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. 

This is Beth Deja's avatar and link to their profile

Beth Deja

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

People come to therapy for a variety of reasons. Sometimes you are in crisis mode or going through something in real time, and sometimes you just need someone to talk to for support. My goal is to help you manage distress and identify problem-solving skills that will keep you mangaging in the future. Originally from Michigan, I gave up cold winters for the palm trees of sunny San Diego, then backtracked somehow and am enjoying scalding summers and sunny winters in Denver. Licensed in both Colorado and California, I am empathetic, nonjudgmental, and authentic. Once I know you, I like to give it to you straight with a good sense of humor. I have over ten years of experience providing mental health services to adults, families, and children, and I have been providing online therapy since 2015. I work with all types of issues, including depression, anxiety, and interpersonal relationship conflicts. My primary treatment modalities include CBT, trauma-informed approaches, and solution-focused techniques. I enjoy working as a therapist because I legitimately love learning about people. I truly look forward to meeting and working with you. Welcome!

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Renee' Belew-Dycus

Offering therapy in CA
License: LCSW
LGBTTrauma and abuseSelf esteemDepressionCoping with life changes
16 years of experience

I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with over 14 years of experience working with a wide variety if clients. I am licensed in Colorado and California. I have experience working with a wide range of ages and client concerns including emotional and physical trauma, depression, anxiety, relationship issues, substance abuse, Bi-polar and OCD to name a few. I have vast experience working with the LGBT community. My counseling style is client centered, coming from a supportive warm and interactive prospective I am also a Certified Hypnotherapist and utilize guided imagery, as well as hypnosis where the client is interested. I am trained in Cognitive-Behavioral, Psychodynamic and many other counseling theories but I tailor treatment to the individual, fitting with their needs, goals, and unique perspectives I believe we all are born knowing what we need to know to have happy, healthy, abundant and productive lives and my job as a therapist is to help you remember how to find that life. I don’t fix people I help them to fix themself and I am here to support you on your journey to being healthy and happy. (Please not that I have both daytime and evening, as well as weekend hours)

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Dr. James Chavers

Offering therapy in CA
License: PsyD,MACP
Stress, AnxietyLGBTRelationship issuesDepressionCoping with life changes
9 years of experience

It is by suffering that human beings become angels. – Victor Hugo Hello, my name is James Chavers. Thank you for taking the time to read my counselor profile. I am a clinical psychologist licensed and living in California. I earned my masters and doctorate in clinical psychology at Antioch University Santa Barbara. I have worked and trained in locked settings (jails and prisons), community health clinics, and colleges and universities for 9 years. I have worked with older adults living with HIV, addiction, and life course diseases, inmates of all genders preparing to transition out of locked settings, and students from 18-50+ navigating the difficulties of college life. Collaborating with my patients, we have worked through relationship, substance abuse, family, gender, sexuality, sexual assault, mood, and trauma issues, to name a few. My clients and I have worked together using a variety of modalities including Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Solution-Focused Therapy (SFT), Motivational Interviewing, and Client-centered Therapy. Incorporating Humanistic philosophies in my work, I believe that every person is deserving of love and respect. Each person is the expert of their own life. My purpose as a therapist is to support, suggest, and succor as needed. Finding the right counselor is akin to meeting a great friend. You want someone in your life who accepts you unconditionally, but is not afraid to call you out when you do something stupid. This friend takes the time to listen carefully to what’s going on, and then if you like, shares some insight. This friend is solidly in your corner and makes you feel like you are the most important person in the room. This friend stands by you and walks by your side as you work through your challenges. I have been blessed to have people like that in my life. If you give me the privilege, I would like to pay those experiences forward…to you. James Chavers PSY32025 Pronouns: He, him, his

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Felicia Burnett-Lopez

Offering therapy in CA
License: LCSW
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesFamily conflictsAnger managementDepression
13 years of experience

My name is Felicia Burnett-Lopez, I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. I have been working in the mental health field for over ten years. I earned my Bachelors’ Degree in Psychology and earned my Masters’ Degree in Social Work. My education and experience include human behavior; environmental and biological psychology, substance abuse and addiction; understanding and working in mental health, with people with mental illnesses, within all populations. I chose the field of social work and specifically mental health, since everyone, including myself have life issues, whether they are work related or personal in nature. Being able to have someone who is unbiased and trained to help you process your thoughts, and become part of your support system, is why I chose this career. I enjoy the use of the psychodynamic approach, cognitive behavioral therapy, dialectical behavior therapy, solution focused therapy, and client-centered-therapy, which are all evidenced based practices. My use of these modalities depends on the needs of my client, as treatment is individually tailored to fit the clients needs. I believe that the client is the expert of themselves, and my role as your counselor is to help you better understand yourself, and help you get to a place where you are a happier and healthier version of yourself. The one thing I ask of my clients, is to be genuine, as I will always be genuine with you. Feel safe to vent your true feelings, as I will not judge you! Counseling only works if the client is willing and committed to actively participating in the therapeutic process. I look forward to working with you and helping you improve the quality of your life!

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Gregory Harbaugh

Offering therapy in CA
License: LMFT
Stress, AnxietyLGBTRelationship issuesTrauma and abuseDepression
17 years of experience

Hello and welcome! I know from experience that sometimes it takes a great deal of courage to take the step to contact a therapist. So, thank you for reading! I am a graduate of the University of Southern California (also the University of Michigan) with over fifteen years’ experience as a psychotherapist treating individuals, couples/partners, children/adolescents, families and groups. My clinical training was at Saban Community Clinic, treating a diverse array of patients with wide ranging conditions. I enjoyed the team approach at Saban, which included medical and psychiatric practitioners. I have been licensed and in private practice in Los Angeles, CA since 2017. I offer an individualized approach to therapy, beginning by meeting the client where he/she is in the moment according to the client's needs. The goal is for you to be able to express yourself, be comfortable and ultimately realize your human potential and be happy in your own skin. There are many ‘schools’ of therapy. Some useful approaches I have found have been: Person-Centered Therapy: a non-directive, collaborative approach, often called ‘guided discovery’ Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): the relationship between emotions, thoughts and behaviors Solution Focused Brief Therapy: focusing on client strengths, skills and goals Mindfulness Training: being fully present in the moment without judgment Psychodynamic/Self-Psychology: self-identity; developing a healthy understanding of who you are These are brief descriptions. If there is something of interest you know about please let me know and we can discuss. My profession requires 36 hours of continuing education for license renewal every two years. Some common areas of treatment include: • Depression and Anxiety (which often occur together) • Obsessions, Compulsions, Phobias (which tend to have an anxiety basis) • Personality Disorders • Mood Disorders • Trauma and Abuse Survivors; Support and Recovery • Communication/Intimacy; Relationships; Attachment • Living an Authentic Life; Self; Identity • Parenting Support • Grief Counseling • Work and Career issues, Stress Management • Addiction & Recovery (Assessment and Referral) • Eating Disorders (Assessment and Referral) • Cultural Diversity Issues • Sports and Creative Arts Performance Among my skills is complex differential diagnosis. Since many symptoms overlap more than one diagnostic category (and therefore guide treatment planning), a deeper understanding of the client is important. Treatment doesn’t necessarily have to take a long time. CBT and Mindfulness may provide benefits very quickly. If a condition is beyond my scope of practice I will provide guidance and appropriate referrals. In addition to being a psychotherapist, I have substantial interests in the creative arts and am a songwriter and musician myself. I am committed to meeting the client where he/she is in the moment and collaborating on goals to meet his/her needs, provide support and help the client address whatever challenges he/she might face. My approach is to provide warmth, empathy and understanding to help the individual build on his/her strengths and attain the personal growth he/she is committed to accomplishing. Best of luck in your life journey. I look forward to meeting you!

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Patricia Temple

Offering therapy in CA
License: LMFT
Relationship issuesFamily conflictsIntimacy-related issuesParenting issues
40 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 25years and more of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with relationship issues, family conflicts, & intimacy related issues. I also have experience working with parenting issues. Working with each individual within the family brings in their unique personality and characteristics which makes this particular group also unique and exciting to work with. 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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Alessandra Snavely

Offering therapy in CA
Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseSelf esteemBipolar disorderDepression
8 years of experience

I am a licensed marriage and family therapist in California with 8 years of professional work experience working with adults with severe and persistent mental illness, elementary school students, and teens experiencing crises. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, trauma and abuse, motivation, self esteem, and confidence. I believe in treating everyone with respect, sensitivity, patience, understanding, and empathy. 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. Please note: I am only licensed to provide therapy to clients who are actively in the state of California and will be unable to provide therapy to clients when out of the state of California (such as on vacation or for work).

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This is Jasminda Horne's avatar and link to their profile

Jasminda Horne

Offering therapy in CA
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsTrauma and abuseAnger managementSelf esteem
11 years of experience

Greetings! My name is Jasminda Horne, and I am a registered therapist with 12+ years of professional work experience. I am monolingual (English speaking only) however, I have experience working with an array of individuals from all walks of life and cultures. I have professional training and experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, self-esteem issues, relationship challenges, coping with addictions, trauma, abuse, and anger management. I work with my clients to create an open and safe environment where thoughts and feelings can be shared without fear of judgment. I take pride in helping my clients to identify their individual strengths, support network, and healthy coping skills. Taking the first step to sign up for therapy can take courage, take pride in yourself for getting started! I hope that you choose me as your therapist to help you address, cope, and heal your current concerns.

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This is Lydia Meroll's avatar and link to their profile

Lydia Meroll

Offering therapy in CA
Stress, AnxietyLGBTTrauma and abuseGriefCoping with life changes
6 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 6 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, lgbtq+ related issues, trauma and abuse, & coping with grief and loss. 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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This is Dana Thomart's avatar and link to their profile

Dana Thomart

Offering therapy in CA
Stress, AnxietyParenting issuesSelf esteemDepressionCoping with life changes
17 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 17 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, parenting issues, motivation, self esteem, confidence and depression. 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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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 94022 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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