Nicknamed the “Hub of Sonoma County,” Cotati, California is a small city about 45 miles north of San Francisco with about 7455 inhabitants. The Mexican government gave the land where Cotati sits to Rancho Cotate in July of 1844 as payment as a soldier. It was named after the Coastal Miwok Village of Kotati.

When you find yourself wondering where your name came from and start checking out your history, it is a good idea to find out about your family’s medical history as well. Some illnesses are hereditary such as mental illnesses that can strike anyone at any time with no warning. Talk to one of the Cotati area counselors if you have any mental or emotional concerns.

Psychologist Amanda Garrick providing different types of therapy in Cotati

Amanda Garrick

Clinician
License Type(s): LCSW
Mental Wellness Specialties: Stress, AnxietyAddictionsFamily conflictsTrauma and abuseDepression
17 years offering treatment

Hello I'm Amanda and I am very excited about this opportunity to connect with you through Better Help. I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) with over 20 years of work experience in the field of mental health and social services. I received my Bachelor of Science in Human Development with an emphasis in Applied Developmental Psychology and a Minor in Psychology from California Polytechnic State University in San Luis Obispo, California. I later received my Master of Social Work (MSW) from California State University Long Beach and obtained my LCSW in 2005. I have worked primarily in Los Angeles County provided treatment to individuals experiencing symptoms of depression, anxiety, trauma related disorders, substance use disorders, and severe, persistent mental illnesses. I am very passionate about my work and feel it is essential that clients feel accepted and supported during the therapeutic process. I have training in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy , Problem Solving Treatment and Mindfulness Therapy and have a great deal of experiencing doing crisis intervention, risk assessment, and empowering others to develop and enhance their coping strategies. I know how difficult it can be for people to seek mental health treatment but believe this is the beginning of the healing process and the first step toward self improvement. I am truly looking forward to working with you and supporting you through this journey.

Psychologist Marissa Shennan providing different types of therapy in Cotati

Marissa Shennan

Clinician
License Type(s): LMFT
Mental Wellness Specialties: Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesTrauma and abuseDepressionCoping with life changes
3 years offering treatment

If you’re looking for a therapist with a great mix of empathy and compassion, a collaborative nature, and a straightforward approach, with over a decade of experience working with both everyday as well as complex needs, I may be a good fit for you. I am licensed in several states and have several years of experience making telehealth and virtual therapy both helpful and effective, whether we’re working to manage everyday life stressors, or more intensive concerns, such as trauma. Think of me as a co-pilot in this journey – we will work together to identify our destination and goals, as well as tailor ways to make the improvements and changes you desire. I utilize a variety of theoretical approaches, interventions and modalities to make therapy impactful, supportive, and effective. I also have extensive experience working with trauma, attachment, EMDR, cognitive-behavioral therapies, solution-focused approaches, and more, which I will draw from to personalize a plan to get where you want to be.

Psychologist Alia Smith providing different types of therapy in Cotati

Alia Smith

Clinician
License Type(s): LMFT , MBA , CATC
Mental Wellness Specialties: AddictionsTrauma and abuseSelf esteemCoping with life changesADHD
15 years offering treatment

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.

Psychologist Sharareh Ghedari providing different types of therapy in Cotati

Sharareh Ghedari

Clinician
Mental Wellness Specialties: Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesFamily conflictsCoping with life changesCoaching
26 years offering treatment

I am licensed in California with 28 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, & coping with life changes. 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.

Psychologist Walter Nielson providing different types of therapy in Cotati

Walter Nielson

Clinician
Mental Wellness Specialties: Stress, AnxietyAddictionsGriefAnger managementDepression
15 years offering treatment

I am licensed in California with 15 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, coping with addictions, coping with grief and loss, & anger management. 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!

Psychologist Gary White providing different types of therapy in Cotati

Gary White

Clinician
Mental Wellness Specialties: LGBTRelationship issuesTrauma and abuseGriefCareer difficulties
36 years offering treatment

I am licensed in California with 36 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with lgbtq+ related issues, 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!

Psychologist Dr. Christine Nguyen providing different types of therapy in Cotati

Dr. Christine Nguyen

Clinician
Mental Wellness Specialties: Stress, AnxietyGriefCareer difficultiesCoping with life changesCoaching
9 years offering treatment

As a licensed clinical social worker (LCSW) with a Doctorate in Social Work (DSW) and over 9 years of experience, I have a deep commitment to helping individuals find practical solutions to life’s challenges. I specialize in oncology, end-of-life issues, serious illnesses, and navigating race-based stress and cultural identity. My therapeutic approach is a blend of narrative therapy, mindfulness, meditative grounding techniques, crisis management, and solution-focused therapy. I am dedicated to empowering clients to navigate complex systems and achieve their goals. Whether you are looking to navigate or problem-solve through life’s most challenging moments, I am committed to creating a safe, supportive space for healing and growth.

Psychologist jorge sandoval providing different types of therapy in Cotati

jorge sandoval

Clinician
Mental Wellness Specialties: Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesSelf esteemCareer difficultiesDepression
12 years offering treatment

I am licensed in California with 12 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress, anxiety, relationship issues, motivation, self esteem, confidence, & career difficulties. I also have experience working with 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!

Psychologist Melissa 'Elle' Ortega providing different types of therapy in Cotati

Melissa 'Elle' Ortega

Clinician
Mental Wellness Specialties: Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesGriefDepressionCoping with life changes
10 years offering treatment

Hello and welcome. My name is Melissa “Elle” Ortega (she/her) and I am a licensed clinical social worker LCSW (109661), MSW, MPH in California. As a highly skilled and compassionate clinician, I come with a decade-long history of hospital-based care as a medical social worker; supporting patients and their families in both in-patient care and outpatient care settings, including: in-patient psychiatry, emergency medicine, ICU, urgent care, internal and family medicine, nephrology peritoneal dialysis (PD), oncology, palliative medicine, med/surg, NICU, Labor and Delivery (L&D), and Family-centered care (FCC). With such a strong foundation, I understand first-hand the impact of disability on one's mental health, wellness, and relationships with others; and strive to support my clients through it. Through a strengths-based approach, I strive to meet my clients where they are and offer a safe space to be heard, process difficult emotions, and find empowerment. I utilize Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Motivational Interviewing (MI), Solutions Focused Therapy intervention(s), and yes a lens in medical social work in session, to tailor to client’s individual need(s). I truly believe we aren’t meant to live this life alone; and with support, our darkest hours can be met with the light of resilience, if only we are brave enough to ask for help and support. So whether you are experiencing stress, anxiety, relationship issues, coping with grief and loss, and/or depression; I am here to support you in that process. So what do you say? Let’s face it together.

Psychologist Margaret Auguste providing different types of therapy in Cotati

Margaret Auguste

Clinician
License Type(s): LMFT
Mental Wellness Specialties: Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesTrauma and abuseSelf esteemCoping with life changes
20 years offering treatment

I am a family and marriage counselor licensed in New Jersey with over 10 years of experience working as an individual, family, and marriage counselor. I have worked with clients with a wide range of concerns including depression, anxiety, relationship issues, parenting problems, career challenges, OCD, and ADHD. I also helped many people who have experienced trauma or emotional abuse. My counseling style is warm and interactive. I believe in treating anyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion, and I don't believe in stigmatizing labels. My approach combines solution-focused therapy, cognitive-behavioral, humanistic, psychodynamic, and acceptance and commitment counseling. I will tailor our dialog and treatment plan to meet your unique and specific needs. It takes courage to seek for a more fulfilling and happier life and to take the first steps towards a change. If you are ready to take that step I am here to support and empower you. I look forward to working with you!

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Types of therapists available to clients in Cotati

Understanding the type of therapy you'd like to search for is crucial before finding a therapist or psychologist. Be sure to narrow your search for therapists in Cotati that can offer psychodynamic therapy, cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), talk therapy, group therapy, marriage and family therapy for individuals or couples, or couples therapy depending on your needs.

Licensed therapists & mental health professionals available through BetterHelp's online platform

Mental health therapists in Cotati available through BetterHelp are accredited to help individuals and couples. Cotati therapists' credentials can include licensed marriage and family therapist (LMFT), licensed clinical social worker (LCSW), and clinician or doctor of psychology (PsyD). Regardless of their licensure, Cotati therapists are trained in any type of therapy in the Cotati region and in the state of California.

How a therapist can help you destress, manage your emotions, and guide you towards the life you want 

Therapists in Cotati can help clients in improving healthy relationships, communication skills, working through life transitions, couples challenges, managing a mood disorder, improving coping skills, self help tips, offer life coaching, family life, or change in negative thinking patterns. A therapist in Cotati may also provide a safe place and validation for clients experiencing emotional pain, or that simply want a psychological assessment. 

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