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 Lauren Miller's avatar and link to their profile

Lauren Miller

Offering therapy in CA
License: LCSW
Stress, AnxietySelf esteemCareer difficultiesDepressionCoping with life changes
5 years of experience

Hello! Asking for help during a difficult time is not easy, so I want to make sure you feel comfortable, heard, respected, and cared for as you process whatever you need help with. I hope to help by creating a safe place to let you explore what you need to feel better now and in the future. I have my Master's in Social Work and am licensed in California and Texas. In a family treatment center, I worked with children, adolescents, and adults struggling with depression, anxiety, suicidal ideation, self-harm, and trauma/abuse. I've also helped adults struggling with developmental disabilities, substance abuse addictions, adjustment disorder, and other mental health challenges discover and reach long and short term personal, emotional, and professional goals. I am a client-centered counselor focused on helping you reach your personal therapeutic goals during our time together. I believe in the power of the therapeutic relationship to help individuals and couples become more self aware and work through challenges they struggle with independently. I am trained in cognitive behavioral therapy, solution focused therapy, mindfulness, and motivational interviewing techniques. These tools help many individuals understand what they want from therapy, and help us work together to get you where you want to be. We go at the pace that you are ready for and I will check in to ensure that you are feeling comfortable with the pace and progress all along this journey. You've taken a great step towards enhancing your emotional and mental health. I look forward to working on the next steps with you.

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This is Christina Harley-Bishara's avatar and link to their profile

Christina Harley-Bishara

Offering therapy in CA
License: LMFT
Relationship issuesFamily conflictsParenting issuesSelf esteemCoping with life changes
22 years of experience

Asking for help can be so difficult, but you are not alone. Whether you are suffering from anxiety, depression, personal loss or chronic stress, I am here to help you. As a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with over 17 years of experience, I will help you find the tools to overcome the barriers that are stopping you from finding balance and happiness in your life. I provide a very safe, relaxed and non-judgmental environment, where we collaborate as a team to help you meet your personal goals. My approach is to be empathic and directive, tailored to your needs. I've worked with children, adolescents, couples, adults and families. However, because I've treated people of all ages, I have the skills to help you with a variety issues, including parenting, divorce, and family trauma/conflict. I'm here for you.

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This is Claire Nana's avatar and link to their profile

Claire Nana

Offering therapy in CA
License: LMFT
AddictionsTrauma and abuseAnger managementSelf esteemCoping with life changes
15 years of experience

I am a licensed marriage and family therapist with 15 years experience working as a psychotherapist and life coach. I work with a variety of concerns including trauma, addiction, body image and weight loss issues, relationship issues, and life purpose. I have also worked with many people recovering from mass traumas, such as school shootings. I have presented at International conferences and written 25 continuing education courses for psychotherapists. My goal is always to identify ways the practice of psychotherapy can be improved, and find new and innovative ways clinicians can help their clients. In my free time, I enjoy ultrarunning, bringing my three rescue horses up the levels in dressage and completing a long overdue manuscript. I believe in empowering my clients, treating them with respect, and honoring their life choices. I believe that the keys to improved mental health and happiness exist inside every client. My approach is existential in nature, and looks to help people find what is truly most important to them, and move in that direction. Together, I believe we can find a way to a fulfilling, rewarding, and meaningful life - regardless of what life has put you through. I look forward to working with you!

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This is Leslie Bauman 's avatar and link to their profile

Leslie Bauman

Offering therapy in CA
License: LMFT
Relationship issuesFamily conflictsIntimacy-related issuesParenting issuesSelf esteem
11 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 11 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with relationship issues, family conflicts, intimacy related issues, & parenting issues. 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 sign up for therapy can take courage and I am proud of you for getting started!

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Alia Smith

Offering therapy in CA
License: LMFT , MBA , CATC
AddictionsTrauma and abuseSelf esteemCoping with life changesADHD
15 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 15 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients of all ages and walk of life. I have assisted clients in their journey with coping with addictions, trauma and abuse, motivation, self esteem, and confidence, & 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. 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 Jess Quessenberry's avatar and link to their profile

Jess Quessenberry

Offering therapy in CA
License: MA,LMFT
LGBTTrauma and abuseIntimacy-related issuesSelf esteem
8 years of experience

Starting therapy can be a scary thing. For some people they may see it as admitting to being broken or too weak to handle their problems on their own. Others may see therapy as a waste of time or money. In reality we just need help or feel like the world is just too confusing and scary to understand or cope with. That makes total sense if we stop and look at the world around us. Sometimes life hits us so hard that we don't know what to do next. And I am here to help you figure it out along the way. Quick facts about me: My chosen name is Jess (my name right now has to match my professional license on here) 33 years old, Married, I have 2 young children. Non-binary transfemme she/they Trauma and Abuse History Autistic/ADHD My own style of counseling is more casual and I tend to use humor quite a bit. There is nothing you could do or say to shock or offend me; so don't worry about that and use what ever language you like.

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Chrystal Carlson

Offering therapy in CA
Trauma and abuseGriefIntimacy-related issuesSelf esteemCoping with life changes
25 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 25 years of professional work experience. 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 Marie Cholula's avatar and link to their profile

Marie Cholula

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

I am licensed in California with 5 years of professional work experience as a Licensed Marriage Family Therapist (LMFT) and Mental Health Clinician(MHCII). I also have 15 years of working as a Faith based Counselor, through the local church with in my community. I have experience in helping clients with moderate to Severe Mental Illness, including Shizophrenia, Schizoaffective, Anxiety, Depression, Stress, Panic Attacks, Relationship issues, Parenting issues, Anger management and Emotional Dysregulation. I work with my clients to create an open and safe environment where thoughts and feelings can be shared without fear of judgment, Utilizing CBT, DBT, Mindfulness, Meditation and Self Compassion Techniques. Taking the first step to sign up for therapy can take courage and I am proud of you for getting started, but you should be more proud of you!

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This is Melissa Behrends-Gelfman's avatar and link to their profile

Melissa Behrends-Gelfman

Offering therapy in CA
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsTrauma and abuseSelf esteemDepression
6 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 6 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, coping with addictions, 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. 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 Julianne Moreno's avatar and link to their profile

Julianne Moreno

Offering therapy in CA
Stress, AnxietyFamily conflictsParenting issuesSelf esteemCoping with life changes
11 years of experience

I became a therapist in 2013 after my own personal journey with therapy, so I believe in the process! I have learned and benefitted from incredible therapists who have partnered with me throughout the years, and I truly believe that therapy can be life changing. Some of the key aspects are trust between a therapist and client so that honesty and true reflection can take place. Directness, authenticity, understanding, and compassion are all key characteristics I bring into session, with a genuine desire to support you in reaching the goals you're seeking to achieve. I look forward to working with you!

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How to find counseling in Los Altos

Finding the best therapist close by in Los Altos can feel challenging, but know that once you narrow your search for a counselor serving your area, you can find a therapist in your city that is accepting new clients and fits your goals. Whether you're struggling with depression, anxiety, marriage, family issues, or other emotional challenges, feel proud that you have begun your search to find the mental health care services that work best for you in order to begin your personal journey towards emotional healing.

Understanding the type of therapy you'd like to search for is crucial before finding a therapist or psychologist in Los Altos. Perhaps you're interested in narrowing your search for a psychotherapist that can offer psychodynamic, cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), talk therapy, provide group therapy, marriage and family therapy for individuals or couples, or couples therapy. Each type of therapy can offer various benefits and address or treat different disorders. If you're still unsure or are new to counseling in Los Altos, feel free to contact the provider via email to find out which methods they practice.

It is also important to understand that mental health professionals in the United States are accredited to provide care, helping individuals and couples, with a variety of licenses. These include licensed marriage and family therapist (LMFT), licensed clinical social worker (LCSW), and clinical psychologist or doctor of psychology (PsyD). Regardless of their licensure, they are trained to treat individuals and couples counseling, and sometimes children, in any type of therapy. Find a therapist under any of these distinctions and know that the sessions they offer can provide a safe place to heal.

Mental health professionals working through their own in- person therapy practice in Los Altos or online may assist clients in improving healthy relationships, communication skills, working through life transitions, managing a mood disorder, improving coping skills, or change in negative thinking patterns. They may also provide a safe place and validation for clients experiencing emotional pain. Verified providers can provide licensed marriage and couples therapy, tailor to individual needs, and create a therapeutic relationship as a National Certified Counselor.

There are all kinds of therapists working with clients today across the United States and in the greater Los Altos area in different types of therapy, including:

  • CBT
  • DBT
  • Substance use therapy
  • Couples therapy

When you're ready to start your search and find therapists, have in mind what type of therapy you'd like your provider to be most experienced with and choose an experienced provider with a practice located near you in the city of Los Altos, elsewhere in Santa Clara, or in the greater state of California.

Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

Some other commonly asked questions on therapy with a licensed counselor and BetterHelp serving the Los Altos area can be found below:

How does the cost of in-person counseling compare to the cost of BetterHelp with a licensed Los Altos therapist?

The average price of an in-person therapy session in the US is $100 to $200 per hour. These prices may be higher in Los Altos due to a higher cost of living. The price also depends on the type of provider you are looking for. See the following average prices for various mental health providers without insurance:

  • Counseling with a psychiatrist: $150-$500
  • Counseling with therapists: $100-300
  • Therapy with a psychologist: $100

While many psychologists in Los Altos may not take health insurance, some in the state of California may work on a sliding scale, meaning they'll factor in your income and charge what you can afford per session. With BetterHelp or clinicians throughout the state of California you can expect significantly more affordable options, with sessions ranging from $65 to $100 per week (billed every four weeks).

How is a licensed therapist on this online therapy platform verified?

Therapists in Los Altos, California working on BetterHelp are licensed, trained, experienced, and accredited as a doctor of psychology (PhD / PsyD), licensed marriage and family therapists (LMFT), licensed clinical social worker (LCSW / LICSW), or licensed professional counselors (LPC). All of these psychology clinicians have a Masters Degree or a Doctorate Degree in their field of psychology sciences, and follow the APA Code of Ethics. They have been qualified and certified by their state's professional board after successfully completing the necessary education, exams, training and practice with a patient, and extensive experience in a healthcare clinic or treatment centers, in order to become a mental health provider. While their lived experience, expertise, careers, and background vary, they all possess at least 3 years and 1,000 hours of hands-on experience with adult and sometimes teen patients, and have the necessary therapist credentials to provide a safe space for long lasting emotional healing in therapy. 

Please note BetterHelp does not offer or provide care from psychiatrists to prescribe a drug as treatment, or perform psychological assessments.

How does working with a counselor in BetterHelp online therapy sessions work?

BetterHelp clinicians treat clients online across the United States (individuals and couples) through life transitions, inner child exploration, long term depression or anxiety, and more. An online mental health professional, including the therapists in Los Altos above, can work with young adults, children, adolescents, and adults virtually as an accredited licensed clinical social worker (LCSW) or licensed marriage and family therapist (LMFT). You do not have to commute to a an office as a psychotherapy client.

Through BetterHelp therapy, you can partake in video, phone, or live chat therapy sessions with your licensed therapist. You can work through various symptoms, use the in app journaling feature, and receive worksheets. You'll also find support groups or group therapy lead by a therapist in Los Altos helping individuals on topics including managing life transitions, symptoms affecting sexual health, behavioral health, coping skills for anxiety or depression, trauma, stress, marriage counseling, and more. 

What mental health issues can psychotherapy address?

BetterHelp's verified Los Altos therapists specialize and have clinical experience in a wide range of mental health issues and modalities, helping clients to feel better and improve their lives every day. See below for examples.

Specialties on BetterHelp include:

You may also be struggling with relationship problems that could be addressed in couples therapy or with a sex therapist. In that case, you may choose to work with one of BetterHelp's experienced cognitive-behavioral therapists or licensed marriage family therapists (LMFT) who work with clients in relationships. You can also try a Los Altos therapy provider through BetterHelp's sister platform, ReGain, which is dedicated to couples and spouses worldwide. 

How do I know if online counseling is right for my family?

One of the potentially rewarding aspects of working with a therapist is the validation and active listening they can provide. Your friends and loved ones may also be available to listen, but you may feel that they may lack the skills to provide objective guidance. Counselors are trained to respond to various concerns, symptoms, and mental health conditions.

A psychologist in your city can support you toward a healthier emotional state, regardless of your mental health, life concerns, or healing needs. While supporting individuals in developing healthier habits, another good benefit of therapy is having an understanding, safe space with a non-judgmental party who can support you through challenging experiences.

Many people have sensitive topics that they may feel ashamed to discuss with their friends or partner. A Los Altos therapist can help you confront these concerns and open up through unique methods of support. There are also many types of therapy, such as art therapy, where you may find you can express yourself through creativity instead of words.

With a lot of people in CA, providers may be booked out with clients. Through the list of profiles above and others within BetterHelp's team, you may be able to find a psychologist within 24 to 48 hours. If you're searching to find a a nearby psychotherapist close to 94024 or the surrounding zip codes, consider others available through the BetterHelp site. No matter if you are seeking help in your area or beyond, online therapy can be a great option.

How should I prepare for my first therapy session with a Los Altos counselor?

Before seeing your therapist, prep for your session by reading to understand the therapy process. You might write a list of questions you want to ask your psychotherapist, any emotional pain you may feel, and the ways in which you hope to improve. When you attend your session, let them know if you have any concerns about therapy or feel unsure about what to talk about. They may help guide you with open-ended therapeutic questions. The first session will often serve as an intake to get to know you as a person and learn why you're attending therapy.

Should I find a therapist or psychologist if I feel fine? 

Some simply don't feel the need to see a psychologist. However, some people may avoid attending therapy due to stigma or preconceived notions of what therapy entails. Although psychologists often support people with mental health conditions, you do not need a diagnosis or condition to attend therapy. You can discuss grief, relationship concerns, stress, or life changes and ask for general feedback and advice. A Los Altos licensed clinical social worker may help you gain power over your life and emotions while you navigate day-to-day experiences.

Gaining a new perspective on yourself through various therapies might allow you to improve your self-esteem, work through relationships, and gain a better sense of your mental health goals. The success you may find through therapy can be dependent on your process.

People may also attend therapy for specific motives, such as bullying, an autism diagnosis, a desire to learn mindfulness meditation, personality concerns, trouble with office workers, specific phobias, and many other principles.

Is mental health care and therapy worth it? 

Therapy is effective and has the power to change individuals' lives. Each client is at a different stage of their emotional healing journey in life, as each human can be unique in their personality, expression, skills, and goals. A psychologist can target various symptoms, experiences, and personalities to help you feel your best and put you on the path to healing. Unlike advice from a friend, family, or non-professional, a mental health professional has an understanding of various disorders like ADHD and depression with many hours of experience in treating adults in their practice. For this reason, seeing an evidence based psychologist in Los Altos, California can be worth it. Over 41 million adults in the US attend therapy services each year, showing it's a popular option and is proven to be effective.

Los Altos has many clinicians who practice person or client-centered individual therapy in-person and through online therapy to assist clients in their healing journey. If you opt into online therapy, you might also be able to meet with providers all over the United States and change therapists easily at any time. Many people struggling with anxiety and depression, substance abuse, body image issues, and more find therapists that are a good fit for them, feel supported, and gain further insight into their lives through internet-based therapy.

Do therapists judge you in therapy sessions?

The boundaries between you and a therapist are in place to help you and them regarding ethical concerns. Mental health professionals are held by ethical standards through the American Psychological Association (APA) and are not allowed to judge or harm their clients. If you are concerned about sharing details about yourself, feel free to withhold personal information. Their job in the therapeutic relationship is to create a safe place, help you gain a deeper understanding of your mental health, and support you. You might consider changing counselors if you don't feel safe or respected.

Stay up to date with the leading online counseling platform

To stay up to date with BetterHelp's initiatives through their social channels, you can follow them on Pinterest, LinkedIn, Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook. For mental health tips, check out the BetterHelp YouTube channel.

Take some time today to learn more about the team of therapists at BetterHelp to understand the services available to you clearly. If you are new to therapy or have any questions about the services and terms, please reach out through the contact page or send an email to contact@betterhelp.com.

If you’re ready to sign up for online therapy, consider signing up with a platform like BetterHelp and get matched within 24 to 48 hours.

If you are experiencing a crisis or emergency, don't use this site's online services. If you are in life-threatening danger, call 911. If you require support for a crisis, reach out to the hotlines below:

A woman meets with a therapist online in her home city of Los Altos.

Below are some of the zip codes served by BetterHelp therapists in Los Altos:

94022, 94023, 94024

Popular cities near Los Altos, CA

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