Therapy is a method of treatment that people can take advantage of for their mental, emotional, and physical health. Therapists can foster happiness within the lives of individuals, families, and communities, helping people to deal with everyday personal issues. Since therapists are trained in the field of psychology they can provide some expertise on navigating your mental and emotional space. A compassionate approach to therapy can help individuals gain the tools to prevent and overcome various challenges in everyday life. A few of the tools therapists may focus on are stress management techniques, skills for managing negative thoughts, or ways to promote self confidence and assurance, which can be especially helpful if your role requires you to engage in public speaking.

If you’re considering making an appointment with an online therapist, Pleasanton, CA, has a variety of options. Today, due to the the rise in online therapy services, therapy is even more available, with a multitude of credible, knowledgable, and supportive therapists taking their work online. Many people can benefit from these services, regardless of their location. If parents need the support of a therapist while taking care of their children, or military veterans simply prefer to talk from the comfort of their home, online therapy can be a resource people can utilize for their health and well-being.

Therapists are trained in offering guidance, treatment, and support for various health issues and medical conditions. If you’re struggling with a specific condition, you can often find specialized therapists online, whether its a therapist specializing in social anxiety and eating disorders, or they have a vast experience in marriage counseling and therapy. If you’re seeking treatment, are looking for good listener who can give you clarity and insight, or want help navigating relationship issues, you may be able to find a therapist online. Pleasanton, CA has a wide variety of options for you to explore. Below you can review counselors, specialized therapists, and numerous other therapists that might be a good fit for you.

This is Brett Smith's avatar and link to their profile

Brett Smith

Clinical therapist offering therapy in CA
Counselor License Type(s): LMFT,CCHT
Stress, AnxietyFamily conflictsTrauma and abuseSelf esteemDepression
22 years of experience as a mental health therapist

Congratulations!!! You have just taken your first step towards an improved life! When we hurt our finger we are quick to go to the doctor for help, but when we suffer mental health concerns, we often, for many reasons, think we need to take this burden on ourselves. This is unfortunate as many mental health issues are successfully treated on a regular basis. So I congratulate you on your success at taking this first step. You are on this site because there is something in your life keeping you from the adventure life should be. Let me help you resolve this issue. I have been in the counseling field for approx. 20 yrs. I came to this field in an attempt to resolve my own issues with PTSD. I'm a combat veteran and a former law enforcement officer. I have an intimate understanding of trauma, both on the clinical side, and the side of the victim. My interest has been to explore the consequences of trauma, and how it affects our behavior. One of the most surprising things I learned, was how long the symptoms of trauma persist, and how involved they can be in our lives. As a result of this experience, I have worked most of my career assisting clients with personality disorders and trauma symptoms. My style is direct. I use primarily dialectical behavior therapy but will switch modalities if the situation needs flexibility. I have post-grad work in Hypnotherapy and am a Certified Clinical Hypnotherapist utilizing Ericksonian/transformational concepts. My skills are enhanced by my experience in working in emergency departments conducting emergency psychiatric assessments for patients in crisis. This has improved my diagnostic skills and has helped me unravel many difficult cases. In my personal life, my wife and I like to sail our own sailboat. In our future, we plan to live-aboard and travel the world. In addition to boating, we like to travel and spend time outdoors backpacking and kayaking. we stay active and outdoors as much as possible. My wife is retired from a life in law enforcement, and we both enjoy raising and training dogs. It has been a pleasure sharing a little bit about me, and I hope you contact me so, together, we can make life less of an ordeal and more the grand adventure it is supposed to be. I look forward to meeting you! Specialties Personality Disorders Trauma Treatment Relationships Anxiety/Depression

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This is Michelle Pack's avatar and link to their profile

Michelle Pack

Clinical therapist offering therapy in CA
Counselor License Type(s): LMFT
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesFamily conflictsTrauma and abuse
9 years of experience as a mental health therapist

Hello! I am so happy for you to be here. I am a Licensed Marriage/Family Therapist, licensed in California. I have been primarily working in the world of foster care and adoption, helping couples and families navigate the often heart-wrenching world of foster, adoption, and infertility. I have also worked with children and teenagers in the foster care system, helping them adjust to new placements and the repetitive grief and loss they experience. As a result, much of my expertise also involves family and relationship issues. I have also worked with clients on stress management, relationship conflict, anxiety, and parenting issues. My counseling approach is to build a relationship with you and help you discover what your goals are, and walk alongside you as you meet them. I understand it is difficult to begin this process and will be constantly mindful of how valuable your trust is. I encourage my clients to give me their feedback on what is working for them, what isn't, and how we can adjust as we move forward in the therapeutic relationship. I look forward to meeting with you!

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Amber Atwood

Clinical therapist offering therapy in CA
Counselor License Type(s): MS, LPCC
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsSelf esteemDepressionCoping with life changes
8 years of experience as a mental health therapist

I am a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor (LPCC). My therapy approach is strength-based aimed to empower and motivate individuals. I have been trained in a variety of approaches incorporating mindfulness based therapy techniques and cognitive behavioral therapy. Additionally, I have had extensive training in narrative therapy which is founded on the premise that “the person is not the problem, the problem is the problem.” Emphasis in treatment is to help individuals increase a greater sense of self-awareness, mind-body connection, and support personal growth. This approach includes developing an improved understanding of current coping mechanisms and behavioral patterns to help identify when feeling stuck.

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Carol Wood

Clinical therapist offering therapy in CA
Counselor License Type(s): MA in Clinical Psychology,LMFT
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesFamily conflictsIntimacy-related issuesSelf esteem
29 years of experience as a mental health therapist

You re not alone. You don’t have to deal with your current situation without help whether it is hopelessness, anxiety, Pain, grief, loss or indecision. If you feel alone in your partnership or life isn’t what you imagined and you don’t know what you can do to get relief from those sinking, lost or frantic feelings, there are answers. Life can change quite quickly. I am a Reiki Master Teacher so I am able to tune into the needs of my clients on many levels. I give homework for clients who enjoy extra work between sessions. Mindfulness is a focus that I’ve used for many years. Eighteen years with TWA in customer service on the east and west coasts has afforded me an understanding of airline issues and the behavior of many different groups of people under stress from all over the world as well as dealing with solutions to many problems on a daily basis to help people feel better and more control. No one wants to feel powerless. I was on the board of directors of Project Touch in Hermosa Beach and California Marriage and Family Therapists South Bay/Long Beach. I was under contract with South Bay Youth Project as well as Beach Cities Health District providing therapy to individuals, couples and families for decades. I care about people and love my work.

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This is Bryan Hixson's avatar and link to their profile

Bryan Hixson

Clinical therapist offering therapy in CA
Stress, AnxietyFamily conflictsGriefDepression
15 years of experience as a mental health therapist

I am licensed in California with 10 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, family conflicts, & coping with grief and loss. I also have experience working with depression. 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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This is Elizabeth "Liz" McDowell's avatar and link to their profile

Elizabeth "Liz" McDowell

Clinical therapist offering therapy in CA
Counselor License Type(s): LCSW
Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseGriefDepressionCoping with life changes
17 years of experience as a mental health therapist

I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) and currently hold licenses in the following states: Idaho, California, Arizona, Utah, and Maine. I’ve provided services to individuals, couples, and families, for more than 16 years, working with various populations, including inpatient and outpatient settings, providing assessments, therapy, and support. I genuinely care about the individuals I work with and appreciate the opportunity to help with life challenges. I tend to use Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Solution Focused therapy, Art therapy, and Motivational Interviewing techniques in sessions. Some of the areas I can help with are, crisis situations, grief and loss, depression, anxiety, attachment issues, traumatic events, relationships, and communication skills.

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This is Dr. Cynthia Melton's avatar and link to their profile

Dr. Cynthia Melton

Clinical therapist offering therapy in CA
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsSelf esteemDepressionCoping with life changes
15 years of experience as a mental health therapist

I am licensed in Arizona, Arkansas, California, Florida, Hawaii, Maine, Maryland, Missouri and Oregon with 15 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, coping with addictions, motivation, self-esteem, and confidence, & depression. 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.

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Chloe Dobbert

Clinical therapist offering therapy in CA
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesFamily conflictsTrauma and abuseIntimacy-related issues
5 years of experience as a mental health therapist

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, & 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.

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This is Brent Hale's avatar and link to their profile

Brent Hale

Clinical therapist offering therapy in CA
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesTrauma and abuseDepressionCoping with life changes
33 years of experience as a mental health therapist

I am licensed in California with 33 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, trauma and abuse, & 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.

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This is Maribel Bravo's avatar and link to their profile

Maribel Bravo

Clinical therapist offering therapy in CA
Relationship issuesFamily conflictsTrauma and abuseParenting issuesSelf esteem
8 years of experience as a mental health therapist

I am licensed in California with 8 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with relationship issues, family conflicts, trauma and abuse, & 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.

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How to find a therapist for counseling in Pleasanton

Finding the best therapist close by in Pleasanton 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 in Pleasanton that work best for you in order to begin your personal journey towards emotional healing with a therapist.

Understanding the type of therapy you'd like to search for is crucial before finding a therapist or psychologist in Pleasanton. 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 Pleasanton, 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 in the Pleasanton region and in the state of California. Find a therapist under any of these distinctions and know that the sessions they offer can provide a safe place to heal.

A mental health counselor working through their own in-person therapy practice in Pleasanton or online may assist clients in improving healthy relationships, communication skills, working through life transitions, couples counseling, managing a mood disorder, improving coping skills, self help tips, offer life coaching, family therapy, or change in negative thinking patterns. A therapist may also provide a safe place and validation for clients experiencing emotional pain, or that simply want a psychological assessment. 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 Pleasanton area in different types of therapy, including:

  • CBT
  • DBT
  • Substance use therapy
  • Couples therapy

When you're ready to start your search and find Pleasanton 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 Pleasanton, elsewhere in Alameda, or in the greater state of California.

Frequently asked questions (FAQs) about therapists and mental health services

Some other commonly asked questions on therapy with a licensed counselor and BetterHelp serving the Pleasanton area can be found below:

How does the cost of in-person counseling with a therapist compare to the cost of BetterHelp with a licensed Pleasanton 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 Pleasanton 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 Pleasanton 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 a BetterHelp therapist 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). If you're looking for a therapist, Cincinnati offers a variety of professionals who can help with your mental health needs at a price you can afford.

How is a licensed therapist on this Pleasanton online therapy platform verified?

Therapists in Pleasanton, 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 Pleasanton psychiatrists to prescribe a drug or medication as treatment, or perform psychological assessments and other psychiatric services.

How does working with a professional 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, post traumatic stress disorder, and more. An online mental health therapist, including the therapists in Pleasanton 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 Pleasanton helping individuals on topics including managing life transitions, symptoms affecting sexual health, behavioral health, coping skills for anxiety, depression, trauma, stress, marriage counseling, and more. 

What mental health issues can psychotherapy address with the help of psychologists?

BetterHelp's verified Pleasanton 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:

  • Cognitive behavioral therapy - This type of therapy is provided by therapists who are professional counselors, helping clients identify and change negative thought patterns through structured sessions.
  • Behavior therapy - Therapists use behavior therapy techniques to help clients modify harmful behaviors and develop healthier habits, often through the guidance of a professional counselor.
  • EMDR therapy - EMDR therapists assist clients in processing traumatic memories to alleviate emotional distress and improve overall well-being, utilizing the expertise of a professional counselor.
  • Talk therapy - Therapists engage clients in talk therapy to explore their feelings and develop strategies for dealing with various mental health issues, often guided by a professional counselor.
  • Depression - Therapists offer counseling to help individuals manage symptoms of depression and improve their mood and functioning, often working closely with a professional counselor.
  • Anxiety disorders - Therapists specialize in anxiety disorders, offering strategies to manage and reduce anxiety symptoms effectively, often through counseling sessions with a professional counselor.
  • Stress - Therapists provide tools and techniques to help clients cope with stress and improve their mental resilience, frequently under the supervision of a professional counselor.
  • Eating disorders - Therapists experienced in eating disorders offer specialized counseling to address unhealthy eating patterns and body image issues, with the support of a professional counselor.
  • Grief - Therapists provide support and guidance to clients experiencing grief, helping them navigate the stages of loss, often in collaboration with a counselor.
  • Attachment therapy - Therapists use attachment therapy to help clients understand and improve their emotional bonds and relationships, often with the assistance of a counselor.
  • Relationships - Therapists work with clients to improve communication, resolve conflicts, and strengthen their connections with others, often using the skills of a counselor.
  • Children, adolescents, and teens - Therapists specializing in youth therapy address the unique mental health needs of children, adolescents, and teens, often involving a counselor in the process.
  • Addiction (substance abuse) - Therapists offer counseling for addiction, helping clients overcome substance abuse and maintain long-term recovery, often under the guidance of a counselor.
  • Divorce - Therapists support individuals through the emotional and practical challenges of ending a marriage, often working with a psychologist to provide comprehensive care.
  • Trauma or PTSD - Therapists specializing in trauma and PTSD help clients process traumatic experiences and reduce their symptoms, frequently collaborating with a psychologist.
  • Bipolar disorder - Therapists provide counseling to manage the mood swings and challenges associated with bipolar disorder, often in consultation with a psychologist.
  • Psychodynamic treatment - Therapists use psychodynamic treatment to explore unconscious processes and how they affect current behavior, often guided by psychologists.
  • Career counseling - Therapists assist clients in making informed decisions about their professional paths and resolving work-related issues, often with the help of psychologists.
  • Alcohol use disorders - Therapists offer specialized counseling to help clients manage and overcome alcohol use disorders, frequently under the supervision of psychologists.
  • OCD - Therapists provide strategies and support to manage obsessive-compulsive disorder symptoms, often via psychotherapy.
  • ADHD - Therapists offer counseling to help clients with ADHD improve focus, organization, and overall functioning, often via psychotherapy.
  • Mood disorders - Therapists work with clients to stabilize and improve mood through various therapeutic approaches, frequently in psychotherapy.
  • Sex addiction
  • Complex trauma
  • Life transitions

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 Pleasanton 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 in Pleasanton?

One of the potentially rewarding aspects of working with a Pleasanton 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.

Pleasanton therapists 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 Pleasanton 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 Pleasanton 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 psychotherapist.

With a lot of people in CA, therapists 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 94566 or the surrounding zip codes, consider others available through the BetterHelp site. No matter if you are seeking help from therapists in your area or beyond, online therapy can be a great option.

How should I prepare for my first therapy session with a Pleasanton counselor?

Before seeing your Pleasanton 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 while offering mental health services. The first session will often serve as an intake to get to know you as a person and learn why you're attending therapy in Pleasanton.

Should I find a therapist or psychologist for therapy 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 from a therapist. A Pleasanton 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 with a Pleasanton counselor 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 that a counselor can help with.

Is mental health care and therapy with a therapist worth it?

Therapy with a licensed counselor 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 therapist 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 Pleasanton, 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.

Pleasanton 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 during telehealth appointments?

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 for Pleasanton, California

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 to customer service 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 Pleasanton.

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

94566, 94588

Popular cities near Pleasanton, CA

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