Therapists in Long Beach, CA and Nearby Locations

Finding Mental Health Professionals in Long Beach

With a population of 863,002, Long Beach, California is the 7^th largest city in the state and the 39th-largest in the country. Located in Los Angeles County, Long Beach is home to the second-busiest container port in the United States and is one of the largest shipping ports in the world- which means the city plays a very significant role in the nation’s economy. However, a thriving center for business does not always translate to a prosperous community. As recently as 2017, 20% of persons living in Long Beach were reported as being at or under the poverty level. It is widely accepted that income and poverty can have a direct effect on a person’s physical and emotional health.

Increased Needs for Access to Care

As one of the largest cities in Southern California (behind only Los Angeles and San Diego) Long Beach is an example of the wider trend occurring in the state. Recent indicators show that in the Long Beach area, the rate of psychological distress has increased. The need for more resources to help those suffering from mental health issues is growing. Compared to the rest of the country, California has an overall ranking of 24 when it comes to assessing a combination of factors including the prevalence of mental illness and access to care for its residents. There is much more room for improvement.

If you have identified your own need for assistance with stress, depression, or other traumas we can help you search for the right resources in the Long Beach area. We can connect you with licensed therapists and mental health professionals who can work with you and around the hours that suit you.

Seeking help should not be a difficult process. When you are ready to take the next step toward wellness we can help make your search easier.

Before Beginning Your Search

The search process can be overwhelming when you are sorting through all the different types of mental health resources that are available. So rather than diving into your search immediately, we suggest taking a moment to consider what your requirements and preferences might be. This will give you a sense of direction when you begin to look for qualified professionals. Here are a few questions that you can ask yourself:

• Is there a specific ailment or trauma for which you want to see a therapist or mental health professional?
• Would you be better suited to someone who specializes in treating your specific condition? (for example, an eating disorder)
• Are you more comfortable speaking with a man or a woman, or is this not a concern for you?
• What period can you dedicate to ongoing therapy?
• What do you hope to achieve by going through the therapeutic process?

These are questions that are good to have answered for yourself and will help give your chosen mental health professional some clarity about what you need. Communication is key to the treatment process and the clearer you can be about your needs, the better.

Health Insurance Considerations

Do you know if your health insurance will cover mental health services? This is a good question to ask of your health insurance company and may be one consideration when choosing a mental health professional to work with. Insurance providers can sometimes have established networks of therapists that you can go to and there will be less of an out-of-pocket cost to you. Getting in touch with your health insurance provider can clear up any questions you might have about how they cover mental health services.