Los Altos was listed as the third most expensive zip code in the United States in 2017 by Forbes, with the homes averaging almost eight million dollars. In fact, the founders of Apple, Steve Jobs and Steve Wozniak started the company in Jobs’ garage in Los Altos in 1976. 

Even though the city is booming, they insist on keeping their community partially rural, keeping many parks, tree-lined streets, and recreational areas all over town. According to experts, living in a rural area is better than city life when it comes to your mental health. However, if you need to talk to a mental health professional, there are dozens of them located in Los Altos. 

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Laura Kluss

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

*Please note: During Covid-19 crisis I will accept new clients only for weekend sessions. I am a licensed clinical social worker in California, diving into my 5th year of clinical work and therapy. I have worked with clients with a wide range of symptoms including depression, anxiety, mood lability, anger management, substance abuse, thought disorders, relationship issues and grief. I have extensive experience working with people who have experienced trauma and abuse. I have worked in a community inpatient psychiatric hospital, state prisons, and now work with veterans at a VA hospital. My counseling approach is warm and helpful. I believe it is important to build a rapport with my clients and demonstrate respect, empathy and encouragement. I practice cognitive behavioral therapy, and often take a psychodynamic approach to my work. Each client I see has different needs, therefore each treatment plan can take a different path. It takes courage to take the first steps towards a change. If you are ready to take that step I am here to support and empower you. I look forward to working with you! (Please note: I see clients in the evenings after 5pm, and am hoping to take on more weekend clients as well!)

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Carri Barish

Offering therapy in CA
License: LMFT,LPCC
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesParenting issuesSelf esteemCoping with life changes
5 years of experience

Are you feeling depressed? Overwhelmed? Anxious? Confused? Difficulties communicating effectively? Problems with relationships? Stressed out? Want easy to understand support you can use right away? I offer easy to understand support you can use right away and it includes making the most of your time, strengths and resources How I work is that I focus on the outcomes you are looking for. It’s a collaborative effort and I listen to what it is you need support with that session on that day - and the take-aways that support You. I use what is often referred to as a multi-modality approach. Primarily, I use CBT, cognitive-behavioral therapy, DBT, dialectical behavior therapy, both proven to be very effective for people. They address how our thoughts impact our feelings which then impact our behaviors. And also how to better manage distress and emotions and while improving relationship skills. In addition I utilize Solution Focused Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, and Adlerian Therapy. Solution Focused therapy helps keep you focused in the present, thinking about solutions, and on specific actions you can take towards the outcomes you are looking for. Motivational Interviewing keeps you motivated and as you work with your strengths creating daily successes of all sizes. Adlerian theory helps eliminate outmoded or negative imprints from childhood that are weighing you down or are triggering feelings of guilt, fear, and resentment. When you look at these it helps reduce any default or go-to reactions and behaviors that keep you in situations and relationships that you want to improve or get out of – and as time goes by - wonder why you things don't change. The advantage of this approach is that I am able to select from a variety of theories and utilize what will be most useful for you and your particular situation or circumstance. We will start with whatever you think most important, create a plan you can start on, and come up with at least one thing you can begin doing differently, or stop doing, until your next session, and go forward from there. I am here to help! Get it touch with me now - yes now is a good time for me too! If I don't get back to you within an hour, I will within 24 hours unless you contact me over the weekend and then I will get back to you the following Monday.

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Dr. Gail Masterson

Offering therapy in CA
License: PhD
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesSelf esteemCareer difficultiesCoping with life changes
25 years of experience

Are you finding it difficult to navigate these uncertain times or feel that you’ve lost your way? Are you on your path, but progress is thwarted by circumstances not of your own making or beyond your control? Sometimes muddling through is the best any of us can do or expect of ourselves. Perhaps the uncertainty we are all facing is a blessing in disguise, because with uncertainty comes opportunity. If you’d like to explore what opportunities you have to find your footing or get things moving, sharing your story is the first step. With over 25 years experience practicing psychotherapy and having gone where I didn’t know I was going, I understand life’s challenges and the possibility for a more creative and meaningful life by venturing into unknown territory. My belief is that you know what you need to do to improve your life and with coaching and questioning you are capable of finding the best solutions. I have my BA in Humanities, MA in Marriage Family Therapy, PhD in Psychology, and am licensed in California as a Marriage Family Therapist. I have had extensive experience with teletherapy, having worked with David Viscott, MD, one of the first psychotherapists to have a nationally syndicated talk radio show, who had clients from all over the country call into the Viscott Center for Natural Therapy where our approach was brief solution oriented therapy. I also had extended, in-depth psychotherapy as part of my training and beyond because of my interest in exploring the self. I’m familiar and comfortable with both short and longer term therapy. I’ve worked with couples, families, and individuals ranging from teenage years to older adults at the end of their lives. I understand taking the first step can be difficult. I also know you can start before you’re ready! I’m here to listen, encourage, support, and collaborate with you until the correct path becomes clear.

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Ronald Coleman

Offering therapy in CA
License: LMFT
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsAnger managementSelf esteemDepression
13 years of experience

I am a licensed marriage and family therapist (LMFT) since 2016 in California. I spent twenty-eight years in the army (active and reserve) retiring as a lieutenant colonel. I began Christian counseling in 2002 continuing through 2006. I counseled individuals and couples regarding various relational and adjustment issues. I also counseled individuals regarding self-esteem, and substance abuse. Theoretical approaches most commonly utilized consisted of cognitive behavioral, psychodynamic, and family systems models. I attended a marriage and family therapy academic program at Western Seminary completing all requirements in 2008. I also obtained an addiction studies certificate from the institution. I worked in residential treatment facilities from 2005-2011. In this capacity crisis were handled though behavioral interventions that included crises intervention counseling and referral to appropriate internal/external resources. Additionally, assessments were conducted to determine if clients in crisis needed a higher level of care. Coordinated all client work parties. Monitored client suicide/homicide ideation in individual and group counseling sessions. During this time I also worked with inmates housed in residential treatment both inside and outside of treatment settings. In these settings the 12 Step model for treatment was utilized. From 2013 through 2017 I worked with the homeless population providing intensive case management. Presently I work with families with autistic children utilizing applied behavior analysis (ABA) as the treatment modality. With this wide breath of experience I believe I can continue to be of great assistance to individuals in needed of counseling services.

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Cindy DeNuccio

Offering therapy in CA
Relationship issuesFamily conflictsIntimacy-related issuesParenting issuesDepression
32 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 32 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with relationship issues, family conflicts, intimacy-related issues, & parenting issues. While people's problems may be similar, each individual is unique, and their path to growth is specific to only themself. 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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Tammy Garbarino

Offering therapy in CA
Relationship issuesFamily conflictsParenting issuesSelf esteemCoping with life changes
10 years of experience

Hi there and welcome. My name is Tammy and I am a California licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. I find verbal processing invaluable when sorting out life's challenges, making decisions and setting goals. I take an eclectic approach to counseling; focusing on self-awareness, acceptance, purposefulness, growth and personal development. I have experience in helping clients with relationship issues, family & parenting, marriage, depression and anxiety. I hope our work together will edify, encourage and bring comfort to your heart. I look forward to meeting you soon.

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Jessica Criner

Offering therapy in CA
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesFamily conflictsTrauma and abuseSelf esteem
6 years of experience

There are seasons in life that are very unpredictable, 2020 for example! If you are finding that the last few months, weeks, maybe even years have been full of overwhelming amounts of change, transition and uncertainty, your are not alone. I understand the uncertainty of life can cause depression, anxiety, and unresolved traumas to arise. In every client I have ever seen, trauma has been experienced and expressed in different ways. My goal is to assist you with getting to the heart of the issues you are enduring, while embracing the resiliency and strength it took for you to make it this far. Emotional healing and relief is near. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, & trauma and abuse. 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. I specialize in trauma-informed care and practice a modality called Brainspotting. Brainspotting is a modality that focuses on healing the brain and the body. I also specialize in Emotionally Focused Therapy, which is a modality that is utilized when working with couples. Racial and religious traumas cause dysregulation in our bodies, minds, and hearts. Many of my clients have been touched by the Department of Social Services & affected by the foster care system and the church universal. Sessions often focus on past trauma, triggers, attachment issues, affects of transracial adoptions, addictions, and substance abuse.

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Marcelle Turner

Offering therapy in CA
Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseSelf esteemCareer difficultiesCoping with life changes
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, motivation, self esteem, and confidence, & career difficulties. 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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Kristen Corkum

Offering therapy in CA
Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseGriefAnger managementDepression
12 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 12 years of professional work experience in treatment services serving adolescents, young adults, families, and groups. I am a Nationally Certified, Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral (TF-CBT) therapist. I received my Master's from the Boston University School of Medicine with attention to mental health counseling and behavioral medicine. I have extensive experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, trauma and abuse, coping with grief and loss, & anger management. My passion is to enhance voice, choice, connection, and power in the clients that I work with. I believe in a compassionate, human-centered approach that explores how life experiences shape your views of self, relationships, and the world and whether those views help guide you towards your goals or potentially keep you stuck in suffering. Trust, support, and collaboration are crucial elements to healing and growth and the ability for clients to feel vulnerable enough to share their experiences. It takes courage to explore options for help and I look forward to supporting you in the process.

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Melanie Bien

Offering therapy in CA
Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseSleeping disordersCoping with life changesCompassion fatigue
14 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 14 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, trauma and abuse, sleeping disorders, & 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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How to find counseling in Los Altos

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

How does the cost of in-person counseling compare to the cost of BetterHelp with a licensed Los Altos 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 Los Altos 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 Los Altos 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 Los Altos, 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 Los Altos 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 Los Altos 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 Los Altos 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 Los Altos 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 Los Altos 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 94024 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 Los Altos 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 Los Altos 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 Los Altos, 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.

Los Altos 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 Los Altos.

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

94022, 94023, 94024

Popular cities near Los Altos, CA

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