Working with a therapist in San Jose, CA can help you manage everything from underlying mental health issues to interpersonal effectiveness to distress tolerance to personal growth.

If you have decided to seek counseling, finding the right therapist can be challenging. With online therapy platforms like BetterHelp, you can be matched with a therapist in as little as 48 hours. If it’s not a good fit, you can change therapists anytime.

Whether you’re interested in a specific type of therapy, like dialectical behavior therapy or cognitive behavioral therapy, or you want to find someone with experience in clinical psychology or working with clients for specific reasons, like family conflict, self esteem issues, or overwhelming stress, BetterHelp can help you find a qualified, licensed, client informed professional to guide and walk alongside you.

This is Sylvie Fermanian's avatar and link to their profile

Sylvie Fermanian

Offering therapy in CA
License: MA
Stress, AnxietyFamily conflictsTrauma and abuseDepression
5 years of experience

My name is Sylvie Fermanian and I am a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. Before diving into my educational background and clinical experience, I want to thank you for choosing to view my profile out of a wide array of mental health professionals offering their expertise. I want to be direct in saying I don't pretend to be the best choice for you and I don't have the longest amount of experience. I do however pride myself in having a quality no amount of experience can give you and that is an innate ability to connect with others regardless of race, sexual orientation, culture, political background, religion or life experiences. Viewing therapy as an extension of what it means to be human and all the difficulties that come with each individual's life journey, I will meet you where you decide to begin and provide a safe and trusting environment where you can open up and begin the therapeutic process. It has been researched that the most important factor for success in therapy is the client/therapist relationship. Throughout this process you will get to see my therapy style, how I collaborate with you in tackling challenges you present in session, and provide you with insight and skills you can take with you once therapy ends. The most important qualities I have found to be effective in the progress of my clients have been: compassion, empathy, a non-judgmental approach, excellent listening skills, giving perspective and providing encouragement to let my clients know they are unconditionally supported. We can see if you and I can be a great fit as client and therapist. You are already one step closer to achieving your goals by reaching out and looking for support. Ok, now I will provide you with my background and education. I graduated in 2012 from Argosy University and have five years of clinical experience. A majority of those five years have been in community settings including school-based services, family service agencies, and in-home therapy. I also have worked some time in private practice. My experience has focused on issues such as depression, anxiety, PTSD, domestic violence, sexual abuse, relational problems, strained family dynamics, low self-esteem and self-worth and life stressors due to financial instability. My theoretical approach is eclectic so I use various therapies such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Narrative Therapy, Person-Centered Therapy, Humanistic Therapy and Psychodynamic Therapy. Of course, depending on each individual client, I will tailor my approach so I can offer treatment that will be most beneficial for you. Finally, I know with the current pandemic and the past year, there is another layer of stress we all had to deal with and I am sure that will play a small or large factor in our treatment. I know this has been a mini novel so far, so if you got this far, I see you and I thank you. We may actually be a great fit! To those that reach out, I look forward to speaking with you and seeing if you will have me as your therapist.

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Jesse Marez

Offering therapy in CA
License: LCSW
Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseAnger managementSelf esteemDepression
26 years of experience

Hello and welcome to BetterHelp! My name is Jesse Marez and I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, licensed in the State of California since 2003. I received my Bachelor's Degree in Psychology from the University of California, Davis, in 1995. I earned my Master's in Social Welfare degree from the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) in 1997 and have worked primarily in clinical settings as a social worker, therapist and a clinical supervisor. Over the years of my practice, I have cultivated an ability to respond to my clients personally and individually while establishing therapeutic rapport by using motivational interviewing, client-centered therapy and Jungian and existential psychology. I draw upon my training and experience to ensure a safe and secure therapeutic space with room for creativity. For example, I like to pull in my knowledge of and passion for Jungian archetypes from Star Wars, Marvel, DC, anime and mythology. However, client-centered means we start with YOU and we begin with where you are and what you need and are asking for. I have worked with children, adolescents, families, and adults facing a variety of behavioral and psychological challenges and issues. Because I have worked in a number of different settings such as a child therapy clinic, an adoptions agency, a psychiatric hospital and a prison, I have experience working across age, gender, race, ethnicity, religion and socioeconomic background. This provides me with the clinical and humanitarian touchstone for my practice. My clinical orientation is cognitive behavioral (CBT) and client-centered therapy with a specialty in Trauma Focused CBT. Having over 8 years of clinical supervisory experience, I am also well-versed in psychodynamic and humanistic psychology. I feel the strongest part of my therapy is something my supervisor told me during my licensure supervision. He said, “Jesse, before your clients care what you have to say, they have to know that you care.” He went on to say that he believed that I have a unique ability to let my clients know I care. As you are looking for the right fit for your needs, I want you to know that I take that advice to heart and use it in every encounter with my clients. SPECIALTIES • Trauma • Mood Disorders • Anxiety and Stress • Family Dynamics and Relationships Years of experience: 25

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Yolanda Batres-Espinoza

Offering therapy in CA
License: LMFT
Stress, AnxietyLGBTFamily conflictsTrauma and abuseDepression
4 years of experience

Welcome! My name is Yolanda Batres-Espinoza, and I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. I received my Master of Science in Marriage and Family Therapy at Fuller Theological Seminary with an emphasis in Medical Family Therapy. I developed my passion for psychotherapy at the age of eight when I first had a therapist of my own. From then on, I was determined to become a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and help others as I was helped during my youth. I am an LGBTQIA+ affirmative therapist and a member of the community. My career began with working in community mental health agencies and providing mental health services to individuals and families from underserved communities within East Los Angeles. I have helped many families break through the stigma of therapy, and I have experience in treating diverse individuals and families living with trauma, depression, anxiety, and many other issues. I am certified in Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. I believe therapy gives us the tools to take control of our lives, and I would love to work together with you to help provide the tools you need to take control of your life. I provide therapy in both English and Spanish, and I provide therapy to individuals and families from age 12 and up.

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Ariane Willis-Smith

Offering therapy in CA
Stress, AnxietyDepression
3 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 3 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety & 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. 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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This is Patrice Levy's avatar and link to their profile

Patrice Levy

Offering therapy in CA
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsTrauma and abuseSelf esteemADHD
11 years of experience

I am a licensed social worker in NY, NJ, PA, WA, CA, IL, and CO as well as a Credentialed Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Counselor with 12+ years of professional clinical experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, family issues, adolescent/teen specific issues, coping with addictions, trauma and abuse, & motivation, self esteem, and confidence. 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. Feel free to check out my professional site for additional info about me as a clinician: https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/therapists/patrice-m-levy-commack-ny/1081272

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Courtney Brain

Offering therapy in CA
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesFamily conflictsIntimacy-related issuesDepression
6 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 6 years of professional work experience. I have worked in schools, with first responders, in community mental health, in hospitals and in private practice. 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. Everyone is capable of growth, change, and goal achievement! 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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This is Ashley Duckgeischel's avatar and link to their profile

Ashley Duckgeischel

Offering therapy in CA
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesSelf esteemDepressionCoping with life changes
7 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 7 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship 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 seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process. As a Christian, I acknowledge the importance of individual faith as a important reference point in each individuals lives. When requested, I find it helpful to use Scripture and other Biblical principles to help clients identify important value systems to bring them greater strength, joy, and peace in their lives.

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This is Arlene Drake's avatar and link to their profile

Arlene Drake

Offering therapy in CA
LGBTFamily conflictsTrauma and abuseIntimacy-related issuesCoping with life changes
40 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 40 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with lgbtq+ related issues, family conflicts, trauma and abuse, & intimacy related 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. 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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This is Katie McIntyre's avatar and link to their profile

Katie McIntyre

Offering therapy in CA
Stress, AnxietySelf esteemDepression
10 years of experience

I am licensed in California, Idaho, Oregon and Washington with 16 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, motivation, self esteem, and confidence, & 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. 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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This is Lynaia Freund's avatar and link to their profile

Lynaia Freund

Offering therapy in CA
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsTrauma and abuseGriefDepression
20 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 20 years of professional work experience. I am Certified in EMDR, a highly researched form of psychotherapy. I have advanced training in the use of "Flash", an EMDR therapy technic that can help you to desensitize difficult or painful thoughts, emotions or experiences. I have helped many people recover from trauma, childhood abuse, cope with grief and loss, stress, panic and anxiety using my expertise in EMDR to help people unfreeze or get un-stuck so they can move forward enabling them make the changes they desire to improve their life. I can help you with issues of motivation, self-esteem, and self confidence, as well. I also have extensive training and expertise plus many years of experience working with addiction recovery in both on a medical rehab unit and as a therapist in private practice. I spent 14 years as a Clinical Hospital Chaplain at a Major Trauma Center in Southern California. I also have extensive training and years of experience integrating spirituality and psychotherapy. I work with my clients to create an open, safe and compassionate environment where thoughts, feelings and challenges can be shared without fear of judgment. Taking the first step to sign up for therapy can take courage! I understand that and I am proud of you for getting started! Good for you!

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How to find counseling in San Jose

Finding the best therapist close by in San Jose can feel challenging, but know that once you narrow your search for a counselor serving your area, you can find a therapist in your city that is accepting new clients and fits your goals. Whether you're struggling with depression, anxiety, marriage, family issues, or other emotional challenges, feel proud that you have begun your search to find the mental health care services that work best for you in order to begin your personal journey towards emotional healing.

Understanding the type of therapy you'd like to search for is crucial before finding a therapist or psychologist in San Jose. Perhaps you're interested in narrowing your search for a psychotherapist that can offer psychodynamic, cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), talk therapy, provide group therapy, marriage and family therapy for individuals or couples, or couples therapy. Each type of therapy can offer various benefits and address or treat different disorders. If you're still unsure or are new to counseling in San Jose, feel free to contact the provider via email to find out which methods they practice.

It is also important to understand that mental health professionals in the United States are accredited to provide care, helping individuals and couples, with a variety of licenses. These include licensed marriage and family therapist (LMFT), licensed clinical social worker (LCSW), and clinical psychologist or doctor of psychology (PsyD). Regardless of their licensure, they are trained to treat individuals and couples counseling, and sometimes children, in any type of therapy. Find a therapist under any of these distinctions and know that the sessions they offer can provide a safe place to heal.

Mental health professionals working through their own in- person therapy practice in San Jose or online may assist clients in improving healthy relationships, communication skills, working through life transitions, managing a mood disorder, improving coping skills, or change in negative thinking patterns. They may also provide a safe place and validation for clients experiencing emotional pain. Verified providers can provide licensed marriage and couples therapy, tailor to individual needs, and create a therapeutic relationship as a National Certified Counselor.

There are all kinds of therapists working with clients today across the United States and in the greater San Jose area in different types of therapy, including:

  • CBT
  • DBT
  • Substance use therapy
  • Couples therapy

When you're ready to start your search and find therapists, have in mind what type of therapy you'd like your provider to be most experienced with and choose an experienced provider with a practice located near you in the city of San Jose, 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 San Jose area can be found below:

How does the cost of in-person counseling compare to the cost of BetterHelp with a licensed San Jose therapist?

The average price of an in-person therapy session in the US is $100 to $200 per hour. These prices may be higher in San Jose due to a higher cost of living. The price also depends on the type of provider you are looking for. See the following average prices for various mental health providers without insurance:

  • Counseling with a psychiatrist: $150-$500
  • Counseling with therapists: $100-300
  • Therapy with a psychologist: $100

While many psychologists in San Jose may not take health insurance, some in the state of California may work on a sliding scale, meaning they'll factor in your income and charge what you can afford per session. With BetterHelp or clinicians throughout the state of California you can expect significantly more affordable options, with sessions ranging from $65 to $100 per week (billed every four weeks).

How is a licensed therapist on this online therapy platform verified?

Therapists in San Jose, California working on BetterHelp are licensed, trained, experienced, and accredited as a doctor of psychology (PhD / PsyD), licensed marriage and family therapists (LMFT), licensed clinical social worker (LCSW / LICSW), or licensed professional counselors (LPC). All of these psychology clinicians have a Masters Degree or a Doctorate Degree in their field of psychology sciences, and follow the APA Code of Ethics. They have been qualified and certified by their state's professional board after successfully completing the necessary education, exams, training and practice with a patient, and extensive experience in a healthcare clinic or treatment centers, in order to become a mental health provider. While their lived experience, expertise, careers, and background vary, they all possess at least 3 years and 1,000 hours of hands-on experience with adult and sometimes teen patients, and have the necessary therapist credentials to provide a safe space for long lasting emotional healing in therapy. 

Please note BetterHelp does not offer or provide care from psychiatrists to prescribe a drug as treatment, or perform psychological assessments.

How does working with a counselor in BetterHelp online therapy sessions work?

BetterHelp clinicians treat clients online across the United States (individuals and couples) through life transitions, inner child exploration, long term depression or anxiety, and more. An online mental health professional, including the therapists in San Jose above, can work with young adults, children, adolescents, and adults virtually as an accredited licensed clinical social worker (LCSW) or licensed marriage and family therapist (LMFT). You do not have to commute to a an office as a psychotherapy client.

Through BetterHelp therapy, you can partake in video, phone, or live chat therapy sessions with your licensed therapist. You can work through various symptoms, use the in app journaling feature, and receive worksheets. You'll also find support groups or group therapy lead by a therapist in San Jose helping individuals on topics including managing life transitions, symptoms affecting sexual health, behavioral health, coping skills for anxiety or depression, trauma, stress, marriage counseling, and more. 

What mental health issues can psychotherapy address?

BetterHelp's verified San Jose therapists specialize and have clinical experience in a wide range of mental health issues and modalities, helping clients to feel better and improve their lives every day. See below for examples.

Specialties on BetterHelp include:

You may also be struggling with relationship problems that could be addressed in couples therapy or with a sex therapist. In that case, you may choose to work with one of BetterHelp's experienced cognitive-behavioral therapists or licensed marriage family therapists (LMFT) who work with clients in relationships. You can also try a San Jose therapy provider through BetterHelp's sister platform, ReGain, which is dedicated to couples and spouses worldwide. 

How do I know if online counseling is right for my family?

One of the potentially rewarding aspects of working with a therapist is the validation and active listening they can provide. Your friends and loved ones may also be available to listen, but you may feel that they may lack the skills to provide objective guidance. Counselors are trained to respond to various concerns, symptoms, and mental health conditions.

A psychologist in your city can support you toward a healthier emotional state, regardless of your mental health, life concerns, or healing needs. While supporting individuals in developing healthier habits, another good benefit of therapy is having an understanding, safe space with a non-judgmental party who can support you through challenging experiences.

Many people have sensitive topics that they may feel ashamed to discuss with their friends or partner. A San Jose 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 95194 or the surrounding zip codes, consider others available through the BetterHelp site. No matter if you are seeking help in your area or beyond, online therapy can be a great option.

How should I prepare for my first therapy session with a San Jose counselor?

Before seeing your therapist, prep for your session by reading to understand the therapy process. You might write a list of questions you want to ask your psychotherapist, any emotional pain you may feel, and the ways in which you hope to improve. When you attend your session, let them know if you have any concerns about therapy or feel unsure about what to talk about. They may help guide you with open-ended therapeutic questions. The first session will often serve as an intake to get to know you as a person and learn why you're attending therapy.

Should I find a therapist or psychologist if I feel fine? 

Some simply don't feel the need to see a psychologist. However, some people may avoid attending therapy due to stigma or preconceived notions of what therapy entails. Although psychologists often support people with mental health conditions, you do not need a diagnosis or condition to attend therapy. You can discuss grief, relationship concerns, stress, or life changes and ask for general feedback and advice. A San Jose licensed clinical social worker may help you gain power over your life and emotions while you navigate day-to-day experiences.

Gaining a new perspective on yourself through various therapies might allow you to improve your self-esteem, work through relationships, and gain a better sense of your mental health goals. The success you may find through therapy can be dependent on your process.

People may also attend therapy for specific motives, such as bullying, an autism diagnosis, a desire to learn mindfulness meditation, personality concerns, trouble with office workers, specific phobias, and many other principles.

Is mental health care and therapy worth it? 

Therapy is effective and has the power to change individuals' lives. Each client is at a different stage of their emotional healing journey in life, as each human can be unique in their personality, expression, skills, and goals. A psychologist can target various symptoms, experiences, and personalities to help you feel your best and put you on the path to healing. Unlike advice from a friend, family, or non-professional, a mental health professional has an understanding of various disorders like ADHD and depression with many hours of experience in treating adults in their practice. For this reason, seeing an evidence based psychologist in San Jose, California can be worth it. Over 41 million adults in the US attend therapy services each year, showing it's a popular option and is proven to be effective.

San Jose has many clinicians who practice person or client-centered individual therapy in-person and through online therapy to assist clients in their healing journey. If you opt into online therapy, you might also be able to meet with providers all over the United States and change therapists easily at any time. Many people struggling with anxiety and depression, substance abuse, body image issues, and more find therapists that are a good fit for them, feel supported, and gain further insight into their lives through internet-based therapy.

Do therapists judge you in therapy sessions?

The boundaries between you and a therapist are in place to help you and them regarding ethical concerns. Mental health professionals are held by ethical standards through the American Psychological Association (APA) and are not allowed to judge or harm their clients. If you are concerned about sharing details about yourself, feel free to withhold personal information. Their job in the therapeutic relationship is to create a safe place, help you gain a deeper understanding of your mental health, and support you. You might consider changing counselors if you don't feel safe or respected.

Stay up to date with the leading online counseling platform

To stay up to date with BetterHelp's initiatives through their social channels, you can follow them on Pinterest, LinkedIn, Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook. For mental health tips, check out the BetterHelp YouTube channel.

Take some time today to learn more about the team of therapists at BetterHelp to understand the services available to you clearly. If you are new to therapy or have any questions about the services and terms, please reach out through the contact page or send an email to contact@betterhelp.com.

If you’re ready to sign up for online therapy, consider signing up with a platform like BetterHelp and get matched within 24 to 48 hours.

If you are experiencing a crisis or emergency, don't use this site's online services. If you are in life-threatening danger, call 911. If you require support for a crisis, reach out to the hotlines below:

A woman meets with a therapist online in her home city of San Jose.

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

95002, 95008, 95013, 95037, 95101, 95103, 95106, 95109, 95110, 95111, 95112, 95113, 95115, 95116, 95117, 95118, 95119, 95120, 95121, 95122, 95123, 95124, 95125, 95126, 95127, 95128, 95129, 95130, 95131, 95132, 95133, 95134, 95135, 95136, 95138, 95139, 95141, 95148, 95150, 95151, 95153, 95154, 95155, 95156, 95157, 95158, 95159, 95160, 95161, 95164, 95170, 95172, 95173, 95190, 95191, 95192, 95193, 95194, 95196

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