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Bernice Varela, LCSW

Experienced mental health professional

Provides online counseling through BetterHelp

At a glance

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

5.0 stars
Clients are very satisfied with Bernice. View 11 reviews
Speaks English
Offers Telehealth visits
Licensed in New Mexico

Recent reviews

Bernice Varela, is great in many ways. She is compassionate, caring, does not push, but will give recommendations with explanation. She is very excepting of my beliefs, and helps me with understanding how people are. We all have bad times both in personal and in professional lives. I am glad Bernice is human and shows that side of life is ok, because she has those times as well.

Reviewed March 2023

Bernice, is very attentive and caring. If she doesn't know an answer or suggestions she researches it.

Reviewed November 2022

More about Bernice

  • 9 years' experience
  • Female
  • LCSW

Hello! I am an Independently Licensed therapist and have been working in the field for over 10 years. I am a Trauma Informed Clinician and have worked with individuals that suffer from a wide array of mental health issues from PTSD to depression and anxiety and everything in between. One of my specialties is working with individuals that struggle with Personality Disorders. Being a Life Coach in situations that are appropriate is also something that I am happy to do.

My style is client centered and I truly believe that each person is the expert in their own life. My skills include Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral, CPT, TIC, MI, and I am huge on Mindfulness. I have been in the field for so long and have been told I am not the most traditional therapist; I am okay with that as I appreciate that there will be a different strategy that works for everyone and through exploration and getting to know one another we can find that together. Not every situation will call for intense interventions and life skills and coaching is also very meaningful.

I know reaching out is a huge step and just being here today shows that you are ready and you believe you are worthy and YOU ARE!

Specialties

Stress Anxiety Addictions Bipolar disorder Depression Compassion fatigue Relationship issues Family conflicts Trauma and abuse Grief Intimacy-related issues Sleeping disorders Anger management Self esteem Coping with life changes Antisocial personality Avoidant personality Codependency Communication problems Control issues Dependent personality Drug and alcohol addiction Emptiness Forgiveness Guilt and shame Impulsivity Isolation / loneliness Mood disorders Narcissism Panic disorder and panic attacks Paranoia Personality disorders Post-traumatic stress Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) Self-harm Social anxiety and phobia

Treatment Approaches

  • Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
  • Client-Centered Therapy
  • Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
  • Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)
  • Emotionally-Focused Therapy (EFT)
  • Existential Therapy
  • Jungian Therapy
  • Mindfulness Therapy
  • Motivational Interviewing
  • Narrative Therapy
  • Psychodynamic Therapy
  • Solution-Focused Therapy
  • Somatic Therapy
  • Trauma-Focused Therapy

Licenses

Bernice Varela's National Provider Identifier (NPI) is 1245623784.

  • LCSW · New Mexico · C-11119 · Expires July 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 Bernice Varela

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

Overall rating:

5.0

11 reviews

5
4
3
2
1

Clients mention: Great Amazing Caring Excellent Listens Understanding Attentive Comfortable Easy Genuine

Bernice Varela, is great in many ways. She is compassionate, caring, does not push, but will give recommendations with explanation. She is very excepting of my beliefs, and helps me with understanding how people are. We all have bad times both in personal and in professional lives. I am glad Bernice is human and shows that side of life is ok, because she has those times as well.

Reviewed March 2023

Bernice, is very attentive and caring. If she doesn't know an answer or suggestions she researches it.

Reviewed November 2022

I like this because it's hard foorr me to talk to someone And she makes me feel better for just talking about my problems

Reviewed April 2022

Bernice is great! She gives advice. She listens. She gives examples, worksheets and activities or exercises to try. She’s also great in pep talks. She’s smart and cool!

Reviewed March 2022

She rocks!

Reviewed January 2022

Bernice is an amazing therapist. I’ve made so much progress with her in a short time and she’s very knowledgeable, insightful, and easy to talk to.

Reviewed December 2021

Bernice is literally one of coolest and most down to earth people I have ever met. Not to mention she has a talent for listening, taking in how your feeling, and opening you up to different doors to explore the different layers of your feelings. Every time we have a session, I feel like she really cares, and I haven’t felt that feeling with many other therapists. Kind, sweet, wise cracking, and just has a giant heart to help humanity. I can’t recommend Bernice enough, because of her guidance I have I have grown so much. And week by week we are working on that continual growth. When she see’s me win, she win. And when I see her win, I win. And that is one of the beautiful relationships I have had with a therapist.

Reviewed December 2021

Amazing and so thoughtful.

Reviewed July 2021

Bernice is an awesome counselor and kind person. She has helped me tremendously through losses, hurt and confusion. She has given me worksheets and has given me pep talks and encouragement.

Reviewed July 2021

Very understanding and patient when listening and responding to me.

Reviewed June 2021

Bernice is an excellent resource. She is a great support system with lots of experience. Through so much experience, she knows the proper action and strategies to take that will fit what you need. I like her style of therapy and she is an excellent people person. She created a very safe space to open up and is genuine. The way she listens and interacts with you just makes you feel comfortable, spilling whatever. You’re in good hands.

Reviewed June 2021

How was your experience with Bernice?

Frequently asked questions

Does Bernice Varela offer telehealth visits?

Yes. Bernice Varela 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 Bernice Varela speak?

Bernice Varela speaks English.

How many years of experience does Bernice Varela have?

Bernice Varela has 9 years of experience.

Where is Bernice Varela licensed to practice?

Bernice Varela is licensed to practice in New Mexico.

Does Bernice Varela accept clients outside of the United States?

No, Bernice Varela does not accept 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 Bernice Varela offer?

Bernice Varela offers clients Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Client-Centered Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Emotionally-Focused Therapy (EFT), Existential Therapy, Jungian Therapy, Mindfulness Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, Narrative Therapy, Psychodynamic Therapy, Solution-Focused Therapy, Somatic Therapy, and Trauma-Focused Therapy.

How can I communicate with Bernice Varela?

Bernice Varela 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 Bernice Varela?

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.

Messaging
Live Chat
Phone
Video

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.