When it comes to caring for your mental health in San Mateo County, online therapy can be a convenient, accessible option. You may face a range of barriers to in-person sessions, including financial restraints, transportation challenges, and scheduling conflicts. With an online therapy platform like BetterHelp, you can attend sessions from the comfort of your home at a time that suits your schedule. Plus, you can change providers at any time for no additional fee, which can make it easier to find the right therapist for you.

Therapy can help you through various challenges, from learning stress management to overcoming painful emotions to managing the symptoms of mental health conditions like anxiety and depression. While BetterHelp does not offer group therapy or family counseling, your therapist can help you develop tools and techniques to manage personal struggles and gain self-awareness to manage familial challenges more effectively. 

Finding a therapist who greets you with genuine warmth and who you enjoy working with can help you stay committed to your recovery. Connect with a therapist in San Mateo, CA, today to learn more about the benefits of online therapy.

 

This is Jared Maloney's avatar and link to their profile

Jared Maloney

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

Hello and welcome. Allow me to share with you a little bit about my experience and how I approach therapy. I have five years of experience working as a therapist with teens, adults, couples and families. Helping people manage their thoughts and emotions in a healthy way that improves their experience in the world. I’ve worked with clients who were worried, anxious, grieving, feeling lost, sad, depressed, struggled with self worth, intrusive thoughts, addiction, relationships and anger management. I’ve also helped coach people on how to reach goals, find what direction they wanted to go in and create a deeper sense of meaning and purpose in their life. I’m always willing to find the style or technique that will be the most helpful for my clients but here are style I use the most: Client centered- letting you guide us to what you feel needs to be addressed and working on that together. Holistic - including all the parts that make you who you are, such as your thoughts, feelings, physical sensations, hopes, spirituality and relationships. Depth Psychology- explores what things mean for you, why you react to things the way you do, what is your unconscious may be saying to you. Psychosynthesis – working with all the parts of your personality healthy way, building personal recourses to improve your life. Solution focused – building self esteem by setting and achieving goals and knowing your self worth. CBT- becoming more aware of your thoughts and what you can do to change them. Some of the techniques I’ve incorporated in the past are journaling, art, guided meditations, dream analysis, mindfulness practices, somatic exercises (I don’t mean going to the gym, but that could be helpful) and role-play. My goal is to help you find your way through whatever it is you’re going through and to develop tools and skills that you can use for the rest of your life. If this sounds like something that would be helpful for you I look forward to hearing from you.

Get started View profile
This is Carri Barish's avatar and link to their profile

Carri Barish

Offering therapy in CA
License: LMFT,LPCC
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesParenting issuesSelf esteemCoping with life changes
5 years of experience

Are you feeling depressed? Overwhelmed? Anxious? Confused? Difficulties communicating effectively? Problems with relationships? Stressed out? Want easy to understand support you can use right away? I offer easy to understand support you can use right away and it includes making the most of your time, strengths and resources How I work is that I focus on the outcomes you are looking for. It’s a collaborative effort and I listen to what it is you need support with that session on that day - and the take-aways that support You. I use what is often referred to as a multi-modality approach. Primarily, I use CBT, cognitive-behavioral therapy, DBT, dialectical behavior therapy, both proven to be very effective for people. They address how our thoughts impact our feelings which then impact our behaviors. And also how to better manage distress and emotions and while improving relationship skills. In addition I utilize Solution Focused Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, and Adlerian Therapy. Solution Focused therapy helps keep you focused in the present, thinking about solutions, and on specific actions you can take towards the outcomes you are looking for. Motivational Interviewing keeps you motivated and as you work with your strengths creating daily successes of all sizes. Adlerian theory helps eliminate outmoded or negative imprints from childhood that are weighing you down or are triggering feelings of guilt, fear, and resentment. When you look at these it helps reduce any default or go-to reactions and behaviors that keep you in situations and relationships that you want to improve or get out of – and as time goes by - wonder why you things don't change. The advantage of this approach is that I am able to select from a variety of theories and utilize what will be most useful for you and your particular situation or circumstance. We will start with whatever you think most important, create a plan you can start on, and come up with at least one thing you can begin doing differently, or stop doing, until your next session, and go forward from there. I am here to help! Get it touch with me now - yes now is a good time for me too! If I don't get back to you within an hour, I will within 24 hours unless you contact me over the weekend and then I will get back to you the following Monday.

Get started View profile
This is Sonia Gallegos's avatar and link to their profile

Sonia Gallegos

Offering therapy in CA
License: LCSW
Stress, AnxietyAnger managementSelf esteemBipolar disorderDepression
6 years of experience

I am a licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) in California and Arizona with over 5 years of experience working as a therapist for a government agency. I have worked with clients with a variety of concerns including anxiety, depression, personality issues, and relationship challenges. My approach involves evidence based treatment and solution focused. I will individualize sessions and a treatment plan with your unique goals we explore together. I look forward to meeting you and being a part of this season in your life.

Get started View profile
This is Kathryn Shafer's avatar and link to their profile

Kathryn Shafer

Offering therapy in CA
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesFamily conflictsSelf esteemDepression
10 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 10 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, & motivation, self esteem, and confidence. I 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.

Get started View profile
This is Laura Hastings's avatar and link to their profile

Laura Hastings

Offering therapy in CA
Relationship issuesSelf esteemCareer difficultiesCoping with life changesCompassion fatigue
23 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 22 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with relationship issues, motivation, self esteem, and confidence, career difficulties, & coping with life changes. 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.

Get started View profile
This is Dr. James Decker's avatar and link to their profile

Dr. James Decker

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

I am licensed in California with 45 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship 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. Taking the first step to sign up for therapy can take courage and I am proud of you for getting started!

Get started View profile
This is Veronica Briody's avatar and link to their profile

Veronica Briody

Offering therapy in CA
Stress, AnxietyFamily conflictsTrauma and abuseGriefDepression
8 years of experience

I am a family and marriage therapist licensed in the state of California, with over 8 years of experience working as a psychotherapist. I have worked with clients with a wide range of concerns including depression, anxiety, relationship issues, parenting problems, career challenges, OCD, and ADHD. I also helped many people who have experienced physical trauma or emotional abuse. My therapy style is warm and interactive. I believe in treating anyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion, and I do not believe in stigmatizing labels. My approach combines cognitive-behavioral, humanistic, and solution focus theories. 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 taking 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! Soy terapista de matrimonios y familias, licenciada en el estado de California, con mas de 8 anos de experiencia proveyendo consejeria. He trabajado con clients en different areas, incluyendo depression, ansiedad, asuntos relacionados con parejas, crianza de ninos, problemas laborales, compulsions/obsesiones, e hiperactividad. Habiendo assistido tambien, a personas que experimentaron trauma físico o abuso emocional. Mi estilo terapéutico es cálido e interactivo. Creo en tratar a todos con respeto, sensibilidad y compassion. No creo en estigmatizar or discriminar a nadie. En tratamiento, combino cognitivismo, psicologia humanistica, enfocando en soluciones que al cliente le funcionaron en el pasado. Diálogo y trato al cliente con la intención de encontrarnos donde el/la cliente se encuentre y contemplando sus necesidades específicas. Hace falta mucho valor para decidirse a buscar una vida mas satisfactoria y Feliz, y si usted ha dado el primer paso hacia el cambio, yo estare aqui, para apoyarle y darle luz al camino a recorrer Gracias!

Get started View profile
This is Annelise Shafer's avatar and link to their profile

Annelise Shafer

Offering therapy in CA
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesFamily conflictsSelf esteemCoping with life changes
6 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 6 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, & motivation, self esteem, and confidence. I 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.

Get started View profile
This is Yasaman Sharifi's avatar and link to their profile

Yasaman Sharifi

Offering therapy in CA
Relationship issuesFamily conflictsTrauma and abuseDepressionCoping with life changes
7 years of experience

I am licensed in California of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with relationship issues, family conflicts, trauma and abuse, & depression and anxiety. 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!

Get started View profile
This is Robert Duda's avatar and link to their profile

Robert Duda

Offering therapy in CA
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesFamily conflictsTrauma and abuseDepression
9 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 9 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, & trauma and abuse. 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.

Get started View profile

How to find counseling in San Mateo

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

How does the cost of in-person counseling compare to the cost of BetterHelp with a licensed San Mateo 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 Mateo 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 Mateo 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 Mateo, 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 Mateo 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 Mateo 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 Mateo 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 Mateo 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 Mateo 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 94401 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 Mateo 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 Mateo 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 Mateo, 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 Mateo 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 Pinterest, LinkedIn, Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook. For mental health tips, check out the BetterHelp YouTube channel.

Take some time today to learn more about the team of 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 Mateo.

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

94401, 94402, 94403, 94404, 94497

Popular cities near San Mateo, CA

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