In-person and Telehealth visits available.
In-person and Telehealth visits available.

Philosophically Informed CBT & Counseling in California

PACT / Service Areas / California

Serving San Diego, Los Angeles, San Francisco, and Beyond

Based in San Diego, PACT’s licensed counselors provide in-person sessions at our local office, and offer virtual therapy to clients throughout California, from Los Angeles to San Francisco and beyond. We specialize in a unique type of counseling that explores philosophical questions and principles, using these discussions to help clients navigate the complexities of life and garner deeper insights about themselves and the world around them.

How Our Therapists Help Using Philosophical Counseling

At PACT, our therapists integrate philosophical concepts and questions into our practice to help clients explore their fundamental thinking and values, fostering a deeper understanding of themselves and their experiences. This approach allows clients to gain clarity, develop resilience, and find meaning in their lives. Through thoughtful dialogue and reflection, our counselors help clients navigate life's challenges, cultivate personal growth, and achieve greater well-being.

Our Approach

PACT specializes in philosophically informed cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and philosophical counseling, offered in person at our San Diego office and virtually throughout California. Learn more about our various approaches:

Philosophical Counseling

Philosophical counseling is a form of helping that uses philosophical principles and methods to help individuals explore and understand their beliefs, values, and life's meaning. It involves thoughtful dialogue, critical thinking, and reflection to address existential questions, personal dilemmas, and emotional challenges, leading to personal growth and insight.

Learn More

Existential-Humanistic Therapy

Existential-humanistic therapy is an approach to helping that emphasizes personal responsibility, freedom, and the search for meaning in life. It explores the individual's unique experiences, values, and choices, focusing on personal growth and self-actualization. This approach often incorporates existential and humanistic principles to help clients live authentically and in alignment with their values.

Learn More

Logotherapy

Logotherapy is a form of existential therapy developed by Viktor Frankl that focuses on finding meaning in life. It emphasizes the importance of finding purpose and values in the face of suffering and challenges. Logotherapy aims to help individuals discover meaning in their experiences and live more fulfilling lives as a result.

Learn More

Stoicism Counseling

Stoicism counseling is a therapeutic approach based on Stoic philosophy, which emphasizes personal virtue, resilience, and acceptance of what cannot be changed. It focuses on developing self-control, rationality, and inner strength to navigate life's challenges and achieve a sense of inner peace and tranquility.

Learn More

Rational Emotive Behavioral Therapy (REBT)

REBT is a form of cognitive behavioral therapy that focuses on identifying and challenging unhelpful thinking that leads to emotional distress and unwanted behaviors. It aims to replace unhelpful thinking with more adaptive thinking, leading to improved emotional and behavioral well-being.

Learn More

Philosophically Informed Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

Philosophically informed CBT integrates philosophical principles and concepts into the practice of CBT. It explores how philosophies, such as existentialism and Stoicism, can influence thinking, feelings, and behaviors. This approach helps clients develop a deeper understanding of themselves and their world, leading to more meaningful and fulfilling lives.

Learn More

Creative Arts Therapy

Creative arts therapy is a form of healing that integrates expressive mediums, such as drawing, painting, and collage, to help individuals explore emotions, reduce stress, and improve emotional well-being. It allows for non-verbal communication and can be especially beneficial for those interested in an alternative to talk therapy.

Learn More

The Benefits of Philosophical Counseling and Philosophically Informed Practices

Licensed to practice in California, PACT offers both in-person sessions at our San Diego office and virtual services, allowing clients from Los Angeles, San Francisco, and beyond to engage in philosophical counseling and philosophically informed practices from the comfort of their own space.

In-person availability in San Diego

Counseling Where
You Are

Explore new ways of thinking about your life, concerns, and more with philosophical counseling.

Available from anywhere in California.

Contact PACT

Meet Our California State Licensed Therapist and Counselor

Julia Baum, LMHC, LPCC

Founder-Owner and Licensed Therapist

Julia Baum specializes in helping adults navigate emotional challenges through personalized therapy and counseling. With a unique blend of cognitive and philosophical approaches, Julia draws on her training in Rational Emotive Behavioral Therapy (REBT) and studies in Stoicism and Existentialism to foster personal growth and self-understanding.

Read More

California Therapy FAQ

What does PACT specialize in?

PACT uses philosophical principles to inform and guide therapeutic discourse. This approach helps clients explore and understand their fundamental attitudes, values, and perspectives, leading to deeper self-awareness and personal growth. PACT therapists use a blend of approaches and philosophical counseling to address a wide range of issues, from anxiety and depression to existential questions and life transitions. The goal is to help clients develop more adaptive attitudes, which can help lead to greater well-being and fulfillment in life.

How can I get started with philosophical counseling?

To get started with virtual or in-person (San Diego, only) philosophically informed therapy and counseling, request a free 15-minute consultation with PACT to see if our practice is a good fit for you and go over any questions you may have.

Why do I need a California-licensed practitioner for virtual therapy?

Due to state regulations, residents of California must see a California-licensed practitioner for virtual therapy. These regulations require counselors to be licensed in the state where their clients are located, ensuring compliance with local laws and standards of care. By working with a California-licensed practitioner, you can be assured that your therapist is qualified to provide counseling in your state and is held to the same professional standards as in-person counselors. This also ensures that any issues related to licensing, insurance, or legal matters can be appropriately addressed.

How much does therapy cost in California? Is there a variation in cost between cities like Los Angeles, San Diego, San Francisco, and others?

The cost of therapy in California can vary depending on several factors, including the therapist's experience, the length of sessions, and the type of therapy. In major cities like Los Angeles, San Diego, and San Francisco, there isn’t much variation in cost. At PACT, depending on your counselor, our sessions cost between $200 to $250. We also help facilitate insurance reimbursements as an out-of-network provider. If you have any questions about the costs of therapy in California, contact us.

Philosophical Counseling and Philosophically Informed CBT in California

In California, in-person and virtual counseling is sometimes covered by insurance, but not always. Factors such as your specific plan and the nature of the counseling can impact coverage. Many plans include in-person and virtual counseling coverage, so it is essential to check with your provider to confirm specific coverage details. You can also reach out to us and we can check your benefits information for you.

Philosophical Counseling and Philosophically Informed CBT in California

PACT offers Californians a unique path to self-discovery and personal growth through philosophically informed therapy and counseling. Whether you’re in San Diego, Los Angeles, San Francisco, or anywhere in California, our virtual therapy services are accessible and convenient, with in-person sessions also available at our San Diego office. To explore philosophical counseling and see if it’s right for your journey, connect with PACT today.