Depression can make you feel tired all the time, sad for no obvious reason, and can even cause confusion and memory loss. It can also affect your sleep and eating patterns. Luckily, the City of Millbrae has several extraordinary therapists in the area who are trained in diagnosing and treating depression, among other mental health issues.
Millbrae was named for its rolling hills and beautiful views of the San Francisco Bay, which bring tourists and residents hours of spectacular activities like hiking, fishing, running, swimming, and boating. However, when you have depression or another mental health disorder, it can be difficult to find fun in anything. Consider speaking to a Millbrae area counselor about getting some treatment right away.
Dr. Frederick Smoot
I am a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (CA #12959) with over 15 years of experience counseling/ accompanying persons through difficult parts of their life-journeys. I have worked with a wide range of concerns including Isolation. loneliness, fearfulness, anxiety, intimacy/relationship issues, parenting and career challenges, addiction, physical and emotional abuse and life transitions. My counseling style is warm, curious and appropriately truth-telling.. I treat others with respect and consistent presence. I work to sustain and shame-free context that empowers persons to (re)claim their lies and future with dignity. I am an accompanist, using therapeutic tools gathered from several clinical approaches. I am relational, client centered, mindful, and strategic. I believe that direction and goals for therapy are shaped together with the client. We will tailor a treatment plan to meet your unique and specific needs. Your willingness to reach out for support shows your courage and desire for a better future. I encourage you to take this step, accompanied and supported I look forward to working with you.
Jude Patton
I am an older out/open/proud transgender man. I have expertise and extensive experience in serving transgender, non-binary, and gender non-conforming clients. I prefer to serve my own community members, but do not discriminate against others. I am licensed as a therapist in California and Washington, as a Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT), with 45 years of professional counseling experience. My professional background also includes having worked as a Psychiatric Physician Associate for 43 years, and as a sex educator and sex therapist. Before my career in human medicine and mental health, I worked for 20+ years as a Veterinary Medical Assistant and understand the value of animal companions and of the natural environment in supporting healthy living. I have experience in treating clients who have ADHD, an autism spectrum disorder, chronic pain/chronic illness, and/or end-of-life concerns, sleeping disorders, anxiety, PTSD, and depression. I believe that you are the expert on your own story and that you have many strengths that will assist you in overcoming things that challenge you. Making the first step to sign up for therapy can take courage and I am proud of you for getting started. I am looking forward to working with you to find solutions to reach your goals in therapy.
Jacqueline Hayes
As a licensed therapist in Florida, I bring 16 years of dedicated experience supporting individuals through life's complex emotional landscapes. My practice centers on helping clients navigate challenges like depression, anxiety, family conflicts, and personal growth. I specialize in addressing issues such as self-esteem, communication difficulties, social anxiety, and relationship dynamics. My approach is compassionate and tailored, drawing from a deep understanding of human experiences. I'm particularly committed to supporting women, young adults, and individuals wrestling with life transitions, workplace stress, and personal identity. Whether you're struggling with isolation, seeking purpose, or working through relationship challenges, I offer a supportive, understanding environment. Grounded in Christian values and a conservative therapeutic perspective, I create a safe space where clients can explore their emotions, develop healthier coping strategies, and move towards healing and self-discovery. My goal is to empower you to build resilience, find inner strength, and create meaningful, positive change in your life.
Dorothy Holley
I am licensed as a clinical social worker in both Georgia and Florida with more than 25 years of professional work experience. 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!
Karen Camese
As a licensed therapist in California with two decades of experience, I specialize in supporting individuals through complex life transitions and healing journeys. My practice centers on addressing trauma, addiction, family dynamics, and personal growth, with a deep commitment to empowering clients across diverse backgrounds. I bring compassionate expertise to challenges including grief, life changes, communication difficulties, and interpersonal relationships. My approach honors each person's unique story, focusing on building self-love, understanding personal purpose, and developing resilient coping strategies. My therapeutic work spans a wide range of experiences—from supporting individuals navigating midlife transitions to helping those healing from domestic violence, addiction, and intergenerational family dynamics. I am particularly passionate about creating affirming spaces for women, caregivers, and older adults seeking meaningful personal transformation. Through evidence-based, culturally responsive practices, I walk alongside clients as they rediscover their strength, reconnect with their inherent worth, and cultivate profound healing and self-understanding.
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. 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.
Ashby "Brooks" Larsen
I am licensed in California and Utah with 24 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, trauma and abuse, & coping with grief and loss. I also have experience working with 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. 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.
Brenda Boudreaux
I am licensed in California with 22 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress, anxiety, relationship issues, trauma, abuse, & parenting issues. I also have experience working with anger management. 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. 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.
Grace Lu
I have worked extensively with a diverse patient population, such as adolescents in high-school settings, geriatrics, those with developmental differences, and those with dual diagnoses, among others. Although predominantly trained in cognitive-behavioral therapy, I also work from a humanistic model, maintaining a humble and tentative stance, since I believe empathy, compassion, and attunement are at the bedrock of the relational dynamic. I am committed to working with you to improve your overall mental and emotional health and well-being, through a collaborative effort.
Donice Holbrook
I am a Licensed Clinical Therapist that provides specialty in anxiety management and depression. I bring over two decades of compassionate clinical experience supporting individuals through complex life challenges. My approach is deeply rooted in understanding and addressing mental health concerns with empathy and professional expertise. I specialize in helping clients navigate a wide range of emotional experiences, including depression, anxiety, stress management, and self-esteem challenges. My therapeutic practice focuses on supporting individuals through significant life transitions, social anxieties, communication difficulties, and personal growth journeys. With a commitment to holistic healing, I offer a supportive environment that honors each client's unique experiences. My work spans diverse areas including women's issues, addiction recovery, family dynamics, and support for individuals facing chronic health challenges. My practice is grounded in a Christian-informed perspective, providing culturally sensitive care that respects individual beliefs and values. I am particularly passionate about supporting older adults and individuals seeking a compassionate, conservative therapeutic approach. I believe in empowering clients to discover their inner strength, develop healthy coping strategies, and create meaningful personal transformation.
Find a Therapist Near You in Millbrae , 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 Millbrae.
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.