This is Heidi Summers's avatar and link to their profile

Heidi Summers

Offering therapy in CA
License: MS,LMFT
Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseGriefDepressionCoping with life changes
26 years of experience

Hello! Thank you for considering the possibility of working together! My name is Heidi and I have been a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist for more than 20 years, having received my Master of Science degree in Clinical and Counseling Psychology in 1998 from California State University, San Bernardino. I am licensed in California. I am certified in EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) and trained in trauma treatment. My professional experience includes individual and group therapy with adults whose issues include being survivors of childhood sexual abuse and victims of sexual assault and domestic violence as well as concerns of depression, anxiety, grief and loss, parenting, relationships, and life changes. My counseling style is empathetic and accepting. My goal is to create a safe and warm environment where clients feel respected and supported in a confidential setting. I use an eclectic approach to therapy using various therapeutic orientations. On a personal note, I'm married with four adult children and six grandchildren. I suffered the loss of my first husband to cancer at age 30 which left me a single parent with three very young, grieving children, while managing my own grief . I remarried several years later to a career US Marine which required relocating several times over the years. I had a fourth child, and with multiple extended deployments of my husband, I was often, in essence, a single parent again. I have found that my varied life experiences have enabled me a unique understanding of many of the issues my clients are facing. Thank you for taking the time to read about my experience. I hope that you will consider working with me!

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Laurie Richardson

Offering therapy in CA
License: LMFT,Laurie Richardson
Relationship issuesGriefParenting issuesSelf esteemCoping with life changes
5 years of experience

Having returned to grad school to become a therapist at the midpoint of my life, I bring a wealth of knowledge from being a parent, a preschool teacher, a 7th grade Waldorf teacher, an art instructor, a graphic designer and copyrighter, and an art consultant for over 20 years. My school trajectory took me from UCLA to San Jose State to Sac State, a Waldorf training college and finally to San Francisco's CIIS. As I've entered the field of being a therapist, what I've learned is that the act of becoming a therapist means you are a good listener and humbled each time a human being opens their heart to you. To that end, I work diligently to understand and tailor each treatment I design to work specifically with the client in front of me. I relish the empathy and dignity of Person-Centered Therapy because I firmly believe that each person knows themselves best and can apply what they learn when they are given the tools and perspective to see solutions within the framework of the very problems they brought to therapy in the first place. Being an EXA therapist means that I employ the Expressive Arts (poetry, rap, photography, 2D and 3D art, dance, sculpture, writing, drama, music, gardening, and cooking, and eco-art) into the healing process. The art becomes another tool and a living testament to the fact that healing is happening. My style of therapy focuses upon being sensitive, empathetic with a healthy dash of questions. My sessions are usually filled with interactive games, art, laughter, meditation and yes, breakthroughs and tears - all the range of possible human expression. People tell me they come away from their session feeling happier, lighter, clearer and understood. I have great compassion for the people I see, whether via telehealth or in-person. My goal is to be fully present, listening, supporting, acknowledging and empowering you forward, however that next chapter appears. Looking forward to chatting with you soon!

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Jearenna Franklin

Offering therapy in CA
Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseSelf esteemDepression
8 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 8 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with symptoms of depression, stress, anxiety, complex trauma and abuse. My approach is client centered which promotes motivation, self-esteem, and confidence in the clients I work with. I work with my clients to create an open and safe environment where thoughts and feelings can be shared without fear of judgment. Taking the first step to sign up for therapy can take courage and I am proud of you for getting started!

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Lindsey Yarbrough

Offering therapy in CA
Relationship issuesFamily conflictsGriefSelf esteemCoping with life changes
10 years of experience

I am a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in California. I have over a decade of experience working with individuals, couples, and families. I have experience working with a broad range of issues such as anxiety, depression, substance abuse and chemical dependence and/or other mental illnesses, dissatisfaction with life or relationships, challenges with friends and families, coping with life and or job stress, life changes and challenges, trauma, and loss. As a Marriage and Family Therapist, my focus is on relationships and working toward healthy relationships. I am happy to work with anyone seeking to improve their relationships, whether they are struggling with maintaining their relationship with themselves, their family, or their significant other. I believe that a healthy relationship with yourself is the first step to being healthy in all of your relationships. I encourage my clients to become more open to possibilities and flexible with change. I provide a safe and secure, private setting for my clients to be free to be themselves, openly and candidly. Thank you for taking the time to help yourself, I look forward to getting to know you better.

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Peter Muonagor

Offering therapy in CA
Relationship issuesFamily conflictsIntimacy-related issuesSelf esteem
8 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 8 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with relationship issues, intimacy related issues, & motivation, self esteem, and confidence. I believe that you are the expert of your story and that you have many strengths that will assist you in overcoming things that challenge you. It takes courage to seek out a more fulfilling and happier life and to take the first steps towards a change. I am here to support & empower you in that journey.

This is Raymond (Ray) Zamudio's avatar and link to their profile

Raymond (Ray) Zamudio

Offering therapy in CA
Stress, AnxietyLGBTTrauma and abuseParenting issuesDepression
15 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 15 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, lgbtq+ related issues, trauma and abuse, & parenting issues. I work with my clients to create an open and safe environment where thoughts and feelings can be shared without fear of judgment. It takes courage to seek out a more fulfilling and happier life and to take the first steps towards a change. I am here to support & empower you in that journey.

This is Kathryn Dole's avatar and link to their profile

Kathryn Dole

Offering therapy in CA
Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseDepressionCoachingADHD
30 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 30 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, trauma and abuse, depression, & executive and professional coaching. I believe that you are the expert of your story and that you have many strengths that will assist you in overcoming things that challenge you. It takes courage to seek out a more fulfilling and happier life and to take the first steps towards a change. I am here to support & empower you in that journey.

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Ebony Wright

Offering therapy in CA
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesFamily conflictsSelf esteemDepression
6 years of experience

Many individuals do not come to therapy because they think it will make them look “crazy." I want to work with you to change that mindset! Truth is, we have all gone through something, but it’s much more comforting when we do not have to go through it alone. Whether it’s anxiety, stress, depression, grief, or relationship issues, there is always a way for us to overcome. Together, we can work on leading you to the path of healing, growth, and resiliency. Utilizing a mix of humanistic and cognitive-behavioral approaches, we will work together as you walk through your journey.

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Sandra West

Offering therapy in CA
Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseGriefSelf esteemCoping with life changes
25 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 25 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, trauma and abuse, coping with grief and loss, & motivation, self esteem, and confidence. I believe in treating everyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion. I will tailor our dialog and treatment plan to meet your unique and specific needs. Taking the first step to sign up for therapy can take courage and I am proud of you for getting started!

This is Elysse Endter's avatar and link to their profile

Elysse Endter

Offering therapy in CA
Relationship issuesTrauma and abuseGriefIntimacy-related issuesParenting issues
3 years of experience

I'm so glad you're here. My clients describe me as someone who will support you in those difficult moments with sincere empathy and compassion. I am a therapist who focuses on hope and acceptance. My style is integrative and collaborative. I focus on attachment and family dynamics to provide understanding and make connections. Together, we will identify and make progress toward your goals. Whether you are navigating feelings of shame around sex, untangling the complicated web of grief, or putting the pieces back together after a traumatic event, the space is there. My experience working with survivors of complex trauma has greatly informed my practice, and I deeply believe in every person’s ability to heal. I am most passionate about issues related to trauma, grief, intimacy, and sex/relationships, but am comfortable working with a wide range of clients. I am ready to partner with you to create the changes you desire. If my profile connects with you, please feel free to reach out and schedule a consultation. I am available to see anyone in California via online therapy. Therapy is not a "one size fits all" and every person has a unique story. It would be an honor to hear to yours.

How to find counseling in Colma

Finding the best therapist close by in Colma can feel challenging, but know that once you narrow your search for a counselor serving your area, you can find a therapist in your city that is accepting new clients and fits your goals. Whether you're struggling with depression, anxiety, marriage, family issues, or other emotional challenges, feel proud that you have begun your search to find the mental health care services that work best for you in order to begin your personal journey towards emotional healing.

Understanding the type of therapy you'd like to search for is crucial before finding a therapist or psychologist in Colma. Perhaps you're interested in narrowing your search for a psychotherapist that can offer psychodynamic, cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), talk therapy, provide group therapy, marriage and family therapy for individuals or couples, or couples therapy. Each type of therapy can offer various benefits and address or treat different disorders. If you're still unsure or are new to counseling in Colma, feel free to contact the provider via email to find out which methods they practice.

It is also important to understand that mental health professionals in the United States are accredited to provide care, helping individuals and couples, with a variety of licenses. These include licensed marriage and family therapist (LMFT), licensed clinical social worker (LCSW), and clinical psychologist or doctor of psychology (PsyD). Regardless of their licensure, they are trained to treat individuals and couples counseling, and sometimes children, in any type of therapy. Find a therapist under any of these distinctions and know that the sessions they offer can provide a safe place to heal.

Mental health professionals working through their own in- person therapy practice in Colma or online may assist clients in improving healthy relationships, communication skills, working through life transitions, managing a mood disorder, improving coping skills, or change in negative thinking patterns. They may also provide a safe place and validation for clients experiencing emotional pain. Verified providers can provide licensed marriage and couples therapy, tailor to individual needs, and create a therapeutic relationship as a National Certified Counselor.

There are all kinds of therapists working with clients today across the United States and in the greater Colma area in different types of therapy, including:

  • CBT
  • DBT
  • Substance use therapy
  • Couples therapy

When you're ready to start your search and find therapists, have in mind what type of therapy you'd like your provider to be most experienced with and choose an experienced provider with a practice located near you in the city of Colma, elsewhere in San Mateo, or in the greater state of California.

Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

Some other commonly asked questions on therapy with a licensed counselor and BetterHelp serving the Colma area can be found below:

How does the cost of in-person counseling compare to the cost of BetterHelp with a licensed Colma therapist?

The average price of an in-person therapy session in the US is $100 to $200 per hour. These prices may be higher in Colma due to a higher cost of living. The price also depends on the type of provider you are looking for. See the following average prices for various mental health providers without insurance:

  • Counseling with a psychiatrist: $150-$500
  • Counseling with therapists: $100-300
  • Therapy with a psychologist: $100

While many psychologists in Colma may not take health insurance, some in the state of California may work on a sliding scale, meaning they'll factor in your income and charge what you can afford per session. With BetterHelp or clinicians throughout the state of California you can expect significantly more affordable options, with sessions ranging from $65 to $100 per week (billed every four weeks).

How is a licensed therapist on this online therapy platform verified?

Therapists in Colma, California working on BetterHelp are licensed, trained, experienced, and accredited as a doctor of psychology (PhD / PsyD), licensed marriage and family therapists (LMFT), licensed clinical social worker (LCSW / LICSW), or licensed professional counselors (LPC). All of these psychology clinicians have a Masters Degree or a Doctorate Degree in their field of psychology sciences, and follow the APA Code of Ethics. They have been qualified and certified by their state's professional board after successfully completing the necessary education, exams, training and practice with a patient, and extensive experience in a healthcare clinic or treatment centers, in order to become a mental health provider. While their lived experience, expertise, careers, and background vary, they all possess at least 3 years and 1,000 hours of hands-on experience with adult and sometimes teen patients, and have the necessary therapist credentials to provide a safe space for long lasting emotional healing in therapy. 

Please note BetterHelp does not offer or provide care from psychiatrists to prescribe a drug as treatment, or perform psychological assessments.

How does working with a counselor in BetterHelp online therapy sessions work?

BetterHelp clinicians treat clients online across the United States (individuals and couples) through life transitions, inner child exploration, long term depression or anxiety, and more. An online mental health professional, including the therapists in Colma above, can work with young adults, children, adolescents, and adults virtually as an accredited licensed clinical social worker (LCSW) or licensed marriage and family therapist (LMFT). You do not have to commute to a an office as a psychotherapy client.

Through BetterHelp therapy, you can partake in video, phone, or live chat therapy sessions with your licensed therapist. You can work through various symptoms, use the in app journaling feature, and receive worksheets. You'll also find support groups or group therapy lead by a therapist in Colma helping individuals on topics including managing life transitions, symptoms affecting sexual health, behavioral health, coping skills for anxiety or depression, trauma, stress, marriage counseling, and more. 

What mental health issues can psychotherapy address?

BetterHelp's verified Colma therapists specialize and have clinical experience in a wide range of mental health issues and modalities, helping clients to feel better and improve their lives every day. See below for examples.

Specialties on BetterHelp include:

You may also be struggling with relationship problems that could be addressed in couples therapy or with a sex therapist. In that case, you may choose to work with one of BetterHelp's experienced cognitive-behavioral therapists or licensed marriage family therapists (LMFT) who work with clients in relationships. You can also try a Colma therapy provider through BetterHelp's sister platform, ReGain, which is dedicated to couples and spouses worldwide. 

How do I know if online counseling is right for my family?

One of the potentially rewarding aspects of working with a therapist is the validation and active listening they can provide. Your friends and loved ones may also be available to listen, but you may feel that they may lack the skills to provide objective guidance. Counselors are trained to respond to various concerns, symptoms, and mental health conditions.

A psychologist in your city can support you toward a healthier emotional state, regardless of your mental health, life concerns, or healing needs. While supporting individuals in developing healthier habits, another good benefit of therapy is having an understanding, safe space with a non-judgmental party who can support you through challenging experiences.

Many people have sensitive topics that they may feel ashamed to discuss with their friends or partner. A Colma therapist can help you confront these concerns and open up through unique methods of support. There are also many types of therapy, such as art therapy, where you may find you can express yourself through creativity instead of words.

With a lot of people in CA, providers may be booked out with clients. Through the list of profiles above and others within BetterHelp's team, you may be able to find a psychologist within 24 to 48 hours. If you're searching to find a a nearby psychotherapist close to 94014 or the surrounding zip codes, consider others available through the BetterHelp site. No matter if you are seeking help in your area or beyond, online therapy can be a great option.

How should I prepare for my first therapy session with a Colma counselor?

Before seeing your therapist, prep for your session by reading to understand the therapy process. You might write a list of questions you want to ask your psychotherapist, any emotional pain you may feel, and the ways in which you hope to improve. When you attend your session, let them know if you have any concerns about therapy or feel unsure about what to talk about. They may help guide you with open-ended therapeutic questions. The first session will often serve as an intake to get to know you as a person and learn why you're attending therapy.

Should I find a therapist or psychologist if I feel fine? 

Some simply don't feel the need to see a psychologist. However, some people may avoid attending therapy due to stigma or preconceived notions of what therapy entails. Although psychologists often support people with mental health conditions, you do not need a diagnosis or condition to attend therapy. You can discuss grief, relationship concerns, stress, or life changes and ask for general feedback and advice. A Colma licensed clinical social worker may help you gain power over your life and emotions while you navigate day-to-day experiences.

Gaining a new perspective on yourself through various therapies might allow you to improve your self-esteem, work through relationships, and gain a better sense of your mental health goals. The success you may find through therapy can be dependent on your process.

People may also attend therapy for specific motives, such as bullying, an autism diagnosis, a desire to learn mindfulness meditation, personality concerns, trouble with office workers, specific phobias, and many other principles.

Is mental health care and therapy worth it? 

Therapy is effective and has the power to change individuals' lives. Each client is at a different stage of their emotional healing journey in life, as each human can be unique in their personality, expression, skills, and goals. A psychologist can target various symptoms, experiences, and personalities to help you feel your best and put you on the path to healing. Unlike advice from a friend, family, or non-professional, a mental health professional has an understanding of various disorders like ADHD and depression with many hours of experience in treating adults in their practice. For this reason, seeing an evidence based psychologist in Colma, California can be worth it. Over 41 million adults in the US attend therapy services each year, showing it's a popular option and is proven to be effective.

Colma has many clinicians who practice person or client-centered individual therapy in-person and through online therapy to assist clients in their healing journey. If you opt into online therapy, you might also be able to meet with providers all over the United States and change therapists easily at any time. Many people struggling with anxiety and depression, substance abuse, body image issues, and more find therapists that are a good fit for them, feel supported, and gain further insight into their lives through internet-based therapy.

Do therapists judge you in therapy sessions?

The boundaries between you and a therapist are in place to help you and them regarding ethical concerns. Mental health professionals are held by ethical standards through the American Psychological Association (APA) and are not allowed to judge or harm their clients. If you are concerned about sharing details about yourself, feel free to withhold personal information. Their job in the therapeutic relationship is to create a safe place, help you gain a deeper understanding of your mental health, and support you. You might consider changing counselors if you don't feel safe or respected.

Stay up to date with the leading online counseling platform

To stay up to date with BetterHelp's initiatives through their social channels, you can follow them on PinterestLinkedInInstagramTwitter, and Facebook. For mental health tips, check out the BetterHelp YouTube channel.

Take some time today to learn more about the team of therapists at BetterHelp to understand the services available to you clearly. If you are new to therapy or have any questions about the services and terms, please reach out through the contact page or send an email to contact@betterhelp.com.

If you’re ready to sign up for online therapy, consider signing up with a platform like BetterHelp and get matched within 24 to 48 hours.

If you are experiencing a crisis or emergency, don't use this site's online services. If you are in life-threatening danger, call 911. If you require support for a crisis, reach out to the hotlines below:

A woman meets with a therapist online in her home city of Colma.

Below are some of the zip codes served by BetterHelp therapists in Colma:

94014

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