Your life can feel like there is no hope. When your mental health needs some work, it can be difficult for you to figure out where you can go from here. A counselor based in Santa Rosa can help by giving you a way to improve yourself and those around you. 

Santa Rosa is named after Rose of Lima, a saint who went out and helped the less fortunate. A counselor isn’t a saint, but they can help the people who need it. By talking to a counselor, you're making a stride in improving your mental health for the future of all time.

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Psychologist Ashwini Gupta providing different types of therapy in Santa Rosa

Ashwini Gupta

Clinician
License Type(s): CA LMFT 41690, NV LMFT 5158-R
Mental Wellness Specialties: Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesIntimacy-related issuesCareer difficultiesCoping with life changes
20 years offering treatment

Namaste, my name is Ashwini Gupta. I am a Therapist, Intuitive Life Coach, Shamanic Practitioner, Animal Communicator, and soul-level intuitive channel with 20+ years of experience supporting individuals through life transitions, anxiety, depression, trauma, relationship challenges, and spiritual growth. My approach blends Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Vedanta, mindfulness-based practices, and intuitive healing to help clients reconnect with their deeper sense of self, purpose, and inner wisdom. I offer a warm, grounded, and non-judgmental space where clients can explore their struggles while also moving toward a more meaningful and values-aligned life. ACT supports psychological flexibility by helping clients relate differently to difficult thoughts and emotions while taking values-guided action. Vedanta offers a spiritual framework for understanding the soul’s divine nature, the oneness of existence, and the deeper meaning behind our human experiences. In addition to being a therapist, I also offer shamanic practice, animal communication, and soul-level intuitive channeling through my private practice. While these esoteric modalities are separate from traditional therapy services, they deeply influence the grounded, intuitive, and spiritually informed presence I bring to my work with therapy clients. My intention is to support clients in feeling more connected to themselves, their values, their inner knowing, and the larger web of life around them.

Psychologist Dr. Frederick  Smoot providing different types of therapy in Santa Rosa

Dr. Frederick Smoot

Clinician
License Type(s): CA LMFT 12959
Mental Wellness Specialties: Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesFamily conflictsDepressionCompassion fatigue
5 years offering treatment

I am a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (CA #12959) with over 15 years of experience counseling/ accompanying persons through difficult parts of their life-journeys. I have worked with a wide range of concerns including Isolation. loneliness, fearfulness, anxiety, intimacy/relationship issues, parenting and career challenges, addiction, physical and emotional abuse and life transitions. My counseling style is warm, curious and appropriately truth-telling.. I treat others with respect and consistent presence. I work to sustain and shame-free context that empowers persons to (re)claim their lies and future with dignity. I am an accompanist, using therapeutic tools gathered from several clinical approaches. I am relational, client centered, mindful, and strategic. I believe that direction and goals for therapy are shaped together with the client. We will tailor a treatment plan to meet your unique and specific needs. Your willingness to reach out for support shows your courage and desire for a better future. I encourage you to take this step, accompanied and supported I look forward to working with you.

Psychologist Crystal Cash providing different types of therapy in Santa Rosa

Crystal Cash

Clinician
License Type(s): CA LPCC 19326, FL LMHC MH14101
Mental Wellness Specialties: Stress, AnxietyAddictionsSelf esteemDepressionCoping with life changes
15 years offering treatment

I am a mental health counselor (she/her) licensed in Florida and Washington State with over 14 years of experience working as an assessor and a mental health specialist. I have worked with clients with a wide range of concerns including depression, anxiety, relationship issues, parenting problems, career challenges, Mood Disorders and ADHD. I also helped many people who have experienced physical trauma or emotional abuse. My counseling style is warm and interactive. I believe in treating anyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion, and I don't believe in stigmatizing labels. My approach combines cognitive-behavioral, motivational interviewing, solution-focused and rational-emotive counseling. I will tailor our dialog and treatment plan to meet your unique and specific needs. 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!

Psychologist Michele Downey providing different types of therapy in Santa Rosa

Michele Downey

Clinician
License Type(s): CA LMFT 23607
Mental Wellness Specialties: Stress, AnxietyAddictionsRelationship issuesDepressionCompassion fatigue
35 years offering treatment

I am licensed in California with 35 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, coping with addictions, relationship issues, & depression. I believe in treating everyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion. I will tailor our dialog and treatment plan to meet your unique and specific needs. It takes courage to seek out a more fulfilling and happier life and to take the first steps towards a change. I am here to support & empower you in that journey.

Psychologist Eric Aldaco providing different types of therapy in Santa Rosa

Eric Aldaco

Clinician
License Type(s): CA LMFT 116682
Mental Wellness Specialties: Self esteemCoping with life changes
16 years offering treatment

I am licensed in California with 14 years of professional work experience. I believe that you are the expert of your life journey 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 life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process. I am a Christian therapist and my approach to therapy is from a biblical perspective. I look forward in meeting you and collaboratively engaging in a strength base therapeutic model in treatment.

Psychologist Dr. Cheryl Mims providing different types of therapy in Santa Rosa

Dr. Cheryl Mims

Clinician
License Type(s): CA LCSW 21288
Mental Wellness Specialties: Stress, AnxietyGriefBipolar disorderDepression
40 years offering treatment

I am licensed in California with 30 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, coping with grief and loss, & bipolar disorder. I also have experience working with depression. I work with my clients to create an open and safe environment where thoughts and feelings can be shared without fear of judgment. Taking the first step to seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process.

Psychologist Ashby "Brooks" Larsen providing different types of therapy in Santa Rosa

Ashby "Brooks" Larsen

Clinician
License Type(s): CA LCSW 12724, UT LCSW 11035932-3501
Mental Wellness Specialties: Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseGriefSelf esteem
58 years offering treatment

I am licensed in California and Utah with 24 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, trauma and abuse, & coping with grief and loss. I also have experience working with 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. Taking the first step to seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process.

Psychologist Tiffany Whittington providing different types of therapy in Santa Rosa

Tiffany Whittington

Clinician
License Type(s): CA LMFT 150425
Mental Wellness Specialties: Stress, AnxietyAddictionsTrauma and abuseSelf esteemCoping with life changes
10 years offering treatment

I am licensed in California with 10 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, coping with addictions, trauma and abuse, & 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.

Psychologist Sophia Dyer providing different types of therapy in Santa Rosa

Sophia Dyer

Clinician
License Type(s): CA LCSW 126475
Mental Wellness Specialties: Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseParenting issuesSelf esteemDepression
5 years offering treatment

I am licensed in California with 5 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress, anxiety, trauma, abuse, parenting issues, motivation, self esteem, & confidence. I also have experience working with depression. I believe in treating everyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion. I will tailor our dialog and treatment plan to meet your unique and specific needs. It takes courage to seek out a more fulfilling and happier life and to take the first steps towards a change. I am here to support & empower you in that journey.

Psychologist Jesse Kruse providing different types of therapy in Santa Rosa

Jesse Kruse

Clinician
License Type(s): CA LCSW 129982
Mental Wellness Specialties: Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseAnger managementSelf esteemDepression
5 years offering treatment

Hello. My name is Jesse. I would love an opportunity to collaborate with you. I draw heavily from lived experience which I think allows me to see from perspectives that other people might not. I think that experiencing hard knocks in life helps me remain humble, judgement-free, and empathetic. I am licensed in California with 5 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress, anxiety, trauma, abuse, anger management, motivation, self esteem, & confidence. 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. It takes courage to seek out a more fulfilling and happier life and to take the first steps towards a change. I am here to support & empower you in that journey.

Psychologist Aruna Prabha Boyineni providing different types of therapy in Santa Rosa

Aruna Prabha Boyineni

Clinician
License Type(s): CA LMFT 158979
Mental Wellness Specialties: Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseGriefSelf esteemCoping with life changes
7 years offering treatment

I am licensed in California with 7 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress, anxiety, trauma, abuse, coping with grief, coping with loss, motivation, self esteem, & confidence. 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. I , being a first generation South Asian specialize in working with South Asian community. Taking the first step to sign up for therapy can take courage and I am proud of you for getting started!

Psychologist Stella Galarza De Saggese providing different types of therapy in Santa Rosa

Stella Galarza De Saggese

Clinician
License Type(s): CA LPCC 4690
Mental Wellness Specialties: Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesTrauma and abuseSelf esteemDepression
40 years offering treatment

As a licensed therapist in California with four decades of experience, I specialize in supporting individuals through complex emotional landscapes. My professional journey has been dedicated to helping clients navigate challenges related to depression, anxiety, relationship dynamics, trauma recovery, and self-esteem development. Drawing from my extensive clinical background, I offer a compassionate and culturally sensitive approach that honors each person's unique lived experience. I am bilingual English-Spanish. I understand the nuanced ways life experiences shape our emotional well-being, and I'm committed to creating a supportive, affirming therapeutic environment. My approach centers on empowering clients to discover their inner strengths, develop resilient coping strategies, and cultivate meaningful personal growth. I bring deep empathy, professional expertise, and a genuine commitment to walking alongside you as you work through life's most challenging moments. I welcome individuals seeking thoughtful, experienced guidance in their healing journey, with a particular understanding of the needs of diverse communities and older adult populations.

Psychologist Carole Arlt providing different types of therapy in Santa Rosa

Carole Arlt

Clinician
License Type(s): CA LMFT 50687
Mental Wellness Specialties: Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseDepressionCoping with life changes
15 years offering treatment

As a licensed therapist with over 15 years of experience, I specialize in supporting individuals navigating complex emotional landscapes. My practice focuses on helping clients address challenges like depression, anxiety, trauma, and life transitions. I have deep expertise in supporting individuals struggling with social anxiety, isolation, and feelings of loneliness, and I'm particularly passionate about helping people rediscover their sense of purpose and personal meaning. My therapeutic approach is compassionate and collaborative, designed to create a safe space where clients can explore difficult emotions, work through past experiences, and develop healthier coping strategies. I understand that healing is a deeply personal journey, and I'm committed to walking alongside my clients with empathy, respect, and professional guidance. I welcome clients of all backgrounds, with a special sensitivity to older adults and those seeking a non-religious therapeutic approach. Whether you're dealing with panic attacks, processing a significant life change like divorce, or working through feelings of guilt and shame, I'm here to support your growth and emotional well-being.

Psychologist Elena Balashova-Shamis providing different types of therapy in Santa Rosa

Elena Balashova-Shamis

Clinician
License Type(s): CA Psychologist PSY20104
Mental Wellness Specialties: Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesTrauma and abuseGriefDepression
23 years offering treatment

Dr. Elena Balashova-Shamis is a highly experienced, licensed clinical psychologist who works with children, adults, and elderly. She is trained as a psychoanalyst and provides integrative, personalized treatments for her patients. She teaches at 5 local universities, including UCLA’s medical school and NPI. She is known for her presentations, publications, and dissertation advising.

*BetterHelp insurance availability, coverage, and cost may vary by state, plan, provider network, therapist availability, and deductible status.

Find a therapist near you in Santa Rosa, California

Finding a therapist near you in Santa Rosa, California starts with matching to a licensed professional who fits your needs, schedule, and goals. California is home to people with diverse mental health needs across urban, suburban, and rural communities, which can make it challenging to find care. BetterHelp connects you with a licensed therapist through tailored matching, so you can begin care from home or wherever works for you. 

The network includes over 30,000 licensed therapists globally, and over 4 million people have used BetterHelp to find support through online therapy. During matching, 93% of user preferences are met, which helps you connect with a therapist suited to what you are looking for. Whether you are searching for help with anxiety, trauma, affordable or insurance covered therapy, weekend or flexible scheduling, or virtual sessions, you can find a therapist and get started when you are ready.

Why work with a licensed therapist near you?

Working with a licensed therapist near you gives you access to professional mental health support from someone trained to help you understand and manage what you are going through. A licensed therapist can offer evidence-based approaches, a steady space to talk, and guidance tailored to your situation. In California, online therapy can make that care more accessible, since sessions happen from home or wherever you are, without the need to travel to an office. This can help if your schedule is full, if travel is difficult, or if you simply prefer a more discreet setting. You can learn more about what a therapist does on the therapist role page.

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 can help with a wide range of concerns, including anxiety and stress, depression, trauma and PTSD, self-esteem and identity, people-pleasing and fear of rejection, insomnia and racing thoughts, workplace stress and burnout, substance use, parenting and co-parenting stress, grief and loss, and relationship and family challenges. Therapists on BetterHelp may draw on approaches such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), depending on your needs and goals. You can explore support for specific concerns on pages such as generalized anxiety disorder, major depressive disorder, posttraumatic stress disorder, attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder, and eating disorders.

Please note that therapists on BetterHelp do not provide psychiatric medication management or formal diagnoses.

Online therapy vs. in-person therapy in California

Online therapy and in-person therapy both connect you with a licensed professional, and the main difference is how you meet. In California, online therapy through BetterHelp lets you have sessions by phone, video, or in-app messaging, so you can meet from home or on a schedule that fits your life. In-person therapy takes place at an office and may involve travel and set appointment windows. Online therapy may be more accessible for people with busy schedules, limited transportation, or a preference for a more discreet setting. Both formats can support meaningful progress, so the right choice often comes down to what fits your life.

Finding a therapist that accepts insurance in California

BetterHelp accepts insurance through many major insurance plans. Insurance availability and coverage may vary by state, plan, provider network, and therapist availability, and deductible status. Eligible members' average copay is $23 per session. 

You can check your in-network status on the BetterHelp site through the sign up flow. If you prefer to pay without insurance, BetterHelp subscriptions range from $70 to $100 per week, billed as an alternative way to access the same care, and you can use HSA and FSA funds toward the cost. For a full breakdown of how BetterHelp works with insurance plans, see BetterHelp insurance coverage.

How BetterHelp helps you find the right therapist in California

BetterHelp helps you find the right therapist in California through personalized matching that considers your needs, preferences, and goals. After you answer a few questions during the sign up flow, you can be matched with a licensed therapist from a network of over 30,000 professionals, and 93% of user preferences are met during matching. The search and location matching cover common near-me needs, including anxiety, trauma, affordable or sliding-scale support, weekend or flexible scheduling, and virtual sessions. If your first match is not the right fit, you can switch therapists at no extra cost. When you are ready, you can get started and begin the process.

Therapists near you in California

Below, you’ll find licensed therapists authorized to provide online therapy to adults across California, including residents in Santa Rosa.

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 near you can vary by provider, format, and payment method. With BetterHelp, subscriptions range from $70 to $100 per week, and you can use HSA and FSA funds toward the cost. BetterHelp also accepts insurance through many major insurance plans, and eligible members' average copay is $23 per session. Insurance availability and coverage may vary by state, plan, provider network, and therapist availability, and deductible status.

Does BetterHelp accept insurance?

Yes. BetterHelp accepts insurance through many major insurance plans. Insurance availability and coverage may vary by state, plan, provider network, and therapist availability. Eligible members' average copay is $23 per session. Check your in-network status on the BetterHelp site through the sign up flow. For a full breakdown of how BetterHelp works with insurance plans, see BetterHelp insurance coverage.

Is online therapy effective?

Online therapy can be an effective way to receive licensed mental health care for many common concerns. Research suggests that online therapy may support progress in ways comparable to in-person care for concerns such as anxiety and depression. On BetterHelp, you connect with a licensed therapist who can use evidence-based approaches such as CBT and DBT, and you can meet by phone, video, or in-app messaging.

Do I need a diagnosis to see a therapist?

No, you do not need a diagnosis to see a therapist. Many people begin therapy to work through stress, life changes, relationships, or personal growth without any diagnosis. Please note that therapists on BetterHelp do not provide psychiatric medication management or formal diagnoses. If you are looking for a starting point, personalized matching can connect you with a licensed therapist suited to your goals.

How quickly can I start therapy?

You can often start therapy within 24 to 48 hours of signing up with BetterHelp. After you answer a few questions during the sign up flow, personalized matching connects you with a licensed therapist, and you can schedule your first session once you are matched. This process is designed to help you begin care at your own pace, without a long wait.

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 discreet?

Online therapy with BetterHelp offers a discreet setting where you can connect with a licensed therapist from the comfort of your home. Sessions take place by phone, video, or in-app messaging, so you can meet without going into an office. Your account and sessions are protected with strong safeguards, and you choose how and where you attend. This can make therapy feel more comfortable for people who prefer a discreet way to get support.

Find a Therapist in Santa Rosa, California

Ready to begin? BetterHelp can match you with a licensed therapist serving Santa Rosa and the surrounding CA area. When you are ready to take the next step, get started.

Find the right therapist for your needs
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