LAGUNA BEACH
How to Choose a Therapist in Orange County
Choosing a therapist in Orange County comes down to fit, specialty, and access. Look for a clinician who works with your specific concern, offers a free consult so you can gauge the connection, and is accessible by location or telehealth. Third Street Counseling in Laguna Beach offers all three, with clinicians covering children through couples.
What should you look for when choosing a therapist?
Three things matter most: the clinician's experience with your specific concern, whether you feel comfortable with them, and practical access. A therapist who specializes in anxiety may not be the right fit for someone seeking couples counseling. A free consult is there so you can weigh all three before committing to anything.
Should you choose a therapist in Laguna Beach or elsewhere in Orange County?
Location matters less than it used to because of telehealth, but in-person access still counts. If you live in or near Laguna Beach, our office on Third Street is easy to reach. If you are elsewhere in Orange County, telehealth across California means you are not limited to the closest zip code.
What credentials should you check?
In California, therapists hold licenses such as LMFT, LCSW, LPCC, or are registered associates (AMFT, ACSW, APCC). You can verify any license through the California Board of Behavioral Sciences website. At Third Street Counseling, you can see each clinician's credentials on their team page and on their individual profile, such as Michele Hall-Preston, LMFT or Elaine Pike, AMFT.
How do you know if a therapist is the right fit?
Fit is not about credentials alone. It is about whether you feel heard, understood, and respected. The first session tells you a lot. If it does not feel right, a good therapist will not be offended if you say so. We help clients find the right match even if it is not with us. Start with a free consult and see.
Reviewed by David Lindquist, LMFT
We will tell you honestly whether we are the right fit.