Your mind can feel like a complex piece of technology. When it’s going through a problem, you may feel like you don't have the resources to fix it. You're just a layman, after all. Who can help? A counselor based in Santa Clara can help you fix your mind by troubleshooting it and looking for the best possible solution. 

Santa Clara is known for being smack dab in the center of Silicon Valley, the tech capital of the US. Strong minds are needed for our technology to run, but who helps run the strong minds? The counselors of Santa Clara, of course. 

This is Dr. Pegah Lahijanian's avatar and link to their profile

Dr. Pegah Lahijanian

Offering therapy in CA
License: M.S. ,LMFT ,Psy.D.
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesParenting issuesSelf esteemDepression
11 years of experience

Hello! If you're here, then it means that you're looking to better help yourself. Finding the right therapist can be hard, but I strongly believe that the key is finding a genuine connection and a sense of comfort with your therapist. Whatever has led you to this point, I commend you. I’m excited for you to begin this journey, whether it’s with me or with another therapist. Here’s some information for you to decide if you would think we would be a good match to work together. I'm a licensed marriage and family therapist, and have been working in the field for the past 11 years. I received my MFT from California State University, Northridge, and my doctoral degree in applied clinical psychology from The Chicago School of Professional Psychology. A large majority of my initial training and experience has been working with adults dealing with anxiety, depression, communication problems, and relationship issues. My counseling style is welcoming, warm, empowering, and interactive. My approach combines a mix of psychodynamic, cognitive behavioral, and solution focused counseling. I strongly believe that everyone goes through this process at their own speed. My main focus is to help guide you and tailor your treatment plan to meet your specific needs. It takes a lot of courage to want to make changes and work on yourself. If you’re ready to take the next steps, I’m here and ready to work with you.

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This is Amanda Mills's avatar and link to their profile

Amanda Mills

Offering therapy in CA
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesFamily conflictsGriefSelf esteem
4 years of experience

I am a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist experienced in cognitive behavioral therapy, motivational interviewing, solution-focused and play therapy. I am a gender affirming therapist who uses a humanistic approach and empathy to provide a safe space free of shame or judgement for clients. Since 2014, I have worked with children, adolescents, and adults in various settings including non-profit organizations and education settings. 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 and empower you in that journey.

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This is Dr. Carmen Pulido's avatar and link to their profile

Dr. Carmen Pulido

Offering therapy in CA
License: PhD,MP
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsTrauma and abuseCoachingADHD
14 years of experience

I have a doctorate in Clinical Psychology and I provide Cognitive Behavioral Therapy services for a variety of issues including depression, stress, trauma, and substance use problems. Through self-exploration, I can help you learn what has caused some of your habits and ways of acting. Then, if you are ready, we can work on making small and larger changes that will improve your quality of life. For years, I have worked with professionals; these experiences have helped me identify what makes people successful and happy. Let me help you build a better life by showing you how to examine your past and develop a more intentional and meaningful life.

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Jennifer Cawelti

Offering therapy in CA
Stress, AnxietySelf esteemBipolar disorderDepressionCompassion fatigue
11 years of experience

Are you like me and have found when I seek to change anything in my life it is the most exciting, terrifying, rewarding, difficult and life altering experience? Deepak Chopra once said, “All great changes are preceded by chaos.” I have found this sentiment to be true in my personal life. Making the decision to change is a difficult choice, but I believe, the true path to healing and joy. In my career I have the pleasure of getting to know many different people from different walks of life and individuals in different phases. I have found the desire to better oneself to be the most amazing and rewarding work I could ever ask for. Passion brought me into this field and to this day drives my work. I try to work with each of my clients individually, getting to know each person and cater my practice to ways to work with you specifically. No two people are alike, so why should I do the same therapy with every client. I am a therapist who will get to know you and work to understand you. I have seen the ways that therapy can produce change, from my own personal work to the work I do with my clients. I look forward to all new clients who come into my life and I can’t wait to get to know each of you. "Not everything that is faced can be changed, but nothing can be changed until it is faced." James Baldwin

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This is Cynthia Perez's avatar and link to their profile

Cynthia Perez

Offering therapy in CA
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsGriefAnger managementDepression
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, coping with addictions, coping with grief and loss, & anger management. 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. Taking the first step to seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process.

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Stefanie Huff

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

I am licensed in California with 5 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, trauma and abuse, alcohol/drug abuse, motivation, self esteem, and confidence, & depression. 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. 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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Elana Lesse

Offering therapy in CA
Stress, AnxietySelf esteemCoping with life changesADHD
6 years of experience

Welcome! I'm so glad you took the step toward seeking therapy as a tool for support. I'm glad you're here. I'm Elana Lesse, a licensed professional clinical counselor in California with 6 years of professional work experience. I am passionate about helping clients to achieve positive change, mental wellbeing, and fullness of life. Whether you are experiencing new or ongoing challenges, my job is to provide a safe, compassionate, non-judgmental space for you to talk, process, and problem solve. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, motivation, self esteem, and confidence, & coping with life changes. I also have experience working with concentration, memory and focus (adhd). I believe in treating everyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion. 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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This is Tanisha Flowers's avatar and link to their profile

Tanisha Flowers

Offering therapy in CA
Relationship issuesTrauma and abuseGriefSelf esteemDepression
5 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 5 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with relationship issues, 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 seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process.

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This is Patrick Fernandez-Hernaiz's avatar and link to their profile

Patrick Fernandez-Hernaiz

Offering therapy in CA
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesTrauma and abuseSelf esteemDepression
4 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 4 years of professional work experience including 9 years of complementary work experience in the mental health industry working in the criminal justice system, high-acuity psychiatric units, applied behavioral analysis, geriatrics, and substance abuse settings. I commit to current and future clients by providing the highest level of service I can and have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, depression, relationship issues, trauma and abuse, & self-esteem issues. I believe that you are the expert on your story and have many strengths that will assist you in overcoming whatever challenges you. Taking the first step to sign up for therapy takes courage and I am proud of you for getting started!

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This is Christie Carol Spahr's avatar and link to their profile

Christie Carol Spahr

Offering therapy in CA
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesSelf esteemDepressionCoping with life changes
26 years of experience

I am a LMFT in California with 26 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with getting to know Who You are, practicing self compassion, tolerance, trust & confidence to better manage painful life experience, stress, sadness, melancholy, depression anxiety, relationship issues, existential angst, and refocusing on knowing & believing in Your Self. I work in Humanistic, Existential, Person centered, Motivational, Narrative, spoken word approaches with my clients to create an open hearted ~ open minded safe environment where thoughts, emotions & feelings can be shared without fear of judgment. Taking the first step to seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I Am Here with respect to support you on that Journey. I graduated from the University of Oregon, have a BA in Religious Studies ~ emphasis on Cultural, Sociological, Indigenous, and Philosophical world view.s Went back to graduate school after being in sports marketing, studying Indigenous cultures in Australia, and U.S. and received my graduate degree ~ MA in Psychology with a speciality in Marriage & Family Therapy. I have been a runner my whole life, have run Marathons around the world, I am grateful for my "lifestyle, as it taught me to Never Give Up, who I Am, realized it's amazing whats thought impossible until it's done, and simply you just can't lie to yourself through the marathon of life or 26 miles 385 yds. I love my work as a therapist & look forward to meeting you.

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How to find counseling in Santa Clara

Finding the best therapist close by in Santa Clara 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 Santa Clara. 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 Santa Clara, 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 Santa Clara 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 Santa Clara 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 Santa Clara, elsewhere in Santa Clara, 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 Santa Clara area can be found below:

How does the cost of in-person counseling compare to the cost of BetterHelp with a licensed Santa Clara 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 Santa Clara 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 Santa Clara 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 Santa Clara, 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 Santa Clara 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 Santa Clara 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 Santa Clara 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 Santa Clara 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 Santa Clara 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 95054 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 Santa Clara 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 Santa Clara 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 Santa Clara, 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.

Santa Clara 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 Pinterest, LinkedIn, Instagram, Twitter, 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 Santa Clara.

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

95050, 95051, 95052, 95053, 95054, 95055, 95056

Popular cities near Santa Clara, CA

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