Chronic Illness Therapists in Palo Alto, CA
Dr. Nina Singh | Inclusive Health Psychology
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Palo Alto, CA 94306
Expert care for cancer, chronic illness, sleep, & health goals. As a health psychologist and psycho-oncologist, I recognize the challenges faced by individuals & families in medical and mental health care. Having an advocate matters, whether you're managing a life transition, living with cancer, or trying to fix your sleep. As your advocate, I provide you whole person care. This means going beyond just "symptoms" to support your emotional, physical, social, cultural, and existential health.
Expert care for cancer, chronic illness, sleep, & health goals. As a health psychologist and psycho-oncologist, I recognize the challenges faced by individuals & families in medical and mental health care. Having an advocate matters, whether you're managing a life transition, living with cancer, or trying to fix your sleep. As your advocate, I provide you whole person care. This means going beyond just "symptoms" to support your emotional, physical, social, cultural, and existential health.
I specialize in working with adults facing medical diagnosis, chronic illness, and life changes.
Does life feel unrecognizable right now? Maybe you are facing a new reality, one you did not expect to be facing now, or possibly ever. You heard what the doctors said, but it still doesn’t feel quite real, like tomorrow when you wake up you’ll realize this was all just a very bad dream. It feels terrifying, uncomfortable, and exhausting, and you are having a hard time focusing your attention on anything else. You may find your thoughts rapidly cycling between endless “what if?” and “how did I get here?” spirals. You are definitely not alone in feeling this way.
I specialize in working with adults facing medical diagnosis, chronic illness, and life changes.
Does life feel unrecognizable right now? Maybe you are facing a new reality, one you did not expect to be facing now, or possibly ever. You heard what the doctors said, but it still doesn’t feel quite real, like tomorrow when you wake up you’ll realize this was all just a very bad dream. It feels terrifying, uncomfortable, and exhausting, and you are having a hard time focusing your attention on anything else. You may find your thoughts rapidly cycling between endless “what if?” and “how did I get here?” spirals. You are definitely not alone in feeling this way.
Jillian Walsh Rosoff
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT, CT
Verified Verified
Palo Alto, CA 94301 (Online Only)
My approach to therapy is informed by my own experience of loss and living with a chronic illness.
Helping clients facing grief or chronic illness is my passion. I work with clients experiencing many kinds of losses, including death of a parent, partner, or one's own health. For nearly a decade, I was a hospice grief counselor providing support to individuals and families. I help clients finding meaning after devastating challenges, while developing practical coping strategies. I am certified in Thanatology, the study of death, dying and bereavement, through the Association of Death Education and Counseling (ADEC).
My approach to therapy is informed by my own experience of loss and living with a chronic illness.
Helping clients facing grief or chronic illness is my passion. I work with clients experiencing many kinds of losses, including death of a parent, partner, or one's own health. For nearly a decade, I was a hospice grief counselor providing support to individuals and families. I help clients finding meaning after devastating challenges, while developing practical coping strategies. I am certified in Thanatology, the study of death, dying and bereavement, through the Association of Death Education and Counseling (ADEC).
Tanya Gulevich
Marriage & Family Therapist, PhD, LMFT
Verified Verified
Palo Alto, CA 94306 (Online Only)
I have a wide experience working with clients who have experienced a major loss and and are grieving, whether the loss is the death of a loved one, the loss of a job, the loss of a relationship, or the losses that can come with chronic illness. I have also helped numerous people who are in emotionally and verbally abusive relationships, or have been in such relationships with partners, parents, or friends in the past. In addition, I enjoy helping people suffering from anxiety and depression to release these mood states and adopt a more tranquil state of mind.
I have a wide experience working with clients who have experienced a major loss and and are grieving, whether the loss is the death of a loved one, the loss of a job, the loss of a relationship, or the losses that can come with chronic illness. I have also helped numerous people who are in emotionally and verbally abusive relationships, or have been in such relationships with partners, parents, or friends in the past. In addition, I enjoy helping people suffering from anxiety and depression to release these mood states and adopt a more tranquil state of mind.
In addition, I offer services for people facing cancer and other chronic illness, or currently receiving palliative care.
“I have lost someone and whenever I think of them, I am overwhelmed with sadness, anxiety, or anger.” “I don’t want to forget them.” “The day they die, time stopped and since then I have felt that I am stuck.” “I don’t deserve to be happy now that they are gone.” If those statements sound familiar, know that you are not alone and that grief therapy can help.
In addition, I offer services for people facing cancer and other chronic illness, or currently receiving palliative care.
“I have lost someone and whenever I think of them, I am overwhelmed with sadness, anxiety, or anger.” “I don’t want to forget them.” “The day they die, time stopped and since then I have felt that I am stuck.” “I don’t deserve to be happy now that they are gone.” If those statements sound familiar, know that you are not alone and that grief therapy can help.
I specialize in working with people dealing with anxiety, depression, loss and grief, parenting issues, stress management, relationship issues, postpartum issues, chronic illness and pain, Tourette Syndrome and OCD.
For over 25 years I have worked with children, teens, parents, individual adults and couples facing a wide variety of issues and concerns. As I listen carefully to my clients and their challenges and goals, I choose the therapeutic modalities that best suit each individual and their needs. I focus on personal strengths as well as struggles. People have described me as active, engaged, perceptive and caring. It is a privilege to accompany and assist people in the important process of discovery, healing, change and growth.
I specialize in working with people dealing with anxiety, depression, loss and grief, parenting issues, stress management, relationship issues, postpartum issues, chronic illness and pain, Tourette Syndrome and OCD.
For over 25 years I have worked with children, teens, parents, individual adults and couples facing a wide variety of issues and concerns. As I listen carefully to my clients and their challenges and goals, I choose the therapeutic modalities that best suit each individual and their needs. I focus on personal strengths as well as struggles. People have described me as active, engaged, perceptive and caring. It is a privilege to accompany and assist people in the important process of discovery, healing, change and growth.
Sobia Saleem Psychotherapist
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT, MA
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
Palo Alto, CA 94301 (Online Only)
I also have 10+ years of experience serving chronic illness communities.
Accepting New Clients! Are you a trans, non-binary, or poly person looking for a therapist who understands & reflects your identity? Are you a newly diagnosed neurodivergent or neuroqueer adult? Are you chronically ill and tired of educating your therapists about your medical conditions? Are you a queer Muslim seeking a therapist who's familiar with both your background & queerness? If so, I want to work with you on your unique challenges, like navigating your transition, exploring sexual dynamics with partner(s), dealing with a new diagnosis, and/or needing an HRT or GAS (surgery) letter. Therapy should cater to you and your needs.
I also have 10+ years of experience serving chronic illness communities.
Accepting New Clients! Are you a trans, non-binary, or poly person looking for a therapist who understands & reflects your identity? Are you a newly diagnosed neurodivergent or neuroqueer adult? Are you chronically ill and tired of educating your therapists about your medical conditions? Are you a queer Muslim seeking a therapist who's familiar with both your background & queerness? If so, I want to work with you on your unique challenges, like navigating your transition, exploring sexual dynamics with partner(s), dealing with a new diagnosis, and/or needing an HRT or GAS (surgery) letter. Therapy should cater to you and your needs.
Are you hoping to find a solution out of a specific problem? Are you looking to make improvements in your life but just don't know where to start? Do you struggle coping with a chronic illness or chronic pain disorder? Do you find yourself feeling "stuck", unmotivated, or unable to experience the same joy as before? Are you constantly worried about something bad happening? Are you having difficulty sleeping? Have you experienced a loss, whether it's the death of a loved one or the loss of a future life you imagined? Is your relationship on the rocks or suffered broken trust? Is anxiety taking over your life?
Are you hoping to find a solution out of a specific problem? Are you looking to make improvements in your life but just don't know where to start? Do you struggle coping with a chronic illness or chronic pain disorder? Do you find yourself feeling "stuck", unmotivated, or unable to experience the same joy as before? Are you constantly worried about something bad happening? Are you having difficulty sleeping? Have you experienced a loss, whether it's the death of a loved one or the loss of a future life you imagined? Is your relationship on the rocks or suffered broken trust? Is anxiety taking over your life?
Sanctuary Counseling & Psychotherapy
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW, CCM
Verified Verified
Palo Alto, CA 94301 (Online Only)
Waitlist for new clients
Depression, anxiety, trauma, chronic illness, addictions and emotional challenges can disrupt our lives and everything we hold dear. I will work with you to develop a plan and set reachable goals to improve your quality of life.
Depression, anxiety, trauma, chronic illness, addictions and emotional challenges can disrupt our lives and everything we hold dear. I will work with you to develop a plan and set reachable goals to improve your quality of life.
Welcome! I hope that I can give you a sense of myself and style and how I may be a good fit in supporting you in the process of therapy. In my private practice (drshelbylazarow.com), I specialize in working with individual adults and couples. I practice from a psychodynamic and relational modality in which I am mindful of where you come from and the ways in which you have learned to adapt to each environment and relationship around you, including the relationship that we form. Mindfulness is a lens through which I practice as well.
Welcome! I hope that I can give you a sense of myself and style and how I may be a good fit in supporting you in the process of therapy. In my private practice (drshelbylazarow.com), I specialize in working with individual adults and couples. I practice from a psychodynamic and relational modality in which I am mindful of where you come from and the ways in which you have learned to adapt to each environment and relationship around you, including the relationship that we form. Mindfulness is a lens through which I practice as well.
My passion is working with children who have co-occurring medical conditions and behavioral health symptoms. I’m here to help support families through some of the most difficult times. I focus on providing evidence based treatment that focuses on learning and developing skills to help change mindset and help to build new goals all while moving towards what’s most important to my patients! I’m here to support during the acute phase of a new diagnosis all the way through treatment. Another specialty of mine is sleep, whether it’s your child or teen who is having issues staying/falling asleep or feeling anxious about going to sleep
My passion is working with children who have co-occurring medical conditions and behavioral health symptoms. I’m here to help support families through some of the most difficult times. I focus on providing evidence based treatment that focuses on learning and developing skills to help change mindset and help to build new goals all while moving towards what’s most important to my patients! I’m here to support during the acute phase of a new diagnosis all the way through treatment. Another specialty of mine is sleep, whether it’s your child or teen who is having issues staying/falling asleep or feeling anxious about going to sleep
15 Second Videos
Dr. Nina Singh | Inclusive Health Psychology
Sarah Parnow
Sobia Saleem Psychotherapist
Sanctuary Counseling & Psychotherapy
Naomi Kimmelman
Amanda Martino
Palo Alto Therapy
Lucia T Hollowell
Jeanne Jacobs
Maddie Bishop
Carmen Roman, PhD (English/Spanish)
H'Sien Hayward
Daniele Levy
Anna Hung
'Mind Your Stories & Live Well'
Farhad Mofidi
Karen Oberdorfer
Shuchang Kang
Nancy Chan
Mary Deyo
Heather L. Damon
Benedicte Last
Accepting New Patients. Please call or use my website for appointments. I am a licensed psychologist who specializes in treating mood problems, couple problems, and . I have over 10 years of experience in providing evidence-based treatments (treatments that are based on science and proved to be effective). I was trained by world-renowned experts at institutions such as the Cleveland Clinic. I have been providing psychological services since 2012. I take pride in the quality of my work and I am eager to help you achieve your goals. Native fluency in English & Chinese. Licensed in NY & OH and authorized to practice in most states.
Accepting New Patients. Please call or use my website for appointments. I am a licensed psychologist who specializes in treating mood problems, couple problems, and . I have over 10 years of experience in providing evidence-based treatments (treatments that are based on science and proved to be effective). I was trained by world-renowned experts at institutions such as the Cleveland Clinic. I have been providing psychological services since 2012. I take pride in the quality of my work and I am eager to help you achieve your goals. Native fluency in English & Chinese. Licensed in NY & OH and authorized to practice in most states.
The impact of chronic pain often goes far beyond the body, and may leave you feeling depressed, anxious, angry, and isolated. As a pain psychologist, I can help you build effective coping tools to take back control over your thoughts, emotions, behaviors, and physical symptoms so that you can live a meaningful life that is not defined by your pain. I emphasize a collaborative, solution-focused approach to therapy, and will work with you to create a treatment plan that takes into account the unique biological, psychological, and social factors that make you who you are.
The impact of chronic pain often goes far beyond the body, and may leave you feeling depressed, anxious, angry, and isolated. As a pain psychologist, I can help you build effective coping tools to take back control over your thoughts, emotions, behaviors, and physical symptoms so that you can live a meaningful life that is not defined by your pain. I emphasize a collaborative, solution-focused approach to therapy, and will work with you to create a treatment plan that takes into account the unique biological, psychological, and social factors that make you who you are.
Bay Area Health Psychology is a group practice (see our website); I am the Director. I specialize in Clinical Health Psychology to assist people with chronic medical conditions, anxiety, and depression to manage their health and treatment. I also assist people with progressions of aging such as dementia, memory loss, and Alzheimer's Disease. And I help caregivers cope with the tasks of living with someone with a chronic condition. I provide EMDR treatment using a special web application, and offer Couples/Marital Therapy based on a "dynamic interaction" model developed during my research at UCLA plus training by the Gottmans.
Bay Area Health Psychology is a group practice (see our website); I am the Director. I specialize in Clinical Health Psychology to assist people with chronic medical conditions, anxiety, and depression to manage their health and treatment. I also assist people with progressions of aging such as dementia, memory loss, and Alzheimer's Disease. And I help caregivers cope with the tasks of living with someone with a chronic condition. I provide EMDR treatment using a special web application, and offer Couples/Marital Therapy based on a "dynamic interaction" model developed during my research at UCLA plus training by the Gottmans.
Griselda Garcilazo
Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor, LPCC
Verified Verified
Palo Alto, CA 94306
Griselda Garcilazo BA from California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo, and an MS in Counseling with a dual specialization in Clinical Counseling and School Counseling from Loma Linda University. Griselda has worked with complex care patients including ALS (Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis), Muscular Dystrophy, Parkinson’s, Headache, and Bariatric surgery patients. Griselda specializes in end-of-life, terminal, and progressive diagnoses, chronic health conditions, grief, PTSD, trauma, anxiety and mood disorders, crisis intervention, veteran, school counseling, and life transitions for individuals, couples, and families.
Griselda Garcilazo BA from California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo, and an MS in Counseling with a dual specialization in Clinical Counseling and School Counseling from Loma Linda University. Griselda has worked with complex care patients including ALS (Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis), Muscular Dystrophy, Parkinson’s, Headache, and Bariatric surgery patients. Griselda specializes in end-of-life, terminal, and progressive diagnoses, chronic health conditions, grief, PTSD, trauma, anxiety and mood disorders, crisis intervention, veteran, school counseling, and life transitions for individuals, couples, and families.
Jaime Carrillo
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Palo Alto, CA 94303 (Online Only)
Hi there, my name is Jaime Carrillo and I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW). I believe having someone to talk to is incredibly important. I try to offer a warm and collaborative approach with my clients, and provide a safe and non judgmental space to work through whatever struggles you are facing.
Hi there, my name is Jaime Carrillo and I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW). I believe having someone to talk to is incredibly important. I try to offer a warm and collaborative approach with my clients, and provide a safe and non judgmental space to work through whatever struggles you are facing.
I am a Psychologist with over 25yrs. experience working with individuals in psychotherapy. I help people who seek relief from dealing with life's challenges (e.g., anxiety, depression, stress, stress management, relationship difficulties, etc.) and life transitions. I also specialize in Medical Psychology and work with people who are coping with health issues (e.g., adjusting to a medical diagnosis, managing an illness or chronic pain, coping with a loved one who suffers with an illness). Please contact me for a free phone consultation to discuss your specific situation and goals.
I am a Psychologist with over 25yrs. experience working with individuals in psychotherapy. I help people who seek relief from dealing with life's challenges (e.g., anxiety, depression, stress, stress management, relationship difficulties, etc.) and life transitions. I also specialize in Medical Psychology and work with people who are coping with health issues (e.g., adjusting to a medical diagnosis, managing an illness or chronic pain, coping with a loved one who suffers with an illness). Please contact me for a free phone consultation to discuss your specific situation and goals.
Richard Peng
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Palo Alto, CA 94301 (Online Only)
Mental health affects us all in big and small ways – it’s present in everything we do and every day of our lives. It can be overwhelming at times, but it is not something anyone has to do on their own. Therapy is a place to lift that burden off your shoulders and shape your old ineffective behaviors into new meaningful next steps. If you're wanting to learn how to better understand your emotions, tame your thoughts, stress, and worries, build healthier relationships, and live a more fulfilling life, then you're in the right place.
Mental health affects us all in big and small ways – it’s present in everything we do and every day of our lives. It can be overwhelming at times, but it is not something anyone has to do on their own. Therapy is a place to lift that burden off your shoulders and shape your old ineffective behaviors into new meaningful next steps. If you're wanting to learn how to better understand your emotions, tame your thoughts, stress, and worries, build healthier relationships, and live a more fulfilling life, then you're in the right place.
Ida Vandaei
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Palo Alto, CA 94305 (Online Only)
I strive to provide a comfortable environment where you feel heard, safe, accepted, and supported in making your desired changes. With compassion and empathy, I will support you in discovering your inner strengths and empower you to overcome the obstacles you may be facing. I believe that each individual heals in their own way and that therapy is not a one-size-fits-all. Part of my approach is asking questions – a lot of questions – so that I can understand you better and also help you explore what you may not have on your own.
I strive to provide a comfortable environment where you feel heard, safe, accepted, and supported in making your desired changes. With compassion and empathy, I will support you in discovering your inner strengths and empower you to overcome the obstacles you may be facing. I believe that each individual heals in their own way and that therapy is not a one-size-fits-all. Part of my approach is asking questions – a lot of questions – so that I can understand you better and also help you explore what you may not have on your own.
Is your life not where you want it to be? Change is hard. While doing things differently can feel uncomfortable at first, it is possible to do, and becomes more comfortable with time. Change often applies to the behaviors we engage in, or the thoughts that we have. Change can also apply to our relationship with our thoughts, and it is powerful to become less tied to the random thoughts that appear in our head. Let us help you with this! We are passionate about helping people get unstuck and move forward in their lives. Our approach is collaborative and non-judgmental, and includes warmth, compassion and humor.
Is your life not where you want it to be? Change is hard. While doing things differently can feel uncomfortable at first, it is possible to do, and becomes more comfortable with time. Change often applies to the behaviors we engage in, or the thoughts that we have. Change can also apply to our relationship with our thoughts, and it is powerful to become less tied to the random thoughts that appear in our head. Let us help you with this! We are passionate about helping people get unstuck and move forward in their lives. Our approach is collaborative and non-judgmental, and includes warmth, compassion and humor.
See more therapy options for Palo Alto
Nearby Chronic Illness Therapists Searches for Palo Alto
- Atherton
- Belmont
- Los Altos
- Los Altos Hills
- Menlo Park
- Mountain View
- Newark
- Redwood City
- San Carlos
- Stanford
- Sunnyvale
- Woodside
Chronic Illness Therapists
How does therapy for chronic illness work?
Many people living with a chronic illness may feel they cannot speak honestly about their experience out of embarrassment or fear of being a burden, or because those close to them do not understand, for example, that they may “look good” even if they do not feel good. Therapy sessions are an opportunity to speak openly with someone who knows their symptoms are not in their head and who can offer practical, proven suggestions for managing feelings of grief, shame, or fatigue, such as techniques to challenge unhelpful thoughts about symptoms and develop new ways to respond to them, such as distraction or calming breathing practices.
Can therapy help with physical symptoms of chronic illness?
Yes, especially if an individual with chronic illness has developed depression. People with depression are less likely to maintain their health treatment regimens or to take positive steps to manage physical symptoms when they arise, thereby potentially complicating their medical prognosis. Treatment of depression, through talk therapy, medication, or both, will often improve one’s physical state as it eases the emotional burden of illness.
What are the most effective treatment options for chronic illness?
No one living with a chronic illness, or their loved ones, should see depression as an unavoidable result of their condition. Instead, they should actively seek treatment. Research shows that people with depression are less likely to devote the required time and effort to maintaining or monitoring their health, and so therapy to limit the risk of depression can be vital for physical health as well. Therapeutic approaches such as cognitive behavioral therapy and mindfulness-based stress reduction have been found to help individuals reduce stress and anxiety.
How long does therapy for chronic illness take?
There is no set timeline for therapy for people living with chronic illnesses, but many will see a therapist for a number of weeks or months, typically spanning at least 12 weekly sessions. Some people feel that they experience progress faster than others but even some who quickly feel improvement may continue with sessions for months or years. Some people may benefit from maintenance therapy if their symptoms change or they experience a decline in physical health. Others find that the skills learned in short-term therapy can be used on an ongoing basis, even after therapy has concluded.