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 Katina Boulai's avatar and link to their profile

Katina Boulai

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

My name is Katina Boulai and I am a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in California. I know that seeking help can be a difficult choice but you are not alone. I have many years experience working with families, couples, and individuals using a relational, cognitive behavioral therapy and family systems approach. I have experience with diverse populations with issues relating to depression, anxiety, addiction, trauma, parenting, divorce, grief, life transitions, and relationship issues. I also worked with the adult homeless community and teens experiencing issues with addiction. My approach is respectful and empathetic working in the here and now based on my client's need. Taking this step is not always easy but very helpful in order to develop better ways of dealing with day-to-day struggles. Having someone with whom you can safely and privately discuss your concerns creates an opportunity to achieve a better quality of life. I use a variety of styles and techniques to incorporate what will be most helpful for each client. What we discuss is confidential except if there are any concerns that you may be a danger to yourself or others. My office hours are Monday-Thursday 6:00-8:00 P.M and I typically respond to messages within 24 hours or sooner if possible.

Get started View profile
This is Jasmine Jones's avatar and link to their profile

Jasmine Jones

Offering therapy in CA
License: LCSW
Stress, AnxietyLGBTRelationship issuesTrauma and abuseDepression
3 years of experience

Hi my name is Jasmine Jones I am a Licensed Clinical Social worker who has specialized for 11 years in work dealing with trauma, daily life stressors, mood disorders, and behavioral issues in youths, adults, and families. My main focus of practice is helping clients develop a sense of authenticity and self worth. I currently specialize in various evidenced based practices including CBT, AFCBT, Crises Intervention, TFCBT, mindfulness, and DBT practices. Welcome I can’t wait to work with you

Get started View profile
This is Dr. Judy Kelly's avatar and link to their profile

Dr. Judy Kelly

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

I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in California with over 10 years of experience. I have worked with clients with a wide range of concerns including depression, anxiety, anger management, relationship issues, parenting problems, trauma, abuse and grief. My professional and life experience have given me the ability to understand your needs while helping you prioritize and process the challenges you are facing. As an experienced professional, I will meet you wherever you may be in life and offer a comprehensive, individualized approach to treatment. I will help you identify and accomplish your own individual goals that move you toward recovery. My therapy approach draws on your already present strengths and skills to create a method of treatment that expands upon your current positive attributes so that they may better serve you in the future. I will help you learn new coping skills and behaviors that will benefit your current situation. I will provide guidance, compassion, support and insight to help you tackle whatever you are facing and help you respond more clearly and effectively so you can be successful long after treatment. I look forward to working with you.

Get started View profile
This is Andres Hoyo's avatar and link to their profile

Andres Hoyo

Offering therapy in CA
License: LMFT
Stress, AnxietyFamily conflictsParenting issuesDepressionCoping with life changes
8 years of experience

Hi, my name is Andres Hoyo. I am a Marriage and Family Therapist licensed in California with over 7 years of experience working as a psychotherapist. I have worked with clients with a wide range of concerns, including depression, anxiety, interpersonal relationship issues, parenting challenges general life stressors, and adverse perceptions of self-esteem. My counseling style is client-centered and non-judgmental. I believe in allowing my clients to take more of a lead during sessions, and I perceive the therapeutic process as a collaborative effort between myself and my clients, with my client’s perspective as the primary guide to self-discovery. I strive to encourage and support my clients to find their own solutions and identify their own personal strengths and resources, while providing them a comfortable and safe environment to process their emotions and thoughts. I think it takes courage to seek help, when we are feeling inadequate, unfulfilled, lonely, or managing any other negative emotions impacting our ability of live happy and fulfilling lives, so I strive to provide a comfortable environment for my clients to feel heard, safe and understood. So, if you are thinking about reaching out for help and need to feel safe and comfortable, I hope I can be of service to you to provide you with the support you need to take steps to improve your overall sense of well-being.

Get started View profile
This is Janice Ruchlis's avatar and link to their profile

Janice Ruchlis

Offering therapy in CA
License: MS, MA MFT
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsLGBTRelationship issuesDepression
30 years of experience

I want to work with you to help you explore trauma, disability and low self esteem and discover ways to heal and feel more positive going forward. My work is a mixture of psychodynamic, behavioral, spiritual and developmental. I have worked with people of all ages and nationalities and i really valuing bringing differences to the forfront and apprecisting them. I look forward to working with you

Get started View profile
This is Neil Martin's avatar and link to their profile

Neil Martin

Offering therapy in CA
Addictions
23 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 23 years of professional work experience. My expertise is sex and porn addiction and other addiction issues. I am nonjudgemental and I treat everyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion. I will tailor our sessions and treatment plan to meet your unique and specific needs. Taking the first step to seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process.

Get started View profile
This is Daryl Austin's avatar and link to their profile

Daryl Austin

Offering therapy in CA
Trauma and abuse
11 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 10 years of professional work experience as a therapist and over 40 years working in the mental health field in varied capacities from beginning as a mental health worker to later on doing case management work in a County Mental Health Outpatient Clinic. I worked earlier in my career in an acute in-patient setting for 4 years. I went back to school in my 50's to get my Master's Degree in Professional Counseling from National University in Fresno, California. My undergraduate degree was in Recreation Administration from Fresno State University. I have experience in helping clients with trauma and abuse, as most client's in the County Mental Health System unfortunately have trauma in their background. I use an eclectic therapy approach that is tailored to the individual client. I was the main facilitator for short term Dialectical Behavioral Therapy groups for several years in the county I worked for. I work with my clients to create an open and safe environment where thoughts, feelings, and topics of faith can be shared without fear of judgment. I retired from the County Mental Health system in June 2022. My goal now is to provide and integrate Christian faith into the therapy I provide. It is not mandatory that any client holds the same beliefs as myself, but I desire for individuals that desire faith based treatment have an alternative to secular, humanistic logic and wisdom. I do have experience and training in Dialectical Behavioral Therapy and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and I am very client centered and supportive. Taking the first step to seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process.

Get started View profile
This is Tim Masters's avatar and link to their profile

Tim Masters

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

I am licensed as a clinical social worker in Wyoming , Maine, and Ohio with 6 years of clinical work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, depression, trauma and abuse, motivation, self-esteem and confidence, bipolar disorder, OCD, and psychotic disorders. I believe in treating everyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion. Your treatment plan will be personalized to meet your unique and specific needs. Therapy takes commitment and hard work, and I am excited that you have chosen to start down the path to recovery. I look forward to working together!

Get started View profile
This is Andrew Jones's avatar and link to their profile

Andrew Jones

Offering therapy in CA
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesParenting issuesAnger managementDepression
25 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 25 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, moods, relationship issues, parenting issues, anger management & personality disorders. 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 seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process. At this time I am only accepting clients who are willing to do video sessions.

Get started View profile
This is Dawn Marie Hill's avatar and link to their profile

Dawn Marie Hill

Offering therapy in CA
License: MS,LPC, LCPC , LCADC
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesTrauma and abuseDepressionADHD
15 years of experience

Hi! Welcome to BetterHelp! I want to thank you for viewing my profile and for making the courageous decision to talk to a professional for support during, what I can imagine, must be a difficult time in your life. Choosing the right therapist can seem like an overwhelming process when there are so many incredible and very qualified professionals on this site; however, making sure that you find the right fit for you and your situation can be one of the most important decisions at the beginning of your journey. So, to help make this decision a bit easier for you, I want to introduce myself and explain a little bit about what you can expect if you choose me to help you along the way! I am a Licensed Professional Counselor, Clinical Professional Counselor, and Clinical Alcohol and Drug Counselor currently living in Las Vegas, Nevada with over 15 years of experience working as a therapist, counselor, life coach, caseworker, mentor, and intern supervisor. I have worked in many different settings throughout the course of my education and career, from inpatient behavioral health settings to forensics settings with court-ordered clients, long-term care facilities, private practice, and more. During this time, I have had the privilege of helping a variety of people identify core issues, develop healthy coping skills, and heal from deep wounds they once never believed possible. Something I like my clients to know is that you are in the driver’s seat! This is your life and your treatment. You know yourself better than anyone else. You know what has been helpful in the past and what has been unhelpful. We will spend time getting to know you. We can then build upon that knowledge to develop a personally tailored treatment plan to address the issues that you determine to be a priority in your life. I plan on assisting you with compassion, empathy, and directness to help you meet your personal goals. I am a very client-centered therapist, so if you would like me to apply a specific treatment method or technique, please let me know, otherwise, I tend to use an eclectic mix. I typically apply a great deal of CBT (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy) throughout our time together, which can be very helpful if we notice that some underlying sources of your identified issues may stem from thinking errors. I also have experience with DBT (Dialectical Behavior Therapy), including emotional regulation skills, communication techniques, grounding skills, and mindfulness which can be very helpful in improving interpersonal relationships and emotional regulation. Ultimately, what you can expect from working with me is a safe, compassionate, and supportive space for you to work through whatever you want help with. I’m really looking forward to meeting you!

Get started View profile

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 94023 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

Find the right therapist for your needs
Match with a qualified therapist