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. Glenda Baez's avatar and link to their profile

Dr. Glenda Baez

Offering therapy in CA
License: PsyD, LMFT
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesFamily conflictsCareer difficultiesDepression
19 years of experience

My name is Glenda Baez and I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in San Diego, California. I have a Masters degree in Counseling Psychology and have a doctoral degree in Marriage and Family Therapy. I am bilingual as Spanish is my second language and frequently conduct therapy in this language. I currently own a online teletherapy private practice and work with primarily individuals and couples. I have 19 years of experience working as a therapist. I have worked as an outpatient therapist in clinics, non-profit settings, doing therapy in a preschool setting, I have also done extensive utilization management and quality management work. I have extensive experience working with very young children, school age children and adolescents, adults, couples, and families. I believe in being empathetic, warm, supportive, as well as empowering my clients in finding solutions. I approach issues from a solution-focused approach and also use cognitive-behavioral techniques to help address issues and improve self-esteem, self-awareness, improve mood, and work towards moving forward with life.

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Kirsten Brandenburg

Offering therapy in CA
License: M.S.,LMFT
Relationship issuesFamily conflictsTrauma and abuseParenting issuesCoping with life changes
9 years of experience

Hello and welcome, I am a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in California. I received my Masters in Psychology, Bachelors in Psychology, Bachelors in Anthropology, and Minor in Business from California State Polytechnic University, Pomona. I have been providing individual, family, and group psychotherapy since 2014. I utilize psychodynamic and attachment theory and a neurobiological approach to trauma during therapy (live chat) sessions. I am trained and have a specialized background working with complex trauma including childhood and sexual abuse, domestic violence, perinatal and postpartum mood and anxiety disorders, and parenting/ co-parenting. I work hard to provide a safe space where you can express your feelings and thoughts without judgment. You deserve to heal and find joy in life, and I am here to support you in this.

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Stephen Spiegel

Offering therapy in CA
License: LCSW
Stress, AnxietyDepressionCoping with life changesCoaching
8 years of experience

I am Licensed Clinical Social Worker licensed in California with over 20 years of experience working as Social Worker in Adult Protective Services, Emergency Room Trauma Social Worker, Mental Health Inpatient Clinician, and life coach. I have worked with clients with a wide range of concerns including depression, anxiety, relationship issues, career challenges, and military issues . I also helped many people who have experienced end of life issues. My counseling style is warm and interactive. I believe in treating anyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion, and I don't believe in labels. My approach is styled to fit what you will feel will meet your needs, you are the expert in you. I will tailor our dialog and treatment plan to meet your unique and specific needs. It takes courage to seek for a more fulfilling and happier life and to take the first steps towards a change. If you are ready to take that step I am here to support and empower you. I look forward to working with you!

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John Machikawa

Offering therapy in CA
License: LCSW
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsTrauma and abuseBipolar disorderDepression
16 years of experience

Hi there, My name is John Machikawa, a licensed therapist. I have extensive experience working with clients coping with mood disorders, personality disorders, and substance use. I have completed a Master's Degree from Washington University in St Louis and an undergraduate degree from the University of Southern California. I have served as a clinical supervisor and clinical consultant for over nine years at community outpatient clinics and community based adult service centers. In our initial session, I'll complete an initial evaluation to understand your personal history, family background, occupation, current health, substance abuse, trauma, educational background, mental health treatment, suicidal thoughts, and relationships. After the initial evaluation is completed, we will have a comprehensive overview. Our sessions can include processing your thoughts and feelings, exploring maladaptive behavior patterns, psychoeducation, symptom management, increasing coping skills, recognizing your triggers, challenging thought patterns, and reducing barriers to positive change. As your therapist, I am here to provide a safe space for you to explore your life story. I want to ask you about your childhood to find out how that is affecting your current life. I want to learn about your strengths as well as weaknesses. I want to learn about what motivates you so that you can take a new path where life has added meaning and fulfillment. I am here to provide you support, validation, comfort, listen to your thoughts, process difficult memories, and to work toward achieving your goals.

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Stacey Sugar

Offering therapy in CA
License: MS,LCPC
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesFamily conflictsIntimacy-related issuesCoping with life changes
12 years of experience

“Anyone can tell you what to do, but the true ability to grow comes from understanding who you are.” In 15 years of clinical practice, I've realized that within our uniqueness, we have one thing in common: We are all constantly writing our life stories. Many of us are passive biographers, believing that our book is already written, and that the ending is set in stone. Here's the secret: Our lives are not linear, and we have the power to edit our narrative at any--and every--moment. While we cannot change our past, we can learn to change our perspective of it. Once we unlock our unconscious defenses, we gain insight about who we've become and unleash the potential to transform into who we authentically want to be. When entering any new relationship, it is perfectly healthy--and encouraged-- to take the time you need to test it out and make sure it feels right. I promise to meet you where you are, and provide you with the tools to explore yourself deeper and make transformations at your own pace. I will support you to find the strength and motivation that will allow you to be more open and committed to making the changes you desire. In our time together, we will explore the full range of your emotions, including feelings that you may not be aware of--yet! Bringing these unconscious elements into your present experience offers you a series of a-ha moments that lay the foundation for greater self-awareness and enable you to live your best life. If you're ready to dig deep, it is my honor to join you on your journey. Let's remove the barriers that are blocking you from realizing your wants, needs, and actualizing your full potential!

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Jessica Whittington

Offering therapy in CA
Stress, AnxietyFamily conflictsGriefDepressionADHD
10 years of experience

I am licensed in North Carolina with 8 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, family conflicts, coping with grief and loss, & depression. 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 seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process.

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Dr. Robynne Lute

Offering therapy in CA
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsCareer difficultiesDepressionCompassion fatigue
13 years of experience

Robynne M. Lute, PsyD is an experienced licensed psychologist in MO and CA with over two decades in the field. Robynne is highly respected for her expertise in working with individuals with a variety of presenting concerns and diagnoses in a non-judgmental, effective, and warm-hearted manner. She uses brief solution-focused therapy as well as traditional longer-term individual therapy for individuals aged 18 and older, including older adults . Dr. Lute works hand-in-hand with each client to develop efficacious, evidence-based, and tailored interventions and plans to help clients meet their goals for treatment. With a diverse background in healthcare and university settings, Dr. Lute has gained deep insights into the complexities of mental health. Throughout her career, she has worked with a wide range of individuals of all ages and varying demographics, and she embraces the rich diversity of her clients. She's successfully helped those dealing with life changes, academic stressors, ADHD, and adjustment challenges, as well as more severe and persistent mental health concerns, including anxiety, depression, bipolar mood disorder, and substance use and misuse, among others. Additionally, Dr. Lute has extensive training and expertise in helping individuals manage the behavioral aspects of conditions such as chronic pain, weight management, smoking cessation, insomnia, and diabetes. At the heart of her practice is her exceptional ability to drive behavior change for overall wellness. Dr. Lute recognizes the connection between mental and physical well-being, empowering clients from all walks of life to make lasting changes that go beyond therapy. Guiding individuals to manage their mental health while fostering healthy and thriving lifestyles is a key aspect of her approach. Dr. Lute's unwavering commitment is to improve the well-being of those with whom she works.. Her empathetic approach, strong commitment, and ability to inspire hope make a difference for clients.

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Angela Phillips

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

I’m a licensed California therapist with over a decade of practice experience. I have helped clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, trauma and abuse, & motivation, self esteem, and confidence. 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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Mari Conti

Offering therapy in CA
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesFamily conflictsSelf esteemCoping with life changes
12 years of experience

I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in California with over 15 years of clinical work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship and/or family issues. In addition I can assist in increasing motivation, self esteem, and confidence. Using a strength based approach, and a little humor, I believe in treating everyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion. We will work together to create a 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!

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Angela Dixon

Offering therapy in CA
License: LCSW
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesTrauma and abuseDepression
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, relationship issues, & trauma and abuse. I also have experience working with depression. I work with my clients to create an open and safe environment where thoughts and feelings can be shared without fear of judgment. I'm also training in EMDR therapy and have treated clients with EMDR therapy since 2017. Taking the first step to sign up for therapy can take courage and I am proud of you for getting started!

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 95053 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 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 Santa Clara.

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

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

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