In life, your mental state can feel like a factory. When production is going well, the factory can produce a strong mental state. However, when production is having its share of problems, your factory can have problems and can come to a grinding halt. In a situation such as this, who can help? A counselor based in South San Francisco can help you. 

South San Francisco is known as the industrial part of San Francisco. When you're having problems, a counselor can help you manage your mental. However, you're in charge of the factory in the end, and you must make the changes if you want to improve.

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Shannon Lee

Offering therapy in CA
License: LMFT
Stress, AnxietyFamily conflictsParenting issuesDepressionCoping with life changes
21 years of experience

Shannon Lee is a Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist. Shannon has over 30 years of experience working with children and families in various settings. Shannon has worked with high profile families, including royalty, traveling to different countries, broadening her understanding and appreciation for the cultural variety and cultural differences that exist in the world.   She has over 23 years of experience working as a therapist with a highly diverse population of individuals, couples, children, adolescents, and families. Shannon has a positive, supportive manner with a direct solution-focused approach. Shannon is down to earth and uses laughter, humor, art, music, and creativity to reach children, adolescents, and adults.    Her focus is on the present. She is working with each client to purge past painful experiences, coaching each client to acquire and apply skills to help them improve functioning and decrease maladaptive symptoms. She believes that each client is unique and tailors each session to that client and their needs. She collaborates with the individual concerning goals and works toward assisting them in meeting their goals to live life fully with a positive outlook.    She will work to empower each client, using an enthusiastic nonjudgmental approach. Open discussion of the direction of the session will help the client meet their needs and goals. At the same time, gentle confrontation of issues supports change as appropriate to increase coping skills and awareness.    Shannon has extensive experience working with children and adolescents. She has worked with children and teens from privileged backgrounds to those underprivileged, lacking resources, and family support. Shannon has run several residential group homes (Level 12) for nearly ten years, with a diverse population of children and teens placed in residential care due to severe behavioral and emotional problems. She has worked with abused, neglected, and delinquent children as well as children and teens struggling with teen issues and parent conflict. She has worked closely with the Department of Probation and other community organizations. She was collaborating to promote juveniles to acquire skills to assist them in making healthy choices and move forward confidently in their lives, to reunite with their families, and be successful in the home, community, and school settings.    Her work with parents is to encourage them to gain positive parenting skills. She works closely with each parent, modeling and coaching the use of effective communication skills to increase positive interactions with children. Encouragement to parents includes using a positive and practical approach with children. Support to parents to validate and understand their children, as well as increasing consistency, follow-through, and positive parenting techniques, provides an encouraging environment. Encouragement to parents includes taking responsibility for parenting, receiving, and accepting support to implement new strategies, resulting in improved relationships.    The therapeutic environment provided is warm, caring, and confidential, focusing on the client-therapist relationship and effective treatment. Depending on presenting information and goals, Shannon will use several treatment modalities to assist each client with improving functioning and using the well researched, effective methods of cognitive-behavioral therapy, including DBT and several other treatment modalities, tailored to suit the client. Dialectical Behavioral Therapy-D.B.T. is an evidence-based approach for effectively treating impulsive behavior, oppositional defiant behavior, and self-injuring behavior. Originally designed by Marsha Linehan, Ph.D., Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) was specifically used for individuals with self-harm behaviors such as self-cutting, suicide thoughts, urges to suicide, and suicide attempts. More recent use of DBT addresses other problems, including anxiety, eating disorders, depression, bipolar disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder, and alcohol and drug problems. DBT is an “empirically supported treatment,” researched in clinical trials and shown to be effective in reducing self-harm behaviors and emotional dyscontrol. Trained in DBT, Shannon uses this modality, or components of this modality when working with many of her clients. Other approaches for treatment include eclectic, humanistic, positive psychology, parent coaching, family/marital therapy, and existential. The approach for treatment depends on each client and their presenting problems and goals.    When Shannon is not working, she is surfing, creating, making art, or music. Shannon also appreciates education and learning and is regularly pursuing educational goals. Currently, she continues to pursue her doctorate with a plan to continue to help children, teens, parents, and families. Providing effective treatment and staying informed with current developments and research in psychology is necessary and rewarding for Shannon.

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Dr. Carol Schmidt

Offering therapy in CA
License: Ph.D., LCSW
Stress, AnxietyFamily conflictsGriefDepressionCoping with life changes
10 years of experience

Do you feel isolated and alone, trying to cope with the ramifications of Covid19? Are you struggling, worrying about your family, your job, and the future? Do you have feelings and thoughts that trouble you? Emotional stress has known effects on physical health, so maybe now is the time to take care of yourself and sort things out. I am an energetic, approachable, and compassionate Licensed Clinical Social Worker in California with an MSW from UCLA and a Ph.D. in Counseling Psychology from USC. I have 10+ years of experience providing integrative psychological therapy, treating anxiety, depression, relationship, and family conflict, as well as grief. I utilize CBT, Psychodynamic, Positive Psychology, and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy. Psychotherapy improves awareness of needs, appreciation of strengths, and a deeper understanding of stressors. I look forward to helping you feel better and I feel confident that you will meet your personal therapeutic goals. We will work together as a collaborative team to improve your overall life satisfaction.

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Erin Haentjens

Offering therapy in CA
License: MA ,LMFT,Cert. Exercise and Sport Performance
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsTrauma and abuseParenting issuesSelf esteem
8 years of experience

I believe in working with the whole person- mind, body and spirit through body-centered and movement-oriented psychotherapy. This means I support my clients to develop a deep trust in their own intuition and a positive relationship with their bodies and themselves. The awareness that comes with this work brings authentic self-acceptance, feelings of connection, and confidence. I provide a supportive and safe experience, giving my clients space to navigate through their lives in their own way while assisting them with recognizing and building on their strengths as well as their internal resources. I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) in California. In addition to a Master’s Degree in Counseling Psychology, I have a Graduate Certificate in Exercise and Sport Performance. I provide psychotherapy services to individuals and families who suffer from depression, stress and anxiety, trauma, relationship difficulties, eating disorders, addiction, and life changes. I have over 8 years of experience working with children, adolescents, and adults in clinical and community settings. These settings include facilitating life skills camps for incarcerated and at-risk youth; counseling services to children, adolescents, and families in school, home, group home, and foster care settings; co-facilitating a women’s therapy group; individual psychotherapy to adults, and working with athletes and individuals with injuries. Additionally, I have experience supporting and coaching athletes of various abilities, age groups and persuasions. I understand from my own experience as a collegiate and semi-professional athlete how our identities become linked to our roles as players and team members as well as how our life-traumas, athletic training, and injuries impact our experience of ourselves and our bodies. Building on personal experience, I have a particular calling to work with individuals and athletes suffering from physical injuries supporting their rebuilding and resilience from the inside out. Credentials Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT), California MA Counseling Psychology Somatic Specialization, John F. Kennedy University Graduate Certificate Exercise and Sport Performance, John F. Kennedy University

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Dr. Ron Muchnick

Offering therapy in CA
License: PhD, LMFT
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesFamily conflictsParenting issuesCoaching
25 years of experience

For the past twenty five years, I have been a licensed marriage and family therapist, a professor and consultant, serving in many professional arenas including director of a counseling center, clinical supervisor, and therapist for individuals, couples, and families. Working from a Systemic perspective, I treat problems such as relationship issues, family conflicts, depression, ADHD, parenting issues, anxiety/stress, depression, and substance abuse keeping in mind how these stressors impact relationships. My additional expertise is in assisting couples and families to improve their relationships, learn positive coping skills and find the flexibility needed to adapt to family life cycle changes including divorce and blended families. My therapy style is warm, comfortable and inviting providing a safe place to air problems and restore healthy mental and emotional functioning. My personal challenge is to connect with people in collaborative relationships which inspire and support my clients to access their strengths, create possibilities, and attain their goals. This commitment transcends my work as a therapist, educator, and consultant. I am also the founder of Parent University, a grant program created for school districts to help parents and their children resolve educational and relationship challenges. I have strong beliefs in the importance of constructive and productive parenting skills and believe that parents provide the leadership for all family members to grow and thrive. I have been a professor at several Universities and a core faulty member at Capella University since 2001, first serving as the Clinical Director of the Counselor Education Program for several years. I have earned several degrees including both a MS and PhD in Marriage and Family Therapy from Nova Southeastern University as well as a MA in Marketing. As a licensed MFT in California, I have been active in the profession for over 25 years in private practice working with individuals, couples and families. My numerous publications and presentations have focused on clinical practice issues and personal coaching. My book Self Coaching, How to S.O.L.V.E. personal and professional problems, reflects my interest in the Solution Focus Brief Therapy model and its use in working with clients. My most recent book At the End of the Day helps the reader connect with their existing strengths and abilities that have become lost in the midst of being problem drenched. By using a Solution focused approach in their problem solving efforts, my clients become able to “remember” their past successes and how to best use their existing abilities and skills to attain their personal goals. In addition to being a Marriage and Family Therapist, I also have over thirty years of sales, marketing, managerial and motivational experience. My career represents both a clinical and business background working in executive positions of major corporations, owning my own beverage distribution company, and growing a large clinical practice (Counseling Solutions). The blending of these various perspectives and talents has allowed me to become an innovator in developing creative organizational environments. I am also the founder of Solution Focus Consulting which specializes in executive coaching, achieving personal excellence, team building and sales and marketing innovations. I look forward to working with you in resolving your existing problem issues and helping facilitate the successful attainment of your goals. SPECIALTIES • Relationship issues • Family conflicts • Depression • ADHD • Parenting issues • Career difficulties • Stress, Anxiety Clinical approaches: Solution-Focused Therapy, Narrative Therapy, Family Systems, Client Centered Years of Experience: 25 ________________________________________

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Babak Karimbeik

Offering therapy in CA
License: LMFT
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsTrauma and abuseGriefDepression
7 years of experience

Severe life stressors like addiction due to drug & alcohol abuse & trauma have the potential to completely unravel the lives of human beings. As such, people who have been through traumatic or stressful experiences require healing in order to lead happier and more functional lives. It is such people that I help who also suffer from the disease of addiction. My clients include children, adults, and the families of addicted individuals. I also guide them towards healthier perceptions of themselves as well as their experiences. I also help them repair and strengthen their relationships so they a) have a support system to fall back on, and b) are able to better realize themselves within the context of their relationships. However, it is important to remember that there is no "one size fits all" in therapy. There is no universal approach that would help every individual. That is why I have been trained in a variety of modalities. These include Dialectical Behavior Therapy, Transpersonal Psychotherapy, Attachment-Based Therapy, Depth Psychology, Cognitive Therapy of Substance Abuse, Existential Therapy, Solution Focused Therapy, and EMDR which is my specialty. Because of this, I'm able to approach every client according to their unique situation and experiences. My educational background includes my current PhD program in Depth Psychology. I'm a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and was the clinical director of 6 detox & residential facilities including LifeSync Malibu, Rebos Detox, A Giving Tree, Hollywood Recovery Center, New Spirit Recovery, and Phase 2 ATC in Encino. I was the first to create LifeSync Malibu addiction residential program.

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Dr. Sharon Myers

Offering therapy in CA
Relationship issuesSelf esteemDepressionCoping with life changesCompassion fatigue
15 years of experience

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.

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Shant Gurjian

Offering therapy in CA
Parenting issuesSelf esteemCareer difficultiesCoping with life changesADHD
10 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 10 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with motivation, self esteem and confidence, career difficulties, & 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. Taking the first step to seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process.

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Jill Sheetz

Offering therapy in CA
AddictionsFamily conflictsTrauma and abuseGriefDepression
20 years of experience

I am a Marriage and Family Therapist licensed to practice in California. I have twenty years of experience in the mental health field. I have experience in helping clients of various ages in coping with depression, anxiety, trauma, loneliness, family relationships, substance use disorders and grief and loss amongst other concerns. I am a strength-based, client centered therapist who constantly strives to create an open and safe environment where individuals can share their experiences without fear of judgment. It takes courage to look inside oneself in order to pursue a more fulfilling life. I am here to support you in this process of growth and change.

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Abneet Sohi

Offering therapy in CA
Stress, AnxietyLGBTSelf esteemDepressionCoping with life changes
4 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 4 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, lgbtq+ related issues, motivation, self esteem, and confidence, & depression. I believe that you are the expert of your story and that you have many strengths that will assist you in overcoming things that challenge you. Taking the first step to sign up for therapy can take courage and I am proud of you for getting started!

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Julie Newell

Offering therapy in CA
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesParenting issuesSelf esteemDepression
12 years of experience

I am a licensed psychotherapist in the state of California with over a decade of clinical experience supporting clients. I believe the therapeutic process is a collaborative way to discover healthy coping mechanisms, reduce stress, and increase personal happiness and well-being. Confidentiality, respect, and compassion are inherent to my process. By integrating various therapeutic approaches such as Strength’s-Based Strategic, Solution-Focused and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, I am able to provide well-rounded, evidence-based support to promote positive change.

How to find counseling in South San Francisco

Finding the best therapist close by in South San Francisco 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 South San Francisco. 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 South San Francisco, 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 South San Francisco 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 South San Francisco 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 South San Francisco, elsewhere in San Mateo, 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 South San Francisco area can be found below:

How does the cost of in-person counseling compare to the cost of BetterHelp with a licensed South San Francisco 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 South San Francisco 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 South San Francisco 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 South San Francisco, 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 South San Francisco 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 South San Francisco 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 South San Francisco 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 South San Francisco 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 South San Francisco 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 94128 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 South San Francisco 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 South San Francisco 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 South San Francisco, 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.

South San Francisco 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 South San Francisco.

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

94080, 94083, 94128

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