In life, some weird things can bring you together. This can come in the form of a hobby, a funny joke, or another action. If you're struggling with depression or anxiety, you may need something to cheer you up, and someone who can help you is a counselor based in Novato. 

Novato has quite a history. During its inception, theaters with weird events brought the community together, with events such as beard growing contests. Sometimes, you need to think outside the box to enjoy life, and a counselor can help you do just that. Speak to one today. 

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Ralph Monroy

Offering therapy in CA
License: LMFT
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesFamily conflictsTrauma and abuseDepression
7 years of experience

My approach is friendly, relaxed, and motivational. Along with providing therapy for relationship complications and mental disorders, I am also a youth soccer coach where patience, understanding, and teamwork are must haves. I have worked with several folks with various diagnosis and have found success by applying a Cognitive Behavioral approach or at times a Rational Emotive Behavioral approach. Another strength of mine is trauma processing, where I apply Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR). I am light hearted and work hard to ensure good quality sessions, while maxing out the abilities of the folks who see me. I currently hold a Masters Degree in Marriage and Family Therapy and undergraduate studies in Social Science. My experience ranges from crisis interventions, to dealing with critical diagnosis such as Schizophrenia, and Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), to working with sleep disturbances and anxiety disorders.

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Merrill Tamiya Moreno

Offering therapy in CA
License: LMFT,PPS
Relationship issues
16 years of experience

Relationship help is here! Hello, and thank you for stopping by in your search for support. Although I am a California Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT), I am practicing as a Relationship Coach on the Betterhelp platform. You will receive the same exact support and expertise from me as a licensed therapist, but since I only currently offer live messaging sessions with no diagnosing or formal treatment planning, on this platform I will solely be practicing as your Relationship Coach. Any questions about this? Don’t hesitate to ask! :) A little bit more about my professional background: I have 16 years of experience as a mental health provider. I am deeply rooted in a psychodynamic, insight-oriented approach, with a focus on relationships. As your coach, we will dive into uncovering subconscious messages and drives from early life and we will explore ways this has impacted your adult life and relationships in particular. Together we’ll develop insight into what’s really going on and figuring out the root causes behind those relationship obstacles or patterns you may wish to change. If this sounds like the type of coaching you would be interested in engaging in, I would be more than happy to join you on your journey!

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Joseph 'Joe' Exnowski

Offering therapy in CA
License: MA LMFT
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesTrauma and abuseSelf esteem
10 years of experience

I am a marriage and family therapist working in the counseling field for 8 years. I have worked with clients experiencing depression, anxiety, challenging relationships, self esteem issues, trauma and childhood abuse. My therapeutic approach is to create an atmosphere of safety, comfort, and respect, with the recognition of how much courage it takes to make this sacred journey. I blend several different approaches in my practice such humanistic, gestalt, mindfulness, and trauma based therapies. People taking this journey don't always recognize how much strength, insight, and wisdom they innately possess, I am here to assist you in unlocking those doors. Those doors lead to feed on, peace, and happiness

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Russell Pippin

Offering therapy in CA
License: LMFT
Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseSelf esteemDepression
27 years of experience

Welcome. My name is Russell Pippin. I am living and working in California as a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. I have over 25 years of clinical experience in a variety of settings from Private Practice to working at a County Behavioral Health Agency to working as a clinical Supervisor for an agency that provides school systems with mental health services. I have a deep abiding faith in God that has grown over the past 48 years. That faith has led me to my calling to help empower, heal, and discover what is best in each person and commission each to live their best life. It is my belief that by providing a safe authentic and compassionate clinical setting we can work together to achieve your goals. Please contact me at your earliest convenience. I look forward to hearing from you. Russell Pippin LMFT EDUCATION Bachelor’s degree Simpson Bible College San Francisco Graduated in 1982 Major in Christian Education Master’s degree Fresno State University Fresno Graduated in 1994 Major in Counseling-Marriage,Family and Child Counseling SPECIALTIES: Stress, Anxiety Self esteem Depression Coping with Life Changes Anger Management Communication problems- Imago therapy certificatied Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. EMDR level II trained since 2007 CLINICAL APPROACHES Client-Centered Therapy Cognitive Behavioral Therapy EMDR Therapy Solution Focused Therapy Imago-Couples Therapy Years of Experience 23 LANGUAGE English LICENSING LMFT40133

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Piper McMichen

Offering therapy in CA
License: LCSW
Family conflictsTrauma and abuseParenting issuesSelf esteemCoping with life changes
8 years of experience

Thank you for taking a moment to read my profile. I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with 9 years of counseling experience working in schools, non profits, private practice and hospitals. I have been formally trained in a variety of therapy methods in order to meet each person's individual needs. I have a passion and dedication to working with individuals with concerns including family and parenting issues, attachment issues, trauma, relationship issues, depression and anxiety. I also have experience working with individuals in crisis needing short term, solution focused treatment. My counseling style is warm and welcoming. I believe in treating people with respect, understanding and creating a non-judgmental space. I believe in starting where you are and supporting you in the way the want and need to achieve your goals and become your best self. My approach combines cognitive-behavioral, trauma focused, attachment based and solution focused counseling. I will tailor our time together to meet your specific needs and goals. Thank you for your courage in taking the first steps toward a fuller and happier life. Please let me know how I may be able to help.

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Keturah Hood

Offering therapy in CA
License: LCSW
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesSelf esteemDepressionCoping with life changes
6 years of experience

Congratulations for Prioritizing your Mental/Emotional health! My name is Keturah and I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. What that means is I come with a broad scope of educational experience that teaches about how social places and situations can affect individuals in a variety of complex ways. I graduated with a Bachelors Degree in social work, earned a Masters Degree in Social Work and to current, I am licensed by the Board of Behavioral Sciences in California as a Clinical Social Worker. My professional work experience is broad over the past 15 years: I have worked with people who are homeless, in the foster care system, both young and older parents, and have also worked about 10 years as a outpatient clinic medical social worker. I have worked with death and dying, the onset of new medical conditions, caregiver burn out, grief n loss, the onset of new psych diagnosis from mild to moderate ( depression, anxiety) to also the onset of severe psych diagnosis ( schizophrenia and bipolar disorder). I also have experience as a clinical supervisor at an emergency psych unit to where I also provided stabilization clinical services to people who were experiencing acute life adjustments in their life, suffering from suicidal ideations, self harm and extreme anxiety, substance use. I provide a comfortable non judgmental experience. I love working with diverse people from all racial, cultural and socioeconomic backgrounds and ages. I have also worked in a private practice providing direct psychotherapy for seniors, middle aged and young adults around topics such as relationship issues, eating disorders, body dysphoria, transgender topics such as the transition process for opted surgery , LGBTQ clients around family acceptance, and other topics, family conflicts, difficulty with life adjustments new situations, grief n loss, anxiety, toxic relationships. My go to approach is to use Evidenced based modalities such as Cognitive Behavior Therapy. Aspects of Psychodynamic Therapy, Mindfulness, Solution Focused and Narrative Therapy Techniques. I look forward to working with you to listen and see if we can work together to help you reach your Goals!

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Lori Rolf

Offering therapy in CA
License: LICSW
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsAnger managementDepressionCompassion fatigue
13 years of experience

I am a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker in Minnesota and California with over 15 years experience working as a counselor and therapist. I have worked with individuals experiencing a wide range of concerns including depression, anxiety, substance use disorder, eating disorder, grief and loss, relationship issues, emotion management, stress, work/life balance, and trauma. My therapy style is empathic and accepting. My approach combines cognitive behavior, dialectical behavior, solution focused and relational-cultural therapy. I believe that therapy is most effective when there is a therapeutic partnership that is genuine, compassionate, empathetic, and supportive of client choices. I respect and value the experiences in your life that contribute to you choosing therapy. Our work together will be based on your individual treatment plan goals with a focus on building skills to create changes in your life. It takes courage and hope to reach out for help. I am honored to be part of your journey toward health and wellness!

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Gina Romeo

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

I am licensed in California with 33 years of professional work experience. I have 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. 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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Elizabeth Davis

Offering therapy in CA
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesFamily conflictsSelf esteemCoaching
10 years of experience

Welcome! I am licensed in California with 10 years of professional work experience. I have 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. 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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Audrey Teshima

Offering therapy in CA
Family conflictsParenting issuesSelf esteemCareer difficultiesCoping with life changes
9 years of experience

I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in California with over 9 years of professional clinical work experience. Additionally, I have extensive experience as a public school teacher. My clinical experience ranges across a variety of treatment settings including private practice, community mental health/substance abuse clinics, and in the elementary, middle and high school environment. I specialize in family conflicts, relationship struggles, parenting/co-parenting issues, motivation, self esteem and confidence, and vocational & career difficulties. With gentle balance, I will walk with you through your areas of concern as you process the vast array of emotions attached to the issues. Together, we will work toward a solution that is focused on your strengths to create a more resourceful, resilient, hope-filled life worth living.

How to find counseling in Novato

Finding the best therapist close by in Novato 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 Novato. 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 Novato, 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 Novato 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 Novato 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 Novato, elsewhere in Marin, 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 Novato area can be found below:

How does the cost of in-person counseling compare to the cost of BetterHelp with a licensed Novato 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 Novato 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 Novato 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 Novato, 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 Novato 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 Novato 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 Novato 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 Novato 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 Novato 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 94945 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 Novato 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 Novato 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 Novato, 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.

Novato 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 Novato.

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

94945, 94947, 94949, 94998

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