Motivational Interviewing (MI) therapists in Benicia, CA
Browse Motivational Interviewing (MI) therapists in Benicia, California. Compare credentials, specialties and therapeutic approach. Contact a therapist to learn more.
MI
Samantha Schaefer
Licensed Clinical Social Worker, LCSW, PMH-C
Feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or like life hasn’t turned out the way you thought it would? Maybe you’re in the middle of a big transition—becoming a parent, navigating a breakup, adjusting to a new role, or simply realizing that what used to work…doesn’t anymore. Change can stir up anxiety, self-doubt, and even grief for the versions of ourselves we’ve outgrown. You might find yourself questioning who you are or what comes next. These moments can feel isolating, but they’re also an invitation to slow down, reconnect with yourself, and begin again—with support along the way.
10 Years Experience
In-Person Near Benicia, CA
Online in Benicia, CA
MI
Nes Pinar Psychotherapy
Marriage and Family Therapist, LMFT
My practice is especially supportive for people navigating transitions, burnout, identity shifts, or the quiet sense that something in life needs to change. I bring steadiness, creativity, and a deep respect for your lived experience, offering a space where you don’t have to perform or hold it all together. You get to arrive as you are, and we move at a pace that feels safe, honest, and sustainable. If you’re longing for clarity, connection, or a more spacious relationship with yourself, I’m here to walk with you as you find your way forward.
15 Years Experience
In-Person Near Benicia, CA
Online in Benicia, CA
MI
Brandy Jaramillo
Licensed Clinical Social Worker
With over 15 years of dedicated experience in the dementia care field, I have had the privilege of supporting individuals living with dementia and their families through some of the most challenging and meaningful moments of their lives. My work has spanned direct care, family support, service coordination, and community education—each role reinforcing my deep commitment to dignity, empathy, and person-centered care.
5 Years Experience
Online in Benicia, CA (Online Only)
MI
Lisa Abdilova Andresen
Licensed Clinical Social Worker, LCSW
Getting sick of what's bothering you? Are your thoughts feeling tough to control? Been challenging to unwind, enjoy yourself, or get a good night's sleep? Feeling emotionally lonely, frustrated with family, or disappointed with your friends?
You may be successful professionally and still experience dips in your self-esteem, mood, and energy. Imposter syndrome goes hand in hand with perfectionism, procrastination, and productivity. The irony is you may be working harder than most people around you, and yet feel worse about yourself than they do.
You don't have to keep living like this. Therapy can help you understand how your mind works and optimize accordingly. For example, you can catch self-defeating negative thoughts and reframe them to be more helpful for you through CBT (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy).
You have the right to feel better too.
9 Years Experience
In-Person Near Benicia, CA
Online in Benicia, CA
MI
Amber McKinney-Morgan
Licensed Clinical Social Worker, LCSW, LICSW
Amber provides therapy with a holistic and eclectic approach that is individualized, taking into account that the client is the expert of what they need and how they best retain information. The therapeutic process can incorporate interventions related, but not limited to, Eye Movement desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), internal family systems (IFS), Somatic Experiencing (SE), Sex Therapy, Hypnosis, CBT-E, EFT, Bowen, Gottman and more.
8 Years Experience
Online in Benicia, CA (Online Only)
MI
Pattie Vargas
Counselor/Therapist, CBC®️Certified Provider, Kessler Certified Grief Educator
After facing the heart-wrenching challenges of having two of my three children struggle with Substance Use Disorder, my world was further shaken when my son, Joel, lost his decades-long battle with the disease in 2017. In the wake of this profound loss, I was determined to better understand the family experience of addiction, and have since used this lived experience to support and guide others who are navigating the isolating and stigmatizing road of addiction and loss.
As a Compassionate Bereavement Care®️ Certified Provider and Kessler Certified Grief Educator, I work with individuals, families, and communities impacted by loss. I am a Peer Parent Coach with the Partnership to End Addiction, and co-facilitate their online grief support community, and is the host of Finding Hope After Loss, Grief Support groups for The Happier Life Project. As an advocate for recovery policies, I am a California State Organizer with the Recovery Advocacy Project, serve on the RCO/RCC Advisory Committee, and was named the 2022 Architect of Recovery by CCAPP (CA Consortium of Addiction Professionals.) My book, Secrets, Scars and Heart Shaped Jars, shares my family’s journey through addiction, loss and recovery.
5 Years Experience
Online in Benicia, CA (Online Only)
MI
Blossom Wellness Counseling
Marriage and Family Therapist, LMFT
The therapists at Blossom Wellness, a group private practice, specialize in helping individuals like you find their way towards a more fulfilling life. The therapists help clients get to the root of their problems and create a roadmap towards their goals.
16 Years Experience
Online in Benicia, CA (Online Only)
MI
Practical Psychology, Inc.
Psychologist, Ph.D.
I believe that change is possible, even when life feels overwhelming. As someone whose mind tends to move fast, dig deep, and resist “fitting in,” I’ve learned firsthand how isolation, frustration, and burnout can grow from being misunderstood.
In my practice, I offer a place of understanding, clarity, and transformation. I help clients map how their unique thinking, energy, and attention patterns affect relationships, work, and daily life. Together, we create strategies and habits that align with who you are—so that your strengths become the foundation for growth, not sources of struggle.
I provide this support virtually across 44 states—and I’m committed to meeting you exactly where you are, and helping you move toward what’s next.
6 Years Experience
Online in Benicia, CA (Online Only)
MI
Mary Ramatici
Licensed Clinical Social Worker, LCSW, MSW
What makes my practice different is simple: you are never just a diagnosis or a checklist to me. I take the time to truly get to know you, your story, and what healing looks like for you specifically, because no two people's journeys are the same. If you're feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or like you're carrying more than you can hold on your own, this is your sign to reach out. You don't have to have it all figured out before you contact me. All you need is a willingness to start, and I'll meet you right where you are.
6 Years Experience
Online in Benicia, CA (Online Only)
MI
California Center for Change
Psychologist, PhD
You've tried to cut back or stop, but find yourself exhausted, frustrated, and wondering if anything will actually work. At California Center for Change, we help you understand what's beneath the surface so that real change becomes possible. Our team works with individuals and families across California offering compassionate, research-based therapy that addresses not just your use, but the pain driving it. You deserve to feel better and we're here to help you get there.
17 Years Experience
Online in Benicia, CA (Online Only)
Motivational Interviewing (MI) therapists in Benicia, CA Statistics
Motivational Interviewing (MI) therapists in Benicia, CA average 13 years of experience and charge around $193 per session. 100% offer online sessions. The most commonly treated issues are Anxiety or Fears (82%), Trauma and PTSD (74%), and Depression (70%).
Average years in practice
13 Years Experience
Average cost per session
$193
Accept insurance
46%
Offer sliding scale
50%
Gender ID
| 68% |
Female |
|
| 22% |
Male |
|
| 5% |
Gender Fluid |
|
| 5% |
Non-Binary |
|
Session Type
| 58% |
Online Only |
|
| 42% |
In Person and Online |
|
Top Specialties
| 82% | Anxiety or Fears |
| 74% | Trauma and PTSD |
| 70% | Depression |
| 54% | Relationship and Marriage Counseling |
| 54% | Stress |
| 50% | Loss or Grief |
| 50% | Self Esteem |
Ages Served
| 96% | Adult |
| 80% | Young Adult |
| 54% | Senior |
| 34% | Teen |
| 18% | Children |
Client Focus
| 66% | Women |
| 52% | LGBTQ+ |
| 42% | Men |
| 36% | Hispanic / Latino |
| 30% | Asian |