Los Altos was listed as the third most expensive zip code in the United States in 2017 by Forbes, with the homes averaging almost eight million dollars. In fact, the founders of Apple, Steve Jobs and Steve Wozniak started the company in Jobs’ garage in Los Altos in 1976. 

Even though the city is booming, they insist on keeping their community partially rural, keeping many parks, tree-lined streets, and recreational areas all over town. According to experts, living in a rural area is better than city life when it comes to your mental health. However, if you need to talk to a mental health professional, there are dozens of them located in Los Altos. 

This is Dr. Daryl Temkin's avatar and link to their profile

Dr. Daryl Temkin

Offering therapy in CA
License: Ph.D., MA, MFC
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesFamily conflictsIntimacy-related issuesSelf esteem
33 years of experience

I have been a California Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist for over 30 years with a wide range of counseling experiences. I earned my Ph.D. in Counseling Psychology and Existential Philosophy from the University of California, USC, in 1989. My dissertation is housed at the USC Doheny Library and is available online. My Master's Degree was earned at Loyola Marymount in Counseling Psychology and Education. At the University of California at Los Angeles, UCLA, is where I earned my undergraduate degree in Psychology and Near Eastern Studies. Upon being licensed in 1987, I entered private practice in counseling psychology. For three years, I was a Ph.D. Psychology Intern at Cedars Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles. There I worked with medical traumas, brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, cancer patients and their families, chronic illness, loss of identity, loss of limb, emotional and physical and sexual abuse, sexual orientation and transgender issues, anxieties, stress, panic disorders and depression. Besides the above categories, I also focus on marital relations, relationship counseling, communication skills, conflict resolution skills, infidelity, infertility, workplace and business psychology, relationship development, self-development, personal issues, separations and divorce, parenting, adolescent issues, grief and loss issues as well as dating and co-habitation issues. My training and philosophy is focused on existential-humanistic and client-centered psychology. I specialize in listening and discovering what is needed and desired by the client and then doing my utmost to help the client get what they need and want. Where applicable, I help clients see more options to their own behaviors and choices as well as to discover deeper ways to understand their relationship challenges. I strive to help clients consider, evaluated, and experience alternative life and communication choices to potentially replace previous harmful choices. I greatly enjoy helping a client discover new personal strengths that can overcome and overpower previous challenges and that were mainly seen as impossible. My goal is to successfully help clients experience and achieve healthy skills that ideally lead towards personal insights and emotional growth, a deeper grasp of realistic happiness, and an opportunity to mature into a stronger sense of life empowerment. In addition, where applicable, my ideal is to nurture hope and perhaps to rebuild hope where hope has been neglected, forgotten, abused, or destroyed.

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This is Katherine November's avatar and link to their profile

Katherine November

Offering therapy in CA
License: LCSW
Stress, AnxietyFamily conflictsTrauma and abuseParenting issues

I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with over 10 years of experience working as a Clinical Social Worker. I have assisted adults, children and families struggling with issues of depression, anxiety, parenting challenges, child abuse and trauma, low self-esteem and coping with life's ups and downs. I also have experience helping individuals and families cope with a new medical diagnosis, disability or loss. My goal is to empower you with the skills you need to cope with life's challenges. I am empathic and caring and treat everyone with dignity and respect. I want to understand your perspective, in order to fully assist you. You are the expert in your life. We will develop goals and work together to achieve them. My approach is a combination of Cognitive-Behavior therapy, problem-solving therapy and a humanistic approach. I also utilize relaxation and mindfulness techniques. Reaching out for help is a huge step and takes a lot of courage. I look forward to supporting you.

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This is Cynthia Tatum's avatar and link to their profile

Cynthia Tatum

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

I am a family and marriage therapist licensed in California with over 8 years of experience. I have worked with clients with a wide range of concerns including depression, anxiety, relationship issues, parenting problems, career challenges, and substance abuse issues. I also helped those who have experienced sexual issues and physical trauma or emotional abuse, and those in need of Christian-focused counseling. I have also worked with residential and outpatient clients. My counseling style is warm, interactive, and non-judgmental. I believe that the client is the expert on themselves and therefore won't tell someone what they should do. My approach is primarily solution-focused. Together as a team we will create goals. Not everything works with everyone so it is important to state what you like and don't like in order to create a treatment plan to meet your needs. I want to congratulate you on taking the step to change in order to reach your goals of becoming happier and more free. I look forward to being able to support and empower you on this journey.

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This is Dr. Brenda Davis's avatar and link to their profile

Dr. Brenda Davis

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

I am a licensed clinical social worker in California, Kentucky, Idaho, and Oregon with over 30 years of experience working as a therapist and life coach. I have worked with clients with a wide range of concerns including depression, anxiety, relationship issues, work conflicts, and day to day problem solving. My therapy style is strength based. I believe in treating people with respect, sensitivity, and compassion. My approach combines cognitive-behavioral considering the person in their environment. Often what is needed is a safe place to be heard. I will tailor our dialog and treatment plan to meet your unique and specific needs. It takes courage to seek a more fulfilling and happier life and to take the first steps towards change. If you are ready to take that step, I am here to support and empower you. I look forward to working with you!

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Misty Batch

Offering therapy in CA
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesFamily conflictsParenting issuesSelf esteem
21 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 20 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, & parenting 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!

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Timothy Rogers

Offering therapy in CA
Stress, AnxietyLGBTRelationship issuesFamily conflictsDepression
14 years of experience

I am licensed in California and Arizona with over 20 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, coping with addictions, relationship issues, & family conflicts. 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 as you transcend to new levels of insight. **Currently only accepting clients with Men's Issues and LGBTQIA+ members**

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This is Ebony Freeman's avatar and link to their profile

Ebony Freeman

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

I am licensed in California with 6 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.

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This is Will Koehler's avatar and link to their profile

Will Koehler

Offering therapy in CA
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesTrauma and abuseParenting issuesDepression
9 years of experience

I'm an LMFT with over 9 years of experience . We would be a good fit if the following resonates with you. You prefer a more interactive therapist over someone that sits and nods. You want to understand yourself or your relationships better. You want to learn more about emotion regulation, organization, focus, and mindfulness. You would like to develop skills that increase focus and attention, facilitate depth in relationships, and manage intense and overwhelming feelings.

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This is Alana Hendrix's avatar and link to their profile

Alana Hendrix

Offering therapy in CA
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesFamily conflictsTrauma and abuseParenting issues
24 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 24 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, & trauma and abuse. 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 sign up for therapy can take courage and I am proud of you for getting started!

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This is Dr. Kristine Quallich's avatar and link to their profile

Dr. Kristine Quallich

Offering therapy in CA
License: PhD
LGBTFamily conflictsParenting issuesCoachingADHD
22 years of experience

Welcome, I am a licensed psychologist in the state of Ohio. I am also a Certified School Psychologist who has worked for over 20 years in the field of education helping families and students with academic, behavioral, and social-emotional issues. I have also worked in a community-based therapy setting helping adults with anger management, employment matters that can be managed, and family concerns. I provide primarily cognitive-behavioral services with a focus on client-centered practices. I have extensive training in a range of modalities including family-therapy as well. I also teach at Kent State University. I enjoy meditation and exercise and truly believe that we can all find our purpose and meaning in life.

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How to find counseling in Los Altos

Finding the best therapist close by in Los Altos 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 Los Altos. 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 Los Altos, 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 Los Altos 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 Los Altos 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 Los Altos, elsewhere in Santa Clara, or in the greater state of California.

Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

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

How does the cost of in-person counseling compare to the cost of BetterHelp with a licensed Los Altos 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 Los Altos 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 Los Altos 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 Los Altos, 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 Los Altos 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 Los Altos 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 Los Altos 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 Los Altos 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 Los Altos 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 94024 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 Los Altos 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 Los Altos 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 Los Altos, 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.

Los Altos 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 Los Altos.

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

94022, 94023, 94024

Popular cities near Los Altos, CA

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