Working with a therapist in San Jose, CA can help you manage everything from underlying mental health issues to interpersonal effectiveness to distress tolerance to personal growth.

If you have decided to seek counseling, finding the right therapist can be challenging. With online therapy platforms like BetterHelp, you can be matched with a therapist in as little as 48 hours. If it’s not a good fit, you can change therapists anytime.

Whether you’re interested in a specific type of therapy, like dialectical behavior therapy or cognitive behavioral therapy, or you want to find someone with experience in clinical psychology or working with clients for specific reasons, like family conflict, self esteem issues, or overwhelming stress, BetterHelp can help you find a qualified, licensed, client informed professional to guide and walk alongside you.

This is Meghan Todd's avatar and link to their profile

Meghan Todd

Offering therapy in CA
License: MA,LMFT
Family conflictsTrauma and abuseGriefParenting issuesCoping with life changes
4 years of experience

Hello there! My name is Meghan Todd and I am a licensed marriage and family therapist with experience working with children, teens, individuals, and families. I use a strengths-based, warm but direct approach. I pull from different models depending on each client's individual needs. I especially focus on motivational interviewing, solution-focused therapy, narrative therapy, drama therapy, and strategic family therapy. With special training in drama therapy, I bring a uniquely creative lens to all of my work, whether or not you wish to engage with drama therapy in particular. Through it all, I believe in being client-centered and meeting the client where they currently are on their journey. I have familiarity with many areas, including depression, stress and anxiety, coping with grief and loss, and life changes. In the past, I have focused on treating parenting issues, family conflicts, trauma and abuse, and motivation and self-esteem. Please ask me if I can help with whatever you are currently needing! Life is constantly unstable, changing at every moment. I am here to support and guide you through it all. I work to empower you and highlight your strengths, to build up the resiliency that already exists inside you to help you face whatever may challenge you. I will be happy to walk in front of you as a guide, beside you as a companion, or behind you as a supportive follower on your path of healing. Thank you so much for sharing your time and energy with me! I look forward to getting to know you and helping in whatever therapeutic ways I can.

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Gary Santorella

Offering therapy in CA
License: LCSW
Stress, AnxietyGriefCareer difficultiesCoping with life changesCoaching
27 years of experience

My training is in brief cognitive-behavioral therapy. This means that we will deal in the here and now. When we discuss family history, it will be in the context of understanding how over-learned behaviors are influencing you current situation, then develop new ways (behaviors and thinking) to deal with the challenges you are facing. I work best with clients who have a specific goals that they are trying to achieve. That doesn't mean that we can't spend some time figuring this out. But once we do, we will come up with a jointly derived game plan and measures to determine if we've gotten there. Besides being a therapist, I'm a Lean implementation specialist, have been an executive coach for 25 years, and have extensive experience helping people improve their leadership/people skills and working through difficult workplace issues. I have also treated victims of trauma and have a great deal of experience working with PTSD. I co-authored a paper titled: Occupational Exposure of Healthcare Workers to HIV: Stress Reactions and Counseling Interventions which appeared in the journal Social Work in Healthcare. I have also authored a professional book titled Lean Culture for the Construction Industry: Building Committed and Responsible Teams published by Taylor & Francis.

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Pamela Peringer

Offering therapy in CA
License: MA,LMFT
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesSelf esteemDepression
8 years of experience

Thank you for reading my profile – I hope I will get a chance to meet with you soon! I am a Marriage and Family Therapist licensed by the state of California, Board of Behavioral Sciences, LMFT #117301, with nine years of counseling experience working with adults, children and teenagers, individually and in groups. When working with adults, I find it helpful to remember and honor the precious children they once were, and to strive to treat them with the sensitivity, kindness, patience and unconditional positive regard that they still need and deserve now that they are grown up. I look forward to working with you to increase your resilience and psychological flexibility, so that you can be more open, aware and engaged in life. I will encourage you to explore your own values and help you to take positive actions towards them. I hope to help you to feel better, have more fulfilling relationships and feel empowered to lead a more meaningful life. My counseling style is based on a special client-centered relationship that is caring, respectful, genuine and accepting, to encourage your self-compassion and personal growth. I use an eclectic approach of evidence-based practices that best suit your individual strengths and needs, and that provide you with coping skills you can use when you need them. We can also explore the use of mindfulness training and the power of metaphors to help you tap into your own brainpower. These are difficult times. Even in times like these we can still find meaning, and move towards hope, individuation and joy! I would be honored to be a small part of your life journey. I would like to help you to explore and expand your own unique potential!

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Dr. Megan Tsang

Offering therapy in CA
License: PsyD
Stress, AnxietySelf esteemDepressionCoping with life changes
14 years of experience

I am a clinical psychologist in the state of California, and I have been licensed since 2009. I have trained and worked in a variety of settings helping individuals with a range of concerns including depression, anxiety, stress, adjustment disorders, as well as other mental health diagnoses such as bipolar disorder. I enjoy helping and supporting others through challenging episodes in their life. My therapy style can be described as judgment free and supportive yet goal oriented and solution focused. The approaches to therapy that I often utilize include cognitive behavioral therapy, solution focused therapy, and client centered therapy; however, depending on the presenting concerns and goals may sometimes utilize an analytical or existential approach. I think that seeking out support takes courage, and my goal is to create a safe and welcoming experience. I look forward to working with you.

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Cynthia Cunningham

Offering therapy in CA
License: M.S. ,LMFT,Hypnotist
AddictionsRelationship issuesFamily conflictsAnger managementSelf esteem
27 years of experience

I have been a licensed marriage family therapist in California for over 27 years. I am what some people would call a "wounded healer", because I have been sober 35 years. I am also in recovery from co-dependency and love addiction. I believe anyone can change their life for the better, because I have changed mine for the better. If you love someone who does not love you back, I can help you STOP loving them and help you to start loving yourself. If you cannot say no, I can teach you how to say NO in a kind way and mean it. In addition to the areas mentioned above, I can also help you to over come anxiety/panic and depression. I use cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) and psychodynamic therapy to help you to make the changes you want to make in your life. You are always in control of your therapy and you decide I have been in the client's chair, so I know first hand that it takes courage to begin the journey to a better life. You do not have to journey alone ; I will be your companion. All journeys begin with the first step. Take that first step today. I would be honored to work with you.

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Caitlin Freige

Offering therapy in CA
License: LCSW
Stress, AnxietyLGBTTrauma and abuseDepressionCompassion fatigue
7 years of experience

I am a licensed clinical social worker (LCSW) in the states of California, Maine, South Carolina, and Texas with over 7 years of postgraduate experience in the field, with a MSW from the University of Southern California. Prior to providing care on the Better Help platform, I worked as a psychiatric social worker in the second largest jail in the nation. The work I performed at the jail was largely triage and crises management based. I worked the entire frontline of the pandemic, and am witnessing firsthand the effects this pandemic has had on the public's functioning. As a result, my passion shifted from a highly institutionalized setting to getting back into the community where I started. My lens of practice during graduate school included a concentration in children, youth, and families, with a sub-concentration in school social work. The various populations I have served during the past 7 years include those without homes, trauma survivors, families, children, single adult women, single adult men, LGBTQ+ youth and adults, along with the incarcerated male population. Prior to public servant service, I worked with non-profits in the field on ground in Skid Row and the valley area of Los Angeles providing direct mental health services to the unhoused. My approach to therapy can best be described as multimodal grounded in cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) with a consistent trauma informed care lens. My style of interaction is tailored to the client meaning I will meet you exactly where you are at. Whether you are brand new to therapy or are returning to therapy, I will pace with your needs. We are the experts of our own experiences, and only you know how life has treated you, where you have been, and where you are going. Self-empowerment resides within each of us, and I would be honored to be a part of the journey you seek to establish your best self. Let's get started on you creating your best life!

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Amy Allen

Offering therapy in CA
License: Masters of Arts in conflict resolution ,Masters of Science in marriage and family therapy
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsRelationship issuesTrauma and abuseDepression
13 years of experience

Hello, thank you for visiting my page. My name is Amy Allen, a licensed Marriage and Family therapist with over 15 years' experience in the Mental Health Field. I currently work with a diverse group of clients seeking assistance for depression, anxiety, homelessness, grief, loss parenting, life skills, as well as those looking to improve their lives by learning skills to navigate this ever-changing world. Change is difficult and I know, we need motivation and encouragement to help reach our goals and improve relationships. I graduated from California State University at Dominguez Hills with a Master of Arts in Behavioral Science and a concentration in Negotiation and Conflict Resolution and a Master of Science in Marriage and Family Therapy and have been licensed since 2015. My passion is helping people improve their lives which I feel could be attributed to much of my own life experience, education and being able to identify with clients. My goal is to assist in providing real life solutions to current barriers to living your best life I have been trained in and utilize CBT, DBT, Motivational interviewing, Solution Focused Therapy and EMDR.

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Marna Morefield

Offering therapy in CA
Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseSelf esteemBipolar disorderDepression
6 years of experience

Hi my name is Marna and I am Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor in California, with 6 years of professional work experience. Making the decision to start therapy is an act of self-care, and takes courage. Way to go! I believe that it is possible to decrease suffering, create meaningful living and heal from trauma and other life distressing life events. I have experience using evidence-based approaches to help clients with stress and anxiety, mood disorder such as depression and bipolar disorder, personality disorders, self esteem needs and codependency. My approach includes teaching coping skills that will target specific symptoms and addressing the triggers and any unresolved emotional pain that may be impacting you. 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. It is an honor to be included in your journey. Welcome!

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Chrystal Carlson

Offering therapy in CA
Trauma and abuseGriefIntimacy-related issuesSelf esteemCoping with life changes
25 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 25 years of professional work experience. 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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This is Angeline Hsu's avatar and link to their profile

Angeline Hsu

Offering therapy in CA
Relationship issuesGriefSelf esteemCareer difficultiesCoping 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 relationship issues, coping with grief and loss, motivation, self esteem, and confidence, & career difficulties. I believe in treating everyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion. Practicing from a person-centered approach, I will tailor our dialog and treatment plan to meet your unique and specific needs. 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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How to find counseling in San Jose

Finding the best therapist close by in San Jose 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 San Jose. 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 San Jose, 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 San Jose 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 San Jose 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 San Jose, 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 San Jose area can be found below:

How does the cost of in-person counseling compare to the cost of BetterHelp with a licensed San Jose 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 San Jose 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 San Jose 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 San Jose, 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 San Jose 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 San Jose 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 San Jose 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 San Jose 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 San Jose 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 95194 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 San Jose 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 San Jose 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 San Jose, 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.

San Jose 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 San Jose.

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

95002, 95008, 95013, 95037, 95101, 95103, 95106, 95109, 95110, 95111, 95112, 95113, 95115, 95116, 95117, 95118, 95119, 95120, 95121, 95122, 95123, 95124, 95125, 95126, 95127, 95128, 95129, 95130, 95131, 95132, 95133, 95134, 95135, 95136, 95138, 95139, 95141, 95148, 95150, 95151, 95153, 95154, 95155, 95156, 95157, 95158, 95159, 95160, 95161, 95164, 95170, 95172, 95173, 95190, 95191, 95192, 95193, 95194, 95196

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