Life can feel like a tree. When it’s tall, it provides shade, oxygen, and is a sight to behold. However, anxiety, depression, and the problems in life can stop the tree from growing, or even knock a tall tree down. A counselor can help replant the tree and make it grow to its former glory.
Palo Alto means “tall tree.” It’s the perfect symbol for a life going right. Every tree has the potential to grow, but sometimes, you need to do the work. A counselor can help get you started on how to grow your own tree in life.
Hello, Welcome! Thank you for choosing BetterHelp. You have taken an important step toward prioritizing your mental health and wellness. My name is Shaakira McMillon. I am a licensed therapist (LCSW) in the state of California. I have been a Social Worker for 7 years. I am passionate about helping others and creating a safe space for clients and families. Throughout my career, I have assisted clients coping with a wide variety of issues/concerns including but not limited to: Depression, Anxiety, caregiver fatigue, burnout, family conflict, grief, intimacy i...
Stephen Creel is a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. A graduate of Pepperdine University, Stephen earned his Masters in Clinical Psychology with Emphasis in Marriage and Family Therapy in April 2001. Since then, Stephen has worked primarily in Substance use treatment but also has extensive experience in issues of Co-dependency, Depression and Anxiety, Self-Esteem, Grief and Trauma. In his work in Substance Use Recovery, Stephen became aware that the vast majority of addiction disorders are predicated with some type of trauma. Thus, in 2019 Stephen underw...
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,...
I am licensed in California with 12 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with relationship issues, family conflicts, intimacy related issues, & 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 seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process. I believe that everybody has their own answers but there are times in our lives when ...
I am licensed as a Licensed Marriage Family Therapist in both Texas and California, and I have over 20 years of experience working in the mental health field. I have worked in both community mental health settings and in private practice working with individuals, couples, and families ranging from life adjustment issues to severe mental illnesses. I approach each individual with compassion and view each situation as unique using a client-centered perspective. I believe that there is a mind and body connection to mental health, and because of this belief, I am cur...
Thank you for taking the time to invest in your mental health. In today's world of ever-increasing stressors, it is more important than ever to take care of our bodies and minds. The therapeutic process can be a wonderful tool whether you are in crisis, or looking for answers and meaning in your life. There has long been stigma surrounding taking care of your mental health and I am glad that those barriers are beginning to fade away as more people become aware of the benefits therapy can provide. I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worked practicing in the sta...
I am licensed in California with 9 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!
I am licensed in California with 6 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, coping with addictions, lgbtq+ related issues, & trauma and abuse. 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.
I am licensed in California with 26 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.
I am licensed in California with 11 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, adjustment issues, coping with grief and loss, & motivation, self esteem, and confidence. I believe in treating everyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion. I will tailor our dialogue 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! My general availability is early morning on weekdays, but...
I am licensed in California with 40 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 seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process.
I am licensed in California with 12 years of professional work experience in treatment services serving adolescents, young adults, families, and groups. I am a Nationally Certified, Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral (TF-CBT) therapist. I received my Master's from the Boston University School of Medicine with attention to mental health counseling and behavioral medicine. I have extensive experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, trauma and abuse, coping with grief and loss, & anger management. My passion is to enhance voice, choice, connection, and ...
I am licensed in California with 7 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, anger management, & motivation, self esteem, and confidence. 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.
I am licensed in California with 9 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, motivation, self esteem, and confidence, & depression. We can start with practices that you can use immediately. It takes courage to seek out a more fulfilling and happier life and to take the first steps towards a change. If you are willing to take the journey and put in the work-- I am here to support & empower you in that journey.
I am licensed in California with 40 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 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.
How To Find Counseling In Your Area
Finding the right therapist close by in Palo Alto can feel intimidating. Once you narrow your search for a counselor near the Palo Alto area, you're closer to finding providers accepting new clients.
First, research what type of therapy you'd like to pursue before finding a therapist or psychologist. You might be interested in psychodynamic, cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), group therapy, marriage and family therapy, or couples therapy. Each type of therapy can offer various benefits. If you're still unsure, consider asking your prospective counselors which methods they practice.
When you're ready to search for a counselor in Palo Alto, scroll through the options. Next, consider what type of therapy you'd like your counselor to be most experienced with. Finally, choose a provider located near you in the city of Palo Alto or elsewhere in Santa Clara or the state of California.
Mental health professionals working through their own practice or online may assist clients in improving healthy relationships and communication skills, working through life's obstacles, or changing negative thinking patterns. They may also provide a listening ear and validation. Verified Palo Alto counselors can provide licensed marriage and compassionate counseling, tailor to individual needs, and create a therapeutic relationship as a National Certified Counselor.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Some other commonly asked questions on therapy with a licensed counselor and BetterHelp serving the Palo Alto area can be found below:
How Do Costs Of Conventional Counseling Compare To BetterHelp With A Palo Alto Counselor?
Forbes reports that the average price of an in-person therapy session with a counselor in the US is $100 to $200 per hour. These prices may be higher in Palo Alto 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 in Palo Alto: $150-$500
- Counseling with therapists in Palo Alto: $100-300
- Therapy with a psychologist in Palo Alto: $100
- Therapy with a mental health counselor in Palo Alto: $80
Some counselors 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 counselors serving the city of Palo Alto and elsewhere throughout the state of California you can expect significantly more affordable options, with counselor sessions ranging from $60 to $90 per week (billed every four weeks).
How Does Working With A Counselor On BetterHelp Work?
It's important to note that these counselors treat clients online. Online providers, including the US-based providers above, can work with people like you in or around Palo Alto virtually. You do not have to commute to a counselor's office to meet with one of these counselors.
Through BetterHelp therapy, you can partake in video, phone, or live chat therapy sessions with your licensed therapist. You can work through various symptoms, receive worksheets, and sign up for mental health webinars. Additionally, the BetterHelp app offers a journaling feature.
You may also be struggling with relationship problems that could be addressed in couples therapy with a counselor. In that case, you may choose to work with one of BetterHelp's experienced cognitive-behavioral therapists specializing in behavioral health and relationships. You can also try a provider through BetterHelp's sister platform, ReGain, which is dedicated to couples and spouses worldwide. Look through the available counselors above and consider which might work for you. Professionals on BetterHelp specialize in several mental health issues and modalities. See below for examples.
Specialties on BetterHelp include:- Cognitive behavioral therapy
- Behavior therapy
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Stress
- Eating disorder s
- Grief
- Attachment therapy
- Relationships
- Child and adolescents
- Addiction
- Divorce
- Trauma
- Bipolar disorder
- Psychodynamic treatment
Palo Alto has many professionals who provide client-centered individual counseling in person and through online therapy. If you opt into online therapy, you might also be able to meet with providers all over the US. Many individuals gain further insight into their lives through internet-based therapy. In Palo Alto, therapy can be easily to use and a click away.
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 they may struggle to provide objective guidance. Counselors are also professionals trained to respond to various concerns, symptoms, and mental health conditions.
A psychologist may support you toward a healthier emotional state, regardless of your mental health or life concerns. While supporting individuals in developing healthier habits, another benefit of therapy with a licensed counselor is having a 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 Palo Alto counselor 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 can express yourself through creativity instead of words.
With almost one million people in Palo Alto, CA, finding a counselor can be costly, and they may be booked out with clients. Through the list of counselors above and others through BetterHelp, you may be able to find a psychologist within 24 to 48 hours. If you're searching for a nearby psychotherapist close to 94303 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 in Palo Alto can be a great option.
How Should I Prepare For My First Session With A Palo Alto Counselor?
Before seeing your therapist, prep for your session by reading about the counseling process. You might write a list of questions you want to ask your psychotherapist. 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 why you're attending therapy.
Should I See A Counselor 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 counselors often support people with mental health conditions, you do not need a diagnosis or condition to attend counseling. You can discuss grief, relationship concerns, stress, or life changes and ask for general advice. A counselor 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 with a counselor.
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 Crying In Therapy A Breakthrough?
Crying can be a breakthrough for some individuals who struggle to express emotions. Others might find that they often cry during sessions with their counselor. Crying can be normal and healthy, so whether you cry or not may be a personal aspect of sessions.
Is Mental Health Care Worth It?
We may all be on different paths in life, as each human can be unique in their personality, expression, and goals. A psychologist can target various symptoms, experiences, and personalities. Unlike advice from a friend, family, or non-professional, counselors are trained to meet you where you're at. Counseling can be worth it. Over 41 million adults in the US attend therapy each year, showing it's a popular option and may be often effective when working with a licensed counselor.
Do Therapists Judge You?
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. Their job as your counselor is to support you and make you feel safe and respected. 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 to learn more about BetterHelp therapists to understand the services available to you clearly. If you have any questions, please reach out through the contact page or send an email to contact@betterhelp.com.
If you’re ready to sign up for online counseling, consider signing up with a platform like BetterHelp and get matched with a counselor 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:
- National Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-799-SAFE (7233)
- National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-TALK (8255)
- Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741741
- Veterans Crisis Line: Call 1-800-273-8255 (and press 1) or text 838255. For support for the deaf and hard of hearing community, please use your preferred relay service or dial 711 then 1-800-273-8255.
- Trevor Lifeline (LGBTQ Lifeline): (866)488-7386
- SAMHSA National Helpline (Substance Use): (800)662-4357
- National Eating Disorder Association Helpline:1-800-931-2237 (M-Th: 9 AM-9 PM EST, Fri 9 AM - 5 PM EST)
- Child Help Hotline: Call 1-800-422-4453 or use the online chat feature
- National Anti-Hazing Hotline: 1-888-NOT-HAZE (1-888-668-4293)
- Physician Crisis Support Line: Call 1-888-409-0141 if you are a first responder or medical provider experiencing crises related to Covid-19
- Sexual Assault Hotline: Call RAINN at 1-800-656-4673
- Zip Codes Around Palo Alto Served By BetterHelp Therapists
There are all kinds of therapists in the Palo Alto area, including:
- CBT in Palo Alto
- DBT in Palo Alto
- Substance use therapy in Palo Alto
- Couples therapy in Palo Alto
Below are some of the zip codes served by BetterHelp therapists in Palo Alto:
94022, 94301, 94302, 94303, 94304, 94306, 95033
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