Your mind can feel like a complex piece of technology. When it’s going through a problem, you may feel like you don't have the resources to fix it. You're just a layman, after all. Who can help? A counselor based in Santa Clara can help you fix your mind by troubleshooting it and looking for the best possible solution. 

Santa Clara is known for being smack dab in the center of Silicon Valley, the tech capital of the US. Strong minds are needed for our technology to run, but who helps run the strong minds? The counselors of Santa Clara, of course. 

This is Kelli Prisbe's avatar and link to their profile

Kelli Prisbe

Offering therapy in CA
License: LCSW
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesGriefParenting issues

I believe that all people are intelligent and capable of helping themselves. With the assistance of a counselor who can ask you the right questions, provide a safe and supportive environment, and encourage you to express and process your feelings, you can harness your power and take control of your life. My name is Kelli Prisbe, and I have been a social worker and counselor for over 20 years. I obtained my master's degree in social work in 1994 and my clinical social work license in 1999. My areas of experience include children and adults with special needs and their families, general parenting, women's concerns, including life transitions, sexual assault, and domestic violence, depression/anxiety, and senior and end-of-life issues. I believe strongly in each person's self-determination and ability to maximize his/her strengths in order to make improvements and achieve a satisfying life. I take a cognitive-behavioral approach, helping my clients to recognize and challenge the thoughts and beliefs that are making them unhappy and learn to think in healthier ways. This active type of therapy, which sometimes includes short homework assignments, typically helps clients to improve their negative moods or behaviors more quickly. Outside of my counseling private practice, I am a mom to three beautiful children. I have personally dealt with infertility, premature birth of my twins and subsequent NICU stay, and raising a child on the autism spectrum. I also work part-time as a home health social worker. I enjoy exercise, hiking, reading, eating wonderful food, and mostly being with my family.

Get started View profile
This is Kasimu-Richard Harley's avatar and link to their profile

Kasimu-Richard Harley

Offering therapy in CA
License: LMFT,Ed.D.
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesFamily conflictsTrauma and abuseDepression
27 years of experience

I am an American with African roots who grew up in Pennsylvania. My journey to become a Licensed Marriage Family Therapist in California is a composite of all the life experiences that I have had privilege of having. I am a husband, father, brother, uncle, and son who has served in the United States Marine Corps (USMC) during the Vietnam Era. I am a student of life and the opportunities it provides individuals to rise above adversity and trauma. For more than two decades I have helped individuals and groups address the intrinsic social and emotional barriers that hinder their ability to thrive. A core belief that I have is we are all born, ‘Awesome’ and oftentimes we encounter pivotal events in our lives that cause our personal and emotional growth to become stunted. I served as a mental health therapist in both outpatient and residential treatment facilities serving adolescents and adults with substance use and mental wellness issues. My work in educational settings focused on removing socio-emotional barriers that impeded student learning. In addition, I provided stress reduction and work-balance coaching to teachers and administrators. The treatment approach that I utilized is systemic and eclectic. Using cognitive therapy, motivational interviewing, and mindfulness practices I can help individuals work through depression, anxiety, grief, trauma, and loss, etc. Let us work together to empower you to “Walk in Your Awesomeness”.

Get started View profile
This is Peggy Lingard's avatar and link to their profile

Peggy Lingard

Offering therapy in CA
License: MSW,LCSW
Stress, AnxietyGriefSelf esteemDepressionCoping with life changes
40 years of experience

When I moved to California to accept the job of my dreams I experienced a significant JOLT! Nearly everything in my life changed - I lost a lot of my support system, I lost some of my self, I lost my ability to tap into my strengths and positives in my life. Fortunately I was guided to an excellent therapist who encouraged me to invest in people and activities that brought joy. The most important lesson I learned was to talk less and DO more! I re-connected with nature and began painting - and I still love to paint after 18 years. What is your story? What do you fear? What strengths can you count on? I was fortunate to train with professionals who are at the top of our field. I've mastered Family Systems Theory, Problem-solving, Divorce Mediation, Solution Focus and Narrative Therapy, Dialectical Behavior Therapy, Resilience and Mindfulness. If you would like to know more about evidence-based therapies I'm glad to share the research and my thoughts about what is effective. However, after many years sitting with people who are experiencing anxiety from change, confusion about growth, grief or loss I believe that the alliance between therapist and client is the number one factor for success and change. So, we can borrow or practice anything from these excellent therapies I listed - for example, using mindfulness or distress tolerance skills from Dialectical Behavior Therapy - but I will always honor our alliance and insure that you feel heard and that you are my partner in directing therapy. A bit more about me - I am a Lesbian. I have three grown children and a wife who is African American. I don't claim to have mastered all the diversity in my life. That is a life-long journey. I feel graced by these layers of respect, forgiveness, open-heartedness and curiosity in relationships. I would not change any discomfort for what I have shared. So, I am excited to work with anyone who is willing to increase transparency and to let go of what is not working. My experience may be an asset, but I assure you that the best I can offer is to see each of you with fresh eyes. You are the strongest ingredient in growing your life.

Get started View profile
This is Dr. Pegah Lahijanian's avatar and link to their profile

Dr. Pegah Lahijanian

Offering therapy in CA
License: M.S. ,LMFT ,Psy.D.
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesParenting issuesSelf esteemDepression
11 years of experience

Hello! If you're here, then it means that you're looking to better help yourself. Finding the right therapist can be hard, but I strongly believe that the key is finding a genuine connection and a sense of comfort with your therapist. Whatever has led you to this point, I commend you. I’m excited for you to begin this journey, whether it’s with me or with another therapist. Here’s some information for you to decide if you would think we would be a good match to work together. I'm a licensed marriage and family therapist, and have been working in the field for the past 11 years. I received my MFT from California State University, Northridge, and my doctoral degree in applied clinical psychology from The Chicago School of Professional Psychology. A large majority of my initial training and experience has been working with adults dealing with anxiety, depression, communication problems, and relationship issues. My counseling style is welcoming, warm, empowering, and interactive. My approach combines a mix of psychodynamic, cognitive behavioral, and solution focused counseling. I strongly believe that everyone goes through this process at their own speed. My main focus is to help guide you and tailor your treatment plan to meet your specific needs. It takes a lot of courage to want to make changes and work on yourself. If you’re ready to take the next steps, I’m here and ready to work with you.

Get started View profile
This is Erin Robertson's avatar and link to their profile

Erin Robertson

Offering therapy in CA
License: M.S. ,LMFT
Stress, AnxietyParenting issuesDepressionADHD
8 years of experience

I am a family and marriage counselor licensed in California with over 8 years of experience working as a therapist. I have worked with clients with a wide range of concerns including depression, anxiety, ADHD, relationship issues, parenting problems, behavioral issues, gender and sexuality, and college and career challenges. I have also helped many people who have experienced physical trauma, emotional and physical abuse, chemical dependency, homelessness, and divorce. I have over five years of experience serving children, adolescents, and teens, through a variety of concerns including depression, anxiety, divorce, ADHD, and academic and behavioral challenges. I have a client-centered approach and I believe that you are the author of your own story; I am merely here to help lead your sessions, and support you along your journey. I believe in treating everyone whom I have the pleasure of working with respect, sensitivity, and compassion--and I will show up for you wherever you are at in your life. My approach combines Dialectic Behavioral Therapy (DBT), cognitive-behavioral, humanistic, and psychodynamic counseling. I will tailor our dialog and treatment plan to meet your unique and specific needs. I don't believe that any of us were created to do life alone. We were not created to feel lonely, or pained by sadness or confusion from our past. I look forward to creating a relationship with you that will inspire and empower you, helping to promote healing, growth, and change. I look forward to working with you!

Get started View profile
This is Candace Taggart's avatar and link to their profile

Candace Taggart

Offering therapy in CA
License: LMFT
Stress, AnxietyFamily conflictsTrauma and abuseGriefDepression
6 years of experience

I am a licensed therapist (LMFT) in California, with 6 years of experience providing therapy services to individuals (children and adults), families, couples, and groups. I have worked with clients who express a wide range of concerns including: depression, anxiety, relationship difficulties, parenting difficulties, career challenges, psychosis, eating disorders, emotion regulation difficulties, and impairments in attention and focus. I particularly enjoy assisting individuals who have experienced trauma and abuse. My therapy style is warm and collaborative I Approach therapy with the intent to provide a safe environment in which you feel understood, supported, and connected. so you can explore the current difficulty and select helpful interventions and solutions. My interactions typically involve approaches, interventions, and modalities from solution focused, narrative, cognitive-behavioral, humanistic, psychodynamic and dialectical-behavioral therapies. I also heavily pull interventions from programs associated with trauma and substance use. I will collaboratively tailor your treatment plan to meet your unique and specific needs. It takes courage to seek a more fulfilling and happier life and to take the first steps towards change. If you are ready to take that step, I am here to support and empower you. I look forward to working with you.

Get started View profile
This is Patricia Temple's avatar and link to their profile

Patricia Temple

Offering therapy in CA
License: LMFT
Relationship issuesFamily conflictsIntimacy-related issuesParenting issues
40 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 25years and more of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with relationship issues, family conflicts, & intimacy related issues. I also have experience working with parenting issues. Working with each individual within the family brings in their unique personality and characteristics which makes this particular group also unique and exciting to work with. 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!

Get started View profile
This is Ann Laing's avatar and link to their profile

Ann Laing

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

Change often brings stimulation and renewed energy. However, when change is sudden and/or painful, life can become unfamiliar and challenging. With someone to guide and ground us during these unsettling times, we can benefit, heal and even grow. I'm available to be that someone for you. I am Ann Laing, 30 years a California licensed therapist, accompanying clients towards a more purposeful and meaningful life-one that is more than just enduring. I've extensive experience with issues surrounding grief, loss, relationship difficulties, stress, anxiety, as well as anger management.

Get started View profile
This is Kaisha Keith's avatar and link to their profile

Kaisha Keith

Offering therapy in CA
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesTrauma and abuseGrief
19 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 15 years of professional work experience. I have expertise helping clients with stress and anxiety, addictions, trauma and abuse, & 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. 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
This is Domonqe Walker's avatar and link to their profile

Domonqe Walker

Offering therapy in CA
Eating disordersSelf esteemBipolar disorderDepressionADHD
7 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 7 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with eating disorders, motivation, self esteem, and confidence, bipolar disorder, ADHD, anxiety, & depression. 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!

Get started View profile

How to find counseling in Santa Clara

Finding the best therapist close by in Santa Clara 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 Santa Clara. 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 Santa Clara, 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 Santa Clara 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 Santa Clara 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 Santa Clara, 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 Santa Clara area can be found below:

How does the cost of in-person counseling compare to the cost of BetterHelp with a licensed Santa Clara 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 Santa Clara 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 Santa Clara 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 Santa Clara, 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 Santa Clara 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 Santa Clara 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 Santa Clara 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 Santa Clara 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 Santa Clara 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 95054 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 Santa Clara 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 Santa Clara 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 Santa Clara, 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.

Santa Clara 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 Santa Clara.

Below are some of the zip codes served by BetterHelp therapists in Santa Clara:

95050, 95051, 95052, 95053, 95054, 95055, 95056

Popular cities near Santa Clara, CA

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