Skip to main content
Headway

Find an Aetna therapist in Lake Forest, CA

Book a therapist or psychiatrist in Lake Forest, CA covered by Aetna

Therapist and patient in a therapy session
Calculator Illustration
Get a cost estimate
People with insurance pay as low as $0 per session through Headway

Top Aetna-covered therapists and psychiatrists in Lake Forest, CA

Find Aetna-covered therapy in Lake Forest with Headway's network of 8,842 licensed providers. Sessions start as low as $30 copay, available in-person or virtually. Many clients save 75% on mental healthcare costs while accessing care within two weeks.

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.

Aetna + 7 others
ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Depression, PTSD
Empowering, Holistic, Solution-oriented

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.

Aetna + 5 others
Anxiety, Cultural & ethnic issues, Depression, Family issues, Identity issues
Open-minded, Solution-oriented, Warm

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...”
Aetna + 7 others
Anger management, Anxiety, Cultural & ethnic issues, Depression, Family issues
Affirming, Solution-oriented, Warm

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Salma Shah

Salma Shah

Therapist

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


“I'm a relational trauma psychotherapist specializing in healing from childhood attachment trauma and how we see ourselves and relate to other, breakups, divorce, and toxic abusive relationships.”
Aetna + 8 others
Anxiety, Cultural & ethnic issues, Depression, Family issues, Grief or loss
Empowering, Open-minded, Warm

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Krista Sabados

Krista Sabados

Therapist

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


“My style is compassionate, direct, and deeply human. I'll meet you with curiosity, honesty, and respect while helping you build resilience, strengthen relationships, and reconnect with yourself.”
Aetna + 3 others
ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Chronic conditions, Cultural & ethnic issues
Direct, Holistic, Warm

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
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.

Aetna + 4 others
ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Cultural & ethnic issues, Depression
Direct, Open-minded, Warm

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Holly Kempler

Holly Kempler

Therapist

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


Since I was a just a small child I held deep empathy and curiosity for other human beings. Ultimately, this lead me to obtain my MSW with a concentration in mental health and sub-concentration in school social work. Along the way, I have worked in many different community-based settings (mobile crisis, K-12 schools, outpatient behavioral health, drop-in centers, residential settings, and complex trauma treatment centers) serving folks from across the lifespan, witnessing so much growth and resilience along the way. I am particularly well-equipped to support children, teens, young adults, and parents.

Aetna + 7 others
Anxiety, Depression, Family issues, Grief or loss, Identity issues
Affirming, Empowering, Warm

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Maura Lynch-Loftus

Maura Lynch-Loftus

Therapist

In-person • 10 mi away • Tustin, CA


“I have psychotherapy expertise in working with individuals of all ages, as well as couples and families.”
Aetna + 7 others
ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Chronic conditions
Direct, Empowering, Solution-oriented
Dr. Melody Bacon

Dr. Melody Bacon

Psychologist

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


“My goal, as I tell my clients, is to help them fill their relationship skills toolbox so that they can utilize different approaches, not to change the other person, but to grow and change themselves so their lives work better for them!”
Aetna + 3 others
Anxiety, Depression, Family issues, Grief or loss, Identity issues
Affirming, Empowering, Holistic
Amber Allen

Amber Allen

Therapist

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


Hi there, my name is Amber Allen, and I'm a Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist (LMFT) and Certified Eating Disorder Specialist (CEDS). It's an honor to have you read my profile, and take the courageous step towards healing. I've been in practice since 2008, and have had the pleasure in specializing in Eating Disorders, Body Image Issues, and disordered eating patterns for over a decade. I have served as a Primary Therapist, Program Director, and Clinical Director in various Eating Disorder IOP/PHP/Residential facilities throughout Southern and Northern CA. Eating Disorders are not a one size fits all, and it is my mission to also support BIPOC communities that may feel unseen in terms of disordered eating/eating disorder support. In addition to eating disorders, I clinically treat: Adults 18-65+ Mood Disorders, Trauma/Sexual Trauma, PTSD, Women's Health (Perinatal, Post-Partum, Perimenopause/Menopause), Professional Athletes, Professional Arts Community, Life-Transitions, Relationship Issues, Pre-Marital Therapy, Spirituality/Faith Based Support, Couple's Issues, Family Therapy, etc.

Aetna + 7 others
Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Cultural & ethnic issues, Depression, Eating disorders
Affirming, Challenging, Warm
Laura Rothafel

Laura Rothafel

Therapist

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


“My hope is that people leave with hope. Experience a sense of calm by understanding self and others with greater clarity.”
Aetna + 8 others
ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Depression, End of life care
Challenging, Open-minded, Warm

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Ariane Djeussoung

Ariane Djeussoung

Psychiatric Mental Health NP

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


“I believe in treating symptoms by using an holistic approach in addressing the root causes of mental health issues.”
Aetna + 9 others
ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Depression
Empowering, Holistic, Open-minded
Jyyeun Kim

Jyyeun Kim

Therapist

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


“My goal is to create a welcoming and safe space for you to explore your feelings, build resilience, and embark on a meaningful journey toward holistic healing and growth.”
Aetna + 7 others
Anxiety, Chronic conditions, Cultural & ethnic issues, Depression, Family issues
Affirming, Empowering, Warm
Anne Marie Ruta Buchanan

Anne Marie Ruta Buchanan

Therapist

Virtual & in-person • 11 mi away • Tustin, CA


“For anxiety, I provide psychoeducation on the brain and body's response to threat, and look for ways my clients behaviorally shift so that they can decrease the intensity and frequency of symptoms that get in the way of them living their ideal lives.”
Aetna + 3 others
Anxiety, Grief or loss, OCD, Panic disorders, Stress management
Holistic, Solution-oriented, Warm

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
JC Pattugalan

JC Pattugalan

Therapist

Virtual & in-person • 12 mi away • Orange, CA


“I operate from a combination of a Patient-Centered approach to therapy wherein I meet my patients where they are at while implementing a Biopsychosocial approach...”
Aetna + 9 others
ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Chronic conditions, Depression, Diabetes
Affirming, Empowering, Warm
Melissa Paz-Medrano

Melissa Paz-Medrano

Therapist

Virtual & in-person • 11 mi away • Orange, CA


“I believe therapy is helping individuals reconnect with their strengths, build self-awareness, develop practical tools while moving toward healing and growth.”
Accepts Aetna insurance
Anxiety, Cultural & ethnic issues, Depression, Family issues, Grief or loss
Empowering, Humorous, Warm
Sandra Castillo

Sandra Castillo

Psychiatric Mental Health NP

Virtual & in-person • 13 mi away • Santa Ana, CA


“I believe that mental wellness is the foundation for a fulfilling life, yet I know that reaching out for help is often the hardest step.”
Aetna + 5 others
Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Chronic conditions, Cultural & ethnic issues, Depression
Participatory, Solution-oriented, Warm
Shelby Ammann

Shelby Ammann

Therapist

Virtual & in-person • 13 mi away • Newport Beach, CA


“I work with teens and adults navigating complex trauma, anxiety, sleep concerns, and depression—often when symptoms feel persistent despite effort or prior therapy.”
Aetna + 1 others
Anxiety, Depression, Family issues, PTSD, Relationship issues
Direct, Humorous, Warm
Arasha Alcaraz

Arasha Alcaraz

Therapist

Virtual & in-person • 12 mi away • Santa Ana, CA


Hello, my name is Arasha, and I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with over seven years of experience. I aim to provide a safe space to hold and help you explore emotions, thoughts, and difficulties. I believe in the importance of using somatic approaches to help you build self-awareness and cultivate a deeper connection between your mind and body.

Aetna + 12 others
Anxiety, Cultural & ethnic issues, Depression, Family issues, Grief or loss
Creative, Inquisitive, Warm
Belen Cornejo

Belen Cornejo

Therapist

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


“Therapy is not just about talking—it's about growth, healing, and learning new skills that can be applied to your everyday life.”
Aetna + 4 others
Cultural & ethnic issues, Depression, Family issues, Maternal mental health, Relationship issues
Affirming, Empowering, Participatory
Simone Zeschuk

Simone Zeschuk

Therapist

Virtual & in-person • 13 mi away • Newport Beach, CA


“I believe that true healing begins with genuine acceptance. In our sessions, we will look beyond surface-level symptoms...”
Aetna + 4 others
ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Chronic conditions
Direct, Humorous, Warm

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Veronica Thurman

Veronica Thurman

Therapist

Virtual & in-person • 12 mi away • Costa Mesa, CA


I have supported clients with a variety of issues including depression, anxiety, relational issues, personality disorders and trauma. I completed my M.A. in psycholoy in 2018 and since then I have worked in both private practice and school settings. I am also trained in EMDR. I use an eclectic approach to therapy that I tailor to meet the needs of each client.

Aetna + 2 others
Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Depression, Family issues
Affirming, Inquisitive, Warm

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Dr. Seima Diaz

Dr. Seima Diaz

Therapist

Virtual & in-person • 14 mi away • Anaheim, CA


“I combine insight with practical tools to create meaningful, measurable change in adolescents and adults.”
Aetna + 3 others
ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Cultural & ethnic issues
Empowering, Holistic, Solution-oriented
Nate Anderson

Nate Anderson

Therapist

Virtual & in-person • 14 mi away • Costa Mesa, CA


“My approach to therapy is collaborative, supportive, and grounded in the belief that you are the expert on your own life.”
Aetna + 4 others
ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Cultural & ethnic issues
Empowering, Energetic, Solution-oriented

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Brenna Dumerton

Brenna Dumerton

Psychiatric Mental Health NP

Virtual & in-person • 13 mi away • Santa Ana, CA


“I'm committed to delivering holistic care, not only managing symptoms but also improving quality of life and overall well-being.”
Aetna + 6 others
ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Depression, Maternal mental health
Empowering, Solution-oriented, Warm
Dr. Eima Mesgarha

Dr. Eima Mesgarha

Psychologist

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


Hi & Welcome. We all face challenges at times throughout our lives. We may need support finding self-awareness and compassion which I believe is the key in the healing process. I enjoy acting as an empowering guide along your journey. I believe in our innate capacity to change and create a meaningful and UPLIFTING life. My goal for you is to foster a safe, accepting and also challenging space that encourages personal growth and empowers you to make positive changes that support your values.

Aetna + 2 others
ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Cultural & ethnic issues, Depression
Empowering, Holistic, Warm
Tam Do

Tam Do

Psychiatric Mental Health NP

Virtual & in-person • 12 mi away • Costa Mesa, CA


“As a double board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health and Family Nurse Practitioner, I am committed to promoting your health and wellbeing through integrative, personalized care that addresses both mental and physical health.”
Aetna + 7 others
ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Depression, OCD, Sleep disorder
Empowering, Holistic, Open-minded
Rodolfo Gomez

Rodolfo Gomez

Therapist

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


“I believe that a therapist can encourage you to recognize your strengths so that you can use them to help you grow.”
Aetna + 12 others
Anxiety, Cultural & ethnic issues, Depression, Family issues, Identity issues
Empowering, Open-minded, Warm
Dr. Jose Cholula Bruno

Dr. Jose Cholula Bruno

Psychologist

Virtual & in-person • 13 mi away • Santa Ana, CA


“I specialize in working with professionals, athletes, coaches, trainers, and other high-achieving individuals to address areas of anxiety and stress.”
Aetna + 3 others
ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Depression, Grief or loss, PTSD
Empowering, Humorous, Solution-oriented

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Madeline Reams

Madeline Reams

Therapist

Virtual & in-person • 13 mi away • Newport Beach, CA


“My style is warm, direct, empowering, and a little humorous. I'll meet you with compassion, while also challenging you when needed...”
Aetna + 2 others
Anxiety, Depression, Grief or loss, Identity issues, Maternal mental health
Affirming, Direct, Warm
Alexandra Hansen-Ankerstar

Alexandra Hansen-Ankerstar

Therapist

In-person • 13 mi away • Orange, CA


“I believe in creating a safe space for client's to discuss things that are difficult and may have not been said out loud before.”
Aetna + 1 others
Anxiety, Depression, Family issues, Relationship issues, Sleep disorder
Empowering, Humorous, Open-minded
Chelsea Sutter

Chelsea Sutter

Therapist

Virtual & in-person • 11 mi away • Tustin, CA


I specialize in working with adults experiencing burnout, chronic stress/anxiety, trauma, and neurodivergence. As a neurodivergent therapist who has navigated my own experiences with burnout, I understand how exhausting it can be to constantly feel "on" for everyone else. I’m especially passionate about supporting helping professionals, caregivers, and high-achieving folks who spend so much energy caring for others that they forget to care for themselves. I also bring my full personality into the therapy room (including humor, authenticity, and the occasional slightly twisted joke) when the moment calls for it.

Accepts Aetna insurance
ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Chronic conditions, Depression, Family issues
Creative, Empowering, Participatory

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Vimal Patel

Vimal Patel

Psychiatric Mental Health NP

Virtual & in-person • 13 mi away • Santa Ana, CA


Hi, I’m Vimal Patel, a Board-Certified Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner with over 10 years of experience in healthcare. I earned my Master of Science in Nursing and have a background in both psychiatric and intensive care nursing. I specialize in treating depression, anxiety, and other mood disorders using a combination of medication management and supportive therapy. My approach is compassionate, culturally sensitive, and centered around your unique needs and goals. I'm here to help you feel heard, supported, and empowered on your mental health journey.

Aetna + 6 others
ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Depression, OCD
Direct, Empowering, Open-minded
Jacqueline Bredehoft

Jacqueline Bredehoft

Psychiatric Mental Health NP

Virtual & in-person • 15 mi away • Orange, CA


“I provide you with compassionate care and bring you highly personalized, effective, safe, and customized treatment to address your specific needs, symptoms, and genetic makeup.”
Aetna + 6 others
ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Depression
Direct, Empowering, Warm

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Sandra Barela

Sandra Barela

Therapist

Virtual & in-person • 12 mi away • Santa Ana, CA


I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist who works with adolescents and adults. I provide trauma-informed therapy for anxiety, depression, stress, and life transitions. My approach is collaborative, respectful, and culturally responsive. I am committed to creating a safe space where clients feel heard, supported, and empowered to grow.

Aetna + 6 others
ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Cultural & ethnic issues, Depression
Challenging, Empowering, Humorous
Asiyeh Zargaran

Asiyeh Zargaran

Psychologist

Virtual & in-person • 13 mi away • Orange, CA


“I aim to create a supportive and nonjudgmental space to work together to help you build resilience and achieve your personal goals.”
Aetna + 13 others
Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Depression, OCD
Empowering, Humorous, Participatory
Shavvonne Walls

Shavvonne Walls

Therapist

Virtual & in-person • 11 mi away • Newport Beach, CA


“Imagine if your symptoms no longer controlled you. You feel safe and confident that you can face life challenges.”
Aetna + 5 others
Anger management, Anxiety, Cultural & ethnic issues, Depression, Family issues
Holistic, Open-minded, Warm

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Joanna Schrudder

Joanna Schrudder

Therapist

Virtual & in-person • 14 mi away • Orange, CA


“I work collaboratively to create safe space where my clients can explore their stories, strengths, and foster meaningful change.”
Aetna + 3 others
Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Cultural & ethnic issues, Depression
Affirming, Empowering, Warm
Maria Cutler

Maria Cutler

Therapist

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


I believe that healing begins with feeling truly seen, heard, and understood. My approach is warm, collaborative, and grounded in curiosity rather than judgment. Whether you're navigating anxiety, grief, life transitions, relationship struggles, or simply feeling stuck, I offer a space where you can explore what’s happening with honesty and compassion.

I draw from evidence-based modalities like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), mindfulness, and psychodynamic insights, while always tailoring my approach to your unique needs and goals. Together, we’ll work to uncover patterns, build insight, and develop practical strategies that help you move toward clarity and meaningful change.

Clients often describe me as calm, supportive, and direct in a kind way. I value humor when it’s helpful, and I work to foster a relationship where you feel safe enough to be real—even when it’s hard.

Reaching out takes courage, and finding the right fit is key. If you're looking for someone who will listen deeply, challenge gently, and walk alongside you at your pace, I’d be honored to work with you.

Aetna + 10 others
Anxiety, Depression, End of life care, Grief or loss, Maternal mental health
Humorous, Open-minded, Warm
Brooke Huffstetler

Brooke Huffstetler

Therapist

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


Outside of private practice, I have worked at Ocean Recovery as a therapist since 2014, thus specialize in working with women seeking help from eating disorders, substance abuse, trauma, anxiety, mood disorders, and infertility.

Accepts Aetna insurance
Anxiety, Depression, Eating disorders, Infertility, Maternal mental health
Direct, Empowering, Humorous

What type of therapy does Aetna cover?

Aetna plans can vary, but many cover a range of therapy types. Below are some common options that may be included in your coverage.
watercolor illustration of a coffee table with tea

Frequently asked questions

Therapy Chair

Happy patient looking away

Affordable care that fits you — and your Aetna plan

Headway makes it easy to get affordable in-network mental health care with Aetna — from finding the right therapist or psychiatrist, to understanding costs, to booking your first session.

Find a provider - your way

Use left and right arrow keys to switch tabs. Press Shift+Tab to return to the tab list from links in the selected tab.

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