Depression can make you feel tired all the time, sad for no obvious reason, and can even cause confusion and memory loss. It can also affect your sleep and eating patterns. Luckily, the City of Millbrae has several extraordinary therapists in the area who are trained in diagnosing and treating depression, among other mental health issues. 

Millbrae was named for its rolling hills and beautiful views of the San Francisco Bay, which bring tourists and residents hours of spectacular activities like hiking, fishing, running, swimming, and boating. However, when you have depression or another mental health disorder, it can be difficult to find fun in anything. Consider speaking to a Millbrae area counselor about getting some treatment right away.

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Krista Zabor

Offering therapy in CA
License: LCSW
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsSelf esteemDepression
11 years of experience

Hi, I’m Krista. I’m a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in the state of California with over 11 years of experience providing counseling and mental health care. I received my Masters in Social Work from the University of Southern California. In my personal life, I enjoy swimming, yoga, podcasts and time with my kids. In my professional life, I have worked with a broad range of adults in outpatient settings experiencing a wide variety of life challenges including substance abuse, anxiety, depression, trauma and stress. My counseling style is centered on compassion and non-judgement. It would be my privilege to work to build a therapeutic rapport with you and listen deeply to your life concerns. When we confide in a trusted outlet, we can reflect and learn more about ourselves and our relationships and choices-- and hopefully, we can work to improve and adopt new and healthier ones by breaking negative patterns. I tend to favor person-centered and cognitive behavioral approaches to therapy, but I am also open to tailoring my approach to you based on your unique needs and preferences. I also have a lot of experience and training with motivational interviewing. I am also a huge fan of mindfulness exercises and would love to incorporate that into our sessions if you are open to it. I strongly believe everyone could benefit from counseling. We all deserve to live abundant lives and embody our best selves. It shows true courage to reach out and be willing to access our vulnerability. I’m happy you have taken the first step toward new possibilities. I look forward to working with you!

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Claudia Stein

Offering therapy in CA
License: MSW, LCSW
Stress, AnxietyFamily conflictsBipolar disorderDepressionCoping with life changes
30 years of experience

Claudia Stein, LCSW Years of experience: 25 License: LCS #21322 I congratulate you on taking what must be a difficult, yet monumental, first step in seeking help with challenges you may find yourself struggling with. I have over 25 years of experience in treating people of all ages who have experienced clinical depression, anxiety, adjustment disorders, and addiction problems, in addition to a variety of major mental disorders. Throughout my career I’ve demonstrated an ability to provide sincere emotional support, empathy, insight, and practical steps, in reaching the clients' goals. I not only apply my clinical training, but also my life experiences, in coping with and overcoming many of the same challenges which I have faced myself. SPECIALTIES: • Mood Disorders • Anxiety and Panic Disorders • Adjustment Disorder • Grief and loss • The Aging population I have also treated Major Mental Disorders, relationship issues, and Co-existing Disorders. I look forward to hearing from you to see how I may help. Claudia Stein, LCSW

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Kirsten Brandenburg

Offering therapy in CA
License: M.S.,LMFT
Relationship issuesFamily conflictsTrauma and abuseParenting issuesCoping with life changes
9 years of experience

Hello and welcome, I am a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in California. I received my Masters in Psychology, Bachelors in Psychology, Bachelors in Anthropology, and Minor in Business from California State Polytechnic University, Pomona. I have been providing individual, family, and group psychotherapy since 2014. I utilize psychodynamic and attachment theory and a neurobiological approach to trauma during therapy (live chat) sessions. I am trained and have a specialized background working with complex trauma including childhood and sexual abuse, domestic violence, perinatal and postpartum mood and anxiety disorders, and parenting/ co-parenting. I work hard to provide a safe space where you can express your feelings and thoughts without judgment. You deserve to heal and find joy in life, and I am here to support you in this.

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Veronica Cruz-Martinez

Offering therapy in CA
License: LMFT
Stress, AnxietyLGBTTrauma and abuseParenting issuesDepression
9 years of experience

I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in California and New Jersey with over 18 years of experience working with the LGBTQIA+ community, children and adults with trauma history along with those struggling with suicidal ideation and self-harm, parenting issues, anxiety and depression. I have seen firsthand the difference a caring, empathetic, and attentive adult can make in a person’s life and feel honored when that can be me. For the last 8 years I have worked as a "crisis counselor" and clinician, seeing clients on a regular basis as well as supporting those in and through a crisis. I am able to think quick on my feet and can stay calm in high intensity situations. Throughout this time, I have assessed for safety and danger to self and others due to mental illness and have made determinations as to whether or not someone is in need of psychiatric hospitalization and am certified to make the decision that one needs to enter into a hospital for treatment. On the other side, I have also safety planned with many and have been able to connect people to supports that they need whether it be referrals that fit their current situation, assisting in making a plan to keep them safe and connecting the person to someone whom they feel comfortable with should they be in crisis again. I believe in treating the mind, body, and soul and understand as well as acknowledge, the importance of a healthy lifestyle and why it is important to utilize all the tools we have (or have yet to find) because we all have the power within us to heal, sometimes we just need some help getting there. I believe in the importance of coping skills and can help you find them or strengthen the ones you already have. This can include meditation, exercise, utilizing crystals or essential oils to help heal and calm oneself, and will seek outside supports when needed. I am a firm believer in working within my limits as a therapeutic clinician and have no problem offering referrals when necessary. My overall goal is to continue providing the support, offering guidance, and making a difference in the lives of others, using my expertise in trauma informed treatment and having an open mind.

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Ann Kite

Offering therapy in CA
Stress, AnxietyLGBTTrauma and abuseIntimacy-related issuesCoping with life changes
28 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 28 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, lgbt-related issues, trauma and abuse, & 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.

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Maryam Kazi

Offering therapy in CA
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsTrauma and abuseSelf esteemDepression
13 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, 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 sign up for therapy can take courage and I am proud of you for getting started!

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Anim Aweh

Offering therapy in CA
Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseSelf esteemDepressionCoping with life changes
16 years of experience

I am licensed in Georgia with 16 years of professional work experience. I have experience helping clients with stress and anxiety, trauma and abuse, motivation, self-esteem, and confidence, & depression. I am passionate about holding space for the BIPOC community. 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 a more fulfilling and happier life and to take the first steps toward change. I am here to support & empower you in that journey.

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Antonia Sloan

Offering therapy in CA
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesSelf esteemDepressionCoping with life changes
13 years of experience

I am licensed in California and Washington with 13 years of professional work experience. I specialize in helping children, teens, & adults who are struggling with depression, anxiety, current life stressors &/or have experienced traumatic events. In my practice, I honor everyone's individual story & use client-centered approaches to support the development of self-worth, personal strengths & coping skills. I strive to create a warm, collaborative atmosphere and view it as the foundation for meaningful work with my clients. My unique approach to counseling includes traditional talk therapy with the option of adding art therapy techniques to assist my clients down the path to recovery and healing. Art therapy is a great tool in my work with children & teens. It provides both verbal & nonverbal methods of working through intense emotions & teaches ways to reorganize the thought patterns that lead to depression/anxiety, feelings of loneliness/lack of self-worth & interpersonal struggles with peers & family members. I aspire to find the best approach that will enable you to gain insights, achieve personal growth and develop happiness within your life and personal relationships. I believe that each of us has the capacity for change and look forward to assisting you in your journey.

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Quinsea Pratt

Offering therapy in CA
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesTrauma and abuseSelf esteemDepression
9 years of experience

Hello! I'm a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and have historically served clients who have experienced domestic violence, sexual assault, incarceration, homelessness and/or have serious mental health disorders. I have worked as a professional in community mental health for nine years and am excited to now be using my knowledge to offer private individual sessions. What can you expect when working with me? Each session is individualized to meet your unique needs. We'll first have a discussion of what brings you to therapy and go from there. We'll develop goals to help guide our conversations and ideally meet once a week. It's important for me to see each person as an individual with complex needs and histories. My goal is to work besides you and support you while you navigate life's challenges. Depending on your identified needs, I can use Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Narrative Therapy, Solution Focused all from a trauma informed lens.

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Kamika Mason

Offering therapy in CA
Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseParenting issuesSelf esteemDepression
4 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 4 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, trauma and abuse, 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 sign up for therapy can take courage and I am proud of you for getting started!

How to find counseling in Millbrae

Finding the best therapist close by in Millbrae 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 Millbrae. 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 Millbrae, 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 Millbrae 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 Millbrae 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 Millbrae, elsewhere in San Mateo, 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 Millbrae area can be found below:

How does the cost of in-person counseling compare to the cost of BetterHelp with a licensed Millbrae 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 Millbrae 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 Millbrae 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 Millbrae, 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 Millbrae 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 Millbrae 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 Millbrae 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 Millbrae 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 Millbrae 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 94030 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 Millbrae 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 Millbrae 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 Millbrae, 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.

Millbrae 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 Millbrae.

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

94030

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