Life can feel like walking across a cornfield. It can be a fun experience filled with delicious corn for you to eat, or it can feel like a maze you can’t get out of. If it’s the latter, a counselor based in Milpitas can help. Anxiety, depression, and various other mental ills can make your life tough to navigate, but a counselor can help you by giving you an exit you can escape from as long as you can follow it. 

Milpitas means “place of little cornfields.” Everyone is navigating through their own cornfield, and a counselor can be your navigator. 

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Shellye Sledge

Offering therapy in CA
License: PhD,LCSW
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsRelationship issuesFamily conflictsDepression
15 years of experience

The good news for you… I am a licensed clinical social worker and I have been counseling individuals, couples, and families for many years. My education and training include a doctorate from Norfolk State University’s School of Social Work’s PhD Program, a Master of Social Work in Administration from San Diego State University, and a Bachelor of Science degree in Counseling/Psychology from Christian Heritage College in El Cajon, California. My experience with diverse participants has allowed me to acquire the therapeutic and coaching skills needed to work effectively with youth, adults and seniors from all walks of life to address a wide range of concerns including depression, anxiety, relationship issues, parenting problems, career challenges, grief and loss, physical trauma or emotional abuse, as well as important life transitions. My counseling style is warm and engaging. I treat anyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion. My approach combines cognitive-behavioral, humanistic, and solution-focused counseling in a positive and optimistic atmosphere. I provide the support needed to share, become aware and address life challenges in a way that result in a treatment plan designed to meet your unique and specific needs. I recognize the strength it takes to strive towards securing a more balanced and fulfilling life. Especially, the courage you exhibited by taking the first steps towards acknowledging and embracing the need for a change. That is why, I am here to support you on your journey... Let’s do this! Shellye Sledge, Ph.D., LCSW

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Marielle Beniquez

Offering therapy in CA
License: MS,NCC,LPCC
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesGriefSelf esteemDepression
3 years of experience

Hello and Welcome! My name is Marielle Beniquez, I am an NBCC-National Certified Counselor and Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor (LPCC) in the state of California. I acknowledge that the process of therapy can be very intimidating. It is a challenge to open ourselves up to feel vulnerable. That is why my approach prioritizes helping you feel safe in a non-judgmental, authentic space. I welcome all those who seek healing, understanding, and peace without any regard to race, color, national origin, sex, creed, handicap, or sexual preference. A holistic approach to mental health and wellness is my primary goal. Integrative psychotherapy is fundamental to promote healing on all levels: physical, emotional, social, spiritual, and mental. Having a sound mind, body, and spirit is a paradigm that signifies the wheel of wellness in its continuum, enriching the various aspects of life for optimal growth and a sense of well-being. First, cultivating our spirituality promotes resiliency, equilibrium, and wellness. It provides a moral compass that affects our thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. As the Serenity Prayer of St. Francis Assisi goes, “God, give me the courage to change the things I can, peace to accept the things I cannot, and wisdom to know the difference..,” renders faith and renewed strength. Second, faith-based counseling along with various treatment modalities is essential to effective therapeutic prevention and intervention. I support the therapeutic approach which best meets my client’s needs that fosters healing, life-giving grace, hope, peace, and love. Lastly, “There is a source within us that always works to bring things into the light.” ~ John A. Sanford I am a USAF veteran, military spouse, and civilian with over 10 years of experience. Specializing in Depression, Anxiety, Stress/Adjustment Relationship Issues, Military Transition/Lifestyle, Grief and Loss utilizing fact-based clinical interventions to include Cognitive/Behavioral, ACT, Spiritually Informed/Faith-based, and Solution-Focused Brief therapies. I look forward to working with you and become part of your life as a mentor and counselor.

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Pamela Coleman

Offering therapy in CA
License: LMFT
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsFamily conflictsTrauma and abuseDepression
20 years of experience

I am a Marriage and Family Therapist in California, with 20 years experience working with children, adolescents, and adults. I enjoy working with individuals, couples and families. I have training in many evidence based modalities including cognitive behavioral therapy, solution focused therapy, dialectical behavioral therapy, motivational interviewing, and many more. My viewpoint is derived from Attachment Theory. Whether you are currently suffering from depression, anxiety, anger issues, substance use disorders or relationship issues, I am ready to help you start your journey to meet your treatment goals, whatever they may be. My approach is a warm, empathetic one, seasoned with honesty and straightforwardness. Together, we can begin a new path to your better life. I look forward to meeting with you. Let's get started!!

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Rebecca Hanson

Offering therapy in CA
Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseIntimacy-related issuesDepressionCompassion fatigue
25 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 24 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, trauma and abuse, intimacy related issues, & depression. Working for the military since 1992, and having been in the military (way back in 88), I got a richness I didn’t expect (both because of how bad it can be, and how good it can be). I am grateful even with the ugly parts. Every moment makes us who we are. I love working with as many different cultures, beliefs, ages and oddities as I can experience. If you feel very much a part of the world, then I am fascinated with how you did that, and can share in the joy of how it feels to take a strong role in making one self a part of the world….and if you feel isolated, I can very much relate to that, having spent decades feeling that way. I tend toward tailoring the experience toward the individual, so if you are logical we can go that way, or spiritual, or sensual, or artistic in your endeavors, all that appeals to me. Even each session can be different depending on what your sense is that day. I have some training in various therapeutic efforts such as Coaching style, EMDR, Somatic Experiencing (body-based therapy), mindfulness and meditation. I love the challenge of making the session your very own and will ask for your input and feedback each time, if you want to give it. If you want to explore and excavate and get curious, we might be a match for teamwork on your counseling experience. Bring your story, your cherished values, your strengths and your weaknesses. Let’s begin a heroic journey about your life and toward what truth and authentic self you will return.

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Diana Chambers

Offering therapy in CA
Relationship issuesGriefEating disordersBipolar disorderCoping with life changes
34 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 34 years of professional work experience. Most often I have worked with clients coping with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, grief and loss, & unstable moods. I strive to create an open, trusting environment in which thoughts and feelings can be explored without fear of judgment. Taking the first step to sign up for therapy can take courage; I applaud you for getting started!

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Julie Cole

Offering therapy in CA
License: LCSW
Stress, AnxietyParenting issuesSelf esteemDepressionCoping with life changes
20 years of experience

I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and I have been in the counseling field for over 20 years. I have worked with a variety of populations including individuals that need assistance managing depression, anxiety, relationship issues, and coping with life changes. I am a client centered therapist and believe in a strengths based approach. I enjoy collaborating with individuals to develop insight into their thinking patterns and behaviors and in helping individuals in developing skills to make positive changes in their life.

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Michael Brooks

Offering therapy in CA
Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseAnger managementSelf esteemDepression
6 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 6 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, trauma and abuse, anger management, & 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.

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Marian Spivey

Offering therapy in CA
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsRelationship issuesTrauma and abuseDepression
40 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 40 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, coping with addictions, relationship issues, & trauma and abuse. I believe 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!

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Frances Kong

Offering therapy in CA
Stress, AnxietyFamily conflictsParenting issuesDepressionCoping with life changes
13 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 13 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, family conflicts, parenting issues, & depression. 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.

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Emily Gomez

Offering therapy in CA
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesGriefSelf esteemDepression
10 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 10 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.

How to find counseling in Milpitas

Finding the best therapist close by in Milpitas 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 Milpitas. 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 Milpitas, 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 Milpitas 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 Milpitas 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 Milpitas, 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 Milpitas area can be found below:

How does the cost of in-person counseling compare to the cost of BetterHelp with a licensed Milpitas 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 Milpitas 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 Milpitas 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 Milpitas, 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 Milpitas 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 Milpitas 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 Milpitas 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 Milpitas 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 Milpitas 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 95035 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 Milpitas 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 Milpitas 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 Milpitas, 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.

Milpitas 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 Milpitas.

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

95035

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