Located in the beautiful area of Santa Clara County, Los Gatos, California was named the 33rd most wealthy town in America by Bloomberg Businessweek and high technology companies have a lot to do with it. But, too much technology can be a bad thing for some people. 

There is now proof that some people are affected by internet or video game addiction, which can wreck your life, affect your relationships, and cost you your job or home. If you or someone you know is suffering from one of these or any other mental health conditions, contact one of the many expert counselors in Los Gatos right away. 

This is Heather Brooks's avatar and link to their profile

Heather Brooks

Offering therapy in CA
License: LMFT
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesGriefSelf esteemCoping with life changes
13 years of experience

We all do the best we can, with what resources are available to us at any given time. A lack of resources or support, can make difficult times all the more challenging. Do you feel alone, overwhelmed, heartbroken, trapped or flawed? Through a supportive therapeutic process, my goal is to help clients discover and build upon their own inner strengths and resources. I know it takes courage to seek services, so I strive to create a nurturing, non-judgmental, honest, and respectful atmosphere. I believe in working together to create individualized solutions to the problems in your life. I've always been passionate about working with grief/loss/bereavement. I specialize in helping clients work through their grief process and find emotional completion; saying goodbye to any unmet hopes, dreams, and expectations that they wish were different, better, or more. My goal is helping clients live their best life possible. I pull from a variety of approaches in order to best suit my client's individual needs. I am influenced by client centered, strength-based therapies, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), and Dialectical (DBT). Over the past two years I have spend most of my time transitioning to more solution focused practices that aim at symptom relief/reduction in dealing with the overwhelming pressures of every day life. Anxiety, depression, high expectations, trying relationships, job pressures, and drug addiction/substance abuse have been areas of focus. I look forward to providing support with whatever your needs may be.

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Charlene Selsvold

Offering therapy in CA
License: LCSW
Stress, AnxietyGriefSelf esteemDepressionCoping with life changes
35 years of experience

Hello, Asking for help takes courage and intention. I am a well seasoned licensed clinical social worker in California with extensive experience in working with a wide range of concerns including anxiety, grief, depression, life transitions, trauma and relationship challenges. Each of us is on a life journey that presents unique challenges. Sometimes feelings emerge that we do not understand or know how to cope with. I offer a supportive environment with unconditional positive regard for your healing journey. We all have a story to tell and sometimes it is simply learning how to be more mindful and responding differently that creates a positive change. Over the past 30+ years, I have developed an integrative approach to the therapeutic journey that encompasses traditional psychotherapies such as cognitive behavioral, solution-focused, mindfulness and psychodynamic modalities. This is complemented by alternative therapies such as breathing techniques from yoga and meditation. I have been a registered yoga teacher, 200 hrs, since 2008. The approaches used are defined by you as we dialogue, using what will work best for you. I will work collaboratively with you, addressing Issues that are defined by you with the goal of decreasing symptoms, increasing healthy coping skills, improving interpersonal communication, and developing a more mindful awareness and alignment of mind/body/spirit. If you are ready to take the step to ask for help in your life journey, I would be humbled to hear from you and begin the therapeutic process of reaching your goals.

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Dr. Jennifer Roberts

Offering therapy in CA
License: LMFT
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesFamily conflictsTrauma and abuseDepression
25 years of experience

Does your life sometimes seem unmanageable? Are you feeling weighed down by anxiety, depression or loneliness? These are challenging times and many of us are navigating a vast amount of change and loss. It’s important to reach out and get the support you deserve. Together we can develop your strengths and design a plan to address these challenges. We will create a safe space for you to explore your feelings and find the empowerment you need to build a meaningful and fulfilling life. As a LMFT with more than 25 years of experience providing support to clients to develop personal awareness, strength and healing I will help you create more energy, confidence and courage to take the next steps in your life. I work holistically, using a set of eclectic therapeutic techniques like cognitive behavioral, existential and narrative therapy to tailor my work directly to your personal needs. Congratulations on taking the first successful step in this journey. I look forward to working with you to actualize your hopes, passions, values and goals and construct the future that you want and deserve.

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Terese Ghilarducci

Offering therapy in CA
License: MFT
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesFamily conflictsDepressionCoping with life changes
22 years of experience

I am a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist living in the Bay Area in California. I have been licensed for 22 years and most of my work has been with working with high school students and their families. I am also a former social worker working with foster children and their foster families. I am also a school counselor at an Alternative Education School and have been working there for the past 16 years. My daily work consists of working with adolescents who have a variety of issues that have impacted their academic life. My students are working through many obstacles such as school phobia, stress and anxiety, depression, family, and substance abuse issues. Even though I work primarily with adolescents, I do work with their parents and assist them in navigating parenting a teen. All of us adults were once adolescents. We definitely try to learn from our past. I strive to use a client-centered approach in working with individuals and I also like to include art and journaling as a way to explore issues. I offer a safe container for you to share and I am honored that you are open to working with me.

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Ericka Paez

Offering therapy in CA
Parenting issuesSelf esteemCareer difficultiesDepressionCoaching
20 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 20 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with parenting issues, motivation, self esteem, and confidence, career difficulties, & 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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Brandon Porsandeh

Offering therapy in CA
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesFamily conflictsSelf esteemDepression
7 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 7 years of clinical professional work experience. I specialize in working with those struggling with symptoms of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD); a condition in which many experience feelings of hopelessness yet are unaware that there are proven and effective treatments for this distressing and often disabling condition. I also have experience working with a variety of clients, including those struggling with stress, anxiety, depression and psychosis. It is not always easy to acknowledge and face the fact that we need professional support to cope with mental health struggles. All too often there is a stigma associated with mental illness. Rather than viewing it like any other health condition, in which a person wouldn't hesitate to seek out treatment, mental health challenges are often viewed as a personal weakness and therefore many avoid professional help. It absolutely takes courage to seek out a more fulfilling and happier life and to take the first steps towards change. I am here to support and empower you in that journey.

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This is Quenette Freeman's avatar and link to their profile

Quenette Freeman

Offering therapy in CA
Stress, AnxietyGriefAnger managementSelf esteemCoping with life changes
7 years of experience

Quen Freeman is a psychotherapist licensed in California with 6 years of therapeutic practice experience. She's experienced in helping clients with stress and anxiety, coping with grief and loss, anger management, motivation, self esteem, and confidence building. Quen believes that you are the expert of your story and that you have many strengths that will assist you in overcoming things that challenge you. Quen practices a brief therapy model (6-8 weeks) utilizing Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Mindfulness-based protocols to share tools that you can use immediately to meet your therapy goals and ideally improve your day-to-day life experiences. It takes courage to seek out a more fulfilling and happier life and to take the first steps toward change. I am here to support & empower you on your journey.

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Dr. Justin Lutz

Offering therapy in CA
AddictionsLGBTAnger managementSelf esteemCoping with life changes
23 years of experience

I am a firm believer that therapy is a process and starting therapy can be overwhelming and anxiety provoking. From finding a good fit between yourself and a clinician to being open and vulnerable with another person – the prospect is at times a lot to take in and can feel monumental. Regardless of what it is that brings you to therapy, reaching out is the first step and I wanted to congratulate you on the courage it took to take those steps. I approach my work with warmth, compassion and empathy to build a safe environment where clients can feel secure and free to engage with all aspects of their emotional lives that may not otherwise be accessible. In this judgement free zone, my goal is to provide clients with the opportunity to re-author personal narratives, create space for healing and to generate the potential shift of emotional, occupational and interpersonal patterns. My extensive clinical training includes working with system impacted teenagers involved in juvenile justice. I work with teens and adults dealing with substance abuse, anxiety, depression, and family/childhood trauma. In addition, I support, assist and advocate for clients whose personal identity lies on the LGBTQIA2S+ spectrum while they explore, investigate, or plan the rest of their life journey as their authentic self. Contact me to schedule a phone consultation so I can hear more about what is bringing you to therapy and answer any questions you might have about the process!

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Richard Wendt

Offering therapy in CA
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesTrauma and abuseParenting issuesDepression
12 years of experience

I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. I earned a Masters of Arts in Marriage, Family, Child Counseling and a Masters of Divinity with an emphasis in New Testament Theology from Fresno Pacific Biblical Seminary. My Masters work in traumatic stress has led me to specialize in Trauma and PTSD in both adults and children and am a Certified Clinical Trauma Professional. I have experience in Law Enforcement, firefighting, and EMS as a Paramedic. I have experience in ministry working as pastor, chaplain, and pastoral counselor. Before opening my private practice I worked as a therapist at the College of the Sequoias, Visalia Youth Services and with Trinity Ministries Group. I work with adults, adolescents, children, family and couples. I enjoy working with adolescents and children with behavioral, mood and anxiety problems. I work with the military, law enforcement, firefighters, and paramedics and their families. My approach is to come along side of you to assist you in developing healthier relationships and coping skills. 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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Randi Butwin

Offering therapy in CA
License: LMFT
LGBTRelationship issues
3 years of experience

Hello, I am a marriage and family therapist licensed in California. My area of expertise is relationship issues and identity development. I work with teens and adults who are working to transition out of harmful relationships with a partner, family member or friend group. Relationships are my specialty. I have worked in a variety of settings including with hospice for end of life and bereavement support, at a school working with children, teens, parents and families as well as at a community clinic working with transitional youth who have had to cut ties with their family and in private practice working with couples. I believe you have the strength and resources to build the life you are hoping for. Let me help you figure out how.

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How to find counseling in Los Gatos

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

How does the cost of in-person counseling compare to the cost of BetterHelp with a licensed Los Gatos 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 Gatos 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 Gatos 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 Gatos, 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 Gatos 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 Gatos 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 Gatos 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 Gatos 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 Gatos 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 95032 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 Gatos 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 Gatos 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 Gatos, 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 Gatos 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 Gatos.

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

95030, 95032, 95036

Popular cities near Los Gatos, CA

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