For many, therapy has been one of the critical steps on their path to self-improvement and personal growth. A therapist might help you manage a mental health condition, break free from self-doubt, or overcome past trauma. Even if you don’t have a pressing mental health concern, a therapist may be able to help you bolster your self-esteem, solve practical problems in your life, or develop healthy habits that support your overall wellness. 

Most therapists attend school for at least six years, obtaining a bachelor’s and master’s degree, while some continue their education and receive a doctorate. Training programs teach evidence-based techniques and help therapists learn to demonstrate genuine warmth and ask insightful questions. After graduating from an accredited program, therapists typically spend thousands of hours in supervised practice before obtaining a license to practice therapy independently. 

Many therapists continue their education by pursuing specialized training in a particular group, condition, or treatment modality. Research shows that finding the right therapist often means ensuring that a practitioner’s expertise aligns with your area of need. For example, if you are seeking therapy for help with relationship problems, a marriage and family therapist may be a good choice. Many practitioners with a wide range of specialties practice within the greater Bay Area. From San Francisco down to San Jose and Half Moon Bay to Antioch, hundreds of professionals may be available to address your concerns. 

If you’re ready to meet with a therapist, Pacifica, CA, has no shortage of options. You can choose from therapists in large clinic groups or work with professionals with a small independent practice. Like the rest of the Bay Area, you can likely find a practitioner whose expertise aligns with your needs. There may be therapists in Pacifica, CA, with deep experience and clinical knowledge regarding your primary concern. 

You may also want to consider online therapy, which allows you to attend therapy remotely. The Bay Area is known for its traffic, and the increased travel time may be a significant barrier to attending therapy for many. If online therapy sounds appealing, you may want to examine the practitioners listed below. You can open their profile to learn more about their training and specialization, as well as read reviews from past patients to help you make an informed decision about their approach to therapy.

Psychologist Dr. Barbara "Andrea" Vielma providing different types of therapy in Pacifica

Dr. Barbara "Andrea" Vielma

Clinician
License Type(s): LMFT#88763,QMHPC-00697
Mental Wellness Specialties: Stress, AnxietySelf esteemDepressionCoping with life changesCoaching
14 years offering treatment

If you feel frustrated, lost, or at a breaking point, you've found yourself in the right place. As a therapist with over 15 years of experience helping people overcome major life challenges, I have a wide-array of tips and tools that can help. As an artist, I am a creative thinker and problem-solver. As an executive leader, I am an action-oriented, strategic thinker. As an intuit and yogi, I have a keen ability to see through the 'muck' of life and provide counsel that hits to the core of our suffering. I specialize in helping people grow through periods of great turmoil, including those in major life transitions, 'stuck-points', relationship challenges, self-defeating behaviors and beliefs. I understand that there are both 'things out there' (aka the world) and 'things in here' (aka within us), that can keep us feeling trapped in a really uncomfortable place. I strive to be my client's greatest cheerleader... someone with a kind heart, wise mind, and trusting ear. When we first meet, I want to get to know all of who you really are and what is really important to you. From there, I'll help you devise a plan that bridges the gap between where you are now and where you'd like to be in the future. Then, I can start devising a series of experiential activities and processing discussions that can help break down each of the barriers between you and your goals. Whether you are someone in the midst of a major transition...or feel like you're facing a 'dark night of the soul' I encourage you to link up with me and let's chat. As someone who has 'walked the walk' and understands the trials of the human spirit, I have no doubt that my unique blend of skills, strengths, and education can help.

Psychologist Jennifer Dunn providing different types of therapy in Pacifica

Jennifer Dunn

Clinician
License Type(s): M.S,LMFT
Mental Wellness Specialties: Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesFamily conflictsParenting issuesDepression
5 years offering treatment

I am licensed in California with 5 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, & parenting issues. 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!

Psychologist Izabella Bagdasarian providing different types of therapy in Pacifica

Izabella Bagdasarian

Clinician
Mental Wellness Specialties: Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesFamily conflictsTrauma and abuseDepression
4 years offering treatment

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

Psychologist Jonathan Trost providing different types of therapy in Pacifica

Jonathan Trost

Clinician
Mental Wellness Specialties: Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesAnger managementCareer difficultiesCoping with life changes
37 years offering treatment

I am licensed in California with 36 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, anger management, & career difficulties. 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.

Psychologist Sheryl Mahon providing different types of therapy in Pacifica

Sheryl Mahon

Clinician
License Type(s): LPC,GC-C,GCCA--C
Mental Wellness Specialties: Stress, AnxietyGriefDepressionCoping with life changesCompassion fatigue
18 years offering treatment

Greetings. I am a professional counselor with over 18 years experience working in the areas of grief, trauma, anticipatory grief, caregiver stress, end of life issues, depression, life changes, stress, and chronic illness. I am certified as a grief counselor (GC-C) and as a grief counselor specializing in children and adolescents (GCCA-C). I am committed to assisting you with identifying the changes you want in your life and then exploring different strategies to help you achieve your goals. I would describe my approach to therapy as eclectic. I work with the individual to find the approach that best meets their needs and work to provide the tools that are needed to effect change and promote growth. Finally, I view the therapeutic alliance as a partnership requiring mutual trust, respect, honesty, communication, and commitment to do the work. Hopefully, what I have shared here will help you choose a therapist that best meets your needs. Should you choose me, I look forward to our journey together.

Psychologist Boyang"Eric" Zhang providing different types of therapy in Pacifica

Boyang"Eric" Zhang

Clinician
Mental Wellness Specialties: Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesFamily conflictsSelf esteemCoaching
7 years offering treatment

I am licensed Professional Clinical Counselor in California with 7 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. Taking the first step to seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process.

Psychologist Lana Casper providing different types of therapy in Pacifica

Lana Casper

Clinician
Mental Wellness Specialties: Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesParenting issuesDepressionCoping with life changes
16 years offering treatment

I am licensed in California with 16 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, parenting issues, & depression. 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.

Psychologist Jessica Bolet providing different types of therapy in Pacifica

Jessica Bolet

Clinician
Mental Wellness Specialties: Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesParenting issuesCoping with life changesCoaching
13 years offering treatment

I am licensed in California with 15 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, parenting issues, & coping with life changes. My expertise is with adolescent addictions, school success counseling, and new baby transitions. As a leader in the field, I am aware of latest practices, and will bring my best to every session to help you achieve your desired results. 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.

Psychologist Amanda Roman providing different types of therapy in Pacifica

Amanda Roman

Clinician
Mental Wellness Specialties: Stress, AnxietySelf esteemDepression
6 years offering treatment

I am licensed in California with 6 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress, anxiety, motivation, self esteem, & confidence. I also have experience working with depression. I work with my clients to create an open and safe environment where thoughts and feelings can be shared without fear of judgment. Taking the first step to seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process.

Psychologist Jonathan Medina providing different types of therapy in Pacifica

Jonathan Medina

Clinician
Mental Wellness Specialties: Stress, AnxietyAnger managementSelf esteemDepressionCoping with life changes
5 years offering treatment

I am licensed in California with 5 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress, anxiety, anger management, motivation, self esteem, confidence, & depression. I also have experience working with coping with life changes. 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.

Find a therapist serving clients in California

What types of therapists are available to clients in Pacifica?

Understanding the type of therapy you'd like to search for is crucial before finding a therapist or psychologist. Be sure to narrow your search for therapists in Pacifica that can offer psychodynamic therapy, cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), therapeutic talk therapy, group therapy, marriage and family therapy for individuals or couples, or couples therapy depending on your needs.

Licensed therapists & mental health professionals available through BetterHelp's online platform

Mental health therapists in Pacifica available through BetterHelp are accredited as psychologists to help individuals and couples. Pacifica therapists' credentials can include licensed marriage and family therapist (LMFT), licensed clinical social worker (LCSW), and clinician or doctor of psychology (PsyD). Regardless of their licensure, Pacifica therapists are trained in any type of therapy in the Pacifica region and in the state of California.

How can a therapist help you destress, manage your emotions, and guide you towards the life you want?

Therapists in Pacifica can help clients in improving healthy relationships, communication skills, working through life transitions, couples challenges, managing a mood disorder, improving coping skills, self help tips, offer life coaching, family life, or change in negative thinking patterns. A therapist in Pacifica may also provide a safe place and validation for clients experiencing emotional pain, or that simply want a psychological assessment. 

Is it better to find a mental health counselor or therapist in Pacifica offering online therapy or in person?

Studies show online therapy can be just as effective as in-person counseling. Online therapy with licensed counselors is often more affordable, with BetterHelp pricing ranging from $65-$100 weekly, while in person therapy can cost up to $200 per session.

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