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Maria Ward, LMFT

Experienced mental health professional

Provides online counseling through BetterHelp

At a glance

Maria is an experienced, licensed Mental Health Professional who specializes in affordable online therapy offered through our partner, BetterHelp.

FSA/HSA accepted
4.7 stars
Clients are very satisfied with Maria. View 13 reviews
Speaks English and Spanish
Offers Telehealth visits
Licensed in California

Recent reviews

I’m thankful for my session with Maria she provided perspective that I needed to learn.

Reviewed February 2026

Maria is always listening and asks amazing questions to get me to look at a different perspective of myself during the healing process. She is wonderful.

Reviewed February 2026

More about Maria

  • 13 years' experience
  • Female
  • LMFT

As a licensed therapist in California, I bring over a decade of experience supporting individuals through complex emotional landscapes. My practice centers on helping clients navigate challenges like depression, anxiety, trauma, and life transitions with compassion and unconditional regard.

I specialize in working with diverse populations, offering culturally responsive care that honors each person's unique experiences. My approach is deeply empathetic, focusing on areas such as self-love, communication, social connections, and personal growth. I'm particularly committed to supporting people of various backgrounds, with respect, compassion, self love, acceptance, validation which are universal traits. The journey of healing is for anyone who whishes to walk the path, I will be there for you, I am here to support you, meet you where you need me to meet you.

My therapeutic style integrates evidence-based practices to help clients develop resilience, heal from past wounds, and cultivate meaningful life strategies. Whether you're struggling with mood disorders, relationship dynamics, or personal transformation, I'm dedicated to walking alongside, with genuine understanding and professional guidance. Never under estimate your own personal growth, value your unique qualities, I am here to support you with acceptance and unconditional regard and respect of your needs.

I believe in creating a safe, affirming space where you can explore your experiences, validate your own reality, integrate experiences that might had been put to the side and reconnect with your inherent strengths. Together, we'll work collaboratively to support your emotional well-being and personal empowerment. Remember, I am here for you, this place is for you and you alone.

Specialties

Stress Anxiety Trauma and abuse Anger management Depression Addictions Relationship issues Family conflicts Grief Intimacy-related issues Eating disorders Parenting issues Self-esteem Career difficulties Bipolar disorder Coping with life changes Compassion fatigue ADHD Abandonment Adoption and foster care Aging and geriatric issues Attachment issues Blended family issues Body image Caregiver issues and stress Codependency Commitment issues Communication problems Control issues Disruptive Mood Dysregulation Disorder (DMDD) Divorce and separation Domestic violence Drug and alcohol addiction Eating and food-related issues Emptiness Family of origin issues Family problems Fertility issues Forgiveness Guilt and shame Hospice and end-of-life counseling Impulsivity Infidelity Isolation / loneliness Jealousy Life purpose Midlife crisis Veteran and Armed Forces Issues Mood disorders Multicultural concerns Obsessions, compulsions, and OCD Panic disorder and panic attacks Paranoia Phobias Postpartum depression Post-traumatic stress Prejudice and discrimination Self-harm Self-love Sexual assault and abuse Smoking / vaping cessation Social anxiety and phobia Women's issues Young adult issues

Treatment Approaches

  • Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
  • Attachment-Based Therapy
  • Client-Centered Therapy
  • Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
  • Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)
  • Emotionally-Focused Therapy (EFT)
  • Existential Therapy
  • Gottman Method
  • Jungian Therapy
  • Mindfulness Therapy
  • Motivational Interviewing
  • Solution-Focused Therapy
  • Trauma-Focused Therapy
  • Internal Family Systems

Licenses

Maria Ward's National Provider Identifier (NPI) is 1184932006.

  • LMFT · California · 98143 · Renews May 2026

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, sometimes called teletherapy, refers to talk therapy delivered remotely through digital platforms, such as video calls, phone calls, or chat. It can be a great option for people who face barriers to traditional face-to-face therapy, such as those living in remote areas, individuals with mobility issues, or people with busy schedules that make it difficult to attend in-person sessions.

Teletherapy also offers greater convenience and flexibility, allowing clients to access care from the comfort of their homes. Research shows that the treatment outcomes with online counseling are often just as effective as with traditional therapy, providing a viable alternative for individuals seeking mental health support.

Reviews for Maria Ward

All reviews have been submitted by clients after seeing the provider.

Overall rating:

4.7

13 reviews

5
4
3
2
1

Clients mention: Healing Understanding Comfortable Helpful Wonderful Amazing Caring Easy Empathetic Helped

I’m thankful for my session with Maria she provided perspective that I needed to learn.

Reviewed February 2026

Maria is always listening and asks amazing questions to get me to look at a different perspective of myself during the healing process. She is wonderful.

Reviewed February 2026

Maria is patient, very kind and caring. She makes me feel comfortable.

After one session I feel well listened to and rudimentary understanding of me which impressive in a 45 minute time period.

so far WONDERFUL

Reviewed January 2025

She’s a good therapist and a really nice therapist she helps me all the time.

Reviewed August 2024

I feel comfortable and that is the number 1 goal for me. Maria is very comforting and makes it easy to talk

Reviewed April 2024

In the months and weeks that I have reached out and received services with my therapist I have not only gained reassurance but better understanding of my current standing in life. It has been easier to navigate the events happening in my life and has been helpful to untangle my emotional and mental health with their help. I wouldn’t be in the state of healing that I am in now if it weren’t for her.

Reviewed April 2024

I have been seeing Maria for only a few sessions and she has already helped me so much. She is very understanding to my phone anxieties and despite the difficulties of text only therapy she has never complained or tried to convince me to use a different method. It's much appreciated and makes me feel like she understands the difficulties I struggle with in a non judgmental way.

Reviewed April 2024

Therapists listens well

Reviewed March 2024

above and beyond service

Reviewed March 2024

Ms. Ward is very professional and helpful

Reviewed February 2024

Maria is empathetic and kind, and offers good questions to help further my healing.

Reviewed January 2024

How was your experience with Maria?

Frequently asked questions

Does Maria Ward offer telehealth visits?

Yes. Maria Ward 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 Maria Ward speak?

Maria Ward speaks English and Spanish.

How many years of experience does Maria Ward have?

Maria Ward has 13 years of experience.

Where is Maria Ward licensed to practice?

Maria Ward is licensed to practice in California.

Does Maria Ward accept FSA/HSA?

Yes, Maria Ward accepts FSA/HSA meaning you can pay for sessions with your pre-tax healthcare dollars. Every year hundreds of thousands of people use their FSA/HSA to pay for therapy.

Does Maria Ward accept clients outside of the United States?

Yes, Maria Ward 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."

What treatment approaches does Maria Ward offer?

Maria Ward offers clients Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Attachment-Based Therapy, Client-Centered Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Emotionally-Focused Therapy (EFT), Existential Therapy, Gottman Method, Jungian Therapy, Mindfulness Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, Solution-Focused Therapy, Trauma-Focused Therapy, and Internal Family Systems.

How can I communicate with Maria Ward?

Maria Ward 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 Maria Ward?

Just tap the BOOK 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.

Mental health conditions are real, common, and treatable.

And recovery is possible.

Messaging
Live Chat
Phone
Video

When you tap BOOK NOW a new window will open and you'll be directed to a simple form that will help start the conversation.

FSA/HSA eligible