Although this town is called East Palo Alto, it is actually north of Palo Alto and these two towns are actually in different counties. The city is bordered by the San Francisco Bay, Menlo Park, the Bayshore Freeway, and San Francisquito Creek. Knowing where you are situated and where you stand is important. 

If you are feeling like you have no idea what direction you’re heading, or where you stand or what you stand for, consider talking to a licensed professional counselor or therapist about how you are feeling. There are many of them that practice in East Palo Alto who can help. 

This is Tim Leslie's avatar and link to their profile

Tim Leslie

Clinical therapist offering therapy in CA
Counselor License Type(s): LMFT
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesFamily conflictsDepression
12 years of experience as a mental health therapist

I received my M.A. in Clinical Psychology, Marriage and Family Therapy Specialization in 2011. Since then, I have worked with children and adults both individually as well as with couples and families in Residential, Intensive Outpatient and Outpatient settings. I tailor my approach to what would be best for the client needs at the time. As a result, I have experience providing both brief and more solution focused therapy as well as therapy geared towards exploration and insight with the potential for deeper change. I believe the therapy journey is a collaborative one and that clients are most successful when they are both motivated by and patient with the therapeutic process. I balance active listening with interventions in order to allow the therapeutic relationship to develop in a positive manner that will allow the client to get the most out of the more tangible work. If you have questions about my experience with specific issues or areas of expertise, please feel free to ask me.

Get started View profile
This is Cheryl Youngblood's avatar and link to their profile

Cheryl Youngblood

Clinical therapist offering therapy in CA
Counselor License Type(s): LCSW
Stress, AnxietyFamily conflictsTrauma and abuseDepression
4 years of experience as a mental health therapist

Greetings and welcome. I'm Cheryl Youngblood, a native Californian with over 15 years of experience working with foster and adopted children, and their families. My passion for helping others has been rooted in who I am since I was a child. Working as the director of a foster/adopt agency, and realizing that so many children and families are plagued with trauma, domestic violence, self-injurious behaviors, Post Traumatic Stress Disorder and other mental health concerns, I decided that I wanted to expand my knowledge base, and my capacity for helping others, so I obtained my license in social work. Realizing that anxiety may be fueled by one's inability to live in the present, my client-centered focus is a holistic/talk therapy multicultural, eclectic approach, that I utilize while integrating interventions, based on the here and now, and mindfulness. Creating a safe, nurturing environment that allows my clients to feel supported, and empowered, provides me with a venue to introduce interventions, tools, and ideas that are strength based, client-centered, and derived from living in the moment. Some evidenced based treatments that I have found through the years that have been insightful, and provided calmness to my clients are, guided imagery, breathing techniques, sensory tools, tapping and meditation. Providing an empathetic, ear, in a non-judgmental space, with an eagerness and willing to help, is the basis for my ideals for providing the first step towards healing.

Get started View profile
This is Sherry Lewis's avatar and link to their profile

Sherry Lewis

Clinical therapist offering therapy in CA
Counselor License Type(s): MSW,LCSW
Stress, AnxietySelf esteemDepressionCoping with life changes
20 years of experience as a mental health therapist

Welcome! My name is Sherry Lewis and I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with over 18 years of combined unlicensed and licensed experience in the medical and mental health field providing services for young children, adolescents, & adults. I have worked in the fields of medical social work and community mental health. Some of my experience includes treating issues relating to grief and loss, end of life issues, depression, anxiety disorders, adjustment disorders, and stage of life transitions. My counseling style is warm and empathetic with roots based in trust and respect. I utilize a client centered, strength based, solution focused approach to promote a positive therapeutic climate and build trust. I use an integrative perspective, utilizing cognitive behavioral and psycho-dynamic therapies, tailored to your particular needs and goals of counseling. I believe the goal of therapy is to see your own goals met and therefore I individualize treatment planning to meet your specific needs. Beginning the counseling journey is a step toward growth and reaching your full potential in life. I look forward to walking with you in this journey!

Get started View profile
This is Rebecca Hathorn's avatar and link to their profile

Rebecca Hathorn

Clinical therapist offering therapy in CA
Counselor License Type(s): LCSW
Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseSelf esteemDepressionCoping with life changes
17 years of experience as a mental health therapist

Hello! Welcome to Better Help. You are probably wondering how this can be helpful and/or how is is different than traditional therapy. I wondered the same thing when I was looking into it. Better Help provides a unique experience for someone who may need help but can't find the time that fits into a "normal" schedule, can't find a therapist that is a good fit or maybe someone who isn't ready to be face to face with a therapist but still wants a professional, outside perspective. My name is Rebecca Hathorn and I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in the state of California. I have been working in the helping profession for 26 years and have been a licensed therapist for 20. I spent many years working with foster youth, foster parents and biological parents. I have a great deal of experience working with transition age youth, ages 13-24, and specialize in depression, anxiety, trauma, stress related to work, school, family and relationships as well as grief and loss and attachment disruptions. I recognize the inequities in the world, especially as it relates to people of color and LGBTQ, and the amount of stress and trauma these can cause. I also have experience working with parents . I understand, first hand, the stress of being a working parent and how the anxiety that comes along with parenting impacts all aspects of your life. I believe that the most important aspect of "good therapy" is the relationship that is formed between therapist and client. It is important that you feel comfortable talking with your therapist about everything. In order to do this, you need to feel a sense of trust and genuine acceptance. I consider myself to be a therapist who is "real". I am able to support you in meeting your goals and coming to your own conclusions and I do this through listening and offering reflections and suggestions. You are welcome to message me anytime through Better Help. One of the many great things about this mode of therapy is the frequency with which you can have access to a therapist throughout the day. I usually check messages twice each day, seven days per week. At this time, I only offer messaging and live chat sessions. Please note that what you see in my calendar may not reflect my only availability so you always want to check that out with me through messaging first. I look forward to working with you!

Get started View profile
This is Regi Abraham's avatar and link to their profile

Regi Abraham

Clinical therapist offering therapy in CA
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesFamily conflictsDepressionCoping with life changes
30 years of experience as a mental health therapist

I am a licensed clinical social worker with more than 30 years of experience working in various settings such as psychiatric hospitals, group homes, military sites, and in a group practice. My professional journey has taken me from the East Coast (New Jersey) to the West Coast (California), and the Midwest (Minnesota, Indiana). I received my MSW degree from Washington University in St. Louis, Missouri. My interests as a therapist are in working with individuals to address depression, anxiety and panic disorders, adjustment issues, stress including occupational, relationship stressors including family of origin, grief/loss, and codependency issues. In the last 7 years, I have experience working with military families. I also provide Christian counseling as and when requested. I offer nurturing, compassionate, and supportive counseling.

Get started View profile
This is Evelyn "Elaine" Allen's avatar and link to their profile

Evelyn "Elaine" Allen

Clinical therapist offering therapy in CA
Family conflictsTrauma and abuseGriefAnger managementCoping with life changes
32 years of experience as a mental health therapist

I am licensed in California with 32 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with family conflicts, trauma and abuse, coping with grief and loss, & 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 can take courage and I am proud of you for getting started!

Get started View profile
This is Erika Price's avatar and link to their profile

Erika Price

Clinical therapist offering therapy in CA
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesTrauma and abuseSelf esteemDepression
10 years of experience as a mental health therapist

I am licensed in California with 10 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. 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 Enros Manaligod's avatar and link to their profile

Enros Manaligod

Clinical therapist offering therapy in CA
Counselor License Type(s): MA,MFT,IMFT
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesTrauma and abuse
8 years of experience as a mental health therapist

Currently, my availability on BetterHelp is Mondays only. If more availability is required, another provider may better fit your needs. Welcome! My name is Enros, and I am a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (MFT). I work with individuals (children, adolescents, and adults), families, and couples. I welcome all families, traditional and non-traditional. I am fully licensed in Arizona, California, Colorado, Idaho, Florida, Nevada, Ohio, and Vermont. My specialties include relationships, families, grief, and trauma. Additionally, as a military veteran, I have a unique perspective of veterans: separation, deployment, and the rigors of military life. I approach therapy as a collaborator, not an expert. I find the most joy in learning about you directly from you. Relationships are complicated, especially the relationships that are most important to us. Many of us feel the need for connection, security, and love. However, sometimes we end up hurt and alone. Relational pain can show up as anxiety, fear, depression, or grief, among other things. I firmly believe that relationships, empathy, and humor are the most powerful tools for helping clients experience lasting change. My most significant reward as a professional helper is watching my clients go from despair to possibility. I look forward to working with you!

Get started View profile
This is Thomas Wilson's avatar and link to their profile

Thomas Wilson

Clinical therapist offering therapy in CA
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsTrauma and abuseGriefDepression
5 years of experience as a mental health therapist

I am licensed in California with 5 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, coping with addictions, trauma and abuse, & coping with grief and loss. 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
This is Mary Dann-McNamee's avatar and link to their profile

Mary Dann-McNamee

Clinical therapist offering therapy in CA
Relationship issuesFamily conflictsGriefIntimacy-related issuesSelf esteem
19 years of experience as a mental health therapist

I am licensed in California with 19 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with relationship issues, family conflicts, coping with grief and loss, & intimacy related issues. I believe that you are the expert of your story and that you have many strengths that will assist you in overcoming things that challenge you. Taking the first step to sign up for therapy can take courage and I am proud of you for getting started!

Get started View profile

How to find a therapist for counseling in East Palo Alto

Finding the best therapist close by in East Palo Alto 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 in East Palo Alto that work best for you in order to begin your personal journey towards emotional healing with a therapist.

Understanding the type of therapy you'd like to search for is crucial before finding a therapist or psychologist in East Palo Alto. 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 East Palo Alto, 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 in the East Palo Alto region and in the state of California. Find a therapist under any of these distinctions and know that the sessions they offer can provide a safe place to heal.

A mental health counselor working through their own in-person therapy practice in East Palo Alto or online may assist clients in improving healthy relationships, communication skills, working through life transitions, couples counseling, managing a mood disorder, improving coping skills, self help tips, offer life coaching, family therapy, or change in negative thinking patterns. A therapist may also provide a safe place and validation for clients experiencing emotional pain, or that simply want a psychological assessment. 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 East Palo Alto area in different types of therapy, including:

  • CBT
  • DBT
  • Substance use therapy
  • Couples therapy

When you're ready to start your search and find East Palo Alto 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 East Palo Alto, elsewhere in San Mateo, or in the greater state of California.

Frequently asked questions (FAQs) about therapists and mental health services

Some other commonly asked questions on therapy with a licensed counselor and BetterHelp serving the East Palo Alto area can be found below:

How does the cost of in-person counseling with a therapist compare to the cost of BetterHelp with a licensed East Palo Alto 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 East Palo Alto 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 East Palo Alto 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 a BetterHelp therapist 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). If you're looking for a therapist, Cincinnati offers a variety of professionals who can help with your mental health needs at a price you can afford.

How is a licensed therapist on this East Palo Alto online therapy platform verified?

Therapists in East Palo Alto, 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 East Palo Alto psychiatrists to prescribe a drug or medication as treatment, or perform psychological assessments and other psychiatric services.

How does working with a professional 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, post traumatic stress disorder, and more. An online mental health therapist, including the therapists in East Palo Alto 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 East Palo Alto helping individuals on topics including managing life transitions, symptoms affecting sexual health, behavioral health, coping skills for anxiety, depression, trauma, stress, marriage counseling, and more. 

What mental health issues can psychotherapy address with the help of psychologists?

BetterHelp's verified East Palo Alto 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:

  • Cognitive behavioral therapy - This type of therapy is provided by therapists who are professional counselors, helping clients identify and change negative thought patterns through structured sessions.
  • Behavior therapy - Therapists use behavior therapy techniques to help clients modify harmful behaviors and develop healthier habits, often through the guidance of a professional counselor.
  • EMDR therapy - EMDR therapists assist clients in processing traumatic memories to alleviate emotional distress and improve overall well-being, utilizing the expertise of a professional counselor.
  • Talk therapy - Therapists engage clients in talk therapy to explore their feelings and develop strategies for dealing with various mental health issues, often guided by a professional counselor.
  • Depression - Therapists offer counseling to help individuals manage symptoms of depression and improve their mood and functioning, often working closely with a professional counselor.
  • Anxiety disorders - Therapists specialize in anxiety disorders, offering strategies to manage and reduce anxiety symptoms effectively, often through counseling sessions with a professional counselor.
  • Stress - Therapists provide tools and techniques to help clients cope with stress and improve their mental resilience, frequently under the supervision of a professional counselor.
  • Eating disorders - Therapists experienced in eating disorders offer specialized counseling to address unhealthy eating patterns and body image issues, with the support of a professional counselor.
  • Grief - Therapists provide support and guidance to clients experiencing grief, helping them navigate the stages of loss, often in collaboration with a counselor.
  • Attachment therapy - Therapists use attachment therapy to help clients understand and improve their emotional bonds and relationships, often with the assistance of a counselor.
  • Relationships - Therapists work with clients to improve communication, resolve conflicts, and strengthen their connections with others, often using the skills of a counselor.
  • Children, adolescents, and teens - Therapists specializing in youth therapy address the unique mental health needs of children, adolescents, and teens, often involving a counselor in the process.
  • Addiction (substance abuse) - Therapists offer counseling for addiction, helping clients overcome substance abuse and maintain long-term recovery, often under the guidance of a counselor.
  • Divorce - Therapists support individuals through the emotional and practical challenges of ending a marriage, often working with a psychologist to provide comprehensive care.
  • Trauma or PTSD - Therapists specializing in trauma and PTSD help clients process traumatic experiences and reduce their symptoms, frequently collaborating with a psychologist.
  • Bipolar disorder - Therapists provide counseling to manage the mood swings and challenges associated with bipolar disorder, often in consultation with a psychologist.
  • Psychodynamic treatment - Therapists use psychodynamic treatment to explore unconscious processes and how they affect current behavior, often guided by psychologists.
  • Career counseling - Therapists assist clients in making informed decisions about their professional paths and resolving work-related issues, often with the help of psychologists.
  • Alcohol use disorders - Therapists offer specialized counseling to help clients manage and overcome alcohol use disorders, frequently under the supervision of psychologists.
  • OCD - Therapists provide strategies and support to manage obsessive-compulsive disorder symptoms, often via psychotherapy.
  • ADHD - Therapists offer counseling to help clients with ADHD improve focus, organization, and overall functioning, often via psychotherapy.
  • Mood disorders - Therapists work with clients to stabilize and improve mood through various therapeutic approaches, frequently in psychotherapy.
  • Sex addiction
  • Complex trauma
  • Life transitions

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 East Palo Alto 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 in East Palo Alto?

One of the potentially rewarding aspects of working with a East Palo Alto 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.

East Palo Alto therapists 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 East Palo Alto 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 East Palo Alto 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 psychotherapist.

With a lot of people in CA, therapists 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 94303 or the surrounding zip codes, consider others available through the BetterHelp site. No matter if you are seeking help from therapists in your area or beyond, online therapy can be a great option.

How should I prepare for my first therapy session with a East Palo Alto counselor?

Before seeing your East Palo Alto 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 while offering mental health services. The first session will often serve as an intake to get to know you as a person and learn why you're attending therapy in East Palo Alto.

Should I find a therapist or psychologist for therapy 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 from a therapist. A East Palo Alto 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 with a East Palo Alto counselor 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 that a counselor can help with.

Is mental health care and therapy with a therapist worth it?

Therapy with a licensed counselor 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 therapist 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 East Palo Alto, 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.

East Palo Alto 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 during telehealth appointments?

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 for East Palo Alto, California

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 to customer service 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 East Palo Alto.

Below are some of the zip codes served by BetterHelp therapists in East Palo Alto:

94303

Popular cities near East Palo Alto, CA

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