Therapists in San Mateo, CA

Balancing career, relationships, and personal well-being can feel like an uphill battle, especially when anxiety, burnout, or major life transitions take a toll. You might feel stuck, exhausted, or unsure of how to move forward—but you don’t have to navigate it alone. I’m here to support you. Together, we’ll navigate your emotions, rediscover what’s most important to you, and build practical coping strategies to help you move forward. Whether you’re a professional managing career stress, a new parent, or someone navigating relationship challenges, I provide a compassionate space where you can find clarity, healing, and relief.
Balancing career, relationships, and personal well-being can feel like an uphill battle, especially when anxiety, burnout, or major life transitions take a toll. You might feel stuck, exhausted, or unsure of how to move forward—but you don’t have to navigate it alone. I’m here to support you. Together, we’ll navigate your emotions, rediscover what’s most important to you, and build practical coping strategies to help you move forward. Whether you’re a professional managing career stress, a new parent, or someone navigating relationship challenges, I provide a compassionate space where you can find clarity, healing, and relief.

I have been in the helping professions for the past decade and specifically a therapist for the past four years. I use an integrative approach, where I assess the strengths and resources already available to you but potentially hidden in your blind spots. I'm happy to help you identify them and support you in taking advantage of them.
I have been in the helping professions for the past decade and specifically a therapist for the past four years. I use an integrative approach, where I assess the strengths and resources already available to you but potentially hidden in your blind spots. I'm happy to help you identify them and support you in taking advantage of them.

Our thoughts, emotions, and intentions are powerful forces that shape your reality. Much like the observer effect in quantum physics—where the act of observing influences the outcome—your awareness and focus have the power to transform your life. My goal as a therapist is to help you use that power, guiding you to a deeper understanding of yourself and your ability to create a life you are happy any excited about living.
Intentional shifts in thought and emotion can vibrate energy outward, influencing not just how you feel but the reality you experience.
Our thoughts, emotions, and intentions are powerful forces that shape your reality. Much like the observer effect in quantum physics—where the act of observing influences the outcome—your awareness and focus have the power to transform your life. My goal as a therapist is to help you use that power, guiding you to a deeper understanding of yourself and your ability to create a life you are happy any excited about living.
Intentional shifts in thought and emotion can vibrate energy outward, influencing not just how you feel but the reality you experience.

If you feel like you are exhausted, anxious most of the time, or no longer have a fulfilled relationship, you are not alone.
If you feel like you are exhausted, anxious most of the time, or no longer have a fulfilled relationship, you are not alone.

Welcome to Introspective Therapy. As a clinician with more than 17 years of professional experience, I develop a nurturing and supportive relationship. My clinical approach is collaborative and action based. I have extensive training in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, and Emotion Focused Therapy. I have a niche in treating anxiety, depression and addiction. Additionally, my focus as a couples therapist is improving communication, deepening emotional expression, and building trust and security.
Welcome to Introspective Therapy. As a clinician with more than 17 years of professional experience, I develop a nurturing and supportive relationship. My clinical approach is collaborative and action based. I have extensive training in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, and Emotion Focused Therapy. I have a niche in treating anxiety, depression and addiction. Additionally, my focus as a couples therapist is improving communication, deepening emotional expression, and building trust and security.

Welcome to my practice! While I have training and experience working with an array of mental health issues, I especially enjoy working with women experiencing anxiety, relationship challenges, low self worth, perfectionism, identity concerns and life transitions. I also work with those dealing with prenatal and postpartum issues and am certified in Perinatal Mental Health (PMH-C). My clinical training includes work at several university counseling centers, residential treatment facilities, and children's hospitals. I've held psychologist positions at Stanford University and UCSF.
Welcome to my practice! While I have training and experience working with an array of mental health issues, I especially enjoy working with women experiencing anxiety, relationship challenges, low self worth, perfectionism, identity concerns and life transitions. I also work with those dealing with prenatal and postpartum issues and am certified in Perinatal Mental Health (PMH-C). My clinical training includes work at several university counseling centers, residential treatment facilities, and children's hospitals. I've held psychologist positions at Stanford University and UCSF.

Are you feeling overwhelmed? Are your coping strategies not working as well as they used to? Are you ready for change? Therapy is a place to gain a better understanding of your challenges and a deeper awareness of your many strengths. We will work together to develop strategies that use your strengths to make your challenges feel more manageable. I conduct compassionate, client-centered psychotherapy to help you achieve your goals.
Are you feeling overwhelmed? Are your coping strategies not working as well as they used to? Are you ready for change? Therapy is a place to gain a better understanding of your challenges and a deeper awareness of your many strengths. We will work together to develop strategies that use your strengths to make your challenges feel more manageable. I conduct compassionate, client-centered psychotherapy to help you achieve your goals.

In my work with adults, I focus on understanding the dynamics that shape your relationships, whether with partners, family members, or colleagues. I aim to help you foster deeper connections, improve communication, and resolve conflicts, ultimately building healthier, more fulfilling relationships.
I offer Parent-Child Interaction Therapy, a specialized approach to support parents and kiddos in building secure attachment bonds. This work involves addressing the emotional needs of both parent and child during the critical early stages of development, helping families navigate the challenges of parenting with insight and compassion.
In my work with adults, I focus on understanding the dynamics that shape your relationships, whether with partners, family members, or colleagues. I aim to help you foster deeper connections, improve communication, and resolve conflicts, ultimately building healthier, more fulfilling relationships.
I offer Parent-Child Interaction Therapy, a specialized approach to support parents and kiddos in building secure attachment bonds. This work involves addressing the emotional needs of both parent and child during the critical early stages of development, helping families navigate the challenges of parenting with insight and compassion.

Hello, welcome to my profile. I'd like to introduce myself and give you a sense of who I am as a clinician. If you prefer not to read, please don’t hesitate to reach out for a phone consultation. My aim is to help you help yourself. You are both the expert on yourself and you also know what you want more than anyone else. As your therapist I develop an authentic bond to support you in this process of change that you wish to make. I am an advocate for your voice, and your needs at any point along the healing journey. While my job is to guide you through the process, at the end of the day true recovery is your journey.
Hello, welcome to my profile. I'd like to introduce myself and give you a sense of who I am as a clinician. If you prefer not to read, please don’t hesitate to reach out for a phone consultation. My aim is to help you help yourself. You are both the expert on yourself and you also know what you want more than anyone else. As your therapist I develop an authentic bond to support you in this process of change that you wish to make. I am an advocate for your voice, and your needs at any point along the healing journey. While my job is to guide you through the process, at the end of the day true recovery is your journey.

My main focus is to provide a relaxed, safe environment that enables people to discuss their vulnerabilities regarding self and relationships. I work extensively with those who suffer from trauma, anxiety and depression often due to questions of self-worth, childhood traumas, major life transitions, and relational issues. Also, I have done research in the way of gender, sexuality, and shame in western culture.
My main focus is to provide a relaxed, safe environment that enables people to discuss their vulnerabilities regarding self and relationships. I work extensively with those who suffer from trauma, anxiety and depression often due to questions of self-worth, childhood traumas, major life transitions, and relational issues. Also, I have done research in the way of gender, sexuality, and shame in western culture.

There's an authentic self in there. The real you! But life happens, loved ones fail to be who we needed them to be and we adapt. We take on other versions of ourselves to protect us from pain. Maybe a part of you is an Overachiever who will never let you feel failure again or a People-pleaser who will never let you feel loneliness again. I like to help clients get to know these parts, heal them and allow the authentic self to step forward.
There's an authentic self in there. The real you! But life happens, loved ones fail to be who we needed them to be and we adapt. We take on other versions of ourselves to protect us from pain. Maybe a part of you is an Overachiever who will never let you feel failure again or a People-pleaser who will never let you feel loneliness again. I like to help clients get to know these parts, heal them and allow the authentic self to step forward.

I believe for therapy to be effective, there must be established trust, a willingness to be vulnerable and a commitment to be authentic. I work with those seeking for a more balanced sense of themselves. My style is direct, transparent, insight-oriented and Psychodynamic. I use cognitive behavioral techniques and evidence based practices to help clients achieve their goals of working through depression, managing anxiety, replenishing caregiver-burnt out and coping with life stress. I am a family educator and also believe a sense of humor (when appropriate), is necessary for this line of work. Certified SoulCollage® facilitator.
I believe for therapy to be effective, there must be established trust, a willingness to be vulnerable and a commitment to be authentic. I work with those seeking for a more balanced sense of themselves. My style is direct, transparent, insight-oriented and Psychodynamic. I use cognitive behavioral techniques and evidence based practices to help clients achieve their goals of working through depression, managing anxiety, replenishing caregiver-burnt out and coping with life stress. I am a family educator and also believe a sense of humor (when appropriate), is necessary for this line of work. Certified SoulCollage® facilitator.

Candice Richardson-Solomon
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT, LPCC
San Mateo, CA 94402
Not accepting new clients
My approach is to facilitate a discovery process for clients to better understand what they need in order to heal, grow & move forward with their lives. Upon completion, clients have a new way to approach future difficulties that inevitably arise in life. I enjoy having a General practice working with individuals, couples, families, and children. I also have several years of experience working with Survivors of Sexual Assault, Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, and other difficulties. In my practice I offer, trauma & attachment focused EMDR, SensoriMotor informed psychotherapy, Family Systems work & more.
My approach is to facilitate a discovery process for clients to better understand what they need in order to heal, grow & move forward with their lives. Upon completion, clients have a new way to approach future difficulties that inevitably arise in life. I enjoy having a General practice working with individuals, couples, families, and children. I also have several years of experience working with Survivors of Sexual Assault, Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, and other difficulties. In my practice I offer, trauma & attachment focused EMDR, SensoriMotor informed psychotherapy, Family Systems work & more.

I view therapy as a multipurpose tool rooted in the strength of the therapist-client relationship. Therapy fosters self-discovery; it helps ease painful mental health symptoms and work through psychological pain; it cultivates the strengths you did not realize you already had within you. I take a person-centered, relational approach rooted in a social justice worldview to help clients examine patterns, events, and dynamics. We'll look at what has shaped your past and explore together what should shape your future.
I view therapy as a multipurpose tool rooted in the strength of the therapist-client relationship. Therapy fosters self-discovery; it helps ease painful mental health symptoms and work through psychological pain; it cultivates the strengths you did not realize you already had within you. I take a person-centered, relational approach rooted in a social justice worldview to help clients examine patterns, events, and dynamics. We'll look at what has shaped your past and explore together what should shape your future.

Feeling disconnected or stuck in the same patterns? Whether you’re struggling in your relationship, navigating a major life transition, or simply feeling unfulfilled, you don’t have to figure it out alone. I work with both individuals and couples, helping you build stronger connections, improve communication, and create meaningful change. My approach is warm, collaborative, and practical—offering support, insight, and tools to help you move forward with confidence. Together, we’ll work toward the relationships and life you truly want.
Feeling disconnected or stuck in the same patterns? Whether you’re struggling in your relationship, navigating a major life transition, or simply feeling unfulfilled, you don’t have to figure it out alone. I work with both individuals and couples, helping you build stronger connections, improve communication, and create meaningful change. My approach is warm, collaborative, and practical—offering support, insight, and tools to help you move forward with confidence. Together, we’ll work toward the relationships and life you truly want.

I counsel children, youth, and adults through family problems, communication skills, anxiety, depression, self-esteem, work/life balance, and relationship issues. In the session, I aim to incorporate an awareness of the physical body to reach a more inclusive feeling of wellness in your mental state. If you are feeling out of balance in your life, our work together can help you find a sense of calmness in your body and harmony in your mind.
I counsel children, youth, and adults through family problems, communication skills, anxiety, depression, self-esteem, work/life balance, and relationship issues. In the session, I aim to incorporate an awareness of the physical body to reach a more inclusive feeling of wellness in your mental state. If you are feeling out of balance in your life, our work together can help you find a sense of calmness in your body and harmony in your mind.
I am the type of therapist who will meet you where you are at mentally, emotionally, and therapeutically. I am non-judgmental, great listener, and and excellent communicator. My ideal client is someone who shows up ready for a change in their lives. I am not the type who gives advice but I am assist you toward your goals.
I am the type of therapist who will meet you where you are at mentally, emotionally, and therapeutically. I am non-judgmental, great listener, and and excellent communicator. My ideal client is someone who shows up ready for a change in their lives. I am not the type who gives advice but I am assist you toward your goals.

Awaken to the Possibilities..Change Your life for the Better! For over 20 years I have been helping people overcome and grow beyond their painful emotions and relationships, gain access to their personal longings and inner resources, and discover their deepest wisdom. Clients tell me that I have not only helped them resolve their presenting symptoms but also helped them heal the underlying source of their problems. Most people feel significantly better and are more prepared to cultivate their lives in uniquely rich and meaningful ways.
Awaken to the Possibilities..Change Your life for the Better! For over 20 years I have been helping people overcome and grow beyond their painful emotions and relationships, gain access to their personal longings and inner resources, and discover their deepest wisdom. Clients tell me that I have not only helped them resolve their presenting symptoms but also helped them heal the underlying source of their problems. Most people feel significantly better and are more prepared to cultivate their lives in uniquely rich and meaningful ways.

Greetings! My name is Pam Poindexter and I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker located in Long Beach, CA. I enjoy assisting adults to reclaim hope and meaning, reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression, change addictive patterns, navigate relationship challenges and manage life transitions by combining multiple empowering strategies gathered from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavior Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, and Person-Centered Therapy.
Greetings! My name is Pam Poindexter and I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker located in Long Beach, CA. I enjoy assisting adults to reclaim hope and meaning, reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression, change addictive patterns, navigate relationship challenges and manage life transitions by combining multiple empowering strategies gathered from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavior Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, and Person-Centered Therapy.

I provide evidence-based, compassionate, and supportive therapy treatment to individuals struggling with anxiety, dating, peer relationships, life transitions, and personal/career/school related development. My approaches include a mix of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), attachment-based therapy, coaching, and exposure therapy. I have a vast interest and experience in treating different areas and types of anxiety, assertiveness, panic, self-advocacy, dating, self esteem, and autism spectrum disorder.
I provide evidence-based, compassionate, and supportive therapy treatment to individuals struggling with anxiety, dating, peer relationships, life transitions, and personal/career/school related development. My approaches include a mix of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), attachment-based therapy, coaching, and exposure therapy. I have a vast interest and experience in treating different areas and types of anxiety, assertiveness, panic, self-advocacy, dating, self esteem, and autism spectrum disorder.
See more therapy options for San Mateo
How does your Therapist compare?
Number of Therapists in San Mateo, CA
500+
Average cost per session
$200
Therapists in San Mateo, CA who prioritize treating:
93% | Anxiety |
87% | Depression |
80% | Relationship Issues |
76% | Self Esteem |
66% | Trauma and PTSD |
66% | Coping Skills |
64% | Grief |
Average years in practice
13 Years
Top 3 insurances accepted
58% | Aetna |
50% | Cigna and Evernorth |
45% | Other |
How Therapists in San Mateo, CA see their clients
58% | In Person and Online | |
42% | Online Only |
Gender breakdown
80% | Female | |
19% | Male | |
1% | Non-Binary |
FAQs - About Therapy and Counseling
How can I find a therapist in San Mateo?
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
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.
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.
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.