Life can feel like walking across a cornfield. It can be a fun experience filled with delicious corn for you to eat, or it can feel like a maze you can’t get out of. If it’s the latter, a counselor based in Milpitas can help. Anxiety, depression, and various other mental ills can make your life tough to navigate, but a counselor can help you by giving you an exit you can escape from as long as you can follow it. 

Milpitas means “place of little cornfields.” Everyone is navigating through their own cornfield, and a counselor can be your navigator. 

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Dr. Arlene Unger

Offering therapy in CA
License: PhD
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsRelationship issuesGriefDepression
30 years of experience

No one really gets through life's ups and downs unscathed. Change has a way of bringing out the best and worst in all of us. I serve folks from all walks of life, and both young and old. You might be seeking coping tools for an immediate life challenge, chronic stress, early trauma, or loss. Drawing from my background in Cognitive Behavioral, Emotional Brain Training and Acceptance Commitment Therapies, I'm here to help you find hope and relief in daily living. With a PhD in Clinical Psychology and certification in nutrition, wellness, mindfulness, life coaching and substance abuse, I'm better able to understand and assist you in finding balance, identifying as well as supporting their need for change and working collaboratively with you through the healing process. Please check out my 7 mindfulness visualization exercise books and numerous articles at http://drarleneunger@com. I'm ready to empower you. The first step takes courage but knowing I'm only a text, phone call or video session away makes reaching out for help much easier. I’m here for you right now!

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Dr. Saundra Taulbee

Offering therapy in CA
License: D.M.H., LMFT
AddictionsRelationship issuesIntimacy-related issuesBipolar disorderDepression
30 years of experience

I hear the heartbeat of your spoken and unspoken struggles, as well as your dreams yet to be realized. Together we work to uncover the root cause and triggers that prevent you from being at peace with yourself and others, whether it involves issues of : • addiction, depression - Bi-polar or other mood disorders, ADD • codependency, low self-esteem, • PTSD, problems with anger management or conflict avoidance • problems with emotional and sexual intimacy in marriage. And, then, together we move on to resolve issues you bring so that you can learn to have satisfaction and transformation in your life. My experience spans 25 plus years of working with a wide range of people in private practice and in the mental health system. Not only that, but, my training was as a Doctor of Mental Health in Psychiatry at UCSF Medical Centre, San Francisco, with a 3- year residence, rotating in the crisis clinic, in-patient and out-patient psych units in Mount Zion Hospital, and Langley Porter Hospital, San Francisco, CA. Through this magnificent training I learned to grasp the delicate balance between the mind-body duo, and, subsequently I became adept at diagnosis and treatment, including ascertaining one's need for medication as an adjunct to the talk therapy. I am also trained in theology, having earned an M.Div. degree from Fuller Theological Seminary. Above all, if you choose to work with me - you will gain an ally in your recovery - who is authentic, transparent, and, who will walk with you to the culmination of your treatment. My treatment approach is psychoanalytic. And, thus, I believe we all suffer hurts, habits and hang-ups from the past, which are at the root of our struggles that go back to unfinished business with family of origin. However, I also integrate facets of cognitive behavioral and dialectical behavioral therapy, as the need presents. Furthermore, I am a Christian with a worldview that is biblically based. And, so, I hear the “God void” that lies within the heart of all humankind which we seek to fill with other things. This means that while my counsel will never conflict with the authority of Scripture, I will not proselytize. With that said, I have and will continue to see anyone who chooses to work with me as their therapist, regardless of whether you have a religious affiliation or none. Last, I am also an author who wrote a book based on case histories of nine patients who gave me permission to tell their stories, interspersed with vignettes from my own life - about how to overcome the struggles with which we all suffer. My nascent book, entitled, "You Can't Heal A Wound By Saying It's Not There", 2nd edition, is an overview of how what I have described above helps people heal and move on with their lives, so that they can help someone else be better - one person at a time. Are you willing to begin a journey with me of overcoming the past and embracing your God-given future?

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April Bolin

Offering therapy in CA
License: LCSW
LGBTGriefSelf esteemCoping with life changesCompassion fatigue
25 years of experience

My name is April Bolin, and I am a licensed Clinical Social Worker with three decades of professional service in the San Francisco Bay Area. I received my Master of Social Work degree from the University of California Berkeley. Over the years, I have worked with a diverse range of individuals who have found themselves adjusting to life circumstances, relationship challenges, or needing to improve mental health. As a therapist, I have worked closely with the LGBTQIA community, victims of abuse and trauma (xenophobic, systemic, multi-generational, etc), and individuals experiencing depression and feelings of emptiness. Having worked in the past as a partial hospitalization program therapist, I have found Cognitive Behavioral Therapy to be a highly effective method of supporting people who are dealing with challenges that feel overwhelming. When we begin to understand how our negative thoughts and feelings weigh us down, we can begin to incorporate healthy strategies for improving the way we think and move about the world. I am also a graduate of the Chaplaincy Institute’s Interfaith Seminary, which invites more of a psycho-spiritual approach for people seeking support around issues such as grief and loss, caregiver exhaustion, or recovery from religious dogma. I consider myself spiritual but not religious and, therefore, have no particular faith tradition that I identify with and the utmost respect for all faith traditions that serve to lift humanity. I learned from my own life challenges that the most effective therapists are those who have worked through their own demons so that they can authentically support the personal growth of others. As I reflect on my work as a therapist, that which has been most satisfying are the “aha moments” that spark positive changes in the lives of those who I have helped. There is a quote by Stephen Covey that I will end my summary with. It has become a philosophical intersection between my fundamental belief as a person and my practice as a therapist: “Be patient with yourself. Self-growth is tender; it’s holy ground. There’s no greater investment.”

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Traci Williams

Offering therapy in CA
License: LPCC,M.Ed
Relationship issuesFamily conflictsTrauma and abuseParenting issuesSelf esteem
7 years of experience

Welcome to Betterhelp. I am pleased you are taking this time in your life to seek self care and support. I am a licensed professional clinical counselor in California with over 20 years of experience working as a counselor in both nonprofit and public school settings. I have worked with clients with a wide range of concerns including depression, anxiety, relationship issues, parenting problems, life transition and career challenges. My primary objective in therapy is to develop a trusting and warm connection. Once that foundation of trust and respect is established, the likelihood and potential for you to overcome your barriers toward stability and well-being is high. I believe in treating everyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion. My approach combines cognitive-behavioral, humanistic, client-centered and psychodynamic. 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 towards change. If you are ready to take that step, I am here to support and empower you. I look forward to working with you!

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Kelly Dutka

Offering therapy in CA
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesGriefIntimacy-related issuesCoping with life changes
29 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, relationship issues, coping with grief and loss, & 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. 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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Hayley Mauro

Offering therapy in CA
Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseGriefSelf esteemDepression
7 years of experience

I am a California-based LCSW with 7 years of professional work experience. I have dedicated my education and career to working with children, youth, and families in a variety of settings. I specialize in helping clients with stress and anxiety, trauma and abuse, coping with grief and loss, & motivation, self esteem, and confidence. I pride myself on creating an open and safe environment where thoughts and feelings can be shared without fear of judgment. I can’t wait to meet you!

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Kimberly Coady Heikkila

Offering therapy in CA
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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Joe Narvid

Offering therapy in CA
Stress, AnxietyLGBTTrauma and abuseSelf esteemDepression
30 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 40 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, lgbtq+ related issues, trauma and abuse, & 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. 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. I have over 10 years expertise with active military and 30 years expertise with LBGBT issues both civilian and military

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Sierra Bush

Offering therapy in CA
Family conflictsParenting issuesSelf esteemCareer difficultiesCoaching
4 years of experience

I am licensed in Louisiana, Nevada, and California with over10 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with family conflicts, relationship conflicts, parenting issues, motivation, self esteem, and confidence, & career difficulties. 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. 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.

This is Blancandrea Molina's avatar and link to their profile

Blancandrea Molina

Offering therapy in CA
Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseGriefSelf esteemCoping with life changes
5 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, trauma and abuse, coping with grief and loss, & 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. 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.

How to find counseling in Milpitas

Finding the best therapist close by in Milpitas 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 Milpitas. 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 Milpitas, 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 Milpitas 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 Milpitas 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 Milpitas, 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 Milpitas area can be found below:

How does the cost of in-person counseling compare to the cost of BetterHelp with a licensed Milpitas 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 Milpitas 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 Milpitas 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 Milpitas, 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 Milpitas 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 Milpitas 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 Milpitas 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 Milpitas 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 Milpitas 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 95035 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 Milpitas 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 Milpitas 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 Milpitas, 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.

Milpitas 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 Milpitas.

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

95035

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