Located in the beautiful area of Santa Clara County, Los Gatos, California was named the 33rd most wealthy town in America by Bloomberg Businessweek and high technology companies have a lot to do with it. But, too much technology can be a bad thing for some people. 

There is now proof that some people are affected by internet or video game addiction, which can wreck your life, affect your relationships, and cost you your job or home. If you or someone you know is suffering from one of these or any other mental health conditions, contact one of the many expert counselors in Los Gatos right away. 

This is Julie Jackson's avatar and link to their profile

Julie Jackson

Offering therapy in CA
License: MSW, LCSW
Stress, AnxietyFamily conflictsGriefParenting issuesDepression
3 years of experience

Our challenges can sometimes be simple, but other times, they can be like puzzles. Multiple factors and layers can play a part to produce complicated issues that are difficult to unravel. Ultimately, our mental health boils down to our world-view and how we perceive the events we experience. It’s important to remember that it’s not that our problems are unsolvable, it’s just that the solutions haven’t been identified or manifested yet. Further exploration may be needed. I am able to use a variety of treatment methods to support you in creating the life you want. I have my LCSW in Texas and California and have worked primarily in mental health and healthcare. I’d love to join you on your path towards a fulfilled and abundant life.

This is Katherine (Kate) Baker's avatar and link to their profile

Katherine (Kate) Baker

Offering therapy in CA
License: LCSW
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsGriefParenting issuesAnger management
16 years of experience

My area of concentration is supporting people who are managing any of the following: social issues (peer pressure, aggression, isolation, vitimization) anger, sadness & depression stress & anxiety learning differences & difficulties grief & loss divorce & separation substance use self-harm career & education decision making adjustment to a new life situation I use a combination of modalities, tailoring my approach to each individual. I use role-play, art projects, mindfulness and relaxation practice in my counseling practice, as well as traditional talk-therapy. I rely heavily on cognitive-behavioral therapy tools and hold a solution-oriented perspective. Together, with my client and their family, we begin by understanding present realities and then proceed to goal-setting. Above all, I respect a client's motivation to change and am deliberate about setting goals with their full-agreement and collaboration. At times these goals may be at odds with what a parent determines, and I work with the family towards a mutually-acceptable agreement. Systems therapy is also a critical part of my practice, meaning each young person is a part of a family system and does not operate in a vacuum . Behavioral patterns, living circumstances, unspoken rules and truths, family secrets and shared traumatic experiences have great impact on a young persons' functioning. It is my hope that the family members of my clients join our sessions as needed in order to maximize our therapeutic potential.

This is Zoe Paulson's avatar and link to their profile

Zoe Paulson

Offering therapy in CA
License: MSW,LCSW
Relationship issuesFamily conflictsParenting issuesSelf esteemCoping with life changes
15 years of experience

Hi there! I'm a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) in California. I earned my Master of Social Welfare (MSW) degree from the University of California at Berkeley in 2004. I've worked in many different settings with individuals, couples, and families who have a variety of issues that include, but that are not limited to, relationship and family conflicts, parent/child challenges, adjustment to phases of life, depression, stress, and grief. My experience as a clinician has led me to focus on working with and helping my clients with a tailored approach that combines cognitive-behavioral, solution-focused, and strengths-based therapy models. I strive on bringing you to a point of becoming confident in your abilities to move forward by minimizing fear and leading you to tangible and realistic goals and outcomes. I offer a non-judgmental, empathic, and mindful approach with my clients who are willing to accept the challenges that come with participating in counseling and have the desire to work towards and make positive changes. Whether your challenges are recent or longstanding, whether you are wanting to improve your mood, relationships, or the ability to cope with complicated emotions, I am confident I can offer a perspective and additional support that allows you to gain the momentum you are seeking in order to move forward and start healing. I’d be happy to answer any questions you may have. You can message me anytime through BetterHelp. I usually check messages twice each day, Mondays through Fridays. I offer messaging, live chat, video and phone sessions with limited availability in the evenings. At this time, I am not able to provide services on the weekends. What you see in my calendar may not reflect my only availability so always check with me through a message first! I look forward to working together!

This is Marina Alexander's avatar and link to their profile

Marina Alexander

Offering therapy in CA
License: MA,LMFT
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesSelf esteemDepressionCoping with life changes
16 years of experience

Hello and Welcome, I am so glad you are here - because you are in the right place! It takes an intelligent person to seek out a guide when passing through challenging terrain. I know this is the right time for you to begin your journey into a deeper understanding of who YOU are as a unique person, and what YOU need to start making positive changes in your life. A life that “works” is largely a result of making the right choices. It is the choices we make every day - that bring about the consequences which we call our life experience. But sometimes it is difficult to see clearly and there may be a multitude of opinions about “what’s the right thing to do is” for YOU. Often, when we are not sure what to do, so we end up not doing anything. Feeling stuck in a “bad place” and not acting to change it can deepen feelings of anxiety, helplessness, and depression. On the other hand, getting help in understanding the situation you are facing and making a clear decision for corrective action - will always make you feel more empowered and happier because you are taking responsible action. I am here to help you gain more clarity into your situation, provide tools that you can use immediately to start feeling better, and support you in making the choices which are right for you. In working with me you will have a safe space of unconditional positive regard where you can share your thoughts and feelings without reservation. I know that we all long to feel accepted, validated, and understood, and that when we are given this kind of nurturing space, we can begin the exciting adventure toward healing and happiness. I am a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) in the state of California. I have been working as psychotherapist for over 16 years. I counsel adults of all ages, specializing in the treatment of life transitions, anxiety, depression, addictive behaviors, parenting challenges, relationship and marital conflicts, grief and loss. Some of the therapeutic approaches I have been trained in include Cognitive Behavior Therapy, Emotionally Focused Therapy, Mindfulness Based and Solution-Focused Therapy, and Triple P – Positive Parenting Program and have successfully helped parents of children of all ages to manage disruptive behaviors. In addition to my training, I have been through a lot of transitions in my personal life, and lived in different countries. This experience has been priceless in helping me understand and relate to people in a culturally sensitive manner. I believe that my job as a therapist is to meet you where you are - in order to help you get to where you want to be. I am looking forward to meeting you and working with you!

This is JP (Jean-Pierre) De Oliveira Estevão's avatar and link to their profile

JP (Jean-Pierre) De Oliveira Estevão

Offering therapy in CA
License: LPCC
Stress, AnxietyLGBTTrauma and abuseDepression
16 years of experience

My primary objective is to create a safe and nurturing environment where individuals, couples, and families can explore and enhance their emotional and mental well-being. Utilizing a client-centered approach rooted in humanistic principles, I actively collaborate with my clients to deeply understand their unique needs and aspirations. From this understanding, I develop personalized interventions that foster growth and progress. Rather than fixating solely on problems or pathology, I integrate the strengths and resources of my clients into my therapeutic approach. By doing so, I cultivate a sense of empowerment and resilience within them, enabling them to overcome obstacles and achieve their objectives. With extensive experience as a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor in California and Texas, I have had the privilege of working with diverse individuals, including children, older adults, and members of the LGBTQ+ community. My background in school counseling and non-profit agencies has given me a deep understanding of the psychological challenges that can arise within these populations. My therapeutic approach focuses on building positive communication and nurturing meaningful client relationships. I prioritize establishing healthy coping strategies and facilitating lasting interpersonal changes within a culturally sensitive framework. Through compassionate and respectful guidance, I work collaboratively with my clients to help them achieve their personalized goals. Please note that I operate in the central standard time zone (GMT+6), and my working hours generally span from 10 AM to 5 PM. Kindly be aware that I am typically unavailable during weekends and evenings. As an esteemed Saint Mary's College of California graduate, I am fully committed to providing tailored therapy services to individuals. I am delighted to offer online therapy sessions as a convenient and accessible support form.

This is Gregory Harbaugh's avatar and link to their profile

Gregory Harbaugh

Offering therapy in CA
License: LMFT
Stress, AnxietyLGBTRelationship issuesTrauma and abuseDepression
17 years of experience

Hello and welcome! I know from experience that sometimes it takes a great deal of courage to take the step to contact a therapist. So, thank you for reading! I am a graduate of the University of Southern California (also the University of Michigan) with over fifteen years’ experience as a psychotherapist treating individuals, couples/partners, children/adolescents, families and groups. My clinical training was at Saban Community Clinic, treating a diverse array of patients with wide ranging conditions. I enjoyed the team approach at Saban, which included medical and psychiatric practitioners. I have been licensed and in private practice in Los Angeles, CA since 2017. I offer an individualized approach to therapy, beginning by meeting the client where he/she is in the moment according to the client's needs. The goal is for you to be able to express yourself, be comfortable and ultimately realize your human potential and be happy in your own skin. There are many ‘schools’ of therapy. Some useful approaches I have found have been: Person-Centered Therapy: a non-directive, collaborative approach, often called ‘guided discovery’ Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): the relationship between emotions, thoughts and behaviors Solution Focused Brief Therapy: focusing on client strengths, skills and goals Mindfulness Training: being fully present in the moment without judgment Psychodynamic/Self-Psychology: self-identity; developing a healthy understanding of who you are These are brief descriptions. If there is something of interest you know about please let me know and we can discuss. My profession requires 36 hours of continuing education for license renewal every two years. Some common areas of treatment include: • Depression and Anxiety (which often occur together) • Obsessions, Compulsions, Phobias (which tend to have an anxiety basis) • Personality Disorders • Mood Disorders • Trauma and Abuse Survivors; Support and Recovery • Communication/Intimacy; Relationships; Attachment • Living an Authentic Life; Self; Identity • Parenting Support • Grief Counseling • Work and Career issues, Stress Management • Addiction & Recovery (Assessment and Referral) • Eating Disorders (Assessment and Referral) • Cultural Diversity Issues • Sports and Creative Arts Performance Among my skills is complex differential diagnosis. Since many symptoms overlap more than one diagnostic category (and therefore guide treatment planning), a deeper understanding of the client is important. Treatment doesn’t necessarily have to take a long time. CBT and Mindfulness may provide benefits very quickly. If a condition is beyond my scope of practice I will provide guidance and appropriate referrals. In addition to being a psychotherapist, I have substantial interests in the creative arts and am a songwriter and musician myself. I am committed to meeting the client where he/she is in the moment and collaborating on goals to meet his/her needs, provide support and help the client address whatever challenges he/she might face. My approach is to provide warmth, empathy and understanding to help the individual build on his/her strengths and attain the personal growth he/she is committed to accomplishing. Best of luck in your life journey. I look forward to meeting you!

This is Miriam DeBerry's avatar and link to their profile

Miriam DeBerry

Offering therapy in CA
License: LMFT-CA 123881,LMFT-MO 2014006569
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesSelf esteemDepressionCoping with life changes
13 years of experience

I am a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in California and Missouri. I’ve empathetically cared for those I served for over 17 years in assisting individuals, parents, families, couples from various phases of their lives to gain clarity, perspective, and resolution. My integrative therapeutic approaches of solution-focus, motivational interviewing, cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), trauma-focused CBT, systemic, client-centered, and acceptance & commitment interventions helped my clients create healthier life choices for a positive present and future. With an open heart, mind, and soul, I will support you into the next stages of your life. Currently, I'm accepting clients who are able to meet mornings and afternoons, Tuesday - Thursday. Evening and Saturday appointments are based on my weekly availability, and upon requests.

This is Margaret "Maggie" Reid's avatar and link to their profile

Margaret "Maggie" Reid

Offering therapy in CA
Stress, AnxietyParenting issuesSelf esteemCareer difficultiesCoping with life changes
5 years of experience

Hi, I’m Maggie! I’m an Expressive Arts Therapist. I work in the same way a typical therapist would work, exploring relationships, expressing emotions, working on social skills, discovering healthy coping skills, really any roadblock to being your very best self.  But in my practice, I also use the arts in our therapeutic journey.  This can include music, visual art, movement, magic, writing, and beyond.  My practice is truly client-centered.  Everyone has their own unique situation, and my goal is to tailor our work to your very personal needs.

This is Vicki Alexander Hess's avatar and link to their profile

Vicki Alexander Hess

Offering therapy in CA
Stress, AnxietyLGBTTrauma and abuseCoachingCompassion fatigue
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, lgbtq+ related issues, trauma and abuse, & executive and professional coaching. 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!

This is Lin Haley's avatar and link to their profile

Lin Haley

Offering therapy in CA
Stress, AnxietySelf esteemDepressionCoping 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, motivation, self esteem, and confidence, & depression. I also have experience working with coping with life changes. I believe in treating everyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion. I will tailor our dialog and treatment plan to meet your unique and specific needs. 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 Los Gatos

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

How does the cost of in-person counseling compare to the cost of BetterHelp with a licensed Los Gatos 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 Los Gatos 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 Los Gatos 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 Los Gatos, 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 Los Gatos 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 Los Gatos 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 Los Gatos 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 Los Gatos 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 Los Gatos 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 95036 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 Los Gatos 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 Los Gatos 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 Los Gatos, 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.

Los Gatos 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 Los Gatos.

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

95030, 95032, 95036

Find the right therapist for your needs
Match with a qualified therapist