When seeking mental health support in Gilroy, CA, a range of professional experience can be found among therapists and counselors in the area. These providers can help address various issues, such as moving past negative experiences that may have materialized as post-traumatic stress disorder, and eating disorders. The availability of Christian counseling allows individuals to choose support that aligns with their personal values and beliefs.
Many individuals may find that weekly sessions with a right therapist can lead to new insights and the development of new strategies for handling life's challenges. These strategies can support individuals managing a variety of challenges, such as moving past negative experiences that may have materialized as post-traumatic stress disorder, persistent eating disorders, or generalized anxiety disorder.
Therapy often focuses on building resilience and improving overall mental health. For those struggling to move towards their best self, the guidance provided by therapists in this area (Gilroy, San Jose, Mountain View, and more) can be instrumental. By engaging in therapy, individuals have the opportunity to broadly work on a number of challenges or primarily work on managing the symptoms of a specific challenge.
While your first therapy sessions may not leave you feeling wonderful, therapists will continue to work alongside you to build a strong and trusting relationship that may even leave you feeling deeply grateful for the experience. If your therapist is not right for you, they may be able to point you in the direction of more specialized professionals such as those who practice Christian counseling or licensed psychiatrists.
Please see the therapist profiles below for more information on the different therapists available online.
Dr. John DeGaglia
The selection of a psychotherapist is an intensely personal private intimate decision. Therapy is about one thing: focused communication. With the appropriate modification of language, we can think differently. If we think differently, we can change behaviors. And if we consistently change behaviors, they can become long-term, therapeutic, healthy change. Yes, that journey begins with the first step. My journey began last century with graduate school and licensure. Spent many years working with our incarcerated brothers and sisters. Their needs are real and varied. Being on the “outside” doesn’t mean you aren’t still incarcerated. Spent over a dozen years working with a Native American community. So many needs and so little time. A very special time in my life working with all ages, all needs, often through the assistance of an interpreter. From that chapter, I moved into substance abuse eventually becoming clinical director at several programs. Sobriety like therapy is a day-to-day process and there is nothing wrong with that. Perfection is not possible but excellence is attainable! Lastly, as a former first responder, spent over a decade assisting that community with critical incident stress. Actually, earned a doctorate with the research we all generated together. Nothing quite prepares you for that profession and the significant costs it exacts but if you would just like the opportunity to be, in a kind of ministry of presence, that is one of the reasons I am here . . . And for all, sometimes absolutely the best therapy comes from being with someone in a special moment without saying a word. So, how bout it? Even if it is not me, will you continue your search and seek? Why? Because there are some people on this Earth who do not need to meet you, be in a relationship with you, who know without a shadow of a doubt you are special! Unique! You are worthy! And although it may not be fashionable, will tell you are loved! Enjoy your journey and take that step and just maybe our paths will cross. Looking forward to it . . .
Christine Block
As a licensed therapist in California and Florida with two decades of experience, I specialize in supporting individuals navigating complex emotional landscapes. My practice centers on creating affirming, compassionate spaces for clients exploring challenges related to stress, anxiety, relationships, and personal growth. I bring deep expertise in supporting LGBTQ+ individuals, addressing workplace dynamics, and helping clients work through life transitions. My approach is rooted in understanding each person's unique journey, with a particular focus on issues like social anxiety, communication challenges, self-love, and personal identity. My therapeutic style emphasizes collaborative healing, drawing from evidence-based practices to help clients develop resilience, insight, and meaningful strategies for emotional well-being. I'm committed to supporting diverse experiences, including those related to sexuality, cultural identity, and personal transformation. Whether you're confronting relationship difficulties, managing anxiety, or seeking deeper self-understanding, I'm dedicated to walking alongside you with empathy, respect, and professional guidance.
Oksana Shiell
I am a California-licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, practicing since 2011 and serving as a clinical supervisor since 2017. I bring many years of experience—both pre-licensed and post-licensed—working with teens and supporting individuals and families through a variety of challenges. My areas of focus include stress and anxiety, parenting issues, anger management, motivation, self-esteem, and confidence. I approach therapy with respect, sensitivity, and compassion, and I believe in tailoring our conversations and treatment plan to fit your unique needs and goals. Taking the first step toward a more fulfilling and balanced life takes courage. I'm here to support you every step of the way.
Matthew Poje
Welcome! My name is Matt Poje, LPCC. I specialize in the healing of emotional trauma, using the Instinctual Trauma Response method (ITR). I have 15 years working with Veterans via Department of Defense contracts, and over 23 yrs of professional work experience. I am licensed in CA and WI. The ITR method uses over 100 years of neuroscience to help heal the brain. Since ITR uses neuroscience, you will learn the steps of the ITR method that will help you to become more resilient. ITR is not talk therapy in the classical sense. ITR is a focused, purposeful method of trauma healing and proven to work. If you are ready to work on a proven method of reducing symptoms of trauma, I look forward to work with you. I do not perform diagnostic tests. I use screening tools, and therefore will not provide any letters to employers or court systems. Before scheduling a session, watch the ITR video: https://vimeo.com/752151441
Dr. Dr. Jimmie Turner
I am licensed in California with 30 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, trauma and abuse, & coping with grief and loss. 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.
Dr. Virginia Christophe
As a licensed therapist in Texas with over three decades of experience, I specialize in supporting individuals through complex life transitions and emotional challenges. My approach centers on helping clients navigate issues like depression, anxiety, relationship dynamics, and personal growth. I bring deep expertise in addressing women's issues, workplace challenges, and the unique emotional landscapes of midlife and young adulthood. My practice is rooted in understanding multicultural experiences and providing compassionate, nuanced support across diverse backgrounds. My therapeutic work focuses on helping clients develop self-love, improve communication, overcome isolation, and rediscover life purpose. I'm particularly skilled at supporting individuals through difficult experiences like divorce, caregiver stress, chronic health challenges, and family dynamics. I believe in creating a supportive, non-judgmental space where clients can explore their emotions, heal from past wounds, and develop healthier patterns of thinking and relating. My goal is to empower you to build resilience, find meaning, and create positive change in your life.
Dr. Andrea Shirley
I am licensed in California with 27 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, lgbtq+ related issues, relationship issues, & family conflicts. 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.
Ryan Jordan
I am licensed in California with 4 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, trauma and abuse, coping with grief and loss, & anger management. 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.
Dr. David Sommers
I am licensed in California with 40 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress, anxiety, coping with addictions, relationship issues, & career difficulties. I also have experience working with depression. I work with my clients to create an open and safe environment where thoughts and feelings can be shared without fear of judgment. 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. I also have an expertise ,specialization in all aspects of Geriatrics
Sophia Dyer
I am licensed in California with 5 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress, anxiety, trauma, abuse, parenting issues, motivation, self esteem, & confidence. I also have experience working with depression. 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.
Sherri Kardell
Dear potential client (s) My name is Sherri and I am a licensed marriage family therapist and life coach in California. I offer psychotherapy and life coaching to individuals grappling with some of life's more challenging transitions. Whether you are experiencing grief from the loss of a significant loved one, the end of the a significant relationship, or have a broken heart, I am here to be a calm presence during turbulent times. Perhaps you are experiencing a cycle of stops and starts, but have been unable to access a sense of inner calm. Or you have experienced repetitive patterns of loneliness, an inability to decipher your life's purpose, or you struggle to form and/or maintain intimate partnerships. I work with individuals in order to improve self confidence and live more authentic lives, resolve relationship conflicts, and process early relational wounding and trauma in order to resolve faulty belief systems and address unconscious patterns. I work primarily from an attachment based understanding of human development that seeks to reclaim aspects of the self that were left by the wayside in order to adapt to early conditioning, often related to cultural norms, rigid gender conditioning, and outdated social expectations. I offer a depth of tools designed to help you reconnect with your core sense of self, and heal early relational wounding that have shaped your belief systems and sense of worthiness in the world. In addition to 6 + years of clinical experience, I have earned the highest level of education in my field. Additionally, I have committed myself to a decade if spiritual practice, which has given me the ability to see through entrenched defense systems and patterns, and has helped me to develop a deep sense of empathy and attunement to the unconscious whispers of the soul. I offer a highbred approach to psychotherapy that often includes life-coaching. I conceptualize my role as akin to the Irish concept of "soul friend" a Celtic concept that emphasizes the importance of having someone that acts as a confidant that connects and understands you at the deepest level. Thus, I believe in treating others with respect, sensitively and compassion. I will tailor our dialogue and treatment plan to meet your unique and specific goals. I understand, from my own experience, that taking the first step towards a more fulfilling life often takes courage and I am here to support you in that process.
Marc Sherman
I am licensed in California with over 7 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress, anxiety, relationship issues, motivation, self esteem, confidence, & depression. 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. Taking the first step to seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process.
Mark Saverino
I am licensed in California with 35 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress, anxiety, coping with grief, coping with loss, anger management, motivation, self esteem, & confidence. I also have experience working with depression. 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.
Lacey Gibson
As a licensed therapist in California, I specialize in supporting individuals navigating complex emotional landscapes. My practice focuses on helping clients address challenges like depression, anxiety, life transitions, and self-esteem concerns. I have extensive experience working with young adults, women, and individuals experiencing social isolation, relationship difficulties, and personal growth obstacles. My therapeutic approach is compassionate and collaborative, designed to help you develop meaningful coping strategies and reconnect with your inner strengths. I understand that each person's journey is unique, and I'm committed to creating a supportive, non-judgmental space where you can explore your experiences and work towards healing. I draw from evidence-based practices to support clients through diverse challenges, including mood disorders, relationship transitions, body image concerns, and personal identity exploration. Whether you're struggling with communication, feeling stuck, or seeking greater self-understanding, I'm here to walk alongside you with empathy and professional guidance.
Find a Therapist Near You in Gilroy , California
Finding a licensed therapist near you in California can be an important step toward improving your mental health and overall well-being. Whether you’re dealing with anxiety, depression, relationship challenges, stress, or major life changes, working with a qualified mental health professional can offer meaningful support.
California is home to people with diverse mental health needs across urban, suburban, and rural communities. Online therapy makes it easier to connect with a therapist near you without being limited to nearby offices. BetterHelp connects you with licensed therapists authorized to practice in California, allowing you to attend sessions online from the comfort of your home.
Why work with a licensed therapist near you?
Working with a licensed therapist near you ensures that your provider meets state licensing requirements and professional standards in California (CA). Licensed therapists use evidence-based approaches to help individuals manage emotional challenges, develop coping skills, and work toward personal goals.
People seek therapy for many reasons. Some are navigating ongoing mental health concerns, while others want guidance during stressful periods or major life transitions. You do not need a mental health diagnosis to work with a therapist. Many individuals seek therapy to improve communication, strengthen relationships, manage stress, or gain greater self-awareness.
Online therapy can be especially helpful for people living across California, where access to in-person mental health care may vary by location.
What concerns can therapists help with?
Therapists on BetterHelp support adults across California with a wide range of mental health concerns and life challenges, including:
- Anxiety and stress
- Depression and mood-related concerns
- Trauma and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
- Grief and loss
- Relationship and family challenges
- Life transitions and adjustment concerns
- Self-esteem and confidence
- Job stress and burnout
- ADHD-related challenges
- Sleep concerns
- Parenting stress
- Eating disorder support
Therapists use approaches such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), and other evidence-based methods tailored to individual needs.
Online therapy vs. in-person therapy in California
When searching for a therapist near me in California, many people compare online therapy with traditional in-person care. Online therapy offers several potential advantages:
- Greater accessibility: Attend sessions from anywhere with an internet connection
- Reduced wait times: Many people are matched in as little as 24-48 hours, faster than typical in-person availability
- Flexible scheduling: Sessions that fit around work, family, or school commitments
- Expanded provider options: Access licensed therapists across California, not just nearby offices
Research shows that online therapy can be effective for many mental health concerns. Online therapy may also reduce barriers such as transportation challenges, long commutes, or limited local availability, especially in larger or more rural counties across California.
Finding a therapist near me that accepts insurance
Many people looking for a therapist near me in California want to know whether insurance is an option.
Many providers on BetterHelp now accept major insurance carriers in select states. In many states, certain therapists on BetterHelp may be in-network with specific insurance plans. Coverage depends on your plan, provider, and therapist availability.
When sessions are covered, insured members typically pay an average copay of about $19 per session. Coverage varies by state and provider availability, so it’s important to check your in-network status directly on the BetterHelp site.
If insurance coverage is not available, BetterHelp’s flexible subscription model remains an option, with online therapy typically costing $70 to $100 per week, billed weekly or monthly. Additional discounts or financial aid may also be available for a lower price.
How BetterHelp helps you find the right therapist in California
BetterHelp simplifies the process of finding a therapist near you in California without requiring you to search through tons of profiles on your own.
Here’s how it works:
- Complete a brief questionnaire about your needs, preferences, and goals
- Get matched with a licensed therapist authorized to practice in California (CA)
- Begin online therapy sessions through video, phone, or live chat
BetterHelp works with one of the world’s largest networks of licensed therapists, with over 30,000 qualified providers globally. Many members are matched in as little as 24 to 48 hours, and 93% of user preferences are met during the matching process.
You can request a new therapist at no additional cost if your needs or preferences change.
Therapists near you in California
Below, you’ll find licensed therapists authorized to provide online therapy to adults across California, including residents in Gilroy.
Each provider meets state licensing requirements and has experience supporting clients with a wide range of mental health concerns using evidence-based therapeutic approaches.
Please note: Therapists on BetterHelp in California do not provide psychiatric medication management or formal diagnoses.
Frequently asked questions about finding a therapist near me
How much does therapy cost near me?
Therapy costs vary depending on provider and location. In-person therapy sessions may cost $100 to $200 or more per session. BetterHelp offers online therapy subscriptions that typically range from $70 to $100 per week, billed weekly or monthly, depending on factors such as location, source, preferences, and therapist availability. Additional discounts or financial aid may also be available for a lower price. BetterHelp now accepts major insurance plans in select states and members pay an average copay of $19 per session. Coverage varies by plan, provider, and therapist availability. You can check coverage on the BetterHelp site.
Does BetterHelp accept insurance?
Yes. Many providers on BetterHelp now accept major insurance carriers in select states. In many states, certain therapists on BetterHelp may be in-network with specific insurance plans. When sessions are covered, insured members typically pay an average copay of about $19 per session. Coverage varies by plan, provider, and therapist availability. You can check coverage on the BetterHelp site.
Is online therapy effective?
Yes. Research shows that online therapy can be effective for many mental health concerns, including anxiety, depression, stress, and relationship challenges. Online therapy allows you to connect with a licensed therapist without commuting to an office.
Do I need a diagnosis to see a therapist?
No. You do not need a mental health diagnosis to seek therapy. Many people work with a therapist for stress management, relationship concerns, grief, life transitions, or personal growth.
How quickly can I start therapy?
Many people are matched with a licensed therapist in as little as 24 to 48 hours after completing the initial questionnaire. Match times may vary based on preferences and therapist availability.
Can I switch therapists if it’s not the right fit?
Yes. If you feel your therapist is not the right match, you can request to be matched with another licensed provider at no additional cost. You are able to do so through the BetterHelp user portal and select switch therapists if needed.
Is online therapy private and secure?
Online therapy through BetterHelp allows you to communicate with your therapist in a discreet setting through video, phone, or messaging tools.