Aparna has been so helpful, understanding, and empathetic! I’ve only had a few sessions with her and it’s already helping so much. I look forward to my sessions with her every week!
Aparna Bell, LPCC
Experienced mental health professional
Provides online counseling through BetterHelp
At a glance
Aparna is an experienced, licensed Mental Health Professional who specializes in affordable online therapy offered through our partner, BetterHelp.
- 4.5 stars
- Clients are very satisfied with Aparna. View 27 reviews
- Speaks English
- Offers Telehealth visits
- Licensed in California
Recent reviews
Great!
More about Aparna
- 13 years' experience
- Female
- LPCC
Welcome! I am a Licensed Professional Counselor in California with over 10 years of experience in mental health and substance use treatment. I work with individuals who struggle with depression, anxiety, low self-esteem, addiction, stress, and relationship issues. My experience includes providing therapy in outpatient and residential dual diagnosis programs and recovery programs in San Francisco. I earned my master’s degree in rehabilitation counseling from San Francisco State University in 2009. My passion is helping others to achieve greater health and happiness in life, by letting go of negative thoughts and patterns and creating new insights and self-understanding. As a counselor I am engaged, supportive, intuitive, empathetic and a good listener. I enjoy working with people from diverse cultures and backgrounds and welcome people from all walks of life. I offer a safe, non-judgmental space to talk about your thoughts and feelings and can help guide you on your journey of self-discovery.
My theoretical approach to counseling is person-centered, strength-based, and eclectic, incorporating psychodynamic theory into treatment. I tailor my interventions to the individual and utilize cognitive-behavioral techniques to help identify and change negative thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. I use reflective listening and look for patterns and underlying issues that may be the cause of distress, and work with clients on their goals.
I would describe my counseling style as authentic and caring, with a friendly and warm approach. I support my clients in developing healthier coping skills, and new ways of thinking and feeling. Learning how to communicate more effectively, practicing healthy boundaries and self-care can be helpful tools.
When working with addictions and recovery there are many underlying issues to be worked through and resolved, such as depression, anxiety, and trauma. I help people to understand and cope with these feelings, which often have been buried for a long time. I support my clients with harm reduction or abstinence related goals and together we work through resistance and ambivalence. I understand that addiction and recovery are a process that takes time and that compassion is necessary. There is a lot of stigma, shame and fear associated with addiction and I provide a safe place to address your concerns.
Many of us have faulty beliefs that hold us back from having the life we want. I believe that we all have the potential to change and we all need support at times. Often, we feel stuck in old patterns and behaviors and it takes time to change. Sometimes we need to let go of old resentments or painful memories. By letting go of dysfunctional thinking and behavior patterns, we can create a healthier, happier life. I look forward to working with you and helping you through this process of healing.
Thank you,
Aparna
Specialties
Stress
Anxiety
Addictions
Anger management
Self esteem
Depression
LGBT
Relationship issues
Family conflicts
Trauma and abuse
Grief
Intimacy-related issues
Parenting issues
Career difficulties
Bipolar disorder
Coping with life changes
Abandonment
Antisocial personality
Avoidant personality
Blended family issues
Body image
Chronic pain, illness, and disability
Codependency
Communication problems
Control issues
Domestic violence
Drug and alcohol addiction
Family problems
Forgiveness
Gender dysphoria
Isolation / loneliness
Life purpose
Mood disorders
Multicultural concerns
Post-traumatic stress
Prejudice and discrimination
Self-love
Sexual assault and abuse
Social anxiety and phobia
Women's issues
Young adult issues
Treatment Approaches
- Client-Centered Therapy
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
- Existential Therapy
- Motivational Interviewing
- Psychodynamic Therapy
- Solution-Focused Therapy
Licenses
Aparna Bell's National Provider Identifier (NPI) is 1225440621.
- LPCC · California · 1222 · Expires 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 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 Aparna Bell
All reviews have been submitted by clients after seeing the provider.
Overall rating:
Aparna has been so helpful, understanding, and empathetic! I’ve only had a few sessions with her and it’s already helping so much. I look forward to my sessions with her every week!
Great!
Aparna Bell is an amazing person to work with. Bell, focuses on creating a safe space for an individual to explore their thoughts and emotions without judgment. She provides insightful guidance and practical strategies to navigate through challenging times, empowering one to develop healthy coping mechanisms with the aim of self improvement. Her dedication to my well-being is evident throughout our sessions and I am grateful to have chosen Bell as my therapist. I wholeheartedly recommend Bell to anyone seeking genuine support and guidance on their journey towards healing and self improvement.
I have been going to Aparna for almost a year and have already learned so much about codependency and how to identify what my feelings truly are. I am managing my life so much better with her help. Having her to talk to once a week has brought me to a much happier place. I would highly recommend her to anyone especially if you are in recovery or have codependency issues. She is just wonderful.
Very good experience and understand each other at the time to understand of meaning of depression and anxiety
She is very kind and compassionate. Immediately she makes you feel comfortable to share how you are feeling. I like how she follows up with messages and gives worksheets to help with my issues. Overall a very well rounded therapist.
She has been so helpful to the point that I have been using a lot of her advice in my daily life. I have recommended her and Betterhelp to my own patients.
Dr. Bell is very attentive and speaks with you with patience and kindness.
She has helped me so much and has been the only therapist I have ever had that truly listens and doesn’t see me as just an appointment. I can’t give Aparna enough praise because of what she has done for me. She is truly amazing!!!
Dr Bell is amazing! She is empathetic and authentic. She listens very well and gives me a safe space to vent. She sends me work sheets that give me clarity and solutions.
I have been working with Aparna for over two years. In that time, she has helped me work on my anxiety, anger management, familial issues and co-dependency. She is a great listener and she makes it easy to open up and be vulnerable. Honestly the best therapist I have ever worked with.
She is very observant and listens very well. And is really helpful. I really appreciate her input.
Aparna is very warm and easy to talk to. She has great ideas to help different situations.
Aparna is like the close friend that you can always confide in! She is very empathetic and friendly. Talking to her has helped a lot.
(⁎⁍̴̛ᴗ⁍̴̛⁎)
Aparma Bell is an angel. She is so sweet and understanding and very helpful. I love meeting with her. She really has made life easier for me.
Aparna Bell is really great. She is caring and patient.
I appreciate how she listens to me and is patient with me. I believe working with her will help me get where I want to be.
Aparna is wonderful and supportive! I’ve been in therapy since I was a child and this is the first time I’ve really trusted and connected with!
I was thrilled to be connected with Aparna. She is deeply caring, attentive, responsive, supportive and friendly. She has been an invaluable help in dealing with stress and mental health during the pandemic and has helped me develop the skills and methods to respond.
Aparna is an amazing therapist and really listens to everything you say. I love therapy with her!
Aparna is the best friend you never knew you had. She listens intently without judgement and makes you feel like you are special. My few weeks with Miss Bell have changed my outlook for the better. I would highly recommend this counsellor.
Love her she makes me feel very comfortable
Where we are as a society today doing phone counseling sessions...this has been the best experience!! Alarna has rescued me by reaching out when I don’t respond! I need help and she has been there even when I’m not!
Awesome!
I never thought I responded very well to gentle encouragement, support, and positivity, but was surprised at how well Aparna manages to make this style effective.
She is really fantastic- so helpful and really making impact for me.
Frequently asked questions
Does Aparna Bell offer telehealth visits?
Yes. Aparna Bell 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 Aparna Bell speak?
Aparna Bell speaks English.
How many years of experience does Aparna Bell have?
Aparna Bell has 13 years of experience.
Where is Aparna Bell licensed to practice?
Aparna Bell is licensed to practice in California.
Does Aparna Bell accept clients outside of the United States?
No, Aparna Bell 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 Aparna Bell offer?
Aparna Bell offers clients Client-Centered Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Existential Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, Psychodynamic Therapy, and Solution-Focused Therapy.
How can I communicate with Aparna Bell?
Aparna Bell 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 Aparna Bell?
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.