Life can be a struggle for many. While the skies may be clear outside, the skies in your head may not be. Stress, anxiety, and various other life problems can affect you as well. In a situation like that, who can help you? One person who can is a counselor based in Menlo Park. 

Menlo Park is a great little place to live and it’s filled with beauty. You can find beauty in your life as well, but you need to speak to someone first and figure out how you can enjoy your life. Speak to someone today.

This is Jeffrey Steer's avatar and link to their profile

Jeffrey Steer

Offering therapy in CA
License: LMFT
Stress, AnxietyParenting issuesSelf esteemDepression
18 years of experience

I have been working as a Marriage and Family Therapist for 18 years and I have been licensed in the State of California since 2007. I completed my Master of Arts Degree in Psychology with an emphasis in Marriage and Family Therapy at Chapman University in Monterey, California, and have worked with individuals and families in a variety of settings, including community resource centers and residential treatment facilities. I have treated a variety of issues, including mood disorders, anxiety, anger management, stress management, and various adjustment problems. As we have entered an age of solution-focused brief therapy, my treatment approach is strength-based and cognitive-behavioral; however, I tailor-fit my treatment approach to each client in order to treat their individual and unique issues. I begin the therapeutic process by taking time to get to know the client and what he or she addresses in the therapy session so I can meet the client where he or she is at, build on strengths the client possesses, and collaboratively develop a treatment plan with the client in order to help him or her move forward. I believe I can help the client using this approach, especially since successful therapy depends on the therapeutic relationship between client and therapist.

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Alison Chrun

Offering therapy in CA
License: MA,LMFT
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsFamily conflictsSelf esteemDepression
8 years of experience

Hello, my name is Alison Chrun, MA, LMFT. I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist based out of California. I enjoy helping clients with a wide range of concerns including depression, anxiety, relationship issues, parenting problems, coping with addiction, stress and career challenges. I also help individuals who have suffered from trauma and emotional abuse. My therapeutic style is warm and understanding. I believe in meeting my clients where they're at and allowing them to move at their own pace while simultaneously challenging them to work towards their treatment goals. My approach combines solution-focus, cognitive-behavioral, humanistic counseling and a heavy focus on mindfulness. I believe in molding every therapeutic approach to the needs of each specific client. My availability on the text boards is sporadic. You will hear back from me generally within 24 hours unless I am scheduled to be on leave, which you will know about ahead of time. I do become more active on the text boards in the evening time and can engage in a back and forth text exchange at times. I offer Live Chats, Video Sessions and Live Phone Sessions. If you are in need of an appointment sooner than my availability, please feel free to mention it to me on the boards and I can attempt to fit you in. Reaching out for support is the first step in healing and also one of the hardest. This process can feel overwhelming and difficult. I am happy to walk this path of healing with you and look forward to speaking with you soon.

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Sara Markham

Offering therapy in CA
License: MA, LMFT
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesEating disordersSelf esteemDepression
3 years of experience

Combining empathy and intuition to understand every person and each situation, my goal is to support my clients with the compassion and genuine care that they deserve, taking into account their struggles, goals, hopes, desires, and histories. For me, it’s about building quality, unique and profound relationships with my clients, allowing me to give them the confidence to show them that change is, in fact, possible. I understand that every person is unique. Using a combination of therapy techniques, I am able to really meet my clients on a personal level, helping them clarify goals, find their self-confidence and become effective and intentional with their relationships. With a Masters in Marriage and Family Therapy and licensed in the state of California (44317), I have worked as a Marriage Counselor and Therapist for over 15 years, guiding individuals toward their goals, and watching as they achieve amazing strides in their relationships, in their workplace, and in their lives. We aim to work on communication skills, opening doors and creating effective ways to voice needs so you can be truly understood in all aspects of your life. Because of the approach I use, my experience, knowledge and passion for every client, I am able to empathize and understand each on a deeper level, allowing every client to feel change, even after the very first psychotherapy session. That is because I believe it’s not just about you and me, you and your spouse, or you and others, it’s about building a quality relationship with yourself, allowing for more clarity, understanding and appreciation. In this way, you can truly make the changes you wish to see, and see the improvements you never thought you could reach. This research is valuable for working with the clients I work with to foster new insight into their concerns and find solutions. The quality of the therapeutic relationship and empathic attunement lead those with relationship issues to think about their issues and how they need to change their interactions. Clients with eating disorders are supported in their search for understanding the function of their eating disorder and are guided through their recovery. As they recover, they will be able to think more clearly as their brains are getting the nourishment they need to stay healthy. Teens are unique in the kind of attunement they need and what they respond to. Through years of working with teens, I have been able to find a way of building rapport with them to influence change. When they feel understood and heard, they can make positive steps. I have been utilizing principles of research on the brain and the power of the mind in changing the structure and function of the brain. Through focusing attention on our internal world we are able to gain empathy and understanding for others allowing them to feel empathic attunement. Feeling attuned to can help one gain insight and understanding into their own internal processes which can cause one to change stuck and dysfunctional ways of relating. This process called Mindsight can actually change the course of your relationships and integrate areas of your history, beliefs, or trauma that weren’t integrated before. When we are able to modify our internal world we can change our patterns of relating to a more harmonious way of interacting. The therapeutic relationship is the conduit for increasing Mindsight and being able to look at the areas that are in need of the most attunement. Therapy with empathic attunement gives clients what they need in order to create change which is empowering for clients. This research is valuable for working with the clients I work with to foster new insight into their concerns and find solutions. The quality of the therapeutic relationship and empathic attunement lead those with relationship issues to think about their issues and how they need to change their interactions.

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Babak Karimbeik

Offering therapy in CA
License: LMFT
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsTrauma and abuseGriefDepression
7 years of experience

Severe life stressors like addiction due to drug & alcohol abuse & trauma have the potential to completely unravel the lives of human beings. As such, people who have been through traumatic or stressful experiences require healing in order to lead happier and more functional lives. It is such people that I help who also suffer from the disease of addiction. My clients include children, adults, and the families of addicted individuals. I also guide them towards healthier perceptions of themselves as well as their experiences. I also help them repair and strengthen their relationships so they a) have a support system to fall back on, and b) are able to better realize themselves within the context of their relationships. However, it is important to remember that there is no "one size fits all" in therapy. There is no universal approach that would help every individual. That is why I have been trained in a variety of modalities. These include Dialectical Behavior Therapy, Transpersonal Psychotherapy, Attachment-Based Therapy, Depth Psychology, Cognitive Therapy of Substance Abuse, Existential Therapy, Solution Focused Therapy, and EMDR which is my specialty. Because of this, I'm able to approach every client according to their unique situation and experiences. My educational background includes my current PhD program in Depth Psychology. I'm a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and was the clinical director of 6 detox & residential facilities including LifeSync Malibu, Rebos Detox, A Giving Tree, Hollywood Recovery Center, New Spirit Recovery, and Phase 2 ATC in Encino. I was the first to create LifeSync Malibu addiction residential program.

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Laura Hastings

Offering therapy in CA
Relationship issuesSelf esteemCareer difficultiesCoping with life changesCompassion fatigue
23 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 22 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with relationship issues, motivation, self esteem, and confidence, career difficulties, & coping with life changes. 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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Sharon Barbour

Offering therapy in CA
Trauma and abuseGriefSelf esteem
5 years of experience

In my practice, I focus on walking with clients through some of the most difficult events in their lives. Whether you've considered an experience “traumatic” or not, if it still haunts you or causes you uncomfortable physical responses like a racing heart or nausea, these can be treated with EMDR or Brainspotting. I, myself, am a trauma survivor, which is why I became a counselor/coach in the first place. I want to help others heal as I have. Utilizing modalities such as Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) can unlock sensations of safety, clarity and freedom in life. I am licensed in California and Indiana with 5 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with trauma and abuse, coping with grief and loss, finding self esteem, and building confidence. I work with my clients to create an open and safe environment where thoughts and feelings can be shared without fear of judgment. I know how scary and overwhelming the self healing process can seem. I want to encourage you to be compassionate and patient with yourself. Any and all progress is valuable, so please take these next steps with me.

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Michael Demoratz

Offering therapy in CA
GriefDepression
40 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 40 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients coping with grief, loss, depression, & compassion fatigue. I am considered and recognized as a subject matter expert in end-of-life care and have published extensively. I have a series of free videos available on YouTube.be 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 seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process.

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Shirley Cheney

Offering therapy in CA
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsAnger managementBipolar disorderDepression
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, coping with addictions, anger management, & bipolar disorder. 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 Heather Salazar's avatar and link to their profile

Heather Salazar

Offering therapy in CA
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsFamily conflictsSelf esteemDepression
8 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 8 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, coping with addictions, 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. 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 David Brownstein's avatar and link to their profile

David Brownstein

Offering therapy in CA
LGBTFamily conflictsParenting issuesADHD
33 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 33 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with lgbtq+ related issues, family conflicts, & parenting issues. I also have experience working with concentration, memory and focus (adhd). 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.

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How to find counseling in Menlo Park

Finding the best therapist close by in Menlo Park 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 Menlo Park. 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 Menlo Park, 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 Menlo Park 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 Menlo Park 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 Menlo Park, 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 Menlo Park area can be found below:

How does the cost of in-person counseling compare to the cost of BetterHelp with a licensed Menlo Park 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 Menlo Park 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 Menlo Park 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 Menlo Park, 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 Menlo Park 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 Menlo Park 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 Menlo Park 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 Menlo Park 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 Menlo Park 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 94025 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 Menlo Park 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 Menlo Park 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 Menlo Park, 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.

Menlo Park 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 Menlo Park.

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

94025, 94026

Popular cities near Menlo Park, CA

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