During prohibition, rum runners used Half Moon Bay to distribute illegal alcohol to taverns and roadhouses in the area, some of which still stand and operate today. Many people over the years during economic depressions and recessions found a way to thrive in this small community. But not everyone has an easy time doing so. When depression strikes, you might need help to overcome it.

Counselors in the Half Moon Bay area are available now to help you overcome your depression and cope with the stressful situations in your life. Therapists can help you find opportunities for growth and happiness in the midst of strife. Contact a counselor today.

This is Dr. Wanda Boutte's avatar and link to their profile

Dr. Wanda Boutte

Offering therapy in CA
License: wandaboutte@sbcglobal.net, EDD, LCSW
LGBTFamily conflictsGriefEating disordersDepression
20 years of experience

As a compassionate supportive therapist, over the past 20 plus years, I have counselled clients from diverse backgrounds with a wide variety of issues and backgrounds. I am competent in providing therapeutic services to individuals, adolescents, and families with an array of diverse psychosocial and mental health needs. My specialties are working with Addictions, Grief/Loss, Medical conditions, Mid-Life Crisis, Abuse, Relational issues, Parent-Teen issues, Self-esteem, Victims of Crime, Mood Disorders, Faith, LBGT, including Life Coaching, professional, communication, and career planning.

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Virginia Ballantyne

Offering therapy in CA
License: MSW,LCSW
Relationship issuesTrauma and abuseCareer difficultiesDepressionCoping with life changes
10 years of experience

PLEASE NOTE: If this is an emergency, call 9-1-1. I generally check messages here a few times per day and will respond as quickly as I can. I am currently accepting new clients who RESIDE IN CALIFORNIA. I am available for sessions BY PHONE, VIDEO or LIVE CHAT. Hello and Welcome! Let me introduce myself. I am Virginia A. Ballantyne, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW #98267). I identify as a bi-racial woman and my pronouns are She/Her. My specialties include working with people who have experienced intimate partner violence, trauma/PTSD, anxiety and depression, or grew up in an environment where they were negatively impacted by a family member's substance use or mental illness. I have received training in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, as well as Solution Focused Therapy. I practice from a strengths-based, client-centered approach that focuses on empowering each person to access their inner wisdom and move toward mental wellness. My counseling style is non-judgmental and my theoretical orientation is best described as humanistic/eclectic and unique to each person’s situation and background. I provide a sex positive environment where issues around sexual intimacy, sexual identity, and sexual desires can be discussed without judgement. I consider myself to be an LGBTQ+ affirming therapist and an ally for LGBTQ+ individuals and sexual/gender minorities. I have many years of experience working with a variety of disadvantaged populations through work in both non-profit and county services. I value social justice, authenticity, and each person’s right to self-determination. I will provide you with support, help you consider different perspectives, and we will work together as a team to help you develop new skills to help you manage stressors and live your best life! Are you ready to get started? Let’s connect. I look forward to working with you.

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This is Dr. Terence "Terry" Rooney's avatar and link to their profile

Dr. Terence "Terry" Rooney

Offering therapy in CA
License: Ph.D
Stress, AnxietyFamily conflictsGriefParenting issuesCoaching
40 years of experience

Hello: I am a licensed Clinical Psychologist with 35+ years of clinical experience. Consequently I have a number of areas of interest and expertise that include: mental health, substance use disorders, grief and loss, spectrum disorders, mood disorders, adjustment disorders, relational issues and family therapy. I describe myself as a classically trained therapist with an eclectic tool box. Although I have worked extensively in the public sector, I received all of my clinical supervision for my license in private practice. I enjoy working with people who are seeking knowledge and self-improvement; however, I can work with just about anyone any point in their personal journey. My orientation is brief solution-focused therapy, but I have worked with individuals with challenging issues that require more time. I enjoy meeting new people and learning new things. I welcome the opportunity to work with you.

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This is Trisha Stewart's avatar and link to their profile

Trisha Stewart

Offering therapy in CA
License: LMFT
Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseGriefParenting issuesDepression
15 years of experience

Hi my name is Trisha Stewart and I want to offer praise for reaching out today. It can take courage to ask for someone to listen when life is not going your way. It is difficult to believe that someone else can offer support that is going to make a difference. I hope that we can work together to find the space where you feel safe to work through what is troubling you and identify resources that support your steps forward. You don't have to do this alone. Here is a little information about me and how I can help: I have worked for 30 years helping children youth and families experiencing trauma. Prior to obtaining my master’s degree in Marriage and Family Therapy, I worked as a Social Worker helping children/teens and families involved in the social welfare system due to abuse and neglect. Since graduating in 2007, I have continued with the same focus on children, youth and families navigating the impact of trauma on their life. I also adopted my children through foster care and have developed an interest and competency in understanding the core issues of loss that children and the parents adopting them face, going through the adoptive process. I have worked with clients with a wide range of concerns including depression, anxiety, relationship issues, parenting problems, LGBTQ IA and career challenges. I have also helped many people who have experienced physical trauma or emotional abuse. My focus is to work collaboratively with you to identify what is distressing for you and then work together to find ways that will help you identify solutions. The goal is to help you find a safe space to be heard and learn to trust that the solutions are inside of you. In my practice I take a supportive empowering and interactive role using different interventions including solution focused, narrative, cognitive behavioral and experiential therapy. We will determine what works best for you, I believe learning to trust your own process of discovering who you are, is the most important factor in making change in your life. I hope to help you recognize that you have what you need to do this.

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(Gary) Trent Allen

Offering therapy in CA
License: LMHC,CPC
Stress, AnxietyLGBTBipolar disorderDepression
20 years of experience

My name is Trent and I’m glad to help you work through these issues that you’ve brought today. I’m a client centered solution focused therapist and would love to focus on what your dreams and aspirations are. I would start by asking the miracle question to determine if you woke up tomorrow and your life was perfect and everything you wanted was how you hoped it would be then I would you describe that life for me. Moving forward from there we can work on your goals around the things that you’d like to work on first and prioritize those goals and come up with solutions, copy mechanisms, and strategies to get you to where you would like to be. Life is fulfilled and determined by you and your supportive work and meaningful interactions that you you are looking for and brought to me today. Once we establish a treatment plan based your goals then we can work through them one at time to achieve them. We will consistently check in and see how you are feeling about your progress and re-assess the treatment plan as needed. We can add goals as well moving forward if you determine through the process that there are further things you would like to work on. Initially when doing therapeutic work things can initially feel worse before they feel better so please check in and tell me how you feel the process is working for you. Your feedback to me as we progress is my way to adjust your treatment plan and make sure that your therapeutic goals are being met. I look forward to working with you. I am professional counselor licensed for private practice in WA state as an LMHC with many years providing experience to a very diverse population which an array of mental health concerns. I have worked in non-profit mental health with the severely mentally ill, homeless and substance abuse population for many years. I have also worked in a correctional setting with forensic patients and have practice with residential programs as well. I have a client centered approach to counseling and employ a variety of tools in my "counselor tool belt" to assist my patients with concerns and symptoms they may want help with. I have used solution focused therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, motivational interviewing, dialectical behavioral therapy and trauma focused therapy. My approach to always meet patients where they are at and provide unconditional acceptance and positive regard to provide a safe environment for people grow, heal and move on what they have brought to the session to work through. I have worked with anxiety and depressive symptoms, PTSA, trauma, personality disorders, Bipolar disorders, Schizoaffective and Schizophrenia disorders to name a few. I look forward to forming a positive therapeutic relationship with you and helping you to grow and become whatever it is you are wanting to be.

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This is Shannon Bettencourt's avatar and link to their profile

Shannon Bettencourt

Offering therapy in CA
Relationship issuesTrauma and abuseGriefSelf esteemCoping with life changes
22 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 22 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with relationship issues, trauma and abuse, coping with grief and loss, & motivation, self esteem, and confidence. I believe that you are the expert of your story and that you have many strengths that will assist you in overcoming things that challenge you. It takes courage to seek out a more fulfilling and happier life and to take the first steps towards a change. I am here to support & empower you in that journey.

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This is Marissa Cota's avatar and link to their profile

Marissa Cota

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

I am licensed in California with 12 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, trauma and abuse, & coping with grief and loss. I believe that you are the expert of your story and that you have many strengths that will assist you in overcoming things that challenge you. It takes courage to seek out a more fulfilling and happier life and to take the first steps towards a change. I am here to support & empower you in that journey.

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This is Maria Montano's avatar and link to their profile

Maria Montano

Offering therapy in CA
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesTrauma and abuseSelf esteemDepression
20 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 20 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, trauma and abuse, & motivation, self esteem, and confidence. I believe that you are the expert of your story and that you have many strengths that will assist you in overcoming things that challenge you. It takes courage to seek out a more fulfilling and happier life and to take the first steps towards a change. I am here to support & empower you in that journey.

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This is Shannon Williams's avatar and link to their profile

Shannon Williams

Offering therapy in CA
Stress, AnxietyFamily conflictsSelf esteemDepressionCoping with life changes
15 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 15 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, family conflicts, motivation, self esteem, and confidence, & depression. I believe in treating everyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion. I will tailor our dialog and treatment plan to meet your unique and specific needs. I enjoy advocating and empowering others to advocate for themselves. I look forward to working with each client and am willing to meet you where you are. My work experience has been a combination of Psychodynamic, cognitive behavioral interventions and system approaches to treatment. I joined the BetterHelp team to be able to offer services in a more flexible way than the traditional structure of treatment when it comes to scheduling and choosing a therapist that is right for you. Over the years I have worked with individuals of various ages in community settings, forensic environments and via telehealth. I have also worked with families and groups. My focus at BetterHelp will be individual treatment and tailored as needed. I enjoy face-to-face sessions, however will honor what is best for each client. When that time comes, we will discuss the parameters of availability and what that will look like for us structurally moving forward. Taking the first step to seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process.

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This is Therese Connolly's avatar and link to their profile

Therese Connolly

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

I am licensed in California with 20 years of professional work experience. 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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How to find counseling in Half Moon Bay

Finding the best therapist close by in Half Moon Bay 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 Half Moon Bay. 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 Half Moon Bay, 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 Half Moon Bay 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 Half Moon Bay 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 Half Moon Bay, elsewhere in San Mateo, 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 Half Moon Bay area can be found below:

How does the cost of in-person counseling compare to the cost of BetterHelp with a licensed Half Moon Bay 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 Half Moon Bay 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 Half Moon Bay 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 Half Moon Bay, 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 Half Moon Bay 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 Half Moon Bay 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 Half Moon Bay 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 Half Moon Bay 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 Half Moon Bay 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 94019 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 Half Moon Bay 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 Half Moon Bay 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 Half Moon Bay, 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.

Half Moon Bay 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 Half Moon Bay.

Below are some of the zip codes served by BetterHelp therapists in Half Moon Bay:

94019

Popular cities near Half Moon Bay, CA

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