Saratoga is a bustling community within the county of Santa Clara, where it may feel like a small town, but it is actually named one of the most prosperous cities in the United States. In fact, according to CNN, over 70% of the households in Saratoga have incomes of more than $100 thousand and Forbes ranked it as one of the top 20 most educated cities in America. 

But, as we all know, money isn’t everything and it certainly cannot make you happy if your life is complicated by a mental health disorder. If you or someone you love needs emotional help, reach out to one of the many therapists or counselors in Saratoga today. 

This is Eliot Rosenstock's avatar and link to their profile

Eliot Rosenstock

Offering therapy in CA
License: M.A., Clinical Psychology
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesGriefBipolar disorderDepression
8 years of experience

Hello, my name is Eliot Rosenstock. I’m a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and I want to help you feel better. Let’s talk about what you want, and where you want to go in life. In my practice, I utilize dream analysis as well as a more cognitive-rational approach to integrate the unconscious and conscious mind to achieve your desired result from therapy. When you come to therapy, you want a concrete, positive change in your life. I don’t believe the idea that you come to therapy to feel better is very complex, nor do I believe you need your values totally rearranged to achieve a result which is life changing! Some therapists offer you a totally different way of seeing things, where as I want to offer you a clearer you. I don’t want to turn you into me, nor do I offer you a fast food religious experience. Through our conscious minds as well as our unconscious minds, we hold the key to a life where we feel better, more fulfilled, and less compromised by negative feelings and symptoms. Let’s help get you to the best you: feeling good, and thinking clearly!

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This is Monica Englander's avatar and link to their profile

Monica Englander

Offering therapy in CA
License: MSW,LCSW
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesSelf esteemDepressionCompassion fatigue
23 years of experience

I'm an LCSW with 20 years experience in counseling individuals, couples, families and groups. I specialize in issues of Self Esteem, and healing our own sense of being able to manage our lives, our relationships, and our feelings in positive and effective ways. I'm also very familiar with Corporate and EAP counseling, and supervising Interns who are working towards their license. My clients come from all backgrounds and life experiences, all kinds of careers, and often, clients who themselves work in the helping professions, from therapists to doctors and nurses, to teachers and caregivers. I'm respectful of culture, self-identity, and of beliefs: who you are and what has meaning for you are crucially important, and to the degree that these things are valued by you, the are valued by me. I believe in the dignity and human rights of all people. My counseling style is inquisitive and interactive -- I want to know what you need to tell me. I want to know what is causing your life to be anything less than pleasant, safe, and manageable. I want you to be okay, to feel okay, and to be confident in yourself and in your choices: I want you to feel safe, and that it is good to be you. Most of my clients present with some degree of past trauma, or injury to their sense of being worthy and needed -- there are wounds in all of us, whether we consider them minor or overwhelming. Life is not easy, and if we are carrying unhealed wounds, every setback, every disappointment can re-trigger those pains of the past. I find that once the major wound of how we see ourselves is healed -- when we see ourselves as someone we like and accept -- someone we trust --- then the rest of life's problems are much easier and quicker to resolve. Thanks for taking the time to read about how I can work with you. Not every therapist is a good fit for every client. I hope you've seen here something that clicks, that makes sense, and that feels safe and good to you. I'm very communicative, and I'll always want to know how you feel, what you think, and what you want. Your needs need to get met. I hope that I can help you do exactly that. I'm wishing you all the best, now and always. I believe all that it takes is a little help for us to find our way. I'm looking forward to meeting you soon.

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Leah Southwick

Offering therapy in CA
License: LMFT
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesFamily conflictsParenting issuesDepression
12 years of experience

Hi, I am Leah and I am a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. I have been licensed for 14 years. I just celebrated my 17 year wedding anniversary. I have an 11 year old and a 14 year old. Mood disorders, ADHD, addiction and autism run in our families. I went to UCLA undergrad and graduated Magna Cum Laude. I went to CIIS in San Francisco to get my Masters in Counseling Psychology. The program was the only one that interested me as it was experiential, emphasizing mindfulness meditation and your own personal growth, East and West psychology and had amazing teachers. I have worked with children, adolescents, adults and families. I believe in meeting people where they are at, building on their strengths and working collaboratively. I continue to work on myself and learn new skills and I look forward to working with you on this path toward healing and self discovery.

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Lisa Smith

Offering therapy in CA
Family conflictsTrauma and abuseGriefDepressionCoaching
5 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 15 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with family conflicts, trauma and abuse, coping with grief and loss, & depression. I believe in treating everyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion. I will tailor our dialog and treatment plan to meet your unique and specific needs. Taking the first step to seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process.

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Dr. Mario Nicolas

Offering therapy in CA
License: PhD
Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseSleeping disordersCareer difficultiesDepression
30 years of experience

Hi, I’m Dr. Mario Nicolas. I am a Ph.D. (Penn State, 2002) trained Clinical Psychologist, with extensive experience in military mental health (Maj [Ret. – 2014]; USAF), clinical neuropsychology (fellowship trained; Univ. of Virginia Medical School [2005-07]), and Primary Care Behavioral Health (PCBH; past-USAF program consultant [2015-20]). If you want to learn more, check me out on LinkedIn. I provide individual therapy to adults and am available on weekday evenings, some early weekday early-mornings, and weekend mornings. I consider myself a cognitive-behavioral therapist, strongly influenced by Acceptance Commitment Therapy (ACT). My style of interaction is patient-centered & culturally sensitive; and I consider hearing (not just listening to) my patient’s situation (your “story”) to be my most important task. I incorporate motivational interviewing, and the science of behavior-change, into everything that I do. At our initial visit we will go through what I describe as my "Game Plan" for working together. The "Game Plan" is a metaphor that many of my clients have found helpful for working with me -- in that it provides a "shared story" that we can use to navigate our work together. Here is the "Game Plan..." 1. We use the metaphor of a journey that you're on; and I am ONE OF your guides (friends, family members, mentors, etc. are also guides). 2. Help you understand the direction you're heading on this journey... This is your “North Star” or "Guiding Light..." essentially your “purpose” or your “values” -- the type of person you want to be in your life. NOTE: Your Values are different from your goals. The metaphor for the difference between the two is that Goals are like "destinations" (you can accomplish it) and Values are like "directions" (You don't ever get there... you just focus on moving forward and/or towards it). 3. Understand the concept of a “psychological toolbox” that is made up of certain tools. Our focus is on adding as many tools to your toolbox as we can. IMPORTANT: Our focus is not necessarily on finding tools that work... just ADDING TOOLS TO THE TOOLBOX. Important things to know about the "toolbox" are that: a) it is limitless and can never get too full, and b) the more tools you have in your toolbox the better you will feel about life. 4. Understand the the two main tools in the toolbox: A. INSIDE THE HEAD (ITH) tools: thoughts, images, sayings/mantras, memes, memories, the focus of your thoughts (past/present/future), your perspective B. OUTSIDE THE HEAD (OTH) tools: behaviors, reactions, hobbies/interests, body posture, facial expressions, things you do more/less, things you do/don’t do 5. Help you understand and recognize the tools that you use and, IMPORTANTLY, the tools that have become habits for you and/or have become "automatic.". The best way to recognize tools that have become automatic, is to pay attention to how you THINK, ACT, and/or FEEL. If you are THINKING/ACTING/FEELING in ways that just "don't feel right" that's a sign that you are using automatic tools that do NOT work for you. On the other hand, if you feel positive and healthy, that's a sign that you are using tools that DO work for you. 6. Once you recognize the tools that you’re using, you will learn how to ask yourself “Is this tool helpful or not helpful?” (based on how well it moves you TOWARDS or AWAY FROM your “North Star”) 7, If the tools work, we will help you to continue using them, and/or to strengthen your use of them. If they do not work , we will help you try out different ones and/or develop new ones. NOTE: Just because a tool does not work in one situation; it does not mean that it will not work in another situation. Therefore, you don't necessarily have to get rid of tools that aren't working. Also, even if you cannot get rid of, or change, a particular tool that is not helpful; you can learn to develop other types of tools that you can use to limit its impact (e.g., "watering down the liquor"). Don't worry if this "Game Plan" does not make too much sense for you; we will discuss it more during our first session. Likewise, if this "Game Plan" does not work for you, we will discuss addressing your therapy in a different way. I look forward to working with you!

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This is Mandana Shahoveisi's avatar and link to their profile

Mandana Shahoveisi

Offering therapy in CA
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesFamily conflictsSelf esteemDepression
20 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 20 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, & motivation, self esteem, and confidence. I believe in treating everyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion. I will tailor our dialog and treatment plan to meet your unique and specific needs. Taking the first step to seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process.

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This is Dana Walker's avatar and link to their profile

Dana Walker

Offering therapy in CA
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesSelf esteemDepressionCoping with life changes
8 years of experience

I am licensed in California with years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, motivation, self esteem, and confidence, & depression. I believe in treating everyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion. I will tailor our dialog and treatment plan to meet your unique and specific needs. Taking the first step to seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process.

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This is Cynthia Young's avatar and link to their profile

Cynthia Young

Offering therapy in CA
Stress, AnxietyGriefSelf esteemDepressionCoping with life changes
24 years of experience

I am licensed in California and Florida with 22 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. It takes courage to seek out a more fulfilling and happier life and to take the first steps towards a change. I am here to support & empower you in that journey.

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This is Oscar Armando's avatar and link to their profile

Oscar Armando

Offering therapy in CA
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesTrauma and abuseAnger managementDepression
17 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 17 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, trauma and abuse, & anger management. I believe in treating everyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion. I will tailor our dialog and treatment plan to meet your unique and specific needs. Taking the first step to seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process.

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This is Erika Mastrobuono's avatar and link to their profile

Erika Mastrobuono

Offering therapy in CA
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesParenting issuesDepressionCoping with life changes
14 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 12 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, parenting issues, & depression. I work with my clients to create an open and safe environment where thoughts and feelings can be shared without fear of judgment. It takes courage to seek out a more fulfilling and happier life and to take the first steps towards a change. I am here to support & empower you in that journey.

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How to find counseling in Saratoga

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

How does the cost of in-person counseling compare to the cost of BetterHelp with a licensed Saratoga 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 Saratoga 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 Saratoga 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 Saratoga, 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 Saratoga 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 Saratoga 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 Saratoga 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 Saratoga 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 Saratoga 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 95071 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 Saratoga 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 Saratoga 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 Saratoga, 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.

Saratoga 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 Saratoga.

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

95070, 95071

Popular cities near Saratoga, CA

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