San Anselmo’s most prominent resident has been George Lucas, creator of Star Wars. Star Wars is an epic battle of wit, skill and luck over the course of several full length films. Life can also seem like an epic battle, one that rages inside of ourselves while we struggle to cope. If you are facing your own internal battle, there is help available to you.

Counselors in the San Anselmo area are standing by to offer their support to help you fight your own personal battles. Whether the battle is raging within or is caused by external forces, therapists can help. Contact a counselor today.

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Octavia Fukino

Offering therapy in CA
License: MA,LMFT ,LPCC
Relationship issuesTrauma and abuseGriefCoping with life changesCompassion fatigue
7 years of experience

Hello, and welcome to Better Help! My name is Octavia Fukino, and I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) as well as Licensed Clinical Psychologist(LPCC). I have over 7 years of experience doing counseling, four of them pre- license and four years after licensing. I completed my Bachelor's degree at UCLA in 1990, and my Masters in Counseling Psychology at Argosy University in 2013. I specialize in treating Trauma as well as relationship issues, and also work with substance abuse clients. Before COVID-19, my focus was private practice and doing counseling in person. It is important to me to connect with clients and establish trust and warmth. Due to this pandemic, Telehealth Video has become more normal and I see that the relationship does not necessarily suffer from not being together in and office, and it can be more convenient for clients to not travel as much. My passion for counseling has always existed, but it was on hold when I raised my two adopted children. They are adults now and I am very proud of them. I was married for 25 years to their father, but that marriage ended in divorce due to very painful betrayal. After this I went back to school and focused on building a meaningful career. Given my personal experience, I focus on attachment issues, trauma, relationships, and grief/loss. Therapy and counseling were a key part of my own journey to healing, and I wanted to make sure to help others struggling like I did through pain and codependency. You have reached out and are thinking about getting help. It is wonderful and scary as well. Please know that change is possible. Healing is possible. You are a lot stronger and wiser than you may think. It would be wonderful to work with you and find YOU.

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Janel Guinane

Offering therapy in CA
License: LCSW
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsParenting issuesSelf esteemDepression
10 years of experience

My career in the helping professions started in 1997 at a residential program in San Francisco working with adults with substance use issues and co-occurring mental health disorders. At this time, one did not need a degree in substance use counseling to work in this area and I was able to gain a great deal of experience. This launched a long road of determination to attain a Bachelor's degree in Social Work in 2008 and then a Master's in Social Work in 2010. Throughout my educational years and afterward, I worked with several different populations such as children, teens, TAY, former foster youth, homeless youth, adults with mental illness, homeless adults, and those arrested for alcohol and/or drug related offenses. I am currently a Program Manager of a Clinic that assesses individuals with mental health disorders for County treatment services as well as a homeless day respite center that connects unhoused persons with housing, food, healthcare, etc. My treatment approach is one that is Client-Centered, Strength's-Based, and Humanistic. I utilize Motivational Interviewing to gain knowledge into my Client's perspective and objectives. I believe that every person in an expert in their own life and that I act only as a guide and collaborator to help my clients reach their goals and enrich their lives. I have had experiences working with those with depression, anxiety disorders, trauma, eating disorders, PTSD, schizophrenia and various other conditions. My goal is to work with the client on their goals and not to give advice, which I find is less than effective. Many times individuals already know what they need and are seeking guidance, clarity, and the care of someone to be authentic and responsive to those needs.

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Roosevelt Jordan

Offering therapy in CA
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsRelationship issuesFamily conflictsDepression
20 years of experience

Hello, my name is Roosevelt J. Jordan, and I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. I have been a professional helper for more than 30 years and have worked with diverse populations and age groups. As a professional helper, I am convinced that the key to life is relating to self and others. Therefore, my first objective when establishing a professional caring relationship is to build trust. I accomplish this through empathetic and active listening. Also, I believe all individuals are spiritual beings and the whole person must be considered in order to support and help others heal and live better. The strength of my professional caring is my life experiences and intuition; not discounting my professional development. Specialties: Children disorders & behavior issues Bipolar disorder Depression Anxiety disorders Family relationships Children and family issues Obsessive Compulsive disorder Substance abuse & addiction recovery Therapeutic approach: Cognitive Behavior Therapy Rogerian/Person Centered Mindfulness Motivational interviewing Psychotherapy Psychodrama Play therapy

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Dr. Tara Neavins

Offering therapy in CA
AddictionsLGBTTrauma and abuseSleeping disordersAnger management
18 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 18 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with coping with addictions, lgbt-related issues, trauma and abuse, & sleeping 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.

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Connie St. James

Offering therapy in CA
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesSelf esteemCoping with life changesCoaching
3 years of experience

Do you ever feel alone and overwhelmed when facing life decisions? This could involve a relationship, your work/career, the aging process, or anything else that creates anxiety and stress for you. I can help. Of course, you will want to know my educational and licensing background: I received a Batchelor’s degree in Psychology from California State University, Northridge in 1987 and a Master’s degree in Marriage, Family and Child Therapy in 1989 from California Family Study Center (now known as Phillips Graduate University). After completing a 3000-hour internship, I took my state written and oral examinations and, in 1992, I received my license from the State of California as a Marriage and Family Therapist. You will also want to know my counseling background: During my internship, I worked with clients who expressed dissatisfaction with parts of their lives and a desire to make their lives better. Most of their discontent was due to problems in various types of personal and work-related relationships, and we worked together to alleviate feelings of anxiety and stress. During my internship, I also spent some time training in a psychiatric hospital setting, in a drug/alcohol abuse center and in a facility for abused children. Once my internship was completed, I had a small private practice in West Los Angeles. Eventually, I met my now-husband, moved to Palm Desert, and had a small private practice there until we moved to Santa Barbara. In addition to a private practice in Palm Desert I worked in a hospital there facilitating groups which focused on issues with major depression. My husband’s work took us to Santa Barbara, and I changed my license status to inactive so I could help him in his business. After five years in Santa Barbara, my husband retired, and we moved to Auburn in Northern California where I worked for over twenty years in real estate. Although I did not work as a counselor since we moved from Palm Desert, I continued to rely on my education and experience as a counselor in both my personal and work-related relationships. In addition, I have used those tools as I have faced my own aging process. Now that I am in my own “winter years,” I have had a strong desire to be of help once again to people who want to make their lives better. I am confident that my 60+ years of life experience along with my education and previous counseling experience give me what is needed to help others with their relationship issues, motivation, self-esteem, confidence, and coping with life changes. Finally, you will want to know what my approach to counseling is: I rely on a combination of Person-Centered, Cognitive, and Behavioral theories. I am patient, empathic, and non-judgmental. My objective is to create a safe space where you can discover how to make your life better. Together, we will work on defining and understanding “your story.” You will provide the content by telling me “your story.” What is working. What isn’t working. Your goals. Your expectations for counseling. Your story will include your joy, your sadness, your anger, and your fear. I will focus on your feelings as well as your thoughts and your behaviors so we can figure out how these things may contribute to your unhappiness, disappointments, frustrations, and life dissatisfaction. I will help you identify feelings that you can’t. I will help you identify any detrimental thoughts and behaviors. Sometimes I will ask for clarification to make sure I understand. Sometimes I will probe to help expand the content of “your story” and help you edit it as needed to create clarity. You will decide if/when your goals change and when counseling should come to an end. Although ‘your story’ will continually change throughout all your life, you will decide when you are ready to work on “your story” on your own. When that time comes, you will let me know so that we can start the process of ending our work together. I will tailor our work together so that it meets your unique and specific needs. Taking the first step to sign up for therapy can take courage and I am proud of you for getting started! I look forward to joining you for a little while on your journey to a happier, more contented life.

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Gia Castiglia Schwarzer

Offering therapy in CA
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesGriefParenting issuesSelf esteem
7 years of experience

I am a California licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) with 7 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress, anxiety, relationship and parenting issues. I believe that you are the expert of your story and that you already have many of the strengths that will assist you in overcoming the challenges in your life. I obtained my undergraduate degrees, a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in Psychology and Political Science from U.C. Irvine and I earned my Master of Arts (M.A.) in Psychology from Chapman University in Orange, CA. After getting my license and working in the field of psychotherapy, I took time off to have a family before returning to counseling. I have worked in private practice and in schools. I am also dually certified in Equine Assisted Growth and Learning Association (EAGALA) as both a Mental Health Practitioner and an Equine Specialist. My therapeutic approach is based in working with the client to help guide them in finding, within themselves, the solutions that best meet their needs. As mentioned above, I believe you are the expert on you and uncovering solutions that you will most naturally and comfortably use is the goal. Becoming aware of and tapping into those hidden resources and then connecting them to your life situations will be part of our work together. I do use some Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy as well as Interpersonal Therapy resources to assist in recognizing and uncovering solutions. Taking that first step to sign up for therapy can take courage and shows your willingness to tackle some areas of your life that just aren't working the way you would like. I am proud of you for getting started!

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Bruce Bates

Offering therapy in CA
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesGriefAnger managementCoping with life changes
23 years of experience

I am a licensed therapist with 23 year of clinical experience in the state of California . I specialize in Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) which is an evidence based theropy that is highly effective in treating anxiety, stress, anger issues, emotion regulation issues, relatioinship issues and life changes. DBT combines cognitive behavioral treatment with mindfulness based awarenss and skill building to improve coping skills and address symptomes. Treatment will focus on your specific needs. While it takes courage to move beyond the fear and to reach out for help I am confident we can work together to reach your goals and improve your quality of life.

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Rebecca Prager

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

I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in California with over 25 years of professional work experience with a wide range of young people, adults, families and community groups. I am also a massage therapist and birth doula, and approach therapy as part of healing your whole self. Our areas of focus could include: visioning your best life and taking the steps to get there; coping with stress, depression and/or anxiety; integrating trauma ; coping with grief and loss; building self-esteem and confidence. I believe that you hold wisdom in your story. You have innate strengths that will support you in facing and metabolizing challenges, which leads to healing and the ability to thrive. Taking the step to start therapy takes time, courage, curiosity and commitment. Thank you for starting on this journey and I look forward to working together!

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Kristin Trevino

Offering therapy in CA
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesTrauma and abuseGriefSelf esteem
18 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 18 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. 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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Jamie Brown

Offering therapy in CA
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesGriefSelf esteemCoping with life changes
12 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 9 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, coping with grief and loss, & motivation, self esteem, and confidence. I believe in treating everyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion. I will tailor our dialog and treatment plan to meet your unique and specific needs. It takes courage to seek out a more fulfilling and happier life and to take the first steps towards a change. I am here to support & empower you in that journey.

How to find counseling in San Anselmo

Finding the best therapist close by in San Anselmo 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 San Anselmo. 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 San Anselmo, 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 San Anselmo 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 San Anselmo 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 San Anselmo, elsewhere in Marin, 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 San Anselmo area can be found below:

How does the cost of in-person counseling compare to the cost of BetterHelp with a licensed San Anselmo 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 San Anselmo 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 San Anselmo 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 San Anselmo, 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 San Anselmo 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 San Anselmo 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 San Anselmo 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 San Anselmo 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 San Anselmo 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 94960 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 San Anselmo 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 San Anselmo 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 San Anselmo, 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.

San Anselmo 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 PinterestLinkedInInstagramTwitter, 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 San Anselmo.

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

94960, 94979

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