Nicknamed the “Hub of Sonoma County,” Cotati, California is a small city about 45 miles north of San Francisco with about 7455 inhabitants. The Mexican government gave the land where Cotati sits to Rancho Cotate in July of 1844 as payment as a soldier. It was named after the Coastal Miwok Village of Kotati.

When you find yourself wondering where your name came from and start checking out your history, it is a good idea to find out about your family’s medical history as well. Some illnesses are hereditary such as mental illnesses that can strike anyone at any time with no warning. Talk to one of the Cotati area counselors if you have any mental or emotional concerns.

This is Douglas Mitchell's avatar and link to their profile

Douglas Mitchell

Offering therapy in CA
License: LMFT
Stress, AnxietyLGBTSelf esteemCoping with life changesADHD
8 years of experience

Welcome! I would be honored to work with you! I am a psychotherapist (LMFT) licensed in California with my graduate degree in Expressive Arts Therapy from CIIS in San Francisco. I have many years of experience working as a counselor and I'm a Coach U graduate. I have worked with clients using cognitive approaches to work with depression, anxiety, relationship issues, sexuality, and ADHD. I'm a Certified Cognitive Behavioral Therapist by the Academy of Cognitive and Behavioral Therapies. I'm sensitive to those who have suffered or experienced physical trauma or emotional abuse. I'm LGBTQ sensitive, and culturally aware. I also work with those in kink and alternative relationships. Adjectives that might describe my style are: engaged, respectful, down to earth, relaxed, practical, mindful, insight-oriented, and solution focused. I lean more towards a collaborative, engaging and interactive approach so that feel you are not doing all the talking. I do my best to go at your pace and have a youthful, somewhat playful demeanor. I honor your innate intelligence and know that when you look within, you gain confidence in yourself and your choices. My goal is to support maintaining a big picture perspective, while you are processing through your thoughts and emotions. At times I might recommend reading a book, or give you a handout, or have your complete a creative assignment to deepen your process between sessions. If you believe in balancing mind, body, and spirit, then we might be a good fit for each other, as each is essential to the healing process. Because your history and experiences are unique, I will do my best to meet you where you are. I want what is best for you just as much as you do! "When you can't control what's happening, challenge yourself to control the way you respond to what's happening. That is where your power is." - author unknown. I look forward to connecting with you!

Get started View profile
This is Gina Clemente's avatar and link to their profile

Gina Clemente

Offering therapy in CA
License: LMFT
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsRelationship issuesDepressionCoping with life changes
6 years of experience

Welcome! My name is Gina, and I am a licensed MFT (Marriage and Family Therapist) in the state of California. I graduated from California State University, Fullerton with my masters in counseling in 2017. I have over four years of providing psychotherapy services, and I specialize in working with adults with a variety of concerns such as anxiety, depression, life transitions, relationship issues, and substance abuse. My therapy style has been described by others as gentle, patient, sensitive, and authentic. I want you to know that you are not alone and that I will provide you with a safe space where you can share your thoughts and feelings without judgment. I utilize an integrative approach to therapy which combines psychodynamic, cognitive-behavioral, and humanistic ideas. I will work with you collaboratively to address your unique needs in therapy. I look forward to getting to know you and helping you begin your healing journey :)

Get started View profile
This is Pamela Peringer's avatar and link to their profile

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!

Get started View profile
This is Kim Selbert's avatar and link to their profile

Kim Selbert

Offering therapy in CA
License: MA,LMFT
GriefSelf esteemCoping with life changes
10 years of experience

Hello. My name is Kim Selbert and I am a Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist in California. I have practiced counseling for ten years and have expertise in the following areas: Coping with Grief and Loss, Cancer, Life Purpose, Pregnancy & Childbirth and Women's Issues. I primarily use a Client-Centered approach and also draw on personal experiences in all of these areas with the clients I work with. I have a broad and diverse background in the helping profession that also includes utilizing laughter as a healing modality. In addition to my Master's Degree in Counseling Psychology from Lindenwood University, I also obtained a Master's Degree in Occupational Therapy from the University of Southern California. I am also a published author and wrote Childbirth Choices in Mothers' Words, that was published by Mills & Sanderson in 1990. I believe that the best therapy involves support, empathy and education. The therapeutic relationship is designed to encourage and support change and to enable the client to be able to create a better life with the skills learned through therapy that can be utilized even after therapy ends.

Get started View profile
This is David Bonfanti 's avatar and link to their profile

David Bonfanti

Offering therapy in CA
License: LMFT # 43891
AddictionsRelationship issuesFamily conflictsGriefParenting issues
20 years of experience

I am a licensed marriage and family therapist having been licensed for almost 20 years , having worked with most populations. My approach is straightforward.: " The problem is not the problem, the reaction to the problem is the problem." We can not change the past, we must accept what has happened, but with a renewed sense of empowerment and hope we can forge ahead to experience the quality of life we want and deserve. We often feel worse when we commence therapy, as self-examination is painful at times. That said, in the end, we will hopefully develop the skill set to manage whatever challenges come our way. Let's take the judgment out of our lives and move forward in the high calling of our daily lives.

Get started View profile
This is Jeana Reynolds's avatar and link to their profile

Jeana Reynolds

Offering therapy in CA
Stress, AnxietyFamily conflictsTrauma and abuseAnger managementSelf esteem
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, family conflicts, trauma and abuse, & anger management. 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 takes courage and shows a dedication to caring for yourself.

Get started View profile
This is Janelle Chiu's avatar and link to their profile

Janelle Chiu

Offering therapy in CA
Stress, AnxietyGriefSelf esteemDepressionADHD
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 grief and loss, 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. 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.

Get started View profile
This is Gwendolyn Pelfini's avatar and link to their profile

Gwendolyn Pelfini

Offering therapy in CA
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesTrauma and abuseDepressionCoping with life changes
8 years of experience

I am licensed in California and New York with over 10 years of professional work experience. I have helped clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, trauma and abuse, & depression - and overall feelings of 'stuckness' in life, and feeling unfulfilled. I believe that you are the expert of yourself and that you have many strengths that will assist you in moving forward - reaching out here is that first step. I look forward to potentially joining the next one and being part of your healing journey.

Get started View profile
This is Ross Zellner's avatar and link to their profile

Ross Zellner

Offering therapy in CA
Stress, Anxiety
10 years of experience

I am licensed in California with over 10 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with OCD, stress and anxiety. 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.

Get started View profile
This is Walter Curtis's avatar and link to their profile

Walter Curtis

Offering therapy in CA
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesAnger managementSelf esteemDepression
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, anger management, & 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. 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.

Get started View profile

How to find counseling in Cotati

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

How does the cost of in-person counseling compare to the cost of BetterHelp with a licensed Cotati 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 Cotati 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 Cotati 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 Cotati, 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 Cotati 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 Cotati 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 Cotati 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 Cotati 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 Cotati 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 94931 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 Cotati 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 Cotati 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 Cotati, 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.

Cotati 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 Cotati.

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

94926, 94931

Popular cities near Cotati, CA

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