Saratoga is a bustling community within the county of Santa Clara, where it may feel like a small town, but it is actually named one of the most prosperous cities in the United States. In fact, according to CNN, over 70% of the households in Saratoga have incomes of more than $100 thousand and Forbes ranked it as one of the top 20 most educated cities in America. 

But, as we all know, money isn’t everything and it certainly cannot make you happy if your life is complicated by a mental health disorder. If you or someone you love needs emotional help, reach out to one of the many therapists or counselors in Saratoga today. 

This is Lauren Miller's avatar and link to their profile

Lauren Miller

Offering therapy in CA
License: LCSW
Stress, AnxietySelf esteemCareer difficultiesDepressionCoping with life changes
5 years of experience

Hello! Asking for help during a difficult time is not easy, so I want to make sure you feel comfortable, heard, respected, and cared for as you process whatever you need help with. I hope to help by creating a safe place to let you explore what you need to feel better now and in the future. I have my Master's in Social Work and am licensed in California and Texas. In a family treatment center, I worked with children, adolescents, and adults struggling with depression, anxiety, suicidal ideation, self-harm, and trauma/abuse. I've also helped adults struggling with developmental disabilities, substance abuse addictions, adjustment disorder, and other mental health challenges discover and reach long and short term personal, emotional, and professional goals. I am a client-centered counselor focused on helping you reach your personal therapeutic goals during our time together. I believe in the power of the therapeutic relationship to help individuals and couples become more self aware and work through challenges they struggle with independently. I am trained in cognitive behavioral therapy, solution focused therapy, mindfulness, and motivational interviewing techniques. These tools help many individuals understand what they want from therapy, and help us work together to get you where you want to be. We go at the pace that you are ready for and I will check in to ensure that you are feeling comfortable with the pace and progress all along this journey. You've taken a great step towards enhancing your emotional and mental health. I look forward to working on the next steps with you.

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Susan Garner

Offering therapy in CA
License: MA,LMFT
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesTrauma and abuseIntimacy-related issuesDepression
20 years of experience

I bring many years of clinical experience, my personal life experiences, and professional training to my work with clients. I have been a practicing psychotherapist for over 18 years, working with clients from 17-70+ years of age, including individuals, families, couples (including same sex couples), and those from diverse cultural and ethnic backgrounds. The common denominator in my work with every client is the depth of my commitment to their healing and personal growth. Together we will define your objectives and goals. The kinds of problems that each individual brings into therapy are often complicated and not usually neatly categorized. Human beings are complex and though many areas of functioning may be impacted, the source of these often result from a core emotional or psychological injury, or a traumatic event. Sometimes dysfunctional family of origin dynamics have adversely impacted our ability to have healthy, high functioning relationships and we need to learn new skills. For some, therapy can help to improve performance with personal goals. Whatever it is that you are seeking help with, it is well understood that the first step toward changing anything is in identifying the problem. Whatever your objectives my be (even when these are not clearly identified or understood), I am confident that I can help you gain clarity and work towards achieving whatever your goals may be. Therapy has been described as the "talking" cure and sometimes the very act of talking or sharing of experience and feelings with an experienced professional can help...help in the moment to not feel so alone or crazy, and in the long run, to have the clarity, confidence and self-esteem to create a life by design. Studies have shown that there are two important factors in determining the success of therapy: 1) the client's perception of the therapists skills and knowledge and 2) the relationship, or therapeutic alliance, between therapist and client. I offer you my respect, compassion and acceptance. I have studied a variety therapy disciplines and blend traditions from the East (mindfulness, insight-oriented therapy) and West (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy-CBT), somatic body-mind centered, and psychodynamic approaches to effectively address individual needs and differences. I have successfully worked with: relationships, marital problems, self-esteem, communication skills, healthy boundaries, self-esteem and self-confidence, mood disorders, co-dependency, unresolved traumas, anxiety, changing counter-productive patterns, life transitions including loss of loved ones, divorce, blended families.

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Negin Didehbani

Offering therapy in CA
License: LMFT
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesSelf esteemBipolar disorderDepression
9 years of experience

Hello! My name is Negin and I am a Licensed Marriage Family Therapist (LMFT). I have over eight years of experience in working with mental health and substance use concerns. I have worked in a wide range of therapeutic settings including: crisis facilities, residential facilities, non-profit organizations, correctional facilities and outpatient behavioral health centers. I work with clients to address their specific needs and identified goals. I understand that each client's personal journey is unique, therefore, my approach is tailored to fit each individual’s particular needs. I have a passion for emotional healing that improves relationships and the overall quality of daily experiences for each individual and family. My therapy style is person centered and supportive yet direct. I do my best to guide my clients into gaining insight into the causes of their problems. I am adept in working with a wide range of issues such as anxiety, depression, adjustment issues, dual- diagnosis, self-esteem, couples counseling, family therapy, and acute mental health disorders. My approach to therapy is to give clients the tools and skills they need to achieve their goals, personal growth, and find purpose and meaning. In my clinical work, I utilize a variety of interventions from a few different evidence based modalities to best address your needs. I particularly enjoy utilizing interventions from cognitive behavioral therapy, mindfulness, solution focused therapy, and motivational interviewing. I look forward to working with you!

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Jennifer Gaumer

Offering therapy in CA
License: MSW,LCSW
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesFamily conflictsParenting issuesAnger management
13 years of experience

Welcome! My name is Jennifer Boden Gaumer and I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) in Southern California with over ten years of experience in providing therapy services. I have worked in many therapeutic settings including: a hospital-based child guidance clinic, residential treatment center, and community-based professional parenting program for teenagers in foster care. I work with clients with a wide range of concerns including anxiety, depression, relationship issues, parenting problems, ADHD, OCD and, learning disabilities. As a trained forensic interviewer, I have also helped many people who have experienced physical trauma or emotional abuse. Originally from Connecticut, I relocated to Southern California in 2009. I earned my Masters in Social Work degree from the University of Connecticut School of Social Work in 2001. My undergraduate degree is in Psychology from Clark University in Massachusetts. My counseling style is warm, interactive, and caring. I use various forms of psychotherapy (e.g., talk-therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, and problem-solving therapy) to help my clients develop the tools necessary to address and/or relieve troubling symptoms and make positive improvements to their lives. The journey to starting a therapeutic relationship is one built on courage, strength, and trust. It takes courage to recognize the need for help, strength to believe in yourself, and trust in the therapeutic process. Outside of being a therapist, I am an avid gardener and home renovation fan. I also enjoy reading, going to the beach, and traveling to new places with my husband and two daughters. I look forward to working with you!

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Souphaphone "Sandy" Hagan

Offering therapy in CA
Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseGriefSelf esteemDepression
5 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 5 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, trauma and abuse, coping with grief and loss, & 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. 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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Dr. Paul Fisher

Offering therapy in CA
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesAnger managementSelf esteemDepression
32 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 32 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, teen issues, anger management, motivation, self esteem, and confidence. I believe that you're the expert of your story and that you have strengths that will assist you in working through your current issues. Taking the first step to sign up for therapy is a sign you desire to improve your life and relationships.

This is Dr. Jerri Curry's avatar and link to their profile

Dr. Jerri Curry

Offering therapy in CA
License: PhD
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsRelationship issuesSelf esteemDepression
30 years of experience

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, & motivation, self esteem, and confidence. I believe in treating everyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion. I will tailor our sessions to meet your unique and specific needs. As you think so you are. Change your thoughts and change your life. It takes courage to engage in counseling to become more aware and responsible for one's own choices and the dysfunctional patterns we often get stuck in. Change is an internal process and not external. Every experience is an opportunity to learn. You have every right to seek out a more fulfilling and happier life and to take the first steps towards change. I am here to support & empower you in that journey.

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Richard Alongi

Offering therapy in CA
AddictionsRelationship issuesTrauma and abuseIntimacy-related issuesSelf esteem
36 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 36 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with coping with addictions, relationship issues, intimacy related issues, & 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 sign up for therapy can take courage and I am proud of you for getting started!

This is Brandt Noey's avatar and link to their profile

Brandt Noey

Offering therapy in CA
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesFamily conflictsParenting issuesSelf esteem
16 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 16 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, & parenting issues. 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.

This is Karina Rico's avatar and link to their profile

Karina Rico

Offering therapy in CA
Stress, AnxietyFamily conflictsTrauma and abuseParenting issuesDepression
6 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 5+ years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, 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 sign up for therapy can take courage and I am proud of you for getting started!

How to find counseling in Saratoga

Finding the best therapist close by in Saratoga 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 Saratoga. 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 Saratoga, 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 Saratoga 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 Saratoga 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 Saratoga, elsewhere in Santa Clara, 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 Saratoga area can be found below:

How does the cost of in-person counseling compare to the cost of BetterHelp with a licensed Saratoga 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 Saratoga 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 Saratoga 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 Saratoga, 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 Saratoga 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 Saratoga 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 Saratoga 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 Saratoga 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 Saratoga 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 95071 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 Saratoga 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 Saratoga 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 Saratoga, 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.

Saratoga 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 PinterestLinkedInInstagramTwitter, 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 Saratoga.

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

95070, 95071

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