Life can be a struggle for many. While the skies may be clear outside, the skies in your head may not be. Stress, anxiety, and various other life problems can affect you as well. In a situation like that, who can help you? One person who can is a counselor based in Menlo Park. 

Menlo Park is a great little place to live and it’s filled with beauty. You can find beauty in your life as well, but you need to speak to someone first and figure out how you can enjoy your life. Speak to someone today.

This is Leah Finn's avatar and link to their profile

Leah Finn

Offering therapy in CA
License: LMFT
Stress, AnxietyLGBTGriefDepressionCoping with life changes
8 years of experience

Hello and welcome! My name is Leah Finn. I am a marriage and family therapist based out of the San Francisco Bay Area and licensed in California. My goal is to help you achieve your goals. Since 2010, I have worked with clients from a variety of backgrounds and life experiences to effectively manage and cope with a wide range of concerns including depression, anxiety, and relationship issues. I have also helped many people who have experienced trauma, emotional abuse, and/or disability. In 2018, I founded Healing Solutions Psychotherapy. My counseling style is warm, interactive, and nonjudgmental. I provide an environment for you to feel safe to explore fears, concerns, and your deepest desires for creating the life that you want. I use a strength-based approach that combines mindfulness with cognitive-behavioral, humanistic, narrative, solution-focused, and psychodynamic therapies. I have a Master of Arts in Counseling Psychology from John F. Kennedy University, and I practice under the laws of California. I believe in treating you with respect, empathy, sensitivity, and compassion. Prior to becoming a therapist, I worked as a community organizer for social, racial, and economic justice. My background includes extensive training in anti-oppression work, looking at how race, class, gender, sexuality, and ability overlap and shape our lived experience. I will tailor our work together to meet your unique and specific needs. I specialize in working with LGBTQIA+ (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, questioning, intersex, asexual, and agender) individuals and families. I am committed to providing culturally competent, sex positive counseling, particularly with people who identify as polyamorous and people who are a part of the kink community. I am also certified as a domestic violence counselor with 48 hours of LGBT-specialized training. It takes courage to seek a more fulfilling, happier life and to take the first steps towards a change. If you are ready to take that step, I am here to support and empower you. You have the right to feel heard, understood, whole, and complete. You deserve to be your best self. I look forward to learning more about you!

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This is Romana Cheang's avatar and link to their profile

Romana Cheang

Offering therapy in CA
License: M.S., LMFT
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesSelf esteemCoping with life changes
11 years of experience

Aloha! I am a Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist in the state of California. I was raised in Oahu, Hawaii and had been living in Southern California for the past 10 years. I completed my Master’s degree from Loma Linda University and I have over 8 years of experience working as a therapist. Previously, I worked in community mental health clinics, elementary & high school settings, and a residential treatment facility. I have experiences with adults, children & teens, and families. My areas of experience are: Stress & anxiety, depressive issues, adult relational problems, communication, and phase of life issues. I would describe my therapy style as strength-based, collaborative, insight-oriented, and use of humor with countless metaphors. With our therapy process, I would like to spend time exploring your life story so I can assist you in "untangling" and/or “fitting those odd puzzle pieces together." My goal is for clients to live a fulfilling life. I was taught that we each carry an “invisible backpack” packed with difficulties, hardships, and personal trauma in life. These growing difficulties result in a heavier backpack in which one day...become almost unbearable. As your therapist, I believe my role is to help unpack so you can rest those shoulders and practice training your “mental muscles.” Sometimes life doesn’t get easier, so you will learn to strengthen your emotional endurance. And your adventure continues.

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This is Aparna Bell's avatar and link to their profile

Aparna Bell

Offering therapy in CA
License: MS ,LPC
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsAnger managementSelf esteemDepression
13 years of experience

Welcome! I am a Licensed Professional Counselor in California with over 10 years of experience in mental health and substance use treatment. I work with individuals who struggle with depression, anxiety, low self-esteem, addiction, stress, and relationship issues. My experience includes providing therapy in outpatient and residential dual diagnosis programs and recovery programs in San Francisco. I earned my master’s degree in rehabilitation counseling from San Francisco State University in 2009. My passion is helping others to achieve greater health and happiness in life, by letting go of negative thoughts and patterns and creating new insights and self-understanding. As a counselor I am engaged, supportive, intuitive, empathetic and a good listener. I enjoy working with people from diverse cultures and backgrounds and welcome people from all walks of life. I offer a safe, non-judgmental space to talk about your thoughts and feelings and can help guide you on your journey of self-discovery. My theoretical approach to counseling is person-centered, strength-based, and eclectic, incorporating psychodynamic theory into treatment. I tailor my interventions to the individual and utilize cognitive-behavioral techniques to help identify and change negative thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. I use reflective listening and look for patterns and underlying issues that may be the cause of distress, and work with clients on their goals. I would describe my counseling style as authentic and caring, with a friendly and warm approach. I support my clients in developing healthier coping skills, and new ways of thinking and feeling. Learning how to communicate more effectively, practicing healthy boundaries and self-care can be helpful tools. When working with addictions and recovery there are many underlying issues to be worked through and resolved, such as depression, anxiety, and trauma. I help people to understand and cope with these feelings, which often have been buried for a long time. I support my clients with harm reduction or abstinence related goals and together we work through resistance and ambivalence. I understand that addiction and recovery are a process that takes time and that compassion is necessary. There is a lot of stigma, shame and fear associated with addiction and I provide a safe place to address your concerns. Many of us have faulty beliefs that hold us back from having the life we want. I believe that we all have the potential to change and we all need support at times. Often, we feel stuck in old patterns and behaviors and it takes time to change. Sometimes we need to let go of old resentments or painful memories. By letting go of dysfunctional thinking and behavior patterns, we can create a healthier, happier life. I look forward to working with you and helping you through this process of healing. Thank you, Aparna

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Katherine Weller

Offering therapy in CA
License: LMFT
Stress, AnxietyFamily conflictsParenting issuesSelf esteemCareer difficulties
30 years of experience

I’d like to introduce myself. I am a practicing psychotherapist licensed in both Washington and California. My licensure is as a Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) since 1989. My training working with individuals and families is informed by an educational and experiential foundation in human systems, so my perspective is through the lens of our human experience in context, both historic and present day. Early family experiences, present day relationships, work and school environments and community surroundings all impact our view of ourselves, others, and our relationship to the world. I am excited to work with each of you to discover what can create for you a sense of hope, promise, self-regard, and general increased emotional health. Together we will look to those positive possibilities to inspire action to address and change what holds you back and stands in the way of a true sense of wellbeing and personal agency. I have worked in the field for a long time in multiple settings from hospitals and public health to military bases, agencies, and small practice offices in rural and urban communities; from these varied experiences I have developed so much respect for the diversity of human experience and the personal and unique nature of each individual’s set of challenges. I am trained in many approaches and find that the core of effective work is the quality relationship with you, the client, and the level of understanding and trust that grows out of listening, challenging, and encouraging positive action. I will draw from a number of proven effective models of therapy as appropriate to help you find your way, and our work will be dedicated to moving you towards your personal goals. I truly look forward to our time together.

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This is Coralya (Cory) Mazariego's avatar and link to their profile

Coralya (Cory) Mazariego

Offering therapy in CA
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsGriefBipolar disorderDepression
7 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 7 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, coping with addictions, coping with grief and loss, & bipolar disorder. 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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Brittany Taylor

Offering therapy in CA
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesFamily conflictsTrauma and abuseCoping with life changes
4 years of experience

I am licensed in California as well as Ohio with 4 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 seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process.

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This is Leslie Patricia Acoca's avatar and link to their profile

Leslie Patricia Acoca

Offering therapy in CA
Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseGriefIntimacy-related issuesParenting issues
20 years of experience

I am a licensed California Marriage and Family Therapist with 20 years of experience providing therapy to individuals, couples and families. I work with clients to create a warm and trusting environment where they can explore and find solutions for stress and anxiety, trauma and abuse, grief and loss, as well as intimacy and relationship issues. I have extensive experience working clients and families who have lost loved ones to suicide. Taking the first step to creating a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process.

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Dr. Tara Neavins

Offering therapy in CA
AddictionsLGBTTrauma and abuseSleeping disordersAnger management
18 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 18 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with coping with addictions, lgbt-related issues, trauma and abuse, & sleeping disorders. 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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This is Daphne Hamburg's avatar and link to their profile

Daphne Hamburg

Offering therapy in CA
License: LCSW
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsLGBTTrauma and abuseSelf esteem
5 years of experience

Hello, You're probably curious to learn a bit about me and my style. Here goes.. I am a licensed Clinical Social Worker in Michigan and Virginia and have been working with individuals who are looking to make some kind of change in their life for the past 5 years. I began working with women who are survivors of domestic abuse and/or sexual assault and have also worked with individuals who are struggling with substance use and are looking to make a change in their life. Each and every person brings a unique set of strengths and talents to the table that they already have. I believe that each individual I work with has the chance to succeed with their goals and skills that we develop together in sessions My counseling style is warm and interactive. I believe in treating anyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion, and I don't believe in stigmatizing labels. My approach combines cognitive-behavioral, motivational interviewing, and mindfulness utilizing a trauma informed empowerment approach. I am also a kink aware therapist. I will tailor our dialogue and treatment plan to meet your unique and specific needs. It takes courage to seek for a more fulfilling and happier life and to take the first steps towards a change. If you are ready to take that step I am here to support and empower you. I look forward to working with you. It would be an honor for me to be part of your journey

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This is Donna Dover's avatar and link to their profile

Donna Dover

Offering therapy in CA
AddictionsLGBTTrauma and abuseSelf esteemADHD
20 years of experience

I am a Licensed Clinical Socialworker in the State of California with over 20 years of professional work experience. I have worked with clients coping with addictions, LGBTQI+ related issues, trauma and abuse, motivation, self esteem, anxiety, life transitions, depression, ADHD 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. 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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How to find counseling in Menlo Park

Finding the best therapist close by in Menlo Park 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 Menlo Park. 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 Menlo Park, 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 Menlo Park 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 Menlo Park 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 Menlo Park, 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 Menlo Park area can be found below:

How does the cost of in-person counseling compare to the cost of BetterHelp with a licensed Menlo Park 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 Menlo Park 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 Menlo Park 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 Menlo Park, 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 Menlo Park 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 Menlo Park 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 Menlo Park 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 Menlo Park 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 Menlo Park 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 94026 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 Menlo Park 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 Menlo Park 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 Menlo Park, 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.

Menlo Park 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 Menlo Park.

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

94025, 94026

Popular cities near Menlo Park, CA

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