Sandra Barela, LMFT
Experienced mental health professional
Provides online counseling through BetterHelp
At a glance
Sandra is an experienced, licensed Mental Health Professional who specializes in affordable online therapy offered through our partner, BetterHelp.
- Speaks English and Spanish
- Offers Telehealth visits
- Licensed in California
More about Sandra
- 16 years' experience
- Female
- LMFT
I am a second-generation Mexican American, fully bilingual in English and Spanish, and a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in California with 16 years of professional experience. Throughout my career, I have supported clients facing stress, anxiety, family conflicts, trauma, abuse, parenting issues, and depression. I firmly believe that you are the expert of your own story and possess inherent strengths to overcome life's challenges. Taking the first step toward a more fulfilling and happier life requires courage, and I am here to support you in that journey.
In my recent role as Clinical Director at Mary's Path, a nationally accredited Short-Term Residential Therapeutic Program (STRTP) in Santa Ana, California, I have been dedicated to empowering vulnerable teen mothers in foster care and their babies to create lives of dignity, hope, and self-sufficiency. My passion for helping young mothers stems from my own experience as a teen mom, which drives me to break generational cycles of trauma and foster better lives for mothers and their children.
My personal experiences with gang violence, grief, and loss have deepened my empathy and understanding of the complex challenges faced by individuals and families in similar situations. These experiences have equipped me with unique insights into the healing process, enabling me to provide compassionate and personalized therapeutic support. I recognize the unique strengths and resilience each individual brings to the healing process and am committed to guiding you through your journey toward healing and self-discovery.
Specialties
Licenses
Sandra Barela's National Provider Identifier (NPI) is 1891029468.
- LMFT · California · 95361 · Expires November 2025
About online counseling
- Affordable.
- Pay a low flat fee.
- Convenient.
- Do it at your own time and at your own pace. Communicate whenever you feel it's needed.
- Available now.
- There is no waiting list and no calls to make. Simply fill out a short questionnaire and send your first message.
Online counseling allows you to receive care from a mental health practitioner via phone, video chat, or instant messaging. It is convenient for those who may have trouble getting to or would prefer not to have in-person therapy appointments. Starting at $65 per week, online counseling is generally more affordable than in-person counseling. A study by researchers at University of California, Berkeley found that online counseling can be just as effective as face-to-face therapy while being more convenient, affordable, and accessible.
Reviews for Sandra Barela
Frequently asked questions
Does Sandra Barela offer telehealth visits?
Yes. Sandra Barela works with clients by exchanging messages, chatting live, speaking over the phone, or video conferencing based on what works for the client at that particular time.
What language(s) does Sandra Barela speak?
Sandra Barela speaks English and Spanish.
How many years of experience does Sandra Barela have?
Sandra Barela has 16 years of experience.
Where is Sandra Barela licensed to practice?
Sandra Barela is licensed to practice in California.
Does Sandra Barela accept clients outside of the United States?
Yes, Sandra Barela accepts clients outside of the United States.
Is online therapy as effective as in-person therapy?
Numerous studies support the effectiveness of online platforms in facilitating life changes. For instance, research published by JMIR Publications, conducted by teams from the University of Berkeley, UCSF, and SF General Hospital, found that "users of BetterHelp experienced significantly reduced depression symptom severity after engaging with the platform."
How can I communicate with Sandra Barela?
Sandra Barela can be engaged in any one of four ways: (1) Exchanging messages, (2) chatting live, (3) speaking over the phone, or (4) video conferencing. You can use different ways at different times as you wish, based on your needs, availability, and convenience.
How do I get started with Sandra Barela?
Just tap the CHAT NOW button or tap here: A new window will open and you'll be directed to a simple form that will help start the conversation. Please note: It can take up to a few days to be matched to a therapist.
Mental health conditions are real, common, and treatable.
And recovery is possible.
When you tap CHAT NOW a new window will open and you'll be directed to a simple form that will help start the conversation. Please note: It can take up to a few days to be matched to a therapist.