The motto of San Pablo is the “City of New Directions,” and was named for the grant that helped start the town in memory of Francisco Maria Castro. The city’s landmark – the Alvarado Adobe – was built by Castro’s son for his mother. Currently, the economic backbone of San Pablo is the Casino San Pablo, which is operated by the Pomo Indians. 

Living close to a casino may be good for the city’s economy but it can be terrible for those with gambling addictions. In fact, thousands of people have lost their jobs, homes, and relationships due to these addictions. If you or someone you know may have a gambling addiction or any other mental health disorder, talk to one of the devoted counselors in San Pablo who are waiting to help you right now. 

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Lauren Ball

Clinical therapist offering therapy in CA, San Pablo
Counselor License Type(s): MSW, LCSW
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesFamily conflictsTrauma and abuseParenting issues
21 years of experience

I think that each of us at one time or another struggles with self worth, coping with crisis, interpersonal conflicts, or problematic behaviors and can benefit from a caring counselor who understands, helps identify solutions, and who doesn't judge. Together we will work as a team towards the goals that you set, and assess our progress as we go. The hardest part is recognizing the need for help and having the courage to get started. I look forward to taking the next steps with you. My style is to focus on the here and now, with practical strategies for making meaningful changes that fit you and your situation. I rarely dwell on the past, although at times it may lend helpful insight or identify patterns or beliefs that are affecting you today. My approach is to focus on strengths and solutions - without psychobable. I am licensed in California, with over 20 years of experience in helping individuals, couples, and families experiencing life changes, parenting challenges, family conflicts, relationship problems, or substance use issues. I also have expertise and experience working with people who are experiencing difficulties with recent or past traumatic experiences. Advanced Training: Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), Trauma Resiliency Model (TRM), Collaborative Problem Solving (CPS)

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Jennifer Bobadilla

Clinical therapist offering therapy in CA, San Pablo
Counselor License Type(s): MS,LMFT
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesFamily conflictsParenting issuesSelf esteem
8 years of experience

Hello, I am glad you are here. If this is your first time in therapy, this may feel overwhelming to walk into. I am glad that you are advocating for you and taking care of you, even if it feels hard to reach out. I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. I believe in the power in having a safe place to figure things out with someone who feels safe for you. Whatever hurdles you feel like are standing in your way right now, we can jump over them together at the pace you'd like. I am here to hold whatever you would like me to, so that you are getting what you want out of therapy. I want to help you feel supported and heard through warmth and compassion. My approach emphasizes self-care and self-compassion, connected and healthy relationships, and processing things through to increase your self-awareness. I have extensive experience in working with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, parenting issues, and self-esteem and confidence. I received my Bachelors Degree in Psychology and Masters Degree in Counseling from California State University, Fullerton. I am passionate about working from an attachment perspective. Outside of being a therapist, I enjoy drinking coffee with my husband and hanging out with my dog! I also love all things cooking, eating, and recipe-trying! I look forward to connecting with you. Jennifer

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Kristy Hamilton

Clinical therapist offering therapy in CA, San Pablo
Counselor License Type(s): LCSW
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesIntimacy-related issuesSelf esteemDepression
10 years of experience

My name is Kristy Hamilton, and I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in California, having also worked professionally in Colorado. I work as a Medical/Hospice Social Worker, and have a small private practice called Malibu Walk and Talk Therapy. I have also worked in a dual-diagnosis facility as a Program Manager and therapist, and Clinic as their Behavioral Health Provider. My experience working with individuals and families has covered a wide range of concerns related to stress, mood, parenting, family conflict, moves and life transitions, obsessions and compulsions, addictions, organizational issues, hoarding, workplace issues, care-giver challenges, and aging issues. I grew up and attended a variety of churches over the years as we have moved and spent time abroad, and find that these experiences have enabled me to grow and love the uniqueness of individuals and the place one's past and environment have on the present. The connection between therapist and client is one of the biggest factors for success, and so I will listen to best understand your current situation and concerns. My counseling style is collaborative and interactive, respectful, warm, and practical. I draw from cognitive-behavioral, client and solution-focused, motivational, attachment-based, existential, and dialectical behavior therapies. I focus primarily on present circumstances and work collaboratively to better understand one's past and environment, and to adjust unproductive patterns of thinking and behaving as you move forward. My license allows me to provide professional counseling in California and Colorado, and am available via phone, live chat, or video for counseling sessions almost every day of the week since my schedule is flexible. The life experience I have as a parent and professional may be very helpful for you as you courageously reach out during this time. I want you to get the short or long-term support and counsel best suited for you and your present situation.

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Dr. Maura Castellanos

Clinical therapist offering therapy in CA, San Pablo
Counselor License Type(s): PsyD
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsAnger managementDepressionCoping with life changes
12 years of experience

Hi I’m Dr. Mo (she/her). I started my career in mental health as a chemical dependency technician in a dual diagnosis treatment facility. over 10 years ago. I quickly realized I wanted to do more to help and went back to school to get my masters degree in clinical psychology with an emphasis in marriage and family therapy and then my doctorate in clinical psychology. I gained experience in a variety of clinical settings including but not limited to private practice, community clinics, hospitals, and correctional settings. I have worked with children, adolescents, and adults providing psychological assessment and intervention services for a wide array of psychological concerns. I have assisted diverse clientele presenting with issues including abandonment issues, alcoholism, anger, anxiety, caregiver stress, compassion fatigue, depression, existential crisis, family of origin issues, intellectual disabilities, isolation, life changes, parenting issues, postpartum depression, relationship issues, stress, substance abuse, trauma, women's issues, and young adult concerns. I work from a client-centered approach valuing the authentic whole person and collaborating with them in order to meet their treatment needs. I use a multidimensional integrative approach planning treatment to address the needs of the unique person in front of me. I look forward to getting to know you.

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Elizabeth May

Clinical therapist offering therapy in CA, San Pablo
Trauma and abuseBipolar disorderDepression
25 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 25 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, trauma and abuse, motivation, self esteem, and confidence. I have assisted many clients who deal with bipolar, ADHD and other mood disorders , as well as personality disorders. I utilize gestalt, transpersonal and family systems work and I find CBT/DBT techniques very helpful. 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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Montserrath Calderon

Clinical therapist offering therapy in CA, San Pablo
Stress, AnxietyParenting issuesADHD
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, parenting issues, & concentration, memory and focus (adhd). 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!

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This is Renee Lewis's avatar and link to their profile

Renee Lewis

Clinical therapist offering therapy in CA, San Pablo
Relationship issuesTrauma and abuseDepressionADHD
40 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 40 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with relationship issues, trauma and abuse, & depression. I also have experience working with concentration, memory and focus (adhd). 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 Dr. Artie Wingfield's avatar and link to their profile

Dr. Artie Wingfield

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

I am licensed in California with over 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 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 seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process.

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Kimberly Coady Heikkila

Clinical therapist offering therapy in CA, San Pablo
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesSelf esteemDepression
14 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 14 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, & motivation, self esteem, and confidence. I also have experience working with 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 sign up for therapy can take courage and I am proud of you for getting started!

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This is Cynthia "Cindi" Christiansen's avatar and link to their profile

Cynthia "Cindi" Christiansen

Clinical therapist offering therapy in CA, San Pablo
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsRelationship issuesDepressionCoping with life changes
21 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 21 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, coping with addictions, relationship issues, & depression. 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 Pablo

Finding the best therapist close by in San Pablo 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 Pablo 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 Pablo. 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 Pablo, 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 Pablo 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 Pablo 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 Pablo 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 Pablo 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 Pablo, elsewhere in Contra Costa, 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 Pablo 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 Pablo 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 Pablo 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 Pablo 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 Pablo online therapy platform verified?

Therapists in San Pablo, 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 Pablo 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 Pablo 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 Pablo 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 Pablo?

One of the potentially rewarding aspects of working with a San Pablo 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 Pablo 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 Pablo 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 94806 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 Pablo counselor?

Before seeing your San Pablo 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 Pablo 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 Pablo 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 Pablo 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 Pablo, 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 Pablo 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 Pablo, 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 Pablo 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 Pablo.

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

94806

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