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Find a therapist in Lake Forest, CA — covered by insurance

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Top therapists in Lake Forest, CA accepting new patients

Lake Forest residents can access holistic mental health support through Headway's extensive network of 8,636 providers. From Foothill Ranch to neighboring Orange County areas, find empowering therapists offering flexible in-person or virtual sessions. Free intake consultations available, with many clients saving significantly through insurance coverage.

Theresa Russo

Theresa Russo

Therapist

Virtual & in-person • 2.2 mi away • Lake Forest, CA


“Theresa Russo is a client-centered and solution-focused therapist who integrates various modalities and techniques to provide a judgment-free, personal approach to each client.”
Anxiety, Depression, Family issues, Grief or loss, PTSD
Empowering, Solution-oriented, Warm
Accepts 11 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Steven Aird

Steven Aird

Therapist

Virtual & in-person • 2.2 mi away • Lake Forest, CA


“I focus on establishing a safe, collaborative and supportive therapeutic relationship, creating the framework for the work we will do together.”
Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Chronic conditions, Depression
Affirming, Empowering, Holistic
Accepts 11 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Mahsan Behnoud

Mahsan Behnoud

Therapist

Virtual & in-person • 4 mi away • Irvine, CA


“Together we can identify mental/emotional blocks, reprocess past disturbing memories, and develop mental agility to experience the life you deserve to flourish in.”
ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Cultural & ethnic issues
Empowering, Energetic, Solution-oriented
Accepts 4 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Marcela Castellanos

Marcela Castellanos

Therapist

Virtual & in-person • 2.2 mi away • Lake Forest, CA


“I have helped guide adults, and adolescents from various cultural backgrounds, who struggle with various challenges in life, such as disturbances from childhood, trauma, anxiety, and depression.”
ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Cultural & ethnic issues
Empowering, Holistic, Warm
Accepts 8 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Kristine Vega

Kristine Vega

Psychiatric Mental Health NP

Virtual & in-person • 2.1 mi away • Mission Viejo, CA


“My goal is to help you feel more like yourself, function more fully, and move toward a life that feels meaningful to you.”
ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Chronic conditions
Empowering, Holistic, Warm
Accepts 6 insurance carriers
Dr. Stacey Berardino

Dr. Stacey Berardino

Psychologist

Virtual & in-person • 2.5 mi away • Laguna Hills, CA


“My assessment and therapeutic style is relaxed, comfortable, cognitive-behavioral, and problem-solving focused in nature.”
Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Depression, Family issues, Grief or loss
Empowering, Solution-oriented, Warm
Accepts 11 insurance carriers
Giovanna Nicola-Menke

Giovanna Nicola-Menke

Therapist

Virtual & in-person • 2.8 mi away • Laguna Hills, CA


“Drawing from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and mindfulness practices, I help clients build awareness around their thoughts, feelings, and behaviors, and develop practical skills for coping and growth.”
ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Cultural & ethnic issues, Depression
Affirming, Empowering, Warm
Accepts 4 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Krysta Boyle

Krysta Boyle

Therapist

Virtual & in-person • 3.5 mi away • Laguna Hills, CA


“I strive to create a warm, supportive, and nonjudgmental space where clients feel safe to be themselves.”
ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Chronic conditions
Holistic, Open-minded, Warm
Accepts 2 insurance carriers
Dr. Nazanin Karandish

Dr. Nazanin Karandish

Psychologist

Virtual & in-person • 3.8 mi away • Irvine, CA


“I believe therapy is a collaborative work and I enjoy helping my clients live life to their fullest potential.”
ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Cultural & ethnic issues, Depression
Affirming, Holistic, Participatory
Accepts 10 insurance carriers
Richard Liu

Richard Liu

Psychiatric Mental Health NP

Virtual & in-person • 3.9 mi away • San Francisco, CA


“I am deeply committed to offering care that is rooted in compassion, empathy, and extensive knowledge of mental health.”
ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Cultural & ethnic issues, Depression, Grief or loss
Direct, Open-minded, Participatory
Accepts 9 insurance carriers
Shirin Aliverdi

Shirin Aliverdi

Therapist

Virtual & in-person • 4.7 mi away • Mission Viejo, CA


“I am trauma focused therapist who love to help clients get unstuck from past traumas and self doubts.”
ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Cultural & ethnic issues, Depression
Creative, Empowering, Warm
Accepts 8 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Andrew Hey

Andrew Hey

Therapist

Virtual & in-person • 5.6 mi away • Mission Viejo, CA


“I'm a laid-back, warm, and nonjudgmental therapist who works with adults and older adolescents navigating stress, burnout, identity concerns, and life transitions.”
ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Depression, Family issues, Grief or loss
Creative, Empowering, Humorous
Accepts 5 insurance carriers
Dr. Barek Sharif

Dr. Barek Sharif

Therapist

Virtual & in-person • 2.1 mi away • Mission Viejo, CA


“My approach as a therapist is rooted in my own humanity - I show up as a real person in the room with you.”
Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Cultural & ethnic issues, Depression, Family issues
Direct, Participatory, Warm
Accepts 10 insurance carriers
Elizabeth Cappelletti

Elizabeth Cappelletti

Therapist

Virtual & in-person • 8.5 mi away • San Juan Capistrano, CA


“I especially enjoy working with people who are used to being the strong one, caring for everyone else or appearing capable on the outside while feeling anxious, overwhelmed or disconnected within.”
ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Chronic conditions, Depression
Empowering, Solution-oriented, Warm
Dr. Matthew Langus

Dr. Matthew Langus

Therapist

Virtual & in-person • 8.6 mi away • Tustin, CA


I have been in the psychology field for over 20 years. I have an extensive background treating public safety, military, hospital personnel and there families for trauma, work related stressors and family issues. I have treated people who have survived trauma and I am also a trauma survivor. I have worked substance abuse treatment facilities and both inpatient and out patient psychiatric hospitals treating moderate to severe mental heath problems.

I am experienced in conducting diagnostic testing evaluations, fitness for work and pre-employment evaluations. I am a court recognized expert in a few different areas.

Due to my time practicing and vast experience nothing suprises me. I have seen, heard or dealt with most things in the this field. You cannot put a price tag on experience. I have also lived life and have experienced many things myself that clients come into my office wanting help with. I don't know about you but I like getting help from those that have treated the issues in the past or have gone through it themselves versus those that have read about it in books.

Anger management, Anxiety, Chronic conditions, Depression, End of life care
Direct, Open-minded, Solution-oriented
Accepts 5 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Julie Chu

Julie Chu

Psychiatric Mental Health NP

Virtual & in-person • 8.6 mi away • Tustin, CA


“Julie brings extensive experience from both inpatient psychiatric and inpatient chemical dependency settings, allowing her to effectively support individuals with primary mental health concerns as well as complex dual-diagnosis presentations.”
ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Depression, Eating disorders
Empowering, Solution-oriented, Warm
Accepts 9 insurance carriers
Josiah Peratoner

Josiah Peratoner

Therapist

Virtual & in-person • 10 mi away • Irvine, CA


I'm Josiah — a licensed marriage and family therapist (LMFT) offering in-person sessions in Irvine and telehealth sessions across California. My work centers on three communities I care deeply about: veterans navigating the often-invisible work of coming home, LGBTQ+ individuals and couples looking for a therapist who genuinely gets it, and parents who are doing their best while carrying more than they show. I'm Transgender Allied, trained in trauma-informed and multicultural frameworks, and I work with individuals, couples, and families. Before anything else, I work hard to make sure you feel like yourself in the session — not a diagnosis, not a file.

ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Family issues, Identity issues
Affirming, Challenging, Energetic
Accepts 7 insurance carriers
Marissa Melhuse

Marissa Melhuse

Therapist

Virtual & in-person • 10 mi away • San Juan Capistrano, CA


“My goal is to meet you exactly where you are, offering practical tools, fresh perspectives, and compassionate support to help ease the weight of anxiety, depression, trauma, and life transitions.”
Anger management, Anxiety, Depression, Family issues, Grief or loss
Inquisitive, Open-minded, Warm
Accepts 11 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Kristina Smith

Kristina Smith

Therapist

Virtual & in-person • 10 mi away • San Juan Capistrano, CA


“Through my own struggles with postpartum depression and anxiety, I became a passionate advocate for maternal wellness...”
Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Depression, Family issues
Empowering, Humorous, Warm
Accepts 1 insurance carrier

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Fabrice Paracuellos

Fabrice Paracuellos

Therapist

Virtual & in-person • 9.1 mi away • Laguna Beach, CA


“I integrate approaches that bring short-term relief and long-term benefits with quality of life, vibrancy, relationships, meaning, and self-appreciation.”
Anxiety, Depression, Family issues, Men's issues, Relationship issues
Empowering, Open-minded, Warm
Accepts 11 insurance carriers
Ning Cornwell

Ning Cornwell

Therapist

Virtual & in-person • 10 mi away • Newport Beach, CA


Hi, my name is Ning! I am a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor. I hold a bachelor’s degree in Social and Behavioral Sciences and a master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. For the past seven years, I have worked with children, teens, adults, and older adults facing stress, anxiety, relationship challenges, major life transitions, complex mental health conditions. My clinical work focuses on anxiety and mood disorders, and I combine cognitive and somatic techniques with talk therapy to address root causes and foster lasting personal growth.

ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Cultural & ethnic issues, Depression
Direct, Open-minded, Warm
Accepts 5 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Van Nguyen

Van Nguyen

Therapist

Virtual & in-person • 10 mi away • Tustin, CA


“I have helped my clients resolve attachment issues by guiding them towards understanding the importance of secure attachment when it comes to mental health and well-being.”
Anxiety, Depression, Family issues, Grief or loss, Identity issues
Empowering, Holistic, Warm
Accepts 15 insurance carriers
Dr. Yemmy Taylor

Dr. Yemmy Taylor

Psychologist

Virtual & in-person • 9.1 mi away • Irvine, CA


“I believe therapy should be a place where you feel heard, understood, and supported without judgment.”
Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Cultural & ethnic issues, Depression, Eating disorders
Affirming, Empowering, Solution-oriented
Accepts 8 insurance carriers
Louis An

Louis An

Therapist

Virtual & in-person • 10 mi away • Newport Beach, CA


“I believe in self-determination. I am not a very directive therapist that will tell clients what to do and what not to do.”
Anxiety, Depression, End of life care, Family issues, Identity issues
Empowering, Open-minded, Warm
Accepts 11 insurance carriers
Rachel Mitchell

Rachel Mitchell

Therapist

Virtual & in-person • 10 mi away • Newport Beach, CA


“My style is warm, collaborative, and insight-oriented. I work from a psychodynamic perspective to build a deeper understanding of what's shaping your thoughts, emotions, and relationships...”
ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Depression, Eating disorders
Empowering, Inquisitive, Warm
Accepts 5 insurance carriers
Darlene Violas

Darlene Violas

Therapist

Virtual & in-person • 9.4 mi away • Laguna Beach, CA


“I will not only challenge you to grow, but also provide unwavering support as you navigate your personal path towards healing and self-discovery.”
ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Chronic conditions, Depression, Family issues
Empowering, Solution-oriented, Warm
Accepts 13 insurance carriers
Manuel Cruz

Manuel Cruz

Therapist

Virtual & in-person • 9.6 mi away • Tustin, CA


“I strive to create a safe, non-judgemental environment where I can meet my clients where they are and help them learn to become the best version of themselves.”
Anger management, Anxiety, Depression, Family issues, Grief or loss
Challenging, Empowering, Open-minded
Accepts 4 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Michalina Zell

Michalina Zell

Therapist

Virtual & in-person • 5.7 mi away • Mission Viejo, CA


“I am a warm and encouraging "person-centered" therapist and believe that a strong therapeutic relationship based on trust and positive regard is essential to our work together.”
Anxiety, Depression, Family issues, Grief or loss, Maternal mental health
Open-minded, Participatory, Solution-oriented
Accepts 10 insurance carriers
Angela Phillips-McCord

Angela Phillips-McCord

Therapist

Virtual & in-person • 9.8 mi away • San Juan Capistrano, CA


Hi, I’m Angela Phillips, Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and owner of Lotus Healing and Wellness. I help teens and adults navigate trauma, anxiety, identity exploration, relationship challenges, emotional overwhelm, and life transitions through trauma-informed, inclusive, and affirming therapy, with a special commitment to supporting women and the LGBTQIA2S+ community.

I believe everyone deserves the opportunity to live as their truest, most authentic self. I also believe we all have the capacity to transform our lives, though sometimes we need support, guidance, and a safe space to begin that process. I know what it feels like to believe you have to hide parts of yourself or become someone else in order to be loved or accepted, and that understanding deeply shapes the way I show up as a therapist.

My goal is to help you reconnect with yourself, heal the patterns and survival strategies that no longer serve you, and create a life that feels more authentic, grounded, and emotionally fulfilling.

ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Cultural & ethnic issues, Depression, Family issues
Affirming, Empowering, Warm
Accepts 4 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Dr. Noelle Lee

Dr. Noelle Lee

Psychologist

Virtual & in-person • 9.9 mi away • Newport Beach, CA


As a highly compassionate and empathic therapist, I am able to provide the space you need to process on a deeper level to cultivate self-awareness and insight so that you can fully understand yourself, experiences, their implications in your life and world, with development of genuine self-love and self-care. I am passionate about helping others find happiness in themselves, their relationships, their everyday lives, and in their world, and love the work I do.

ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Chronic conditions, Cultural & ethnic issues
Open-minded, Participatory, Warm
Accepts 7 insurance carriers
Dr. Aidin Tajbakhsh

Dr. Aidin Tajbakhsh

Psychologist

Virtual & in-person • 10 mi away • Newport Beach, CA


I see therapy as a collaborative journey, where I walk alongside you rather than ahead of you. For nearly a decade, I’ve had the privilege of working with children, adolescents, and adults facing challenges such as anxiety, depression, trauma, ADHD, autism, substance use, chronic pain, and life transitions. My background in clinical psychology, along with board certification in biofeedback and neurofeedback, allows me to integrate both psychological and physiological approaches to healing. Most importantly, I deeply respect the uniqueness of your lived experience and strive to create a space where you feel understood, supported, and empowered.

ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Depression, PTSD
Empowering, Holistic, Solution-oriented
Accepts 8 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Clara D'Agostino

Clara D'Agostino

Therapist

Virtual & in-person • 10 mi away • Newport Beach, CA


Licensed Clinical Social Worker, specialized in mental health and women's issues. I use Expressive Arts and EMDR strategies to address trauma and anxiety. I am directive and supportive.

Anxiety, Family issues, Grief or loss, PTSD, Relationship issues
Affirming, Empowering, Solution-oriented
Accepts 3 insurance carriers
Hannah Williams

Hannah Williams

Therapist

Virtual & in-person • 10 mi away • Irvine, CA


Welcome! Before becoming a psychotherapist, I spent many years in the law and advocacy field. My previous training and experience helps me relate well with many different backgrounds with a greater understanding and appreciation for the diverse issues and concerns encountered by others. I love working with adults of all ages and couples in their journey towards self-discovery, personal growth, greater connection and fulfillment.

Anger management, Anxiety, Depression, Family issues, Grief or loss
Empowering, Solution-oriented, Warm
Accepts 11 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Dr. Cathy Evangelatos

Dr. Cathy Evangelatos

Psychologist

Virtual & in-person • 10 mi away • Irvine, CA


I’m Dr. Cathy Evangelatos, a licensed clinical psychologist in the state of California. I’m glad you’re here and I look forward to supporting you on your journey toward healing and growth. You have the option to choose a secular or faith-integrated approach for therapy.

Education:

· I am a licensed clinical psychologist in California with a doctorate in Clinical Psychology from the American School of Professional Psychology. I also hold a master’s degree in Theology and offer optional Christian-integrated therapy for clients who wish to explore the intersection of mental health and their spiritual identity.

· With more than a decade of experience (pre and post doctoral), I’ve had the privilege of walking alongside people through life’s most difficult and meaningful challenges.

Specialized Training-Integrative Faith-Based Approach

With a master’s degree in Theology from Fuller Theological Seminary and specialized training in the integration of Christian faith and psychology including my clinical research project on integrating theology and psychology into a faith -based practice. This training equips me to offer thoughtful, well-informed support for clients who wish to explore the intersection of mental health and their faith. This is only provided at your request, and only when it aligns with what you are seeking.

ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Depression
Affirming, Empowering, Warm
Accepts 8 insurance carriers
Erick Santos

Erick Santos

Therapist

Virtual & in-person • 10 mi away • Irvine, CA


“As the child of Salvadoran parents who fled civil war, I have a personal understanding of how trauma, resilience, and generational patterns can shape our lives.”
ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Cultural & ethnic issues, Depression
Holistic, Participatory, Warm
Accepts 2 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Azizeh Chamani

Azizeh Chamani

Therapist

Virtual & in-person • 10 mi away • Irvine, CA


I specialize in EMDR therapy for trauma, PTSD, and anxiety related to chronic stress and difficult life experiences. I work with adults seeking lasting relief from trauma symptoms, including first responders and individuals recovering from overwhelming or life-changing events.

Cultural & ethnic issues, End of life care, Family issues, Grief or loss, Identity issues
Empowering, Open-minded, Warm
Accepts 3 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Laura San Nicolas

Laura San Nicolas

Therapist

Virtual & in-person • 10 mi away • Irvine, CA


“As a holistic psychotherapist, I'm dedicated to addressing the whole person, not just the bad stuff.”
Anxiety, Cultural & ethnic issues, Depression, Family issues, Grief or loss
Direct, Humorous, Open-minded
Accepts 5 insurance carriers
Jamisyn Atlas

Jamisyn Atlas

Therapist

Virtual & in-person • 10 mi away • Irvine, CA


“Living in conflict with ourselves can create deep emotional pain, making it crucial that we treat ourselves with loving kindness instead of criticism or blame.”
ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Cultural & ethnic issues, Depression, Eating disorders
Affirming, Open-minded, Warm
Accepts 2 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Michelle Fuller

Michelle Fuller

Therapist

Virtual & in-person • 10 mi away • Irvine, CA


Hello! I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, but more importantly, I am a safe space, an advocate, a collaborator, and a sounding board. I specialize in trauma/intergenerational trauma, depression, anxiety, identity incongruency, and general life stage/cycle challenges. I am EMDR trained, and a Certified Grief Informed Counselor.

Anxiety, Cultural & ethnic issues, Depression, Family issues, Grief or loss
Open-minded, Solution-oriented, Warm
Accepts 6 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Tongqing Zhu

Tongqing Zhu

Therapist

Virtual & in-person • 10 mi away • Irvine, CA


“I focus on healing the family as a whole, not just the individual with compassion and attachment-based methods...”
Anger management, Anxiety, Cultural & ethnic issues, Depression, Family issues
Affirming, Creative, Warm
Accepts 8 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
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About our therapists located within 20 miles of Lake Forest, CA

Number of therapists within 20 miles of Lake Forest, CA
There are over 101 therapists in Lake Forest, CA accepting new patients.
101+
Average years in practice
Watercolor illustration of a bookshelf
10 years
Top specialties offered
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  • 96%Anxiety
  • 91%Depression
  • 83%Relationship issues
  • 82%Stress management
  • 77%Family issues
Insurances accepted
Watercolor illustration of insurance cards
  • 97%Aetna
  • 77%Anthem Blue Cross California
  • 69%Carelon Behavioral Health
  • 64%Cigna
  • 50%Blue Shield of California
Languages spoken
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  • 97%English
  • 12%Spanish
  • 5%Farsi
  • 2%Arabic
  • 2%French
How they see their clients
Watercolor illustration of therapy session
  • 94%In-person or online
  • 6%In-person only
Provider gender
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  • 74%Woman
  • 26%Man
License types
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  • 48%Licensed Marriage/Family Therapist
  • 18%Licensed Clinical Social Worker
  • 14%Clinical Psychologist
  • 14%Nurse Practitioner
  • 7%Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor
Treatment approaches
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  • 100%Individual therapy
  • 31%Family therapy
  • 26%Couples therapy
  • 11%Child or adolescent therapy

Frequently asked questions

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Find the right therapist for you

Headway makes it easy to find support for your mental health — from finding the right provider, to understanding costs, to scheduling with ease.

Factors to Consider When Choosing a Therapist in Lake Forest

Searching for therapists in Lake Forest starts with knowing what kind of support you want and which therapist’s experience matches it. People often look for therapy for anxiety, depression, grief, relationship concerns, trauma, life changes, or work stress. As you compare therapists, look for specialties and approaches that fit your needs, such as cognitive behavioral therapy, dialectical behavior therapy, eye movement desensitization and reprocessing, or trauma-informed care. A therapist’s profile can also show how they describe their style, what concerns they often support, and what you can expect in sessions.

In a smaller city like Lake Forest, local in-person appointment options may be more limited than in larger parts of Orange County. Virtual therapy can expand your options while still letting you work with a therapist licensed in California. Some people prefer an office visit close to home, work, or nearby areas like Foothill Ranch, while others choose virtual sessions for schedule flexibility. As you narrow your search, compare appointment times, whether the therapist is accepting new clients, and whether they offer a free phone consultation. Reading bios before booking can help you understand communication style, session structure, and fit.

Therapy in Lake Forest can be a significant expense without insurance. Using in-network insurance is one of the most reliable ways to lower session costs and understand what you may pay before care begins. Headway helps you search for therapists who match your preferences, take a wide range of insurance plans, and offer in-person or virtual appointments. You can enter your insurance details, see estimated out-of-pocket costs before booking, review therapist profiles, and book directly when you’re ready.

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1 Cost may vary based on your location, age, and insurance coverage.