In life, it can feel like you need some healing. A place for you to heal from your depression, or to heal from all the unanswered questions that come with your life. No matter where you go, however, it feels like no one can heal you. There is a person who can help, and that is a counselor in San Rafael. 

San Rafael is named after the angel of healing. While calling upon a healing angel can be a challenge, a counselor can help you in this mortal world. However, they help those who can help themselves and follow their plans. Talk to one today and see how they can help.

This is Dr. syma ralston's avatar and link to their profile

Dr. syma ralston

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

I am an experienced clinical psychologist who has worked with individual adults of all ages, with couples and with families. I have been a director of training and have educated doctoral level interns. I have supervised mental health professionals, worked as director of the Counseling Center at Indian Health Center of Santa Clara Valley, as Chief Clinician at Jewish Family Services of Silicon Valley, and as a Supervising Psychologist at Walter Reed Medical Center. I have had a private practice throughout my career. I am especially interested in providing couples counseling and working with individuals who have have suffered trauma, whether in childhood or adulthood, whether as civilians or while in the military. I am open to treating people of all cultures, religions , races and sexual orientations. I use whichever approach works best for my clients, helping them achieve their goals.

Get started View profile
This is Pamela Coleman's avatar and link to their profile

Pamela Coleman

Offering therapy in CA
License: LMFT
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsFamily conflictsTrauma and abuseDepression
20 years of experience

I am a Marriage and Family Therapist in California, with 20 years experience working with children, adolescents, and adults. I enjoy working with individuals, couples and families. I have training in many evidence based modalities including cognitive behavioral therapy, solution focused therapy, dialectical behavioral therapy, motivational interviewing, and many more. My viewpoint is derived from Attachment Theory. Whether you are currently suffering from depression, anxiety, anger issues, substance use disorders or relationship issues, I am ready to help you start your journey to meet your treatment goals, whatever they may be. My approach is a warm, empathetic one, seasoned with honesty and straightforwardness. Together, we can begin a new path to your better life. I look forward to meeting with you. Let's get started!!

Get started View profile
This is Dr. Benedicte Last's avatar and link to their profile

Dr. Benedicte Last

Offering therapy in CA
License: PsyD
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesFamily conflictsTrauma and abuseGrief
9 years of experience

In my long career as a parent, a therapeutic horseback riding instructor, a school counselor and a psychologist, I have learned the following truths: We are all on our path, always striving to heal ourselves. Emotion is the language of the body, communication to our soul. We can recognize where we need to go, by following our enthusiasm. It is okay to ask for what you need and receive help and encouragement. We learn and heal best through play, making mistakes, and trying again. All situations can be turned therapeutic. You may feel you have lost your way, or that your feelings and emotions are running away with you. You may not know what to do with yourself, or with your child. You may have lost your enthusiasm for life, or don’t know how to ask for what you need. Or maybe you are so afraid of making a mistake. I understand, I have been there, too. And you can find your enthusiasm as well, as a human being, as a parent, as child, a partner, a friend or a co-worker. I can help you find the building blocks you need to build your better life. Let’s talk and play this out together.

Get started View profile
This is Erean Larry-Fiakpuyi's avatar and link to their profile

Erean Larry-Fiakpuyi

Offering therapy in CA
Stress, AnxietyFamily conflictsTrauma and abuseGriefDepression
22 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 22 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, family conflicts, trauma and abuse, & coping with grief and loss. 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.

Get started View profile
This is Melissa Lehrich's avatar and link to their profile

Melissa Lehrich

Offering therapy in CA
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesFamily conflictsGriefDepression
25 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, family conflicts, & coping with grief and loss. 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.

Get started View profile
This is Heather Fairfax's avatar and link to their profile

Heather Fairfax

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

I am licensed in Virginia and California with 7 years of professional counseling experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, trauma and abuse, coping with grief and loss, & motivation, self esteem, and confidence. Taking the first step to seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process. As a faith-based counselor, I view therapy with a deep understanding of the spiritual aspects of life, which can be an integral part of your healing journey. My therapeutic approach is rooted in Solution-Focused Therapy, where we focus on identifying and building upon your strengths to create positive change. I believe in a client-centered approach, meaning that you are the expert of your own life, and I am here to provide a supportive and guiding role as we navigate through challenges together. One thing you'll notice about my counseling style is that I'm pretty laid back. I believe in creating a comfortable and non-judgmental environment where you can feel at ease to share your thoughts and emotions. Laughter can be a powerful tool in healing, so don't be surprised if you find me using humor to lighten the mood when appropriate. My primary goal is to foster a supportive, caring, and compassionate therapeutic relationship with you. I deeply value the trust you place in me, and I assure you that your well-being and growth are at the heart of our work together. Life can present us with various hurdles, and seeking help is a courageous step toward self-discovery and personal growth. Together, we will explore your challenges, set achievable goals, and work towards positive solutions that align with your values and aspirations. I sincerely hope that I can be a part of your journey. I am genuinely honored to walk beside you and provide the guidance and support you need to thrive.

Get started View profile
This is Bente Hansen's avatar and link to their profile

Bente Hansen

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

I am licensed in California with over 20 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.

Get started View profile
This is Arlene Drake's avatar and link to their profile

Arlene Drake

Offering therapy in CA
LGBTFamily conflictsTrauma and abuseIntimacy-related issuesCoping with life changes
40 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 40 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with lgbtq+ related issues, family conflicts, trauma and abuse, & intimacy related issues. 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.

Get started View profile
This is Sally Dunn's avatar and link to their profile

Sally Dunn

Offering therapy in CA
AddictionsLGBTTrauma and abuseBipolar disorderDepression
26 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 26 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with coping with addictions, lgbtq+ related issues, trauma and abuse, & bipolar disorder. 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.

Get started View profile
This is Joanne Nitchman's avatar and link to their profile

Joanne Nitchman

Offering therapy in CA
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesTrauma and abuseGriefDepression
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, relationship issues, trauma and abuse, & coping with grief and loss. 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!

Get started View profile

How to find counseling in San Rafael

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

How does the cost of in-person counseling compare to the cost of BetterHelp with a licensed San Rafael 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 Rafael 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 Rafael 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 Rafael, 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 Rafael 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 Rafael 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 Rafael 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 Rafael 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 Rafael 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 94913 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 Rafael 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 Rafael 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 Rafael, 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 Rafael 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 San Rafael.

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

94901, 94903, 94913, 94915

Popular cities near San Rafael, CA

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