The motto of San Pablo is the “City of New Directions,” and was named for the grant that helped start the town in memory of Francisco Maria Castro. The city’s landmark – the Alvarado Adobe – was built by Castro’s son for his mother. Currently, the economic backbone of San Pablo is the Casino San Pablo, which is operated by the Pomo Indians. 

Living close to a casino may be good for the city’s economy but it can be terrible for those with gambling addictions. In fact, thousands of people have lost their jobs, homes, and relationships due to these addictions. If you or someone you know may have a gambling addiction or any other mental health disorder, talk to one of the devoted counselors in San Pablo who are waiting to help you right now. 

This is Eran Montiel's avatar and link to their profile

Eran Montiel

Offering therapy in CA
License: MA,LMFT
AddictionsRelationship issuesTrauma and abuseParenting issuesADHD
9 years of experience

I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and have been practicing in California for nine years. As a therapist my goal is to assist my clients in working through issues that negatively affect them in their daily lives. I have experience working a variety of clients with many different issues. I have extensive experience working with teens and adults on relationship and family issues, ADHD, trauma, substance abuse/addiction, sexual/behavioral addictions, depression, anxiety, and lack of motivation. I work with my clients to create an open and safe environment where issues, thoughts, and feelings can be shared without fear of judgment. I believe that working within my clients' treatment preferences is key to a successful and beneficial therapeutic experience. My goal is to work in collaboration with my clients to address the needs that they feel should be addressed in a way that they feel comfortable with. I look forward to working with you!

Get started View profile
This is Kyrie Larcher's avatar and link to their profile

Kyrie Larcher

Offering therapy in CA
License: MSW,LCSW
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsTrauma and abuseCoping with life changes
3 years of experience

Hello! My name is Kyrie ("Keer-ee") and I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with a Master of Social Work degree and graduate certificate in trauma-informed care from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee. I have worked with adults in diverse mental health settings, including community-based, harm reduction, hospital and outpatient, and specializes in trauma, stress and anxiety disorders. I value creating a genuine, compassionate, judgment-free space for you to process and address your concerns. I follow a trauma-informed approach and incorporates ACT, DBT and brainspotting in practice. I bring an understanding of how systemic, cultural, social and personal factors affect mental health. I believes my approaches empower you and help you make connections within your life and community. Together we can work on your goals and empower you to feel good about yourself, your relationships and your life.

Get started View profile
This is Daniel Romo's avatar and link to their profile

Daniel Romo

Offering therapy in CA
License: M.A., LMFT
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesTrauma and abuseParenting issuesDepression
9 years of experience

Welcome, My name is Daniel Romo and I am in the field of helping people feel that they matter. I was born and raised in Southern California. I completed my undergraduate degree in Psychology at California State University Fullerton and Masters of Marriage and Family Therapy (MFT) with a Specialization in Trauma and Latinx Studies at Pacific Oaks College. I started practicing therapy and completed my trainee-ship providing School-Based services to elementary and secondary schools in the Pasadena area and DIS Designated Instructional Services for a non-public school and a Non-profit organization in the Pasadena area in 2015. In 2011 I started working in the mental health field servicing at-risk youth and families at a residential level 14 facility as a Mental Health Wellness Specialist providing life skills and helping youth improve their cognitive functioning. I have utilized the skills I have gained through my education and prior positions as a Mental Health Therapist at various non-profit agencies and as a Community Wellness Specialist by assisting clients in planning short-term and long-term goals, while being sensitive to their backgrounds and specific needs. I believe that individuals of all backgrounds require assistance and support in setting goals and meeting them, from a professional who is cognizant and accommodating of limitations and diversity. My experience working at various non-profits has afforded me the opportunity to develop therapeutic skills and expand on personal attributes vital to the therapeutic process. Providing therapeutic services with various non-profits has also enabled me to interact with and assist at-risk youth through individual, family, and group counseling on issues ranging from severe mental health diagnoses like depression disorders, psychotic disorders, attention and impulse-control disorders, anger management, interpersonal relationship difficulties and substance abuse. As a result, I have become more adept at interacting with clients from a variety of backgrounds including the Deaf and Hard of Hearing community and have developed a passion for helping clientele that might not otherwise have access to therapeutic services, except through a community agency. I am dedicated to fostering a safe environment and working with each individual to develop customized plans to improve their quality of life. As a Mental Health Therapist, my approach is client and culturally centered. I have worked at various non-profit agencies and have been trained in a variety of approaches: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Trauma-Focused CBT, Family Systems, Object Relations, Existential/Humanistic, and what I have found in working with individuals and families is approaching therapy by fostering a safe environment and working with each individual to develop a customized plan to improve their quality of life.

Get started View profile
This is Kirsten Suarez's avatar and link to their profile

Kirsten Suarez

Offering therapy in CA
License: MS,LMFT,BCBA
Stress, AnxietyAnger management
3 years of experience

I am a family and marriage counselor licensed in California in 2018. I am also a Board Certified Behavior Analyst since 2014. I have worked in the field of Behavior Analysis for over 12 years, specializing in treatment for those diagnosed with Autism and other developmental delays. In addition, I have worked with adults with a variety of presenting concerns, including depression, anxiety, anger management, ADHD, parenting challenges and life changes. My counseling style is warm, collaborative and supportive. I believe in treating everyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion, and I don't believe in stigmatizing labels. My approach combines cognitive-behavioral, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Solution Focused and humanistic. I will tailor our dialog and treatment plan to meet your unique and specific needs. I believe in focusing on the here and now and working together on solutions to improve your mental health and quality of life. Your therapy is a team effort and I am here for you. It takes courage to seek for a more fulfilling and happier life and to take the first steps towards a change. If you are ready to take that step I am here to support and empower you. I look forward to working with you!

Get started View profile
This is Rachel Dock's avatar and link to their profile

Rachel Dock

Offering therapy in CA
License: LMFT
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsFamily conflictsGriefDepression
10 years of experience

My qualifications include a completed master’s degree in Counseling Psychology with a specialization in Marriage and Family Therapy. Licensed as a Marriage and Family Therapist with the Board of Behavioral Sciences. I specialize in depression, anxiety, relationship issues, trauma, drug addiction, and crisis. My professional experience includes working as a Social Services Coordinator at a crisis stabilization unit for the past 4 years. Acquired experience includes crisis stabilization, risk assessment, intensive community linkage coordination, and therapeutic intervention for an adult and youth population. I also gained a year experience through an agency focused on foster youth and youth with a significant trauma history. My counseling style is empathic, warm, non-judgmental and genuine. I utilize CBT, Client-Centered, and Objects Relations Therapy techniques. I am confident that my education, training, and experience will aid in providing you with the best therapeutic care possible. Thank you for your time.

Get started View profile
This is Leslie Davis's avatar and link to their profile

Leslie Davis

Offering therapy in CA
License: JD,MSW,LCSW
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsTrauma and abuseSelf esteemDepression
20 years of experience

Hello! My name is Leslie Davis. I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) in the states of California , Virginia and Texas, with over 20 years of experience in the clinical psychotherapy and professional counseling arena in a multiple of backgrounds within private practice, community mental health and hospital settings. I have provided direct services, to both individuals and groups of culturally diverse adults and adolescents experiencing a wide range of concerns and mental health challenges, including bipolar disorder, anxiety, depression, chronic pain, complex trauma/PTSD, grief/loss, substance abuse and relationship issues. I am specially trained in Mindfulness- Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) and Crisis Intervention. I am also a Registered Yoga Instructor (RYT-200). Please reach out to me regarding your best day/time for sessions and I will do my best to accommodate your schedule needs if you do not see appointments available on my calendar. Note: I offer only live video or telephone sessions to my clients at this time. My counseling style is warm and compassionate, with emphasis on the importance of providing a safe, strength-based, and non-judgmental space to my clients. I combine my therapeutic techniques with mindfulness and a sense of humor. As a therapist, I am passionate about work that is collaborative in nature, forming a partnership to explore together. We work for change, growth and acceptance that is both affirming and liberating. Methods that guide my practice are a combination of Cognitive-Behavioral( CBT), ACT, Solution-focused, Dialectical (DBT), Psychodynamic, Mindfulness-based and Motivational Interviewing. I offer cutting edge evidence-based tools to help clients cope with barriers to their life's goals. I believe every person is unique, which means that our time together would be tailored to your particular needs based on cultural background, family dynamics and personal values. You may need some additional time to talk and make some sense out of your predicament. Or you may desire to learn practical skills to cope with your pain. Either way, I will be present with you and assist you as you journey toward a meaningful life. I look forward to working with you and honoring your path of self-exploration.

Get started View profile
This is Dr. Carlyn Werderman's avatar and link to their profile

Dr. Carlyn Werderman

Offering therapy in CA
License: Psy.D.
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsTrauma and abuseParenting issuesDepression
14 years of experience

I completed my Master's and Doctoral degrees at the California School of Professional Psychology at Alliant International University in Los Angeles. I offer my clients an individualized, empowering, values-based, and solution-focused therapeutic approach, which derive from several therapeutic approaches, such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Dialectical-Behavioral Therapy, Schema Therapy, and Motivational Interviewing. My previous clinical experience includes working with children, families, and adults in school, outpatient/community mental health, and residential treatment settings. I specialize in working with those who experience mood disorders, anxiety, trauma, anger, chronic pain, substance use, relationship, sexual health, and LGBT-related issues. I also specialize in working with high-conflict families, parental alienation and family reunification cases. I look forward to getting to know more about you and see if we are a good fit!

Get started View profile
This is Anna Yee's avatar and link to their profile

Anna Yee

Offering therapy in CA
Stress, AnxietyFamily conflictsGriefDepressionCoping with life changes
25 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 25 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, depression, family conflicts, and coping with grief and loss. I believe that you are the expert of your story and that you have many strengths that will assist you in overcoming life's challenges. I recognize that It takes courage to start therapy, and I will be with you in support to find the solutions, understanding, and path to obtaining the kind of quality life that you seek. I look forward to being a partner and guide in this most important journey.

Get started View profile
This is Darlene Shipp-Estes's avatar and link to their profile

Darlene Shipp-Estes

Offering therapy in CA
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsTrauma and abuseAnger managementDepression
10 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 9 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, coping with addictions, trauma and abuse, & 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. 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.

Get started View profile
This is Jamie Brown's avatar and link to their profile

Jamie Brown

Offering therapy in CA
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesGriefSelf esteemCoping with life changes
12 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 9 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship 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 dialog and treatment plan to meet your unique and specific needs. 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.

Get started View profile

How to find counseling in San Pablo

Finding the best therapist close by in San Pablo 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 San Pablo. 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 San Pablo, 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 San Pablo 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 San Pablo 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 San Pablo, elsewhere in Contra Costa, 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 San Pablo area can be found below:

How does the cost of in-person counseling compare to the cost of BetterHelp with a licensed San Pablo 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 San Pablo 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 San Pablo 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 San Pablo, 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 San Pablo 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 San Pablo 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 San Pablo 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 San Pablo 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 San Pablo 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 94806 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 San Pablo 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 San Pablo 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 San Pablo, 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.

San Pablo 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 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 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 San Pablo.

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

94806

Popular cities near San Pablo, CA

Find the right therapist for your needs
Match with a qualified therapist