Called the City of Good Living, San Carlos still tries to maintain the small town feel even as the population grows every year. To maintain the hometown feel, many of the townspeople spend a lot of free their time in the 16 gorgeous parks fishing, swimming, picnicking, playing ball, or whatever else they like to do. 

Although you may want to take your kids to the park or walk your dog, sometimes you just don’t feel up to it. At times like these, you should talk to one of the committed therapists in San Carlos. They can be very helpful at times like these. 

This is Judy Thompson's avatar and link to their profile

Judy Thompson

Clinical therapist offering therapy in CA, San Carlos
Counselor License Type(s): LMFT
Relationship issuesFamily conflicts
10 years of experience

Hello. My name is Judy Thompson. I have been a licensed marriage and family therapist since 2015. My communication style is supportive and educational. My approaches include, Cognitive Behavioral (good for improving self-esteem), Family Systems(good for understanding relationship dynamics, and Motivational Interviewing (good for facing persistent negative choices) . I offer 30 - 45 minute sessions. Subscribers typically schedule sessions once a week, but are welcome to schedule more frequently.

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Krystal Johnson

Clinical therapist offering therapy in CA, San Carlos
Counselor License Type(s): LCSW,MSW
Relationship issuesGriefSelf esteemDepressionCoping with life changes
8 years of experience

My name is Krystal Johnson, and I'm a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in the state of California. I earned my Master of Social Work degree, specializing in Children, Youth and Families, from California State University, Hayward, in 2011 and received my Licensure in 2015. I've worked in many different settings with individuals and families who have a variety of personal issues such as depression/anxiety, stress, family problems, trauma/abuse, relationships/parenting and more. Throughout the years as a clinician, my experience has taught me that the most important aspect of counseling by far is the connection, rapport and comfort you feel with the person you choose to share your most vulnerable thoughts. My goal is to provide insight, techniques, and tools (to work on and practice in between sessions) that you can use in making changes in your life. Most importantly, I will work with you at a pace that you are comfortable with to ensure we are moving toward the goals that you make for yourself. I look forward to encouraging you, empowering you, guiding you, and even challenging you at times. A little bit about me- wife and mother of 3, Licensed Zumba Instructor, Musician, & love to scrapbook!

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Melissa Innocenzi

Clinical therapist offering therapy in CA, San Carlos
Counselor License Type(s): LMFT
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsGriefIntimacy-related issuesDepression
23 years of experience

Welcome! Thank you for taking the time to read my profile. I am a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with over 25 years of clinical experience. I hold a Bachelor's Degree from the University of Texas in art in 1991 as well as a Masters Degree in Marriage and Family Therapy from Phillip's Graduate Institute (California) in 2008. My post-graduate studies focused on client-centered therapy as well as narrative therapy and grief work. I have additional training on evidence based practices in grief recovery. I have worked in a private practice and in clinics with clients with a wide range of issues, including; but not limited to grief recovery, relationship problems, anxiety, and depression. I have worked with children, adolescents, couples and adult clients. It often takes courage to seek therapy. Congratulations on taking the first step. Together we will look for solutions and resources to help you with what you are going through. My style of therapy is warm, solution-focused and interactive. I am a humanistic therapist who believes that you are the center of therapy. My approach is combine talk therapy with activities you will complete and bring back to therapy to reach your goals in both brief and long term therapy. Of course, if your preference is just talk therapy, we can focus on that solely. I look forward to working with you.

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Jennifer Jones

Clinical therapist offering therapy in CA, San Carlos
Counselor License Type(s): MSW
Self esteemCareer difficultiesBipolar disorderDepression
12 years of experience

Hello! My name is Jennifer. I am interested in Arts, Spirituality, Traveling, Education, Synchronicity, Intuition, Animals, Nature, and Adventure. I feel that life is a journey and when we are in the process of therapy; briefly, we walk this journey together, me alongside you as you travel along your individual path. Working together, my approach is flexible and going with the flow with what works best for you. I'm willing to meet and support you in reaching your desired destination, wherever you're at on your journey. I took a therapy style test where I tested as having a therapeutic style that is supportive and nurturing. I believe in empowering you to have the life you want. Do you want to… * feel more connected? * be more present in your life? * have more meaning? * improve your relationships, communication, and connections with others? * feel empowered and achieve your goals? I can help. I believe we all deserve to reach our highest potential. I think it is good to reflect on our lives and to readjust to make our lives better. I believe in integrating mindfulness into our daily and weekly lives. Sometimes we are held back because of a difficult past or current life's events or trauma. I believe that in a good therapeutic relationship with an unconditional acceptance that we may achieve a lot together. I will walk alongside you in your own life journey path. Overall, I have a relational style in my therapeutic work. Meaning my focus is on the therapeutic relationship. I feel this relationship style can better help you transform your life. I believe that empathy and compassion are powerful change agents. I see this relationship as one based on unconditional positive regard, focusing on a client's strengths. My therapeutic style uses cognitive-behavioral approaches as a base, although I have an eclectic approach overall. I am interested in Narrative Therapy. I have even helped people with dream analysis. Improving your life is of the utmost importance. I am a California licensed clinical social worker with more than 18 years of experience in the mental health field. I have six years focusing on individual therapy. I have two master's degrees, one in clinical psychology from California School of Professional Psychology (now called Alliant International University), and another in social work from San Jose State University. I'm a certified trainer in WRAP (Wellness Recovery Action Plan), as well as a certified Intentional Peer Support Trainer. Having worked in a variety of settings, my experience includes community mental health, corrections, mental health drop-in centers, residential treatment, mobile crisis response work, and inpatient settings. I have worked with individuals who are experiencing a wide range of concerns, including trauma, depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, ADHD, clutter issues, mild to moderate eating disorders, and psychosis. I also have more than 18 years of management experience in behavioral health working within the county. I also have a background in client empowerment and patient's rights advocacy. I have worked with a wide range of mental health diagnoses from mild to moderate to severe mental illness. I have also been a Health Educator for Kaiser Permanente and taught the following classes: Improving Your Sleep, Couples Communication, Anger Management, Managing Anxiety, Depression, and Stress. My focus has been working with adults, including young adults and older adults in individual therapy. I believe in customizing treatment to meet the client's needs. I will work with you to help you create a better life that works for you. We will focus on areas that you want to improve, as well as on ways to reach your potential, improve relationships, and achieve your goals. I would love the opportunity to work with you so that together we can create and make your life better! Let me know if you have any questions or would like to talk to me more. I understand that finding the right therapist is a process. Finding a therapist that fits you can take time. I support you on this journey of self-discovery. Overall, I want you to feel self-confident to do what's best for you.

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John Marman

Clinical therapist offering therapy in CA, San Carlos
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsTrauma and abuseSelf esteemCoping with life changes
6 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 5 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, coping with addictions, trauma and abuse, & motivation, self esteem, and confidence. 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.

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Seán Harrington

Clinical therapist offering therapy in CA, San Carlos
Stress, AnxietyFamily conflictsTrauma and abuseParenting issuesSelf esteem
25 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 26 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with family conflicts, trauma and abuse, & 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!

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This is Sandra Galvan's avatar and link to their profile

Sandra Galvan

Clinical therapist offering therapy in CA, San Carlos
Stress, AnxietyFamily conflictsSelf esteemCoping with life changes
12 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, family conflicts, & motivation, self esteem, and confidence. I also have experience working with 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.

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Gary White

Clinical therapist offering therapy in CA, San Carlos
LGBTRelationship issuesTrauma and abuseGriefCareer difficulties
36 years of experience

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!

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This is Adam Lee's avatar and link to their profile

Adam Lee

Clinical therapist offering therapy in CA, San Carlos
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesSelf esteemDepressionCoping with life changes
20 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 20 years of professional work experience including work with adults, adolescents, and children. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, depression, motivation, self esteem, and confidence, & relationship issues. I believe that your story matters 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.

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This is Sylvia Villasenor-Ortiz's avatar and link to their profile

Sylvia Villasenor-Ortiz

Clinical therapist offering therapy in CA, San Carlos
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesFamily conflictsSelf esteemDepression
30 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 30 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 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.

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How to find a therapist for counseling in San Carlos

Finding the best therapist close by in San Carlos 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 with therapists in San Carlos that work best for you in order to begin your personal journey towards emotional healing with a therapist.

Understanding the type of therapy you'd like to search for is crucial before finding a therapist or psychologist in San Carlos. Perhaps you're interested in narrowing your search for a psychotherapist that can offer psychodynamic, cognitive-behavioral (CBT), talk therapy, provide group therapy, marriage and family therapy for individuals or couples, or couples therapy. Each type of support of this kind with BetterHelp therapists can offer various benefits and address or treat different disorders. If you're still unsure or are new to counseling in San Carlos, 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 for therapists. 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 able to treat individuals and couples counseling, and sometimes children, in any type of therapy in the San Carlos region and in the state of California. Find a therapist under any of these distinctions and know that the sessions they offer can provide a safe place to heal.

A mental health counselor working through their own in-person therapy practice in San Carlos or online may assist clients in improving healthy relationships, communication skills, working through life transitions, couples counseling, managing a mood disorder, improving coping skills, self help tips, offer life coaching, family therapy, or change in negative thinking patterns. A San Carlos therapist may also provide a safe place and validation for clients experiencing emotional pain, or that simply want a psychological assessment. Verified providers and therapists 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 Carlos area offering:

  • CBT
  • DBT
  • Substance use therapy
  • Couples therapy

When you're ready to start your search keep in mind what support 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 Carlos, elsewhere in San Mateo, or in the greater state of California. Get matched with one of the therapists working on the BetterHelp platform today.

Frequently asked questions (FAQs) about therapists and mental health services

Some other commonly asked questions on therapy with a licensed counselor and BetterHelp serving the San Carlos area can be found below:

How does the cost of in-person counseling with a therapist compare to the cost of BetterHelp with a licensed San Carlos therapist?

The average price of an in-person therapy session in the US with most therapists is $100 to $200 per hour. These prices may be higher in San Carlos due to a higher cost of living, and a limited number of therapists taking new clients. 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 Carlos 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 a BetterHelp therapist throughout the state of California you can expect significantly more affordable options, with therapists sessions ranging from $65 to $100 per week (billed every four weeks). 

How is a licensed therapist on this San Carlos online therapy platform verified?

Therapists in San Carlos, 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. Therapists 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, therapists here 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 San Carlos psychiatrists to prescribe a drug or medication as treatment, or perform psychological assessments and other psychiatric services.

How does working with a professional counselor in BetterHelp online therapy sessions work?

BetterHelp clinicians and therapists treat clients online across the United States (individuals and couples) through life transitions, inner child exploration, long term depression or anxiety, post traumatic stress disorder, and more. An online mental health professional, including the therapists in San Carlos 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 helping individuals on topics including managing life transitions, symptoms affecting sexual health, behavioral health, coping skills for anxiety, depression, trauma, stress, marriage counseling, and more. Get matched today.

What mental health issues can psychotherapy address with the help of psychologists?

BetterHelp's verified 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.

Our therapists specialties on BetterHelp include:

  • Cognitive behavioral therapy - This is provided by professional counselors, helping clients identify and change negative thought patterns through structured sessions.
  • Behavior therapy - Behavior therapy techniques are used to help clients modify harmful behaviors and develop healthier habits, often through the guidance of a professional counselor.
  • EMDR therapy - EMDR therapists assist clients in processing traumatic memories to alleviate emotional distress and improve overall well-being, utilizing the expertise of a professional counselor.
  • Talk therapy - Clients explore their feelings and develop strategies for dealing with various mental health issues, often guided by a professional counselor.
  • Depression - This counseling is designed to help individuals manage symptoms of depression and improve their mood and functioning, often working closely with a professional counselor.
  • Anxiety disorders - Sessions for anxiety disorders, offer strategies to manage and reduce anxiety symptoms effectively, often through counseling sessions with a professional counselor.
  • Stress - Tools and techniques to help clients cope with stress and improve their mental resilience, frequently under the supervision of a professional counselor.
  • Eating disorders - Professionals experienced in eating disorders offer specialized counseling to address unhealthy eating patterns and body image issues, with the support of a professional counselor.
  • Grief - Support and guidance are offered to clients experiencing grief, helping them navigate the stages of loss, often in collaboration with a counselor.
  • Attachment therapy - Therapists use this to help clients understand and improve their emotional bonds and relationships, often with the assistance of a counselor.
  • Relationships - Therapists work with clients to improve communication, resolve conflicts, and strengthen their connections with others, often using the skills of a counselor.
  • Children, adolescents, and teens - Therapists specializing in youth therapy address the unique mental health needs of children, adolescents, and teens, often involving a counselor in the process.
  • Addiction (substance abuse) - Therapists offer counseling for addiction, helping clients overcome substance abuse and maintain long-term recovery, often under the guidance of a counselor.
  • Divorce - Therapists support individuals through the emotional and practical challenges of ending a marriage, often working with a psychologist to provide comprehensive care.
  • Trauma or PTSD - Therapists specializing in trauma and PTSD help clients process traumatic experiences and reduce their symptoms, frequently collaborating with a psychologist.
  • Bipolar disorder - Therapists provide counseling to manage the mood swings and challenges associated with bipolar disorder, often in consultation with a psychologist.
  • Psychodynamic treatment - Therapists use psychodynamic treatment to explore unconscious processes and how they affect current behavior, often guided by psychologists.
  • Career counseling - Therapists assist clients in making informed decisions about their professional paths and resolving work-related issues, often with the help of psychologists.
  • Alcohol use disorders - Therapists offer specialized counseling to help clients manage and overcome alcohol use disorders, frequently under the supervision of psychologists.
  • OCD - Therapists provide strategies and support to manage obsessive-compulsive disorder symptoms, often via psychotherapy.
  • ADHD - Therapists offer counseling to help clients with ADHD improve focus, organization, and overall functioning, often via psychotherapy.
  • Mood disorders - Therapists work with clients to stabilize and improve mood through various therapeutic approaches, frequently in psychotherapy.
  • Sex addiction
  • Complex trauma
  • Life transitions

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 Carlos provider through BetterHelp's sister platform, ReGain, which is dedicated to couples and spouses worldwide with licensed therapists. 

How do I know if online counseling is right for my family in San Carlos?

One of the potentially rewarding aspects of working with a San Carlos 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 and therapists are trained to respond to various concerns, symptoms, and mental health conditions.

Therapists 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 San Carlos 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 Carlos 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 psychotherapist.

With a lot of people in CA, therapists may be booked out with clients. Through the list of profiles or therapists 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 94070 or the surrounding zip codes, consider others available through the BetterHelp site where you can schedule a session based on your and the therapist's schedule. No matter if you are seeking help from therapists in your area or beyond, online therapy can be a great option.

How should I prepare for my first therapy session with a San Carlos counselor?

Before seeing your San Carlos therapist, prep for your session by reading to understand the 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, you can let our therapists know if you have any concerns or feel unsure about what to talk about. San Carlos therapists here may help guide you with open-ended therapeutic questions while offering mental health services. 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 for therapy 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 it might entail. Although psychologists often support people with mental health conditions, you do not need a diagnosis or specific condition. You can discuss grief, relationship concerns, stress, or life changes and ask for general feedback. A San Carlos 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 with a San Carlos counselor 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 that a counselor can help with.

Is mental health care and therapy with a therapist worth it?

Therapy with a licensed counselor 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 therapist 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 Carlos, 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 Carlos has many clinicians who practice person or client-centered individual therapy in-person and through online sessions 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 during telehealth appointments?

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 for San Carlos, California

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 San Carlos 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 to customer service 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 Carlos.

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

94070

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