Working with a therapist in San Jose, CA can help you manage everything from underlying mental health issues to interpersonal effectiveness to distress tolerance to personal growth.

If you have decided to seek counseling, finding the right therapist can be challenging. With online therapy platforms like BetterHelp, you can be matched with a therapist in as little as 48 hours. If it’s not a good fit, you can change therapists anytime.

Whether you’re interested in a specific type of therapy, like dialectical behavior therapy or cognitive behavioral therapy, or you want to find someone with experience in clinical psychology or working with clients for specific reasons, like family conflict, self esteem issues, or overwhelming stress, BetterHelp can help you find a qualified, licensed, client informed professional to guide and walk alongside you.

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Stephen Creel

Offering therapy in CA
License: MA,LMFT
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsTrauma and abuseSelf esteemDepression
20 years of experience

Stephen Creel is a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. A graduate of Pepperdine University, Stephen earned his Masters in Clinical Psychology with Emphasis in Marriage and Family Therapy in April 2001. Since then, Stephen has worked primarily in Substance use treatment but also has extensive experience in issues of Co-dependency, Depression and Anxiety, Self-Esteem, Grief and Trauma. In his work in Substance Use Recovery, Stephen became aware that the vast majority of addiction disorders are predicated with some type of trauma. Thus, in 2019 Stephen underwent training to provide EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) to trauma patients. This is a powerful, evidenced based therapy to help people recover from traumatic experiences. In addition to EMDR, Stephen uses a variety of techniques including Cognitive Behavioral therapy, Dialectical Behavior Therapy and Family Systems approach. Stephen aims to provide a safe and caring environment in which to help his clients gain freedom and relief from the difficulties they are experiencing.

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Alana Jones

Offering therapy in CA
License: LMFT
Stress, AnxietyFamily conflictsTrauma and abuseParenting issuesDepression
10 years of experience

I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in California with 8+ years of experience in the field. I graduated with my Master's of Science in Counseling/Marriage, Family, and Child Therapy degree from University of Phoenix in 2014. I have provided services and support to a wide range of populations, from early childhood, adolescents, teenagers, adults, couples, and families within many differing family systems. I have worked with varying clients who have previously had involvement in multiple systems (mental health organizations, non-public school settings, social services/foster care, and juvenile justice/probation). Also, I have worked with clients presenting with a wide range of concerns, such as depression, stress, anxiety, family conflicts, trauma/abuse, parenting issues, PTSD, and ADHD. Through my years of experience, I have provided individual, group, family, and dyadic therapy, along with crisis stabilization, intensive care coordination, case management, intensive home based support services, and individual rehabilitation services. I typically consider my style of treatment to take a client centered approach where the client is ultimately in control of the metaphoric, "steering wheel" in their lives. I have a strong skill set to see and bring forward the positives and strengths in people at an individual level and within varying relational systems while instilling hope. I feel strongly that sometimes we all could use a little extra support or acknowledgement of the humanistic parts within ourselves while navigating all the barriers life throws our way. I also consider myself to understand and acknowledge in treatment that one of the most powerful things a person can do is to build an ally ship with someone who they can trust. I would love to be that ally, to listen, validate, and support you in making the best decisions for yourself while working to achieve the best quality of life you can have. I will take on an eclectic approach, meaning I typically will use varying parts of several treatment approaches in order to address all areas of concern. I use additional treatment approaches, such as CBT, Narrative Therapy, Play Therapy, Solution Focused Therapy, and Trauma Focused Therapy. I will tailor our interactions, treatment, and subsequent goals/plan to meet your specific and unique needs. Therapy is a very interactive and collaborative process, which also means that treatment may need to be adjusted as progress is made. I'm looking forward to working with you!

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Donna Dominion

Offering therapy in CA
License: LCSW
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesFamily conflictsGriefDepression
3 years of experience

Hello, and welcome to your first step to finding some professional support for your well being. My name is Donna Dominion and I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in the state of California. I have been working in the field for over 10 years, and have sat on both sides of the therapy process. I have worked with teens, adults, families, couples, and individuals who have come to points in their lives where what they had been doing just wasn't working anymore. I have walked with people through their depression, anxiety, phobias, panic attacks, life transitions, grief and loss, and relationship issues. I have found success working with clients using Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Motivational Interviewing and Solution-focused approaches. Really what all that means is that you have the capacity within you if you are motivated and put in the time, for which I am here and happy to help support you through the work. Here's to your happiness and peace.

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Mark Duarte

Offering therapy in CA
LGBTTrauma and abuseAnger managementDepressionCoping with life changes
46 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 45 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping individuals with identity and purpose related issues. Life presents us with dilemmas and opportunities each new day. My practice is to be present with individuals to resolve issues of dysphoria, and help to learn , practice, to resolve personal and social dysfunction. I strive to treat everyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion. In our dialog and treatment plan to meet your unique and specific needs. I recognize 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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Lindsey Yarbrough

Offering therapy in CA
Relationship issuesFamily conflictsGriefSelf esteemCoping with life changes
10 years of experience

I am a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in California. I have over a decade of experience working with individuals, couples, and families. I have experience working with a broad range of issues such as anxiety, depression, substance abuse and chemical dependence and/or other mental illnesses, dissatisfaction with life or relationships, challenges with friends and families, coping with life and or job stress, life changes and challenges, trauma, and loss. As a Marriage and Family Therapist, my focus is on relationships and working toward healthy relationships. I am happy to work with anyone seeking to improve their relationships, whether they are struggling with maintaining their relationship with themselves, their family, or their significant other. I believe that a healthy relationship with yourself is the first step to being healthy in all of your relationships. I encourage my clients to become more open to possibilities and flexible with change. I provide a safe and secure, private setting for my clients to be free to be themselves, openly and candidly. Thank you for taking the time to help yourself, I look forward to getting to know you better.

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Tonsinetta Green

Offering therapy in CA
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsRelationship issuesIntimacy-related issuesDepression
14 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 20 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, coping with addictions, relationship issues, & intimacy related issues. 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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Rhea Bernstein

Offering therapy in CA
AddictionsFamily conflictsIntimacy-related issuesDepressionCoping with life changes
10 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 10 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with coping with addictions, family conflicts, intimacy related 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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Tiama Rucker

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

I am licensed in California with 8 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, parenting issues, & motivation, self esteem, and confidence. I believe in treating everyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion. I will tailor our dialog and treatment plan to meet your unique and specific needs. Taking the first step to seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process.

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Julie Markowitz

Offering therapy in CA
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsRelationship issuesTrauma and abuseIntimacy-related issues
6 years of experience

I believe in all people’s innate capacity to heal. To me, all symptoms that we experience whether it be chronic pain, anxiety, depression, panic attacks, etc can be explained by trauma. Trauma does not have to be big events. Trauma can be if we are not attuned to emotionally as children or if our parents have their own unprocessed trauma—this sort of trauma often leads to deep seeded beliefs that we are unloveable and bad. Our healing comes from teaching our parts that we are loveable and accepted just as we are.

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Elissa Duggan

Offering therapy in CA
AddictionsTrauma and abuseParenting issuesBipolar disorderCoping with life changes
5 years of experience

I am a licensed mental health professional in California with five years of diverse experience supporting clients dealing with addictions, trauma, abuse, parenting issues, bipolar disorder, and military-related challenges. As a dedicated and empathetic therapist, I create a safe and open environment for clients to freely express themselves. With my personalized approach, I guide clients seeking to overcome obstacles and take their first steps toward a fulfilling and happier life. As you choose to be courageous in sharing your truth with me, you can trust that I am here to listen without judgment and support you in seeking the changes you desire for yourself. Let's work together to achieve your goals

How to find counseling in San Jose

Finding the best therapist close by in San Jose can feel challenging, but know that once you narrow your search for a counselor serving your area, you can find a therapist in your city that is accepting new clients and fits your goals. Whether you're struggling with depression, anxiety, marriage, family issues, or other emotional challenges, feel proud that you have begun your search to find the mental health care services that work best for you in order to begin your personal journey towards emotional healing.

Understanding the type of therapy you'd like to search for is crucial before finding a therapist or psychologist in San Jose. Perhaps you're interested in narrowing your search for a psychotherapist that can offer psychodynamic, cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), talk therapy, provide group therapy, marriage and family therapy for individuals or couples, or couples therapy. Each type of therapy can offer various benefits and address or treat different disorders. If you're still unsure or are new to counseling in San Jose, feel free to contact the provider via email to find out which methods they practice.

It is also important to understand that mental health professionals in the United States are accredited to provide care, helping individuals and couples, with a variety of licenses. These include licensed marriage and family therapist (LMFT), licensed clinical social worker (LCSW), and clinical psychologist or doctor of psychology (PsyD). Regardless of their licensure, they are trained to treat individuals and couples counseling, and sometimes children, in any type of therapy. Find a therapist under any of these distinctions and know that the sessions they offer can provide a safe place to heal.

Mental health professionals working through their own in- person therapy practice in San Jose or online may assist clients in improving healthy relationships, communication skills, working through life transitions, managing a mood disorder, improving coping skills, or change in negative thinking patterns. They may also provide a safe place and validation for clients experiencing emotional pain. Verified providers can provide licensed marriage and couples therapy, tailor to individual needs, and create a therapeutic relationship as a National Certified Counselor.

There are all kinds of therapists working with clients today across the United States and in the greater San Jose area in different types of therapy, including:

  • CBT
  • DBT
  • Substance use therapy
  • Couples therapy

When you're ready to start your search and find therapists, have in mind what type of therapy you'd like your provider to be most experienced with and choose an experienced provider with a practice located near you in the city of San Jose, elsewhere in Santa Clara, or in the greater state of California.

Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

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

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

The average price of an in-person therapy session in the US is $100 to $200 per hour. These prices may be higher in San Jose due to a higher cost of living. The price also depends on the type of provider you are looking for. See the following average prices for various mental health providers without insurance:

  • Counseling with a psychiatrist: $150-$500
  • Counseling with therapists: $100-300
  • Therapy with a psychologist: $100

While many psychologists in San Jose may not take health insurance, some in the state of California may work on a sliding scale, meaning they'll factor in your income and charge what you can afford per session. With BetterHelp or clinicians throughout the state of California you can expect significantly more affordable options, with sessions ranging from $65 to $100 per week (billed every four weeks).

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

Therapists in San Jose, California working on BetterHelp are licensed, trained, experienced, and accredited as a doctor of psychology (PhD / PsyD), licensed marriage and family therapists (LMFT), licensed clinical social worker (LCSW / LICSW), or licensed professional counselors (LPC). All of these psychology clinicians have a Masters Degree or a Doctorate Degree in their field of psychology sciences, and follow the APA Code of Ethics. They have been qualified and certified by their state's professional board after successfully completing the necessary education, exams, training and practice with a patient, and extensive experience in a healthcare clinic or treatment centers, in order to become a mental health provider. While their lived experience, expertise, careers, and background vary, they all possess at least 3 years and 1,000 hours of hands-on experience with adult and sometimes teen patients, and have the necessary therapist credentials to provide a safe space for long lasting emotional healing in therapy. 

Please note BetterHelp does not offer or provide care from psychiatrists to prescribe a drug as treatment, or perform psychological assessments.

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

BetterHelp clinicians treat clients online across the United States (individuals and couples) through life transitions, inner child exploration, long term depression or anxiety, and more. An online mental health professional, including the therapists in San Jose above, can work with young adults, children, adolescents, and adults virtually as an accredited licensed clinical social worker (LCSW) or licensed marriage and family therapist (LMFT). You do not have to commute to a an office as a psychotherapy client.

Through BetterHelp therapy, you can partake in video, phone, or live chat therapy sessions with your licensed therapist. You can work through various symptoms, use the in app journaling feature, and receive worksheets. You'll also find support groups or group therapy lead by a therapist in San Jose helping individuals on topics including managing life transitions, symptoms affecting sexual health, behavioral health, coping skills for anxiety or depression, trauma, stress, marriage counseling, and more. 

What mental health issues can psychotherapy address?

BetterHelp's verified San Jose therapists specialize and have clinical experience in a wide range of mental health issues and modalities, helping clients to feel better and improve their lives every day. See below for examples.

Specialties on BetterHelp include:

You may also be struggling with relationship problems that could be addressed in couples therapy or with a sex therapist. In that case, you may choose to work with one of BetterHelp's experienced cognitive-behavioral therapists or licensed marriage family therapists (LMFT) who work with clients in relationships. You can also try a San Jose therapy provider through BetterHelp's sister platform, ReGain, which is dedicated to couples and spouses worldwide. 

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

One of the potentially rewarding aspects of working with a therapist is the validation and active listening they can provide. Your friends and loved ones may also be available to listen, but you may feel that they may lack the skills to provide objective guidance. Counselors are trained to respond to various concerns, symptoms, and mental health conditions.

A psychologist in your city can support you toward a healthier emotional state, regardless of your mental health, life concerns, or healing needs. While supporting individuals in developing healthier habits, another good benefit of therapy is having an understanding, safe space with a non-judgmental party who can support you through challenging experiences.

Many people have sensitive topics that they may feel ashamed to discuss with their friends or partner. A San Jose therapist can help you confront these concerns and open up through unique methods of support. There are also many types of therapy, such as art therapy, where you may find you can express yourself through creativity instead of words.

With a lot of people in CA, providers may be booked out with clients. Through the list of profiles above and others within BetterHelp's team, you may be able to find a psychologist within 24 to 48 hours. If you're searching to find a a nearby psychotherapist close to 95150 or the surrounding zip codes, consider others available through the BetterHelp site. No matter if you are seeking help in your area or beyond, online therapy can be a great option.

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

Before seeing your therapist, prep for your session by reading to understand the therapy process. You might write a list of questions you want to ask your psychotherapist, any emotional pain you may feel, and the ways in which you hope to improve. When you attend your session, let them know if you have any concerns about therapy or feel unsure about what to talk about. They may help guide you with open-ended therapeutic questions. The first session will often serve as an intake to get to know you as a person and learn why you're attending therapy.

Should I find a therapist or psychologist if I feel fine? 

Some simply don't feel the need to see a psychologist. However, some people may avoid attending therapy due to stigma or preconceived notions of what therapy entails. Although psychologists often support people with mental health conditions, you do not need a diagnosis or condition to attend therapy. You can discuss grief, relationship concerns, stress, or life changes and ask for general feedback and advice. A San Jose licensed clinical social worker may help you gain power over your life and emotions while you navigate day-to-day experiences.

Gaining a new perspective on yourself through various therapies might allow you to improve your self-esteem, work through relationships, and gain a better sense of your mental health goals. The success you may find through therapy can be dependent on your process.

People may also attend therapy for specific motives, such as bullying, an autism diagnosis, a desire to learn mindfulness meditation, personality concerns, trouble with office workers, specific phobias, and many other principles.

Is mental health care and therapy worth it? 

Therapy is effective and has the power to change individuals' lives. Each client is at a different stage of their emotional healing journey in life, as each human can be unique in their personality, expression, skills, and goals. A psychologist can target various symptoms, experiences, and personalities to help you feel your best and put you on the path to healing. Unlike advice from a friend, family, or non-professional, a mental health professional has an understanding of various disorders like ADHD and depression with many hours of experience in treating adults in their practice. For this reason, seeing an evidence based psychologist in San Jose, 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 Jose has many clinicians who practice person or client-centered individual therapy in-person and through online therapy to assist clients in their healing journey. If you opt into online therapy, you might also be able to meet with providers all over the United States and change therapists easily at any time. Many people struggling with anxiety and depression, substance abuse, body image issues, and more find therapists that are a good fit for them, feel supported, and gain further insight into their lives through internet-based therapy.

Do therapists judge you in therapy sessions?

The boundaries between you and a therapist are in place to help you and them regarding ethical concerns. Mental health professionals are held by ethical standards through the American Psychological Association (APA) and are not allowed to judge or harm their clients. If you are concerned about sharing details about yourself, feel free to withhold personal information. Their job in the therapeutic relationship is to create a safe place, help you gain a deeper understanding of your mental health, and support you. You might consider changing counselors if you don't feel safe or respected.

Stay up to date with the leading online counseling platform

To stay up to date with BetterHelp's initiatives through their social channels, you can follow them on PinterestLinkedInInstagramTwitter, and Facebook. For mental health tips, check out the BetterHelp YouTube channel.

Take some time today to learn more about the team of therapists at BetterHelp to understand the services available to you clearly. If you are new to therapy or have any questions about the services and terms, please reach out through the contact page or send an email to contact@betterhelp.com.

If you’re ready to sign up for online therapy, consider signing up with a platform like BetterHelp and get matched within 24 to 48 hours.

If you are experiencing a crisis or emergency, don't use this site's online services. If you are in life-threatening danger, call 911. If you require support for a crisis, reach out to the hotlines below:

A woman meets with a therapist online in her home city of San Jose.

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

95002, 95008, 95013, 95037, 95101, 95103, 95106, 95109, 95110, 95111, 95112, 95113, 95115, 95116, 95117, 95118, 95119, 95120, 95121, 95122, 95123, 95124, 95125, 95126, 95127, 95128, 95129, 95130, 95131, 95132, 95133, 95134, 95135, 95136, 95138, 95139, 95141, 95148, 95150, 95151, 95153, 95154, 95155, 95156, 95157, 95158, 95159, 95160, 95161, 95164, 95170, 95172, 95173, 95190, 95191, 95192, 95193, 95194, 95196

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