Daily stress, life transition, family conflict, and other challenges can contribute to decreased mental well-being for most of us at one time or another. There is no need to push through these times alone, as therapy can offer support as well as strategies for stress management, addressing anxiety, and improving relationships.
When it comes to finding a therapist, San Leadro, CA may offer more options than many rural or suburban areas, but finding the right therapist can be more complicated than simply reaching out to the nearest clinical practice. There are a variety of evidence-based therapeutic approaches available within psychotherapy, and which will be most effective can depend on the challenges being addressed, as well as personal preference. While there is no lack of individual and group therapy practices in the San Francisco Bay area, there is no guarantee that what you are looking for will be available in your neighborhood.
This is where online therapy can help. BetterHelp is an online platform that offers access to mental health professionals based in the San Leandro and San Lorenzo areas that work in a variety of specialties and have experience working with diverse populations. Whether you are seeking treatment for the effects of domestic violence, are interested in sex therapy, or are trying to overcome self-doubt, simply fill out an online questionnaire and BetterHelp will match you with the licensed clinical psychologist or therapist that meets your needs.
Online therapy is a convenient solution for many, as well. With video chat, phone, and text messaging options, you can talk to your therapist from the comfort of your own home. If you live in the San Leandro or San Francisco Bay area and have been thinking about therapy, whether for the past few days or for over a decade, there is no better time to get started. Below is a list of online mental health providers in your area. Click on any profile to find out more about their licensure, experience, and to read reviews from people who have already benefited from the support of online therapy.
Dr. Susan Graysen
I am a licensed doctor of psychology practicing in Beverly Hills for 20+ years. I have a credential from the UCLA Neuropsychiatric Institute, Human Sexuality Program. I would very much be available to treat many human sexuality problems which plague relationships and individuals: Disorders of Desire; Arousal Disorders; Relationship Problems which may lead to Lack of Intimacy and/or Confidence. Any of these issues may lead to Depression and/or Anxiety. You do not have to face these problems alone. I am here to listen carefully to you. I have many approaches with which to help you. My approach is a collaborative one. I will give you the tools and insights that make sense to you. You and your needs come first. It is important to me as your therapist that you feel heard!
Susan DeHaan
I'm a LIcensed Clinical Social Worker with over thirty years experience working in a variety of counseling settings and hospitals with adults, children and families who are experiencing a wide range of issues and problems. During our first meeting, you can expect a brief review of information you've already provided about your personal history and current circumstances and to discuss your reasons for seeking counseling along with the goals you'd like to achieve (if known). Based on the information you provide, we'll develope an agreed upon strategy for obtaining these goals. In addtion, most of the time, at the end of our first meeting, I can give you an estimate of the number of meetings it will take to get there. I have Bachelor's Degress in Psychology and Sociology and a Master's Degree in Social Work. I have taught in my profession at the undergraduate and graduate levels, am an approved Clinical Intern Supervisor and have been a fully licensed clinician for decades. I strive to assist all those who work with me in resolving the issues that have brought them to counseling to ensure they feel benefited by the experience.
Dr. Sharon Myers
I am licensed in California with 15 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with relationship issues, motivation, self esteem, and confidence, depression, & coping with life changes. 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.
Jacqueline Hayes
As a licensed therapist in Florida, I bring 16 years of dedicated experience supporting individuals through life's complex emotional landscapes. My practice centers on helping clients navigate challenges like depression, anxiety, family conflicts, and personal growth. I specialize in addressing issues such as self-esteem, communication difficulties, social anxiety, and relationship dynamics. My approach is compassionate and tailored, drawing from a deep understanding of human experiences. I'm particularly committed to supporting women, young adults, and individuals wrestling with life transitions, workplace stress, and personal identity. Whether you're struggling with isolation, seeking purpose, or working through relationship challenges, I offer a supportive, understanding environment. Grounded in Christian values and a conservative therapeutic perspective, I create a safe space where clients can explore their emotions, develop healthier coping strategies, and move towards healing and self-discovery. My goal is to empower you to build resilience, find inner strength, and create meaningful, positive change in your life.
Antonio Wong-Rivadeneyra
I am licensed in California with 50 years of professional work experience. I am Bilingual, Spanish, I have experience in helping clients with family conflicts, parenting issues, motivation, self-esteem, and confidence, & 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. Taking the first step to sign up for therapy can take courage and I congratulate you for getting started! I offer my services to help you work on issues that may be taking away from your ability to live a joyful life. We can look at how you can feel that you have control over your experiences and manage how to deal with disappointments, if they take place in your life. When you find yourself stuck in a place in your life, it often helps to have another person help you analyze what is the cause of that feeling and often this is a path to clear blocks in your life. These are tools that will be useful in your life. We are born with many resources and often most are not used in dealing with our issues. By helping you tap into your capacity to manage your life, we can work on gradually mastering your strengths so that you will be the one in charge. Learn about what subtle messages you have accepted that guide your life and only accept the positive ones. Some clients request a therapist who can provide a religious approach in therapy, I am not able to do that but respect this preference. When you take on the role of a therapist, you make a commitment to the person who seeks your help. You learn to become attuned to what drives that person in their lives and help them become a guide to choosing what they need to find fulfillment in their life. My work ends when you master control over what works for you in your life.
Jasmine Ortiz
I am licensed in California with 15 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, coping with addictions, relationship 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 also Bilingual in English and Spanish.
Natarajan Gowda
I am licensed in California with 25 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress, anxiety, relationship issues, coping with grief, coping with loss, & depression. I also have experience working with coping with life changes. 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.
Ryan Jordan
I am licensed in California with 4 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, trauma and abuse, coping with grief and loss, & anger management. I believe in treating everyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion. I will tailor our dialog and treatment plan to meet your unique and specific needs. Taking the first step to seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process.
Chanin Santini
As a licensed therapist in California and Pennsylvania , I specialize in supporting individuals navigating complex personal challenges. My practice centers on helping clients explore intimacy, communication, and personal growth across diverse life experiences. I offer compassionate, affirming care for individuals working through self-love, social anxiety, trauma recovery, relationship transitions, and sexuality-related concerns. My therapeutic approach honors each person's unique journey, creating a supportive space where clients can explore their experiences with authenticity and respect. I'm particularly passionate about addressing workplace dynamics, gender-specific challenges, and helping individuals reconnect with their sense of purpose and emotional well-being. Drawing from extensive clinical experience, I provide trauma-informed, client-centered support that empowers individuals to develop deeper self-understanding and meaningful personal transformation. My goal is to walk alongside you as you navigate life's most intricate emotional landscapes.
Grace Lu
I have worked extensively with a diverse patient population, such as adolescents in high-school settings, geriatrics, those with developmental differences, and those with dual diagnoses, among others. Although predominantly trained in cognitive-behavioral therapy, I also work from a humanistic model, maintaining a humble and tentative stance, since I believe empathy, compassion, and attunement are at the bedrock of the relational dynamic. I am committed to working with you to improve your overall mental and emotional health and well-being, through a collaborative effort.
Christopher Lum
I grew up navigating the space between cultures—balancing the desire to fit in with my peers while honoring the Chinese roots my family cherished. Those early experiences taught me how complex identity, belonging, and cultural expectations can feel, especially for those who move between multiple worlds. That understanding eventually led me to AAPI Studies and psychology, where I discovered my passion for supporting Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) communities. Throughout my training, I sought out opportunities to work directly with AAPI individuals and other marginalized groups. I volunteered with AADAP on community health initiatives, supported research on AAPI depression and perfectionism, and taught CBT-based social skills to veterans with dual diagnoses. Hearing a Hmong social worker speak about the power of multilevel social interventions was the moment I realized social work was where I belonged. After earning my MSW, I worked with veterans experiencing homelessness and with individuals in psychiatric inpatient settings. Today, I serve as a medical social worker in emergency and outpatient settings at the VA and Kaiser. Much of my work has involved supporting geriatric clients through dialysis, end-of-life issues, caregiving challenges, and placement decisions. In recent years, I’ve felt called to reconnect with my roots by creating healing spaces for BIPOC and AAPI communities. My own healing journey has shaped my approach as well. Through mindfulness and loving-kindness practices, I learned to soften the inner critical voice that so many of us carry—especially in communities where perfectionism, pressure, and family expectations can feel ever-present. I also bring lived experience: navigating mental health challenges, AAPI sexuality/gender expectations/conflicts, speech therapy in childhood, addiction, depression, social anxiety, and the pressure of not fitting the “model minority” image. These experiences deepen my belief that therapy should be a compassionate, culturally attuned space where clients feel seen, understood, and supported. Today, I am committed to holding space for AAPI and BIPOC individuals as they explore identity, generational differences, trauma, and healing. I believe there are many different cultural masks that one is wearing at a time that shapes the roles and expectations of what it means to be one's self in the moment. My approach is grounded in mindfulness, self compassion, CBT, ACT and cultural humility—and in the belief that every person has the capacity to grow with the right support.
Amber Marble
Hi, I’m Amber. I’m a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in California with over 10 years of experience supporting individuals, teens, and families through some of life’s hardest and most emotionally overwhelming moments. I know starting therapy can feel intimidating. A lot of people come in worried they’re “too much,” not enough, too emotional, too guarded, or that they somehow should have everything figured out already. My goal is to create a space where you can show up exactly as you are messy thoughts, anxiety, relationship struggles, parenting stress, overthinking, grief, burnout, people-pleasing, anger, sadness, and all. My approach is warm, honest, supportive, and very human. I believe therapy works best when there’s real connection and trust, so I encourage open feedback and fully support therapist shopping to find the right fit. You deserve a therapist you feel comfortable with, not someone you feel like you have to perform for. While I’m compassionate and validating, I also believe growth happens when we are willing to gently look at patterns, perspectives, boundaries, and the stories we tell ourselves. I’ll support you, but I’ll also thoughtfully challenge you when needed in a way that helps build insight, confidence, and emotional growth. Whether you’re navigating anxiety, depression, relationship challenges, family conflict, self-esteem struggles, life transitions, or simply feeling emotionally exhausted, you do not have to carry it alone. Therapy with me is a collaborative space where we work together to help you better understand yourself, develop healthier coping tools, and move toward the version of your life that feels more peaceful, balanced, and authentic to you.
Kyra Shapiro Gutierrez
As a licensed therapist dedicated to supporting individuals through life's complex challenges, I bring compassion and expertise to my practice. My professional background focuses on helping clients navigate depression, anxiety, stress, parenting challenges, and self-esteem concerns. I understand that life transitions can be overwhelming, and I'm committed to providing a supportive, affirming space where you can explore your experiences and develop meaningful coping strategies. My approach is rooted in empathy and collaboration, recognizing that each person's journey is unique. I strive to create a welcoming environment where you can feel heard, validated, and empowered to make positive changes. Whether you're struggling with personal growth, relationship dynamics, or emotional well-being, I'm here to walk alongside you with genuine care and professional guidance. Drawing from evidence-based practices, I aim to help you build resilience, enhance self-understanding, and develop practical tools to support your mental health and personal growth. I'm passionate about supporting individuals from diverse backgrounds and creating a therapeutic space that feels safe, respectful, and transformative.
Lorena Silva
I’m a LCSW therapist specializing in helping adults navigate anxiety, depression, relationship challenges, and major life transitions. My approach is warm, collaborative, and grounded in evidence-based methods. I believe therapy works best when you feel safe, understood, and actively involved in your own growth.
Find a Therapist Near You in San Leandro , California
Finding a licensed therapist near you in California can be an important step toward improving your mental health and overall well-being. Whether you’re dealing with anxiety, depression, relationship challenges, stress, or major life changes, working with a qualified mental health professional can offer meaningful support.
California is home to people with diverse mental health needs across urban, suburban, and rural communities. Online therapy makes it easier to connect with a therapist near you without being limited to nearby offices. BetterHelp connects you with licensed therapists authorized to practice in California, allowing you to attend sessions online from the comfort of your home.
Why work with a licensed therapist near you?
Working with a licensed therapist near you ensures that your provider meets state licensing requirements and professional standards in California (CA). Licensed therapists use evidence-based approaches to help individuals manage emotional challenges, develop coping skills, and work toward personal goals.
People seek therapy for many reasons. Some are navigating ongoing mental health concerns, while others want guidance during stressful periods or major life transitions. You do not need a mental health diagnosis to work with a therapist. Many individuals seek therapy to improve communication, strengthen relationships, manage stress, or gain greater self-awareness.
Online therapy can be especially helpful for people living across California, where access to in-person mental health care may vary by location.
What concerns can therapists help with?
Therapists on BetterHelp support adults across California with a wide range of mental health concerns and life challenges, including:
- Anxiety and stress
- Depression and mood-related concerns
- Trauma and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
- Grief and loss
- Relationship and family challenges
- Life transitions and adjustment concerns
- Self-esteem and confidence
- Job stress and burnout
- ADHD-related challenges
- Sleep concerns
- Parenting stress
- Eating disorder support
Therapists use approaches such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), and other evidence-based methods tailored to individual needs.
Online therapy vs. in-person therapy in California
When searching for a therapist near me in California, many people compare online therapy with traditional in-person care. Online therapy offers several potential advantages:
- Greater accessibility: Attend sessions from anywhere with an internet connection
- Reduced wait times: Many people are matched in as little as 24-48 hours, faster than typical in-person availability
- Flexible scheduling: Sessions that fit around work, family, or school commitments
- Expanded provider options: Access licensed therapists across California, not just nearby offices
Research shows that online therapy can be effective for many mental health concerns. Online therapy may also reduce barriers such as transportation challenges, long commutes, or limited local availability, especially in larger or more rural counties across California.
Finding a therapist near me that accepts insurance
Many people looking for a therapist near me in California want to know whether insurance is an option.
Many providers on BetterHelp now accept major insurance carriers in select states. In many states, certain therapists on BetterHelp may be in-network with specific insurance plans. Coverage depends on your plan, provider, and therapist availability.
When sessions are covered, insured members typically pay an average copay of about $19 per session. Coverage varies by state and provider availability, so it’s important to check your in-network status directly on the BetterHelp site.
If insurance coverage is not available, BetterHelp’s flexible subscription model remains an option, with online therapy typically costing $70 to $100 per week, billed weekly or monthly. Additional discounts or financial aid may also be available for a lower price.
How BetterHelp helps you find the right therapist in California
BetterHelp simplifies the process of finding a therapist near you in California without requiring you to search through tons of profiles on your own.
Here’s how it works:
- Complete a brief questionnaire about your needs, preferences, and goals
- Get matched with a licensed therapist authorized to practice in California (CA)
- Begin online therapy sessions through video, phone, or live chat
BetterHelp works with one of the world’s largest networks of licensed therapists, with over 30,000 qualified providers globally. Many members are matched in as little as 24 to 48 hours, and 93% of user preferences are met during the matching process.
You can request a new therapist at no additional cost if your needs or preferences change.
Therapists near you in California
Below, you’ll find licensed therapists authorized to provide online therapy to adults across California, including residents in San Leandro.
Each provider meets state licensing requirements and has experience supporting clients with a wide range of mental health concerns using evidence-based therapeutic approaches.
Please note: Therapists on BetterHelp in California do not provide psychiatric medication management or formal diagnoses.
Frequently asked questions about finding a therapist near me
How much does therapy cost near me?
Therapy costs vary depending on provider and location. In-person therapy sessions may cost $100 to $200 or more per session. BetterHelp offers online therapy subscriptions that typically range from $70 to $100 per week, billed weekly or monthly, depending on factors such as location, source, preferences, and therapist availability. Additional discounts or financial aid may also be available for a lower price. BetterHelp now accepts major insurance plans in select states and members pay an average copay of $19 per session. Coverage varies by plan, provider, and therapist availability. You can check coverage on the BetterHelp site.
Does BetterHelp accept insurance?
Yes. Many providers on BetterHelp now accept major insurance carriers in select states. In many states, certain therapists on BetterHelp may be in-network with specific insurance plans. When sessions are covered, insured members typically pay an average copay of about $19 per session. Coverage varies by plan, provider, and therapist availability. You can check coverage on the BetterHelp site.
Is online therapy effective?
Yes. Research shows that online therapy can be effective for many mental health concerns, including anxiety, depression, stress, and relationship challenges. Online therapy allows you to connect with a licensed therapist without commuting to an office.
Do I need a diagnosis to see a therapist?
No. You do not need a mental health diagnosis to seek therapy. Many people work with a therapist for stress management, relationship concerns, grief, life transitions, or personal growth.
How quickly can I start therapy?
Many people are matched with a licensed therapist in as little as 24 to 48 hours after completing the initial questionnaire. Match times may vary based on preferences and therapist availability.
Can I switch therapists if it’s not the right fit?
Yes. If you feel your therapist is not the right match, you can request to be matched with another licensed provider at no additional cost. You are able to do so through the BetterHelp user portal and select switch therapists if needed.
Is online therapy private and secure?
Online therapy through BetterHelp allows you to communicate with your therapist in a discreet setting through video, phone, or messaging tools.