Therapists in Palo Alto, CA

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Emily Peltason
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Online Only
Waitlist for new clients
Wherever you find yourself right now, I am here to support you in your journey to connect with yourself or others, gain understanding, experience relief, and, ultimately, build a more satisfying life. Whether you are struggling with depression, anxiety, or feelings of being stuck, therapy presents an opportunity to shift your experience and grow your capacity for change. Effective therapy produces relief from suffering, but not only that: it also makes way for a new sense of freedom to emerge, rendering once unthinkable choices or ways of being in the world newly within reach.
Wherever you find yourself right now, I am here to support you in your journey to connect with yourself or others, gain understanding, experience relief, and, ultimately, build a more satisfying life. Whether you are struggling with depression, anxiety, or feelings of being stuck, therapy presents an opportunity to shift your experience and grow your capacity for change. Effective therapy produces relief from suffering, but not only that: it also makes way for a new sense of freedom to emerge, rendering once unthinkable choices or ways of being in the world newly within reach.
(650) 262-3992 View (650) 262-3992
Courtney Spencer
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
2 Endorsed
Online Only
Through a collaborative, strengths-based approach, clients identify places where they feel stuck and learn and practice skills that support their therapy goals. I'm passionate about being a therapist and believe that the therapeutic process is instrumental in helping clients address and navigate difficult life experiences. I believe in making therapy both accessible and enjoyable so that clients walk away with an understanding of the challenges they face and a readiness to embrace a more fulfilled life.
Through a collaborative, strengths-based approach, clients identify places where they feel stuck and learn and practice skills that support their therapy goals. I'm passionate about being a therapist and believe that the therapeutic process is instrumental in helping clients address and navigate difficult life experiences. I believe in making therapy both accessible and enjoyable so that clients walk away with an understanding of the challenges they face and a readiness to embrace a more fulfilled life.
(310) 906-4667 View (310) 906-4667
Alice Ruzicka
Psychologist, PhD
Palo Alto, CA 94306
I am a board-certified clinical neuropsychologist. Typical referrals are children or adult students who might have learning problems or ADHD but I also work with seniors and adults. I am well trained in the diagnosis of a spectrum of conditions, most of which benefit from treatment and all of which benefit the individual in understanding themselves better.
I am a board-certified clinical neuropsychologist. Typical referrals are children or adult students who might have learning problems or ADHD but I also work with seniors and adults. I am well trained in the diagnosis of a spectrum of conditions, most of which benefit from treatment and all of which benefit the individual in understanding themselves better.
(408) 706-7124 View (408) 706-7124
Lorretta J. Abbott
Psychologist, PsyD
Online Only
Are you experiencing high levels of pressure at work, school, or in your personal life? I help high functioning executives, professionals, high school and college students, or young adults who feel stressed, burned out, anxious, and often feel disconnected from a career they used to enjoy or their most important relationships. Work with me will help you gain clarity, better stress management, stronger relationships, and practical tools to feel more balanced and in control.
Are you experiencing high levels of pressure at work, school, or in your personal life? I help high functioning executives, professionals, high school and college students, or young adults who feel stressed, burned out, anxious, and often feel disconnected from a career they used to enjoy or their most important relationships. Work with me will help you gain clarity, better stress management, stronger relationships, and practical tools to feel more balanced and in control.
(650) 399-7388 View (650) 399-7388
Mills-Bunje Therapy
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT, CST
2 Endorsed
Online Only
My ideal clients are individuals who feel hesitant, embarrassed, or isolated when it comes to discussing their physical, mental, or sexual health. They may struggle to express their needs, set boundaries, or connect authentically with themselves or others. They are seeking a safe, confidential space where they can explore these concerns without judgment. Their goal is to better understand themselves, develop healthy ways to meet their needs, and foster fulfilling connections in their personal and intimate lives. Therapy provides them with a supportive environment to grow, gain clarity, and feel empowered in their choices.
My ideal clients are individuals who feel hesitant, embarrassed, or isolated when it comes to discussing their physical, mental, or sexual health. They may struggle to express their needs, set boundaries, or connect authentically with themselves or others. They are seeking a safe, confidential space where they can explore these concerns without judgment. Their goal is to better understand themselves, develop healthy ways to meet their needs, and foster fulfilling connections in their personal and intimate lives. Therapy provides them with a supportive environment to grow, gain clarity, and feel empowered in their choices.
(650) 417-3234 View (650) 417-3234
Harshita Pant
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, MA, AMFT
1 Endorsed
Palo Alto, CA 94306
Are you feeling unmotivated, disconnected, or struggling to find joy in your daily life? Do you find it difficult to focus or connect meaningfully with others? Does anxiety feel like a constant undercurrent throughout your day? As human beings, we’re wired for connection, yet in our efforts to belong, we can sometimes lose touch with our authentic selves. Over time, this disconnection can show up as fatigue, difficulty sleeping, low mood, fear of closeness, or emotional overwhelm. Left unaddressed, these experiences can take a toll on both our mental and physical well-being.
Are you feeling unmotivated, disconnected, or struggling to find joy in your daily life? Do you find it difficult to focus or connect meaningfully with others? Does anxiety feel like a constant undercurrent throughout your day? As human beings, we’re wired for connection, yet in our efforts to belong, we can sometimes lose touch with our authentic selves. Over time, this disconnection can show up as fatigue, difficulty sleeping, low mood, fear of closeness, or emotional overwhelm. Left unaddressed, these experiences can take a toll on both our mental and physical well-being.
(650) 476-2828 View (650) 476-2828
Diane Byster
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT, NCC, RYT
Palo Alto, CA 94301
I am CA state licensed marriage and family therapist, National Certified Counselor and Registered Yoga Teacher. I maintain a private practice in Palo Alto and online and see clients for individual, couple psychotherapy and career counseling. I have taught courses for Kaiser Permanente in Behavioral Health and served as a coach/facilitator in Medical Weight Management. My training includes over 18 years in Intensive Short-Term Dynamic Psychotherapy (ISTDP) an evidenced based treatment approach to help clients build their inner resources and motivation to reach their goals.
I am CA state licensed marriage and family therapist, National Certified Counselor and Registered Yoga Teacher. I maintain a private practice in Palo Alto and online and see clients for individual, couple psychotherapy and career counseling. I have taught courses for Kaiser Permanente in Behavioral Health and served as a coach/facilitator in Medical Weight Management. My training includes over 18 years in Intensive Short-Term Dynamic Psychotherapy (ISTDP) an evidenced based treatment approach to help clients build their inner resources and motivation to reach their goals.
(650) 209-7797 View (650) 209-7797
Abigail Reider
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Online Only
Feeling stuck, anxious, overwhelmed, depleted, and/or unsure how to move forward? Perhaps you're managing challenges with relationships, work, caregiver responsibilities, transitions, health issues, grief, and/or other aspects of life. Therapy is a space to slow down, reflect, and find clarity and support. I aim to create a compassionate, non-judgmental space where you feel safe, supported, and understood. Together, we’ll build insight and use your strengths to develop practical, evidence-based skills to help you navigate challenges more successfully, achieve your goals, and move forward with more ease and confidence.
Feeling stuck, anxious, overwhelmed, depleted, and/or unsure how to move forward? Perhaps you're managing challenges with relationships, work, caregiver responsibilities, transitions, health issues, grief, and/or other aspects of life. Therapy is a space to slow down, reflect, and find clarity and support. I aim to create a compassionate, non-judgmental space where you feel safe, supported, and understood. Together, we’ll build insight and use your strengths to develop practical, evidence-based skills to help you navigate challenges more successfully, achieve your goals, and move forward with more ease and confidence.
(650) 881-3497 View (650) 881-3497
Expert care for chronic health conditions and preventive health, including sleep, eating habits, and physical activity. As a South Asian health psychologist with specialized training in behavioral medicine, I've learned that tuning into the nuances of your health AND culture leads to lasting change. I work to: 1) Help individuals & couples move from suffering to resilience, 2) Enable folks to apply psychological techniques to their health, whether to fix sleep or learn mindful eating, and 3) Help bicultural clients navigate the rich, at times pain-in-the-ass complexities of life.
Expert care for chronic health conditions and preventive health, including sleep, eating habits, and physical activity. As a South Asian health psychologist with specialized training in behavioral medicine, I've learned that tuning into the nuances of your health AND culture leads to lasting change. I work to: 1) Help individuals & couples move from suffering to resilience, 2) Enable folks to apply psychological techniques to their health, whether to fix sleep or learn mindful eating, and 3) Help bicultural clients navigate the rich, at times pain-in-the-ass complexities of life.
(650) 675-2213 View (650) 675-2213
Jeff Taylor
Psychologist, PsyD
Online Only
Many of my patients are adults and couples struggling with anxiety, depression, post-traumatic stress, grief/loss, life transitions, and relationship challenges. My therapeutic approach is warm, genuine, and engaging and often combines interpersonal, cognitive-behavioral, and attachment perspectives within a safe and collaborative therapeutic relationship. I am passionate about helping my patients to identify their inherent strengths and motivations for change while also bringing awareness to obstacles that may be blocking them from experiencing lives that feel fulfilling and meaningful.
Many of my patients are adults and couples struggling with anxiety, depression, post-traumatic stress, grief/loss, life transitions, and relationship challenges. My therapeutic approach is warm, genuine, and engaging and often combines interpersonal, cognitive-behavioral, and attachment perspectives within a safe and collaborative therapeutic relationship. I am passionate about helping my patients to identify their inherent strengths and motivations for change while also bringing awareness to obstacles that may be blocking them from experiencing lives that feel fulfilling and meaningful.
(415) 524-0406 View (415) 524-0406
Third Party Reproductive Consults- Dr. Grey
Marriage & Family Therapist, PsyD, LMFT
Online Only
Becoming a parent is a dream that lives in the heart for years, a vision shaped by hope, love, and anticipation. When you discover that your path to parenthood now depends on a donor or a surrogate, everything can change in an instant. The loss of your imagined journey, the ache of dreams deferred, and the avalanche of decisions you never expected to face can be overwhelming. The pain of letting go, the fear of judgment, and the loneliness of feeling misunderstood are real and profound. For LGBTQ+ parents, these challenges are often compounded by years of navigating barriers, silence, and uncertainty. You don't have to do this alone
Becoming a parent is a dream that lives in the heart for years, a vision shaped by hope, love, and anticipation. When you discover that your path to parenthood now depends on a donor or a surrogate, everything can change in an instant. The loss of your imagined journey, the ache of dreams deferred, and the avalanche of decisions you never expected to face can be overwhelming. The pain of letting go, the fear of judgment, and the loneliness of feeling misunderstood are real and profound. For LGBTQ+ parents, these challenges are often compounded by years of navigating barriers, silence, and uncertainty. You don't have to do this alone
(714) 907-1309 View (714) 907-1309
Jennifer White
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW, M.Ed
Palo Alto, CA 94301
I work with individuals who long for deeper, more authentic connection — with themselves, intimate partners, friends, or family. Many come to therapy feeling unseen, unheard, or disconnected from their own needs. They may find themselves repeating relationship patterns, struggling to communicate, or wondering why creating closeness feels difficult. Together, we explore the experiences that shaped these patterns and develop new ways of relating that feel more secure, genuine, and aligned.
I work with individuals who long for deeper, more authentic connection — with themselves, intimate partners, friends, or family. Many come to therapy feeling unseen, unheard, or disconnected from their own needs. They may find themselves repeating relationship patterns, struggling to communicate, or wondering why creating closeness feels difficult. Together, we explore the experiences that shaped these patterns and develop new ways of relating that feel more secure, genuine, and aligned.
(650) 482-8812 View (650) 482-8812
Sanjeev Balarajan
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, MA, AMFT
1 Endorsed
Palo Alto, CA 94303
Do you feel like you're not thriving? I can help. Whether you're struggling with anxiety, depression, or grief, navigating difficult relationships, coping with major life transitions like divorce, separation, or career changes, dealing with cultural conflicts, or trying to heal from past trauma, I can support you in finding a path forward. I’m especially passionate about working with men and have spent nearly a decade leading and participating in men’s peer support and personal growth groups.
Do you feel like you're not thriving? I can help. Whether you're struggling with anxiety, depression, or grief, navigating difficult relationships, coping with major life transitions like divorce, separation, or career changes, dealing with cultural conflicts, or trying to heal from past trauma, I can support you in finding a path forward. I’m especially passionate about working with men and have spent nearly a decade leading and participating in men’s peer support and personal growth groups.
(650) 770-8641 View (650) 770-8641
Christina Perez
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
2 Endorsed
Online Only
I have experience with eating disorders and relationship issues so am very familiar with helping clients explore their relationships with food, their body, their family, and friends. I am client-centered and very open with clients. I want to meet them where they are. I bring humor and hopefulness to the session, as well as compassion and honesty. I help clients identify their narratives as well as challenge them. I believe the clients know themselves the best, so I trust I will learn from them as they will also learn from me, and that will guide our work together.
I have experience with eating disorders and relationship issues so am very familiar with helping clients explore their relationships with food, their body, their family, and friends. I am client-centered and very open with clients. I want to meet them where they are. I bring humor and hopefulness to the session, as well as compassion and honesty. I help clients identify their narratives as well as challenge them. I believe the clients know themselves the best, so I trust I will learn from them as they will also learn from me, and that will guide our work together.
(951) 556-6318 View (951) 556-6318
Ellen Russin
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Palo Alto, CA 94301
I have been a psychotherapist for adults and adolescents for over 20 years. People come to me to deal with painful feelings and difficulties in living, and to improve their sense of well-being. Many of the clients I see have relationship issues, depression, anxiety or low self-esteem. Living in Silicon Valley brings its own set of problems, which I am particularly interested in. Some people are unclear what troubles them, but are unhappy with their lives.
I have been a psychotherapist for adults and adolescents for over 20 years. People come to me to deal with painful feelings and difficulties in living, and to improve their sense of well-being. Many of the clients I see have relationship issues, depression, anxiety or low self-esteem. Living in Silicon Valley brings its own set of problems, which I am particularly interested in. Some people are unclear what troubles them, but are unhappy with their lives.
(415) 800-4094 View (415) 800-4094
Jacqueline Kao
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Online Only
My style can best be described as insight and action-oriented therapy. I believe that once an individual has an improved understanding of their inner workings (thoughts, emotions, behaviors) and patterns of behavior, then they can begin to adopt more healthy ways of living.
My style can best be described as insight and action-oriented therapy. I believe that once an individual has an improved understanding of their inner workings (thoughts, emotions, behaviors) and patterns of behavior, then they can begin to adopt more healthy ways of living.
(510) 241-3868 View (510) 241-3868
Ashley Brady
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
1 Endorsed
Palo Alto, CA 94301
Life can throw unexpected challenges at every phase of development. The teen years can feel downright tumultuous and confusing. Early adulthood can come with intense identity confusion and anxiety. I specialize in these populations and their needs in my practice. My goal is to help teenagers and young adults better manage stress, regulate emotions, and achieve more peace in daily life. I offer a safe environment where we can dive into your behavioral patterns and learn new ways to take care of yourself. No matter how difficult things may feel, we can problem-solve together. This can give you the empowerment you need to move forward.
Life can throw unexpected challenges at every phase of development. The teen years can feel downright tumultuous and confusing. Early adulthood can come with intense identity confusion and anxiety. I specialize in these populations and their needs in my practice. My goal is to help teenagers and young adults better manage stress, regulate emotions, and achieve more peace in daily life. I offer a safe environment where we can dive into your behavioral patterns and learn new ways to take care of yourself. No matter how difficult things may feel, we can problem-solve together. This can give you the empowerment you need to move forward.
(415) 873-3901 View (415) 873-3901
Kendra Lewis
Associate Clinical Social Worker, ASW, DBT, IFS
Palo Alto, CA 94301
Anger, anxiety, depression, shame, and challenges with self-identity are often rooted in unresolved trauma. When left unaddressed, trauma can deeply impact our relationships and family dynamics. As your therapist, my goal is to collaborate with you in managing trauma-related symptoms and moving toward a more meaningful, fulfilling life. I use a client-centered approach to create a safe and supportive space where unresolved emotions and reactions can be explored. I believe that the therapeutic relationship itself is just as important as the modality used because healing begins with trust, connection, and the freedom to be vulnerable.
Anger, anxiety, depression, shame, and challenges with self-identity are often rooted in unresolved trauma. When left unaddressed, trauma can deeply impact our relationships and family dynamics. As your therapist, my goal is to collaborate with you in managing trauma-related symptoms and moving toward a more meaningful, fulfilling life. I use a client-centered approach to create a safe and supportive space where unresolved emotions and reactions can be explored. I believe that the therapeutic relationship itself is just as important as the modality used because healing begins with trust, connection, and the freedom to be vulnerable.
(650) 405-3698 View (650) 405-3698
Sheron Gershelis
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, EMDR
Palo Alto, CA 94301
Are you struggling with work, relational, and life stressors that have overwhelmed you and you are unsure what to do next? You're trying to open the next chapter in your life, but your past traumas and anxiety stop you. This is where I come in and help guide you in making YOUR right decision. I will help you through your journey in becoming worry-free and assist you in processing unresolved feelings and learning healthy coping skills for emotional distress
Are you struggling with work, relational, and life stressors that have overwhelmed you and you are unsure what to do next? You're trying to open the next chapter in your life, but your past traumas and anxiety stop you. This is where I come in and help guide you in making YOUR right decision. I will help you through your journey in becoming worry-free and assist you in processing unresolved feelings and learning healthy coping skills for emotional distress
(650) 844-0092 View (650) 844-0092
Benedicte Last
Psychologist, PsyD
Online Only
Not accepting new clients
Sometimes the hardest thing in life is to forgive yourself, or forgive others for what has happened. It can really keep you stuck in the same cycle, over and over, depressed, and anxious. It is like Kryptonite; it keeps you from living the life you want to live, and from discovering the superpowers you have inside of you. What would happen if you could use those superpowers? What would happen if you were to feel your enthusiasm again? Where would you go, what would you do, what new skills would you like to learn? Where is your Kryptonite hidden.
Sometimes the hardest thing in life is to forgive yourself, or forgive others for what has happened. It can really keep you stuck in the same cycle, over and over, depressed, and anxious. It is like Kryptonite; it keeps you from living the life you want to live, and from discovering the superpowers you have inside of you. What would happen if you could use those superpowers? What would happen if you were to feel your enthusiasm again? Where would you go, what would you do, what new skills would you like to learn? Where is your Kryptonite hidden.
(650) 338-0359 View (650) 338-0359

See more therapy options for Palo Alto

How does your Therapist compare?

Number of Therapists in Palo Alto, CA

1,000+

Average cost per session

$211

Therapists in Palo Alto, CA who prioritize treating:

94% Anxiety
94% Social Anxiety
94% Health Anxiety
94% Driving Anxiety
87% Depression
84% Relationship Issues
80% Relationship Anxiety

Average years in practice

13 Years

Top 3 insurances accepted

80% Aetna
54% Cigna and Evernorth
43% Anthem

How Therapists in Palo Alto, CA see their clients

53% In Person and Online
47% Online Only

Gender breakdown

81% Female
18% Male
1% Non-Binary
FAQs - About Therapy and Counseling

How can I find a therapist in Palo Alto?

Search for nearby therapists or counselors by inputting your city, town, or suburb; or zip code; or a provider’s name into the search bar. From there, you can filter providers by the issues they treat, cost, insurance, gender, and other factors to find providers who are well-suited to your needs. To navigate between locations within the same country, enter a new city or zip code into the search bar.

Learn more about how to find a therapist

Is everyone in the Psychology Today Therapy Directory a licensed therapist?

The Psychology Today directory lists providers who offer legitimate mental health services to the public, including psychologists, psychiatrists, social workers, and counselors.

Many have been licensed by the country or state where they practice; providers whose license or primary credential has been verified by Psychology Today are signified by a “Verified” symbol. Some clinicians or organizations provide services for which their state or country does not offer licenses, such as pastoral counseling. They may be selectively included without the “Verified” seal.

What’s the difference between a psychologist, a therapist, and a counselor?

Therapists, psychologists, and counselors are all licensed mental health professionals. In the US, psychologists have earned a doctoral degree. The terms “therapist” and “counselor” are used somewhat interchangeably, but generally therapists offer longer-term, mental health care, while counselors offer shorter-term care that may focus on one domain, such as marriage, career, or academic challenges.

Clients should consider factors such as insurance coverage and their primary reason(s) for seeking therapy to determine the type of professional best suited to their needs. Someone struggling with mental health challenges such as depression or anxiety, for example, may wish to seek out a clinical psychologist or therapist, while someone navigating career obstacles or marital upheaval may benefit from seeing a counselor who can offer short-term, targeted support.

What type of therapy is right for me?

The type of therapy best suited to a particular individual depends on several factors, including their primary reason for seeking therapy, their preferred timeline (some therapy types last for a set number of sessions, while others are open-ended), and their personality and preferences—some may prefer a more structured approach. For many individuals, multiple types of therapy could provide a good fit.

How much does therapy cost?

The cost of therapy depends on a number of variables, including location and the therapist’s experience and training. On average, a therapy session in the United States could cost between $100 and $200 or more. If you have insurance, the expense of mental health care is typically lower, but it varies based on your insurance plan details and whether you choose an in-network or out-of-network mental healthcare provider.

What are more affordable or low cost therapy solutions?

Many therapists offer sliding scale payments, usually on a limited number of slots, which consists in an agreement between the therapist and a client to pay a reduced rate. Therapists who provide such arrangements often consider the client's income or ability to pay, but the extent of the discount is ultimately at the therapist's discretion. Furthermore, while group therapy may have different goals and benefits compared to individual therapy, it can be a more affordable solution to address certain types of issues.

Is online therapy cheaper than in-person therapy?

Many therapists charge the same amount for online therapy as they do for in-person therapy—though clients may still find this cost-effective if it cuts down on their transportation costs. Health insurance plans often offer equivalent coverage for online and in-person therapy; indeed, in many places, they are legally required to do so. Text-based or on-demand therapy apps may be cheaper than traditional one-on-one psychotherapy; however, the practice may be less effective and is not likely to be covered by insurance.

Is online therapy a good option?

Therapy conducted online can be just as effective as in-person therapy, as long as there is a strong alliance between the client and the therapist. To find a therapist who provides telehealth services to clients in your area, click “Online Therapy” on the directory homepage and search by your city or town or your zip code.

Are therapy sessions confidential?

Confidentiality is a crucial part of the therapeutic relationship. Therapists in the United States are bound by the regulations set out by the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (HIPAA), which aims to protect sensitive health information. With very few exceptions, a therapist will only discuss their client with others when the client has given their written permission. The instances in which a therapist would be required to disclose personal information are: if a client poses a danger to themselves or others, if the therapist suspects the abuse of a child or an elderly or otherwise dependent adult, or if they are legally forced to by court order. These exceptions to the confidentiality agreement are usually discussed with a client before their first session.