Therapists in Pacifica, CA
For many, therapy has been one of the critical steps on their path to self-improvement and personal growth. A therapist might help you manage a mental health condition, break free from self-doubt, or overcome past trauma. Even if you don’t have a pressing mental health concern, a therapist may be able to help you bolster your self-esteem, solve practical problems in your life, or develop healthy habits that support your overall wellness.
Most therapists attend school for at least six years, obtaining a bachelor’s and master’s degree, while some continue their education and receive a doctorate. Training programs teach evidence-based techniques and help therapists learn to demonstrate genuine warmth and ask insightful questions. After graduating from an accredited program, therapists typically spend thousands of hours in supervised practice before obtaining a license to practice therapy independently.
Many therapists continue their education by pursuing specialized training in a particular group, condition, or treatment modality. Research shows that finding the right therapist often means ensuring that a practitioner’s expertise aligns with your area of need. For example, if you are seeking therapy for help with relationship problems, a marriage and family therapist may be a good choice. Many practitioners with a wide range of specialties practice within the greater Bay Area. From San Francisco down to San Jose and Half Moon Bay to Antioch, hundreds of professionals may be available to address your concerns.
If you’re ready to meet with a therapist, Pacifica, CA, has no shortage of options. You can choose from therapists in large clinic groups or work with professionals with a small independent practice. Like the rest of the Bay Area, you can likely find a practitioner whose expertise aligns with your needs. There may be therapists in Pacifica, CA, with deep experience and clinical knowledge regarding your primary concern.
You may also want to consider online therapy, which allows you to attend therapy remotely. The Bay Area is known for its traffic, and the increased travel time may be a significant barrier to attending therapy for many. If online therapy sounds appealing, you may want to examine the practitioners listed below. You can open their profile to learn more about their training and specialization, as well as read reviews from past patients to help you make an informed decision about their approach to therapy.
Tina Phillips
Clinician
License Type(s): BA, MA, LMFT
Mental Wellness Specialties: Stress, AnxietyAddictionsRelationship issuesTrauma and abuseDepression
31 years offering treatment
Welcome to learning a little bit more about me. I attended undergraduate school at UCLA in Communication Studies and graduate school at Pepperdine University in Malibu California. I have been licensed for over 30 years and love helping people through life's challenges. I know how difficult it can be and you give your self a gift to reach out and seek help. I have worked with many different problems including self esteem issues, anxiety, depression and loneliness. I have helped people through divorce and child custody issues. I have 10 years of expertise working with seniors, 10 years of expertise working with children and families and 10 years of expertise working with young adults with Autism. I have worked in a Psychiatric facility and worked with dual diagnosis clients. I have a lot of experience with addiction. I believe we can find solutions. Thank you for taking time to take care of yourself, it's important.
Angela Oliver-Comer
Clinician
License Type(s): LMFT
Mental Wellness Specialties: Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesFamily conflictsGriefDepression
20 years offering treatment
Hi. I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with over 20 years of experience providing therapy services to individuals and families experiencing depression or anxiety, family stressors, grief and loss or relationship issues. I strive to provide a safe, supportive and compassionate therapeutic environment. Exploring counseling and choosing the right therapist is not always an easy task. At times, we all struggle and the stressors of life can be overwhelming. It is my endeavor to help you successfully navigate the challenges you are facing and provide the skills and techniques to help you reach your goals. Congratulations on making the first step towards personal growth and improving your Mental Health. I look forward to working with you.
Joyce Tanner
Clinician
Mental Wellness Specialties: Stress, AnxietyFamily conflictsGriefCareer difficultiesDepression
30 years offering treatment
I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW), Certified in the following areas: Life and Career Coaching, Family Group Conferences, Couples Communication, and Parent Facilitator with a successful consulting and psychotherapy practice. I have had the experience of practicing extensively in many States in America and more recently provided counseling, and training as a Child and Youth Behavioral Military and Family Life Counselor, working with military individuals and families. One of my niches is assisting blended families in creating healthy relationships and making them work and assessing foster and adoptive families. I am honored to listen to your life stories, witnessing increased self-awareness, be encouraging, and observe the identification of strengths, healing, transformation, and change. I continue to be inspired by the strength, resilience, and grace of our human spirit. I have done extensive work in the areas of grief, trauma, Gestalt, crisis, and stress management, Re-decision Making, self-care, Reality therapy, compassion fatigue, career management, goal setting, family reunification, anxiety, and life transitions. I obtained my Bachelor of Arts degree from Huston-Tillotson University in Austin, Texas, and my Master of Social Work from the University of Wisconsin Milwaukee. I enjoy spending time with my family and friends, walking, engaging in great conversations, listening to music, singing, playing games, thinking positively, and laughing uncontrollably. I am the mother of three successful daughters. Living in several states and traveling extensively has required me to exert my courage in adjusting to change and enhanced my use of resources and coping skills. I genuinely believe that "No Man is An Island, No Man Stands Alone". As a seasoned mental health professional and educator, I continue to grow and enjoy the myriad of experiences that life offers and want to begin where you are on your life journey.
Terumi Pettas
Clinician
Mental Wellness Specialties: Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesTrauma and abuseDepressionCoping with life changes
5 years offering treatment
The following contains important information about my professional services and policies. Please read the entire document carefully and ask me any questions you have regarding its contents. Introduction I, Terumi Pettas, am a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (lic.# LMFT48914) registered with the State of California Board of Behavioral Sciences. I earned my Master's Degree in Clinical Psychology with a specialization in Addiction Studies from John F. Kennedy University in 2005. I am a member of the California Association for Marriage and Family Therapists. Please feel free to ask questions at any time about my background, experience and professional orientation. About the Therapy Process It is my intention to provide services that will assist you in reaching your goals. We are partners in the therapeutic process. As partners, we will work together to develop a plan for your treatment. Based on the information you provide to me and the specifics of your situation, I will offer feedback and recommendations regarding your treatment and progress. Over the course of therapy, I will attempt to evaluate whether the therapy provided is beneficial to you. While I hope our work together will be effective, the amount and length of treatment varies from patient to patient. I am unable to predict how long you will be in therapy or guarantee a specific outcome or result of our work together. The length of therapy sessions are determined based on each individual’s needs but are generally 45 minutes a session. Typically, sessions are scheduled once per week, at the same day and time each week. Consistent attendance contributes greatly to a successful outcome. Questions Regarding Fees All inquiries regarding fees and subscription should be made directly with BetterHelp. I do not have access to or knowledge about client subscription or fee structure. Your Right to Confidentiality As a psychotherapy patient, you have a right to confidentiality with respect to information related to our work together. Accordingly, information shared between us will generally remain confidential. Exceptions to Confidentiality In certain, limited instances, the law requires me to disclose information pertaining to my work with you. For example, as a therapist I am required to report suspected child, elder, and dependent adult abuse. Similarly, in the event that I believe you present a serious and imminent danger to yourself, another person, or the public, I may be required to disclose information to emergency medical services, law enforcement, and/or another third party that can help to reduce or prevent that danger. Confidentiality and Treatment of Minors If a minor’s parent(s) or guardian(s) give consent for me to treat the minor, I typically provide the parent(s) or guardian(s) with general updates about the minor’s treatment. These updates may include the minor’s diagnosis, treatment plan, progress in therapy, session attendance, or similar information. However, I generally do not share specific details about the minor’s treatment or what the minor has shared with me during sessions unless: 1) the minor gives me permission to disclose such information and I believe the disclosure would be clinically appropriate; or 2) the minor is experiencing a crisis or other emergency circumstance that would authorize me to break confidentiality. If the minor consents to their own treatment, the law generally prohibits me from communicating with their parent(s) or guardian(s) without written authorization from the minor unless the minor is experiencing a crisis or other emergency circumstance that would authorize me to break confidentiality. Please feel free to reach out to me if you have questions about these policies or if you would like to discuss them further. Confidentiality and Couples / Family Therapy If you are participating in couples or family therapy, please be aware that, in most circumstances, the law prohibits me from disclosing confidential information and records regarding the unit of treatment’s services unless all identified patients provide written authorization to release the information. Urgent / Emergency Communications I am unable to provide 24-hour crisis service. If you are ever experiencing a medical or psychiatric emergency or if you are facing an emergency involving a threat to your safety or the safety of someone else, please call 911 to request emergency assistance. In the event of a mental health crisis, you may also call the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline by dialing “988.” Termination of Therapy The length of your treatment and the timing of the eventual termination of your treatment depend on your clinical needs, the specifics of your treatment plan, and the progress you make towards achieving your treatment goals. While I hope you will find our time together beneficial and meaningful, I cannot guarantee the specific outcome(s) or result(s) your treatment will yield. You may discontinue therapy at any time. If one of us determines you are not benefiting from treatment, we can discuss treatment alternatives. These alternatives may include, among other possibilities, changes to your treatment plan, referrals to other therapists, and/or termination of treatment. Social Media Policy: I do not accept or initiate invitations to connect or communicate on any social media site with any current or former client. Questions About My Policies Please let me know if you have any questions about my policies or if you would like to discuss them further. NOTICE TO CLIENTS The Board of Behavioral Sciences receives and responds to complaints regarding services provided within the scope of practice of marriage and family therapists. You may contact the board online at www.bbs.ca.gov, or by calling (916) 574-7830.
Christine Paulsen
Clinician
Mental Wellness Specialties: Stress, AnxietyLGBTRelationship issuesIntimacy-related issuesCoping with life changes
4 years offering treatment
I am licensed in California with 4 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, lgbtq+ related issues, relationship issues, & intimacy related issues. I believe in treating everyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion. I will tailor our dialog and treatment plan to meet your unique and specific needs. 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.
Shareipha Myvett
Clinician
Mental Wellness Specialties: Family conflictsSelf esteemCoping with life changesCompassion fatigue
10 years offering treatment
I am licensed in California with 18 years of professional work experience. I have been licensed as a Marriage and Family Therapist for 7 years. I have experience in helping clients with family conflicts, motivation, self-esteem, and confidence, & coping with life changes. I also have experience working with compassion fatigue. 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.
Dr. Ann 'Annie' Vance
Clinician
Mental Wellness Specialties: Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesTrauma and abuseSelf esteemCoping with life changes
26 years offering treatment
I am licensed in California and Hawaii with 26 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, trauma, and abuse, as well as, helping with motivation, self-esteem, and confidence. 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 seek a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. You've started the journey, I am here to support you in that process. I continue to grow and learn through Continuing Education Courses. I have a Doctorate in Christian Counseling Psychology to support Faith-based clients who want that, and respect those who only want secular psychology.
Justine Walters
Clinician
Mental Wellness Specialties: GriefSelf esteemCoping with life changesCompassion fatigue
8 years offering treatment
I am licensed in California with 8 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with coping with grief and loss, motivation, self esteem, and confidence, & coping with life changes. I also have experience working with compassion fatigue. 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.
Gregory Putzka
Clinician
Mental Wellness Specialties: Relationship issuesFamily conflictsIntimacy-related issuesParenting issuesSelf esteem
40 years offering treatment
I am licensed in California with 40 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with relationship issues, family conflicts, intimacy related issues, & parenting issues. 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!
Dale Rudesill
Clinician
Mental Wellness Specialties: LGBTRelationship issuesParenting issuesSelf esteemCoping with life changes
30 years offering treatment
I am licensed in California with 30 years of professional work with broad experience in helping clients with coping with the challenges of life, including with relationship with self, relationship with others and with the world we live in. I work fwith what seems the most effective in the moment, ranging from a science-based perspective, systems perspective (the development of self, relationships, within the evolution of community within the natural world), to the use of secular sensing mindfulness meditation. I team with my clients to create an honest and safe environment where thoughts and feelings can be shared without fear of judgment and more self-awareness and empowerment can be sought. Real change takes courage. I hope to support & empower you in that effort. PLEASE NOTE: I am semi-retired and work only on Sunday, Monday and Tuesday and often take BREAKS to travel, (with enough notice) so may be unavailable for a week or more at times.
Find a therapist serving clients in California
What types of therapists are available to clients in Pacifica?
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 Pacifica that can offer psychodynamic therapy, cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), therapeutic 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 Pacifica available through BetterHelp are accredited as psychologists to help individuals and couples. Pacifica 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, Pacifica therapists are trained in any type of therapy in the Pacifica region and in the state of California.
How can a therapist help you destress, manage your emotions, and guide you towards the life you want?
Therapists in Pacifica 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 Pacifica may also provide a safe place and validation for clients experiencing emotional pain, or that simply want a psychological assessment.
Is it better to find a mental health counselor or therapist in Pacifica offering online therapy or in person?
Studies show online therapy can be just as effective as in-person counseling. Online therapy with licensed counselors is often more affordable, with BetterHelp pricing ranging from $65-$100 weekly, while in person therapy can cost up to $200 per session.
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