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. 

This is Sharon (Shonnie) Brown's avatar and link to their profile

Sharon (Shonnie) Brown

Offering therapy in CA
License: M.A.,LMFT
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesSelf esteemCareer difficultiesADHD
30 years of experience

Hello! I'm a northern California native and have lived much of my adult life adapting to other cultures. Life's challenges and transitions, including divorce and shyness, have facilitated my growth as a psychotherapist, helping me to accept change as part of life. I received my B.A. from UC Berkeley and my M.A. in counseling psychology from JFK University in Orinda, CA. I have 25+ years experience as a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT), working primarily with individuals and couples. I have facilitated groups on separation and divorce, infidelity, co-parenting education, and social anxiety. Particular areas of interest are: major life transitions, separation and divorce, infidelity, couples and relationship counseling, broken friendships, self-esteem issues, young adulthood, employment issues, parenting, and aging issues. I am also a professional writer and use writing as a tool for emotional healing.. My work is honest, direct, and from the heart. I use a variety of approaches, including cognitive and solution-focused therapies, family systems, and psychodynamic. Recently I have incorporated Pete Walker, MFT’s roadmap on childhood trauma (Complex PTSD) into my work. An inability to self-soothe or tolerate one’s own feelings (i.e. hurt, anger, jealousy, guilt, fear) is the underlying main issue for my clients. The other main issue is lack of self-compassion, self-protection, and self-love. I use tools such as goal setting, coping skills, mindfulness exercises, and writing exercises (as desired) along with building a strong therapeutic relationship. Life is delicate and fragile. I work on optimism and gratitude every day. As human beings we can only take one step at a time. Please consider contacting me as a step toward the change you want in your life.

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This is Dr. Richard LeGassick, Ph.D.'s avatar and link to their profile

Dr. Richard LeGassick, Ph.D.

Offering therapy in CA
License: PhD
Relationship issuesFamily conflictsGriefParenting issuesCoping with life changes
35 years of experience

Hello. I am a Licensed Clinical Psychologist with a broad range of experience of over 35 years. I have found that when people reach a personal life impasse, they often benefit from developing increased self-understanding and an outside impartial opinion. My primary interest is in providing Humanistic psychotherapy to those people who want to invest the time to explore and understand themselves. My emphasis has focused on helping clients resolve the difficulties of Life Transitions: Family Separations (Divorce, Child Custody/ Reunification); Career changes; Marital and pre-marital; and Blended families. My clients learn to understand and resolve Depression and Anxiety and Grieve the Loss of loved ones. I am also a consultant in areas of Couple Communication, and Parenting; with First Responders; USA Military Service Members and their families. My approach is Humanistic/Cognitive/ Interpersonal; Learning to cope with Traumatic Life Changes. Throughout my career, I have worked in community Mental Health centers, and on crisis teams within the community. I provide the most useful guidance through guiding the development of Self-Awareness, Self-Acceptance, and Independence; learning one's Strengths and Coping/problem-solving, and improving Communication. I value the impact of Positive Psychology as well as Mindfulness and Meditation. [Note: I currently schedule 9:00-6:00 PST weekday appointments]

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This is Kevin Farrell's avatar and link to their profile

Kevin Farrell

Offering therapy in CA
License: MSW,LCSW
AddictionsLGBTSelf esteemCoping with life changes
20 years of experience

My name is Kevin Farrell and I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in California (#22616). I have almost 20 years experience as a Clinical Social Worker and Psychotherapist. I previously had a successful career in media and in my mid-30s I returned to school to obtain a Masters Degree in Social Work in order to find a more rewarding career path for myself. As a Psychotherapist, I have worked with a wide variety of adults and I use a range of therapeutic tools. I view therapy as a partnership and for me the most important aspect of therapy is the therapeutic alliance, which refers to the quality and strength of the collaborative relationship between client and therapist. This is strongest when there is agreement on goals and objectives. I work closely with each client to establish goals and achieve a strong alliance built on mutual trust. I utilize an eclectic approach to therapy with reliance on core theoretical concepts from Psychodynamic Psychotherapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, and Existential Therapy, among others. I tend to emphasize solution-focused strategies that assist a client in understanding themselves, improving their problem-solving/coping techniques, and building resiliency for future challenges. I seek ongoing feedback and collaboration with clients to evaluate and improve a client's experience in therapy. I have been told that my non-judgmental style engages people and they find me respectful, sincere, and easy to relate to. My primary goal with clients is to successfully address a client's challenges in order to improve overall quality of life.

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This is Joseph 'Joe' Exnowski's avatar and link to their profile

Joseph 'Joe' Exnowski

Offering therapy in CA
License: MA LMFT
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesTrauma and abuseSelf esteem
10 years of experience

I am a marriage and family therapist working in the counseling field for 8 years. I have worked with clients experiencing depression, anxiety, challenging relationships, self esteem issues, trauma and childhood abuse. My therapeutic approach is to create an atmosphere of safety, comfort, and respect, with the recognition of how much courage it takes to make this sacred journey. I blend several different approaches in my practice such humanistic, gestalt, mindfulness, and trauma based therapies. People taking this journey don't always recognize how much strength, insight, and wisdom they innately possess, I am here to assist you in unlocking those doors. Those doors lead to feed on, peace, and happiness

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This is Dr. Christina Wafer's avatar and link to their profile

Dr. Christina Wafer

Offering therapy in CA
License: Ph.D.
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsSleeping disordersBipolar disorderDepression
10 years of experience

I am a licensed clinical psychologist with several years of experience working in clinical psychology settings, ranging from an inpatient psychiatric hospital to a women's residential substance use disorder treatment program. I have worked with toddlers, children, adolescents, adults, military, and geriatric populations in individual therapy, personality testing, and neurocognitive assessments. I have worked with clients with a wide range of concerns including depression, anxiety, substance use, addiction, trauma, eating disorders, social anxiety, mood disorders, and psychosis. I am also interested in working with individuals with traumatic brain injury, mild/moderate cognitive impairment, autistic spectrum disorder, intellectual disability, and their caregivers. My counseling style is authentic, integrative, holistic, supportive, genuine, kind, compassionate, perceptive, and curious. My approach combines humanistic, existential, psychodynamic, and cognitive-behavioral counseling. I am focused on the here and now and I want to know what is important to you and how we can move you towards your mental wellness goals. I utilize evidence-based therapies, including cognitive-behavioral therapy, dialectical-behavioral therapy, and acceptance and commitment therapy. I am an expert in psychotherapy, you are an expert in yourself, and I believe you already have many of the answers inside of you. Your treatment plan will be individualized and tailored to fit your specific needs. I have been passionate about mental health for many years and my purpose is to support you in creating your ideal life. I am so excited that you are choosing to make a positive choice in your life today and I am here to support and empower you through the entire journey. I look forward to working with you!

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This is Francisco Olmos's avatar and link to their profile

Francisco Olmos

Offering therapy in CA
Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseGriefDepressionCoaching
7 years of experience

I am licensed in California, with 7 years of professional work experience. I have help clients with stress and anxiety, trauma and abuse, coping with grief and loss, & depression and self-esteem issues. 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 sign up for therapy can take courage and I am proud of you for getting started.

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This is Carolyn Rivera's avatar and link to their profile

Carolyn Rivera

Offering therapy in CA
Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseGriefSelf esteemDepression
11 years of experience

I am licensed in California with over 11 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, trauma and abuse, coping with grief and loss, & motivation, self-esteem, and confidence. I have worked in a wide variety of settings with very diverse populations including young at-risk children, teens, families in crisis and older adults. 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. I believe that every person deserves to be seen and heard. I have a very transparent approach and try to be relatable and down to earth. I like to mix my therapeutic approach with Motivational Interviewing, DBT and also real-world experiences to help you find the style that best suits you to meet you where you are at and helps you find comfort.

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This is Dr. Charles Williams's avatar and link to their profile

Dr. Charles Williams

Offering therapy in CA
Intimacy-related issuesParenting issuesCareer difficultiesCoping with life changesCoaching
8 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 8 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with intimacy related issues, parenting issues, career difficulties, & coping with life changes. I believe in treating everyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion. I will tailor our dialog and treatment plan to meet your unique and specific needs. Taking the first step to sign up for therapy can take courage and I am proud of you for getting started!

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This is Mari Kawai's avatar and link to their profile

Mari Kawai

Offering therapy in CA
Stress, AnxietyParenting issuesSelf esteemCoping with life changes
14 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, parenting issues, & motivation, self esteem, and confidence. I also have experience working with coping with life changes. I believe in treating everyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion. I will tailor our dialog and treatment plan to meet your unique and specific needs. Taking the first step to sign up for therapy can take courage and I am proud of you for getting started!

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This is Lauren Alonzo's avatar and link to their profile

Lauren Alonzo

Offering therapy in CA
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesFamily conflictsSelf esteemDepression
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, relationship issues, family conflicts, & 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.

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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 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 Milpitas.

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

95035

Popular cities near Milpitas, CA

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