Sometimes in life, you need a wide, open space for you to explore. This just doesn't apply to the outside world, but to the mind as well. You want to explore your mind and make new discoveries, but it can be a challenge when anxiety, depression, and other troubles get you down. A therapist based in Walnut Creek can help. 

Walnut Creek is known for its open spaces. When you're dealing with problems, having a place where you can let loose is always good. A therapist can help you explore yourself and give you the space that you deserve.

This is Mary Kay Zayani's avatar and link to their profile

Mary Kay Zayani

Offering therapy in CA
License: MS, LCSW
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesTrauma and abuseGriefParenting issues
25 years of experience

Hello my name is Mary Kay and I am honored that you have taken the opportunity to seek online counseling through BetterHelp. We all sometimes need to seek guidance from another as we navigate through a traumatic life event, difficult life transition, or when we just feel "in a funk"/need an extra boost, inspiration, and/or motivation. I am a Licensed Clinical Psychotherapist (LCSW) in both California and New York States. I have over 25 years experience in the field of counseling and mental health. I have a Masters degree in Clinical Social Work Clinical Counseling from Columbia University in New York. From a very young age, I have always had a gift for healing, listening, soothing and comforting others which I been able to channel into a life long career. My areas of specialties include treating: trauma, grief and loss, depression, anxiety, healthy and positive parenting issues, PTSD, relational intimacy/couples issues, career guidance, and motivational coaching, among others. My approach to counseling and style within the sessions is based on Strength Based, Cognitive-Behavioral , mixed with Psycho-dynamic techniques. What this means, is that I am a neutral objective nonjudgmental "witness", of whom motivates, listens, validates, soothes, and encourage you on your life path. Most therapists do not "tell a client what to do". Instead I will help you to come up with the answers, choices and decisions from within yourself. I have a warm, kind and empathic counseling approach focused on getting to know your story, helping you to stabilize emotions, self-soothe, and challenge unhelpful core beliefs and cognitive distortions.

This is Grant Grover's avatar and link to their profile

Grant Grover

Offering therapy in CA
License: LCSW
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesGriefDepressionCoping with life changes
25 years of experience

Hello, life is beautiful!! I know we may not always feel that way and if you need help to feel that way again, let me help you. I have over 25 years experience in helping people reach their goals in life. I am compassionate, positive, and love helping people see how amazing they are. We all have minds that help us, but often get in the way of our ability to see and create the joy in life that we seek. I love helping people understand their competencies, self-worth and strengths and how they can use these to achieve there goals in a lasting way. I take great joy in seeing clients who have partnered with me in the growth process, years after counseling, who have had lasting changes that have increased throughout the years. I want you to be one of those people. I have worked with people of all ages. I have been trained as an expert in addictions , depression, anxiety, obsessive compulsive disorder, post-traumatic stress, relationship issues, religious issues, and grief and loss while working for the State of California. I have worked with mild, moderate and severe mental health challenges, including over five years working with in patient hospitalization. I have been highly effective in a private practice and I know how to treat client's who need short term or long term therapy that can take years with very good outcomes. I use a Client Centered approach with Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and ACT-Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, and Mindfulness training as well as various other modalities as needed. I love the truths of Jesus Christ as taught in various churches around the world. I love working with people who want therapy that can include a respect for their religious beliefs in the therapeutic process. I also help people with religious issues as they relate to Anxiety, Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, Depression, Various Addictions and Religious Preoccupation and Perseveration as well as Spiritual Abuse and its effects on families, individuals and couples. I work with people from all faiths and my whole caseload is primarily comprised of people who consider themselves to be believers in Jesus Christ and his teachings from many different religions. I look forward to helping you meet your goals!

This is Dr. Kathy Greathouse's avatar and link to their profile

Dr. Kathy Greathouse

Offering therapy in CA
License: PhD,LMFT
Stress, AnxietyGriefSelf esteemCoping with life changesCoaching
8 years of experience

Dispell YOUR Myths around living well. My Sessions appeal to anyone seeking support for better mental, emotional and spiritual health. I pair traditional methods of therapeutic care with ancient yogic healing modalities to tailor a program of healing suited to your individual needs. Sessions may be composed with a unique blend of psychotherapy, meditation, sound therapy, yoga, and breathwork. I help people release trauma and negative emotions from the body and inspire them to aspire to their best selves. Generally, Providing effective physical, emotional, and informational support is what being a therapist means to me. I embrace intuitive, evidence-based therapeutic care to give consistent, continuous reassurance, comfort, encouragement and respect during life challenges, based on individual circumstances and preferences. People are so complex and their needs so unique, that the texture of my support, language and comfort measures are different with every person. My goal is that every client feels nurtured and supported on their path to healing.

This is Julia Westney's avatar and link to their profile

Julia Westney

Offering therapy in CA
License: LMFT
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsRelationship issuesEating disordersDepression
3 years of experience

I am a family and marriage therapist licensed in California with almost 20 years of experience working as a psychotherapist and eating disorder specialist. I have worked with clients with a wide range of concerns including depression, anxiety, relationship issues, parenting problems, career challenges, postpartum depression, and food and body issues. I also helped many people who are experiencing grief, loss and life transitions. My therapy style is warm and interactive. I believe in treating everyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion, and I don't believe in stigmatizing labels. My approach combines cognitive-behavioral, humanistic, psychodynamic and rational-emotive therapy. I will tailor our dialog and treatment plan to meet your unique and specific needs. It takes courage to seek a more fulfilling and happier life and to take the first steps towards change. If you are ready to take that step, I am here to support and empower you. I look forward to working with you!

This is Christina Lopez's avatar and link to their profile

Christina Lopez

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

I am licensed in California with 6 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, trauma and abuse, & 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.

This is Hugo Cabrera's avatar and link to their profile

Hugo Cabrera

Offering therapy in CA
Stress, AnxietySelf esteemCareer difficultiesDepressionCoaching
3 years of experience

I am a bilingual combat veteran licensed in California with 3 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, & 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 seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process.

This is Ashley Duckgeischel's avatar and link to their profile

Ashley Duckgeischel

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

I am licensed in California with 7 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, 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 seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process. As a Christian, I acknowledge the importance of individual faith as a important reference point in each individuals lives. When requested, I find it helpful to use Scripture and other Biblical principles to help clients identify important value systems to bring them greater strength, joy, and peace in their lives.

This is Dylan Tayag's avatar and link to their profile

Dylan Tayag

Offering therapy in CA
Stress, AnxietyFamily conflictsTrauma and abuseDepressionCoping with life changes
6 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 6 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, family conflicts, trauma and abuse, & 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.

This is Maureen Allen Kaczmarski's avatar and link to their profile

Maureen Allen Kaczmarski

Offering therapy in CA
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesSelf esteemCoping with life changes
25 years of experience

I am licensed in California with over 25 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, & motivation, self esteem, and confidence. I also have experience working with coping with life changes. 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 Amina Hosaini's avatar and link to their profile

Amina Hosaini

Offering therapy in CA
Stress, AnxietyFamily conflictsTrauma and abuseDepression
7 years of experience

I am licensed in Connecticut with 7 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, family conflicts, & trauma and abuse. I also have experience working with 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. 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.

How to find counseling in Walnut Creek

Finding the best therapist close by in Walnut Creek 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 Walnut Creek. 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 Walnut Creek, 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 Walnut Creek 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 Walnut Creek 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 Walnut Creek, elsewhere in Contra Costa, 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 Walnut Creek area can be found below:

How does the cost of in-person counseling compare to the cost of BetterHelp with a licensed Walnut Creek 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 Walnut Creek 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 Walnut Creek 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 Walnut Creek, 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 Walnut Creek 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 Walnut Creek 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 Walnut Creek 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 Walnut Creek 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 Walnut Creek 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 94598 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 Walnut Creek 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 Walnut Creek 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 Walnut Creek, 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.

Walnut Creek 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 Walnut Creek.

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

94529, 94595, 94596, 94597, 94598

Find the right therapist for your needs
Match with a qualified therapist