During prohibition, rum runners used Half Moon Bay to distribute illegal alcohol to taverns and roadhouses in the area, some of which still stand and operate today. Many people over the years during economic depressions and recessions found a way to thrive in this small community. But not everyone has an easy time doing so. When depression strikes, you might need help to overcome it.

Counselors in the Half Moon Bay area are available now to help you overcome your depression and cope with the stressful situations in your life. Therapists can help you find opportunities for growth and happiness in the midst of strife. Contact a counselor today.

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Erlynn Cabarles

Offering therapy in CA
License: MSW,LCSW
Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseGriefDepressionADHD
28 years of experience

Hello and thank you for having enough courage and honesty to take the first big step. My name is Erlynn and I have a Master’s in Social Work, concentration in Individuals, Families and Groups from San Francisco. I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in the state of California since 2015. I received a BA in Psychology, emphasis in Clinical and Developmental Psychology from Santa Cruz. I have 20 plus years of experience in the mental health field. I have worked across a continuum of care from residential, sub-acute day treatment programs, and hospitals focusing on mental health issues, probation, relationship issues, trauma and abuse, family dynamics and conflicts. I have experience working with infants/toddlers, children, adolescents, young adults, people with disabilities, and the elderly. I believe that the first step of healing is self-discovery and the development of personal goals to overcome challenges. My intentions are to instill hope and inspiration and to empower you to be able to move on to a more fulfilling life. Remember that You are resilient and determined to change for the positive. My purpose is to provide a safe space and non-judgmental environment. If you’re ready, I’ll be here to support you!

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Lesley Schwam

Offering therapy in CA
License: LMFT
Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseGriefSelf esteemDepression
12 years of experience

My name is Lesley Schwam, I am from Los Angeles, California. I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist LMFT since 2015. I began graduate school in 2009 and started earning my counseling hours toward licensure during graduate school. My work experience varies from working with adolescents prior to licensing, to now working with adults 18 years of age and older. My treatment approach is from a Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Solution Focused Therapy and Narrative Therapy perspective. I believe individuals have the ability to change behaviors daily and I also believe in helping individuals find solutions to help move forward with life goals. I have experience working with Trauma, PTSD, Depression, Anxiety, Panic Attacks, Grief and Loss, as well as Adjustment Disorders and phase of life transitions including finding a new job, a new career, entering retirement, or adjusting to a new role in life. I focus first on self care, coping skills, setting short and long term goals, and learning boundary setting skills, as well as positive communication skills. By setting and reaching goals we learn what we are capable of, and I know each individual person is capable of more than they believe.

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Dr. Priscilla Sobremonte

Offering therapy in CA
License: Msw,LCSW
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesFamily conflictsTrauma and abuseDepression
24 years of experience

I served in the United States Air Force for 11 years. Graduated with MSW became a LCSW began working with severely emotionally disturbed children. Continued to work with a county mental health department with an agreement with juvenile justice. In this capacity worked with children, adolescence, families, and adolescents who were placed in juvenile hall. Worked in the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation as a Psychiatric Clinical Social Worker for many years with both male and female inmates, inpatient, outpatient and special units for chronic severe mental illness. Worked at Kaiser Permanente as a therapist with children and families, and crisis intake. Work experience with Veterans Health Care as a medical social worker supervisor and program coordinator. Began private practice in 2006 utilizing a client centered approach to determine treatment plan with the client (Cognitive Behavioral, Trauma Focused, Solution Focused, Relationship and family issues). Treatment approach is based on client's needs and preferences in a collaborate manner. *****PLEASE NOTE I am note able to write letters to employers for time off and or disability verification.****** AUTHOR Therapeutic Journaling: Making Sense of My Life, put together for clients who have struggled to make sense of life experiences this is based on Narrative Journaling.

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William Fenton

Offering therapy in CA
License: LMFT,MA
Relationship issuesFamily conflictsGriefParenting issuesDepression
28 years of experience

I am Marriage and Family Therapist with over 30 years experience. I have worked with individuals, couples and families in crisis and those wanting to improve their relationships. I have worked with military families and service members as well as vets. I have extensive experience with PTSD and Combat Stress. I have experience working with Depression, Anxiety and sexual abuse issues. I have extensive experience working with families with special needs children (mostly Autism). I have conducted workshops on Couples Communication and work with couples and families to improve their communication. I have experience working with Men's issues. I work on teaching men how to avoid domestic violence issues to parenting as a man. I also work to help men co-parent in divorce and separation. I work from a rational behavioral approach believing that everyone has the ability and can resolve their issues and problems. I believe that a good therapist will not only listen to their clients but will be active in teaching and improving the skills needed to improve your live and happiness. I look forward to working with you to improve your relationships with yourself, your family and everyone in your life.

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Hiroko Makiyama

Offering therapy in CA
Addictions
10 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 17 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients coping with addictions. 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.

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Dr. Suzan McEnany

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

I am licensed in California with 25 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 work with my clients to create an open and safe environment where thoughts and feelings can be shared without fear of judgment. Taking the first step to seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process.

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Jamie Kirk

Offering therapy in CA
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesFamily conflictsSelf esteemDepression
7 years of experience

I am a California licensed Marriage, Family, & Child Therapist, and Certified Life Coach. I have over 10 years' experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, & motivation, self-esteem, and confidence. I work with my clients to create an open and safe environment where thoughts and feelings can be shared without fear of judgment. Taking the first step to sign up for therapy can take courage and I am proud of you for getting started!

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Andrea Bosowski

Offering therapy in CA
Trauma and abuseGrief
12 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 12 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with 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. Taking the first step to seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process.

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Claudia Diaz

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

I am licensed in California with 12 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 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.

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Jill Sheetz

Offering therapy in CA
AddictionsFamily conflictsTrauma and abuseGriefDepression
20 years of experience

I am a Marriage and Family Therapist licensed to practice in California. I have twenty years of experience in the mental health field. I have experience in helping clients of various ages in coping with depression, anxiety, trauma, loneliness, family relationships, substance use disorders and grief and loss amongst other concerns. I am a strength-based, client centered therapist who constantly strives to create an open and safe environment where individuals can share their experiences without fear of judgment. It takes courage to look inside oneself in order to pursue a more fulfilling life. I am here to support you in this process of growth and change.

How to find counseling in Half Moon Bay

Finding the best therapist close by in Half Moon Bay 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 Half Moon Bay. 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 Half Moon Bay, 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 Half Moon Bay 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 Half Moon Bay 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 Half Moon Bay, elsewhere in San Mateo, 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 Half Moon Bay area can be found below:

How does the cost of in-person counseling compare to the cost of BetterHelp with a licensed Half Moon Bay 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 Half Moon Bay 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 Half Moon Bay 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 Half Moon Bay, 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 Half Moon Bay 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 Half Moon Bay 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 Half Moon Bay 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 Half Moon Bay 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 Half Moon Bay 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 94019 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 Half Moon Bay 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 Half Moon Bay 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 Half Moon Bay, 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.

Half Moon Bay has many clinicians who practice person or client-centered individual therapy in-person and through online therapy to assist clients in their healing journey. If you opt into online therapy, you might also be able to meet with providers all over the United States and change therapists easily at any time. Many people struggling with anxiety and depression, substance abuse, body image issues, and more find therapists that are a good fit for them, feel supported, and gain further insight into their lives through internet-based therapy.

Do therapists judge you in therapy sessions?

The boundaries between you and a therapist are in place to help you and them regarding ethical concerns. Mental health professionals are held by ethical standards through the American Psychological Association (APA) and are not allowed to judge or harm their clients. If you are concerned about sharing details about yourself, feel free to withhold personal information. Their job in the therapeutic relationship is to create a safe place, help you gain a deeper understanding of your mental health, and support you. You might consider changing counselors if you don't feel safe or respected.

Stay up to date with the leading online counseling platform

To stay up to date with BetterHelp's initiatives through their social channels, you can follow them on PinterestLinkedInInstagramTwitter, and Facebook. For mental health tips, check out the BetterHelp YouTube channel.

Take some time today to learn more about the team of therapists at BetterHelp to understand the services available to you clearly. If you are new to therapy or have any questions about the services and terms, please reach out through the contact page or send an email to contact@betterhelp.com.

If you’re ready to sign up for online therapy, consider signing up with a platform like BetterHelp and get matched within 24 to 48 hours.

If you are experiencing a crisis or emergency, don't use this site's online services. If you are in life-threatening danger, call 911. If you require support for a crisis, reach out to the hotlines below:

A woman meets with a therapist online in her home city of Half Moon Bay.

Below are some of the zip codes served by BetterHelp therapists in Half Moon Bay:

94019

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