinical social worker based in Ventura County, CA, serving clients through telehealth. I earned my Master’s in Social Work from California State University Long Beach. I am seasoned in substance addiction and group counseling. For 15 years, I have supported patients diagnosed with d...Click to read more
Next available: Fri, Aug 7
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 Jennifer! I see therapy as a present-focused conversation that allows you to slow down, explore your inner narrative, and gain profound insight into how you navigate the world. My focus Struggling with anxious thoughts or self-doubt? I work with young adults navigating anxiety, life t...Click to read more
Next available: Fri, Aug 7
Psychotherapist (Virtual)
Anaheim, CA
Accepts Aetna, BlueCross BlueShield, Cigna + 22 more
Accepting new patients · Offers video visits ·
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I’m a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist who specializes in providing a supportive, person-centered, and empowering therapeutic environment. My work focuses on assisting individuals with a range of concerns, including anxiety, depression, trauma, bipolar disorder, grief and loss, addiction, dome...Click to read more
Next available: Fri, Aug 7
Psychotherapist (Virtual)
Anaheim, CA
Accepts Aetna, BlueCross BlueShield, Cigna + 27 more
Accepting new patients · Offers video visits ·
Read bio
Hi there, I'm Evelyn! I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. My goal is to offer a safe and supportive environment where you can fully express yourself, gain insight, and take steps toward personal growth to live your truth. I specialize in working with individuals navigating anxiety, depre...Click to read more
Next available: Fri, Aug 7
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 Ariel! My name is Ariel Wiggins, and I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) with a Master's in Social Work from California State University, Dominguez Hills. I am dedicated to helping people understand their own challenges and find ways to overcome them while nurturing their p...Click to read more
Next available: Fri, Aug 7
Psychotherapist (Virtual)
Anaheim, CA
Accepts Aetna, BlueCross BlueShield, Cigna + 22 more
Accepting new patients · Offers video visits ·
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Life can move faster than we can process. You may be the strong one, always holding things together, yet lately even small things feel heavy. Therapy offers a safe place to pause, unpack what’s weighing on you, and begin finding your balance, peace, and sense of self again. My approach I use Cognit...Click to read more
Next available: Fri, Aug 7
Psychotherapist (Virtual)
Anaheim, CA
Accepts Aetna, BlueCross BlueShield, Cigna + 8 more
Accepting new patients · Offers video visits ·
Next available: Fri, Aug 7
Psychotherapist (Virtual)
Anaheim, CA
Accepts Aetna, BlueCross BlueShield, Cigna + 45 more
Accepting new patients · Offers video visits ·
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Hi there, I'm Roxana Teran! I am a licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) providing Telehealth services in California. I hold a Master's in Community Mental Health from California State University, Dominguez Hills. I work with adults and couples at different stages of life, specializing in individu...Click to read more
Next available: Fri, Aug 7
Psychotherapist (Virtual)
Anaheim, CA
Accepts Aetna, BlueCross BlueShield, Cigna + 45 more
Accepting new patients · Offers video visits ·
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Hi there, I'm Mylan! Hi, my name is Mylan (Me-lawn) Allen. I approach therapy with authenticity and curiosity. I am able to help with depression, anxiety, PTSD, ADHD, bipolar disorder, and other mental health concerns. My approach I use person-centered and cognitive-based therapeutic modalities...Click to read more
Next available: Fri, Aug 7
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 Maricela! Seeking therapy takes courage. As a bilingual English- and Spanish-speaking therapist, I support adults and first-generation individuals navigating anxiety, depression, trauma, relationship challenges, familismo, and cultural identity. I provide a safe, affirming space to fos...Click to read more
Next available: Fri, Aug 7
Psychotherapist (Virtual)
Anaheim, CA
Accepts Aetna, BlueCross BlueShield, Cigna + 46 more
Accepting new patients · Offers video visits ·
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Life can feel overwhelming when you’re carrying everything alone. I provide a supportive, nonjudgmental space where clients can slow down, reconnect with themselves, and work through anxiety, depression, stress, relationships, life transitions, and emotional burnout with clarity and care.Click to read more
Next available: Fri, Aug 7
Psychotherapist (Virtual)
Anaheim, CA
Accepts Aetna, BlueCross BlueShield, Cigna + 46 more
Accepting new patients · Offers video visits ·
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I am a professional clinical counselor and a marriage and family therapist licensed in California. Additionally, I hold a mental health counseling license in Florida. I earned my Master's in Mental Health Counseling from the University of Central Florida. I strive to support my clients by providing ...Click to read more
Next available: Sat, Aug 8
Psychotherapist (Virtual)
Anaheim, CA
Accepts Aetna, BlueCross BlueShield, Cigna + 46 more
Accepting new patients · Offers video visits ·
Read bio
Hi there, I'm Adam! Hello, I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker who has been working in the field for nearly 20 years. I received my Master's Degree in Social Work from the University of Southern California in 2005 and have worked with many different populations throughout my career. I primarily h...Click to read more
Next available: Fri, Aug 7
Psychotherapist (Virtual)
Anaheim, CA
Accepts Aetna, BlueCross BlueShield, Cigna + 46 more
Accepting new patients · Offers video visits ·
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Dr. Jose J. Juarez is a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. His approach to therapy emphasizes collaboration between the client and provider to effectively meet the client's needs. Dr. Juarez is an AASECT Certified Sex Therapist specializing in mental health challenges related to the LGBTQIA+ an...Click to read more
Next available: Fri, Aug 7
Marriage and Family Therapist (Virtual)
5.00
·4 reviews
The psychotherapist Ana Guzman is very kind and smart. I didn't think I would have ever overcome my anxiety and depression. My relationships with my husband, children and work are the best that they have ever been. I even got a raise at work because of her help. I'm happier than I've ever been. ...Click 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: Mon, Aug 3
Psychotherapist (Virtual)
Orange, CA
Accepts Aetna, UnitedHealthcare + 10 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: Mon, Aug 3
Psychotherapist (Virtual)
4.00
·1 review
Orange, CA
Accepting new patients · Offers video visits ·
Read bio
I'm a therapist who works with adults dealing with life transitions, relationship challenges, and big emotions. I help you notice patterns in your thoughts, feelings, and relationships, build skills to handle stress and emotions, and create healthier, more fulfilling connections. I blend psychodynam...Click to read more
Next available: Mon, Aug 3
Psychotherapist (Virtual)
4.75
·4 reviews
Orange, CA
Accepts Aetna, BlueCross BlueShield, Cigna + 54 more
Accepting new patients · Offers video visits ·
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My name is Joey Dolowy, yes it rhymes and yes it is my name, enjoy and I have been a professional therapist since June of 1998 I have pursued psychology and addiction since a friend over dosed and died when I was 13. I am motivated to help everyone who asks me, it feeds my spirit and it is such a hu...Click to read more
Next available: Mon, Aug 3
Psychotherapist (Virtual)
Orange, CA
Accepts UnitedHealthcare + 8 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: Mon, Aug 3
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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.


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


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