Female Therapists in San Mateo County, CA
![Photo of Akiko Terao Lipton, LCSW, PPSC, MA, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/1d715ffe-f255-4907-9db9-43b0a0b362b5/2/320x400.jpeg)
Akiko Terao Lipton
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, PPSC, MA
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
San Mateo, CA 94403
Life can be be busy and overwhelming. You may be anxious, depressed, or excessively worried. You may have difficulty focusing, making you feel unmotivated and unproductive. You may be feeling overly critical of yourself or loved ones and are having challenging relationships. The good news is that you have the resources you need to overcome those challenges. I have seen many people make positive changes, and I’m here to help you do the same.
Life can be be busy and overwhelming. You may be anxious, depressed, or excessively worried. You may have difficulty focusing, making you feel unmotivated and unproductive. You may be feeling overly critical of yourself or loved ones and are having challenging relationships. The good news is that you have the resources you need to overcome those challenges. I have seen many people make positive changes, and I’m here to help you do the same.
![Photo of Deborah A Simmons, PhD, MFT, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/76e9f32d-1af6-4c8f-b7eb-decd531425f3/2/320x400.jpeg)
So often I hear from clients that they have been in therapy before, and it hasn't worked, or they are on medication, and it still is not working. Does this sound like you? My guess is that therapy hasn't worked because the approach is not specifically catered to meet your own unique needs and doesn't really look at the "whole person" but attempts to make a diagnosis and treats that diagnosis with a prescribed treatment plan. That is not you, though. You are unique and your treatment plan needs to meet your needs.
So often I hear from clients that they have been in therapy before, and it hasn't worked, or they are on medication, and it still is not working. Does this sound like you? My guess is that therapy hasn't worked because the approach is not specifically catered to meet your own unique needs and doesn't really look at the "whole person" but attempts to make a diagnosis and treats that diagnosis with a prescribed treatment plan. That is not you, though. You are unique and your treatment plan needs to meet your needs.
![Photo of Carolee Stabno, PsyD, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3bf768fc-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/4/320x400.jpeg)
Carolee Stabno
Marriage & Family Therapist, PsyD, LMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
San Mateo, CA 94402
As a solution-focused, culturally sensitive therapist, my treatment approach is to provide support and feedback to clients to help them resolve current problems, and work through life transitions and issues. Additionally, I have had extensive experience in the treatment of depression, panic disorder, anxiety, addiction, trauma, and loss & grief. With sensitivity and compassion, I help clients find solutions to a wide range of life challenges and psychological issues.
As a solution-focused, culturally sensitive therapist, my treatment approach is to provide support and feedback to clients to help them resolve current problems, and work through life transitions and issues. Additionally, I have had extensive experience in the treatment of depression, panic disorder, anxiety, addiction, trauma, and loss & grief. With sensitivity and compassion, I help clients find solutions to a wide range of life challenges and psychological issues.
![Photo of Azizeh E. Rezaiyan - Silicon Valley Marriage Counseling Center, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/43e0e576-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/1/320x400.jpeg)
Silicon Valley Marriage Counseling Center
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Menlo Park, CA 94025 (Online Only)
I am a Licensed Marriage Family Therapist working in Silicon Valley area for more than 25 years, and specializing in Couples Therapy, Infidelity, Sexuality, Pre-Marital, anxiety and Male Depression. Marriage is a hard work but it is possible, not only to make it work, but have the passion and the spark to last. Couple Counseling has helped hundreds of thousands of couples move past obstacles to reach a point of openness and honesty in their relationship. I enable clients to overcome all kinds of hurdles in their relationships that take a toll on their mental health and emotional wellbeing.
I am a Licensed Marriage Family Therapist working in Silicon Valley area for more than 25 years, and specializing in Couples Therapy, Infidelity, Sexuality, Pre-Marital, anxiety and Male Depression. Marriage is a hard work but it is possible, not only to make it work, but have the passion and the spark to last. Couple Counseling has helped hundreds of thousands of couples move past obstacles to reach a point of openness and honesty in their relationship. I enable clients to overcome all kinds of hurdles in their relationships that take a toll on their mental health and emotional wellbeing.
![Photo of Anna Marie Marquez-Mason, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/10b87696-49d7-4897-b778-51d5848d1675/1/320x400.jpeg)
Hello, my name is Anna Marquez and I am a licensed Clinical Social Worker. I have over 17 years of experience working with individuals with co-occurring disorders including anxiety, Depression, PTSD, Bipolar disorder, Substance use disorders, etc. It is important for me to meet individuals where they are at and utilize the systems theory really focusing on the person in their current environment and tailoring therapy to meet their needs.
Hello, my name is Anna Marquez and I am a licensed Clinical Social Worker. I have over 17 years of experience working with individuals with co-occurring disorders including anxiety, Depression, PTSD, Bipolar disorder, Substance use disorders, etc. It is important for me to meet individuals where they are at and utilize the systems theory really focusing on the person in their current environment and tailoring therapy to meet their needs.
![Photo of Tina Mizukami, MA, RYT, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3c9db7a9-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/1/320x400.jpeg)
Tina Mizukami
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, RYT
Verified Verified
5 Endorsed
San Mateo, CA 94402 (Online Only)
Have you suffered a loss, experienced some traumatic event or lived through an unexpected change or transition? Are you feeling lost, missing a connection with yourself and/or others? Or, are you finding yourself stuck in unhelpful patterns in your relationships, school/work, and the ways you see yourself? I see psychotherapy as an opportunity for you to be with yourself - authentically and constructively. My intention is to create a safe place where you can experience solace, explore solutions creatively, and discover your needs while learning how to ask for them.
Have you suffered a loss, experienced some traumatic event or lived through an unexpected change or transition? Are you feeling lost, missing a connection with yourself and/or others? Or, are you finding yourself stuck in unhelpful patterns in your relationships, school/work, and the ways you see yourself? I see psychotherapy as an opportunity for you to be with yourself - authentically and constructively. My intention is to create a safe place where you can experience solace, explore solutions creatively, and discover your needs while learning how to ask for them.
![Photo of Marivic R Dizon, PhD, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3c37981d-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/3/320x400.jpeg)
Are you concerned about your child or adolescent's mood/behavior? When life gets challenging or problems become overwhelming, a little guidance can make things better. I provide a warm, safe, and supportive environment, where we can work together to tackle life's challenges. I am a Stanford-trained licensed psychologist and have significant experience conducting individual therapy with children and teens, and providing parenting support. My primary therapeutic approach involves cognitive behavioral therapy which is an evidence-based treatment that addresses how our thoughts influence our feelings and behaviors.
Are you concerned about your child or adolescent's mood/behavior? When life gets challenging or problems become overwhelming, a little guidance can make things better. I provide a warm, safe, and supportive environment, where we can work together to tackle life's challenges. I am a Stanford-trained licensed psychologist and have significant experience conducting individual therapy with children and teens, and providing parenting support. My primary therapeutic approach involves cognitive behavioral therapy which is an evidence-based treatment that addresses how our thoughts influence our feelings and behaviors.
![Photo of Juliana D. T. Da Silva, PhD, Pre-Licensed Professional](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/62de0019-31d3-44f0-a709-86b4c35bc617/1/320x400.jpeg)
Juliana D. T. Da Silva
Pre-Licensed Professional, PhD
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Burlingame, CA 94010 (Online Only)
Starting therapy can be daunting, but once you open yourself to it, you enter a self-discovery endeavor that can free you from limiting emotional beliefs that block your life. You will feel more confident, less anxious, or depressed and develop more self-acceptance. I work with adults and couples with diverse ethnic, cultural backgrounds, sexual identities, and religious beliefs who face trauma, anxiety, depression, mood and personality disorders, relationship conflicts, parenting issues, aging, and grief. I will focus on treating your symptoms, identifying patterns that led to emotional and relational conflicts, and beyond.
Starting therapy can be daunting, but once you open yourself to it, you enter a self-discovery endeavor that can free you from limiting emotional beliefs that block your life. You will feel more confident, less anxious, or depressed and develop more self-acceptance. I work with adults and couples with diverse ethnic, cultural backgrounds, sexual identities, and religious beliefs who face trauma, anxiety, depression, mood and personality disorders, relationship conflicts, parenting issues, aging, and grief. I will focus on treating your symptoms, identifying patterns that led to emotional and relational conflicts, and beyond.
![Photo of Dawn Zierman-Hernandez, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/9fea9c94-4cf0-4223-bf6c-a40925ffdeda/1/320x400.jpeg)
Ready to take charge of your life and start breaking unhealthy patterns? I am honored to work alongside you to help you react to life more authentically and genuinely, true to who you would like to be. Let’s support freeing yourself from negativity and barriers by looking at self-talk, relationships, boundaries and gaining insight along the way. I focus on tools and techniques that bring empowerment and awareness to help you learn about yourself and your relationships.
Ready to take charge of your life and start breaking unhealthy patterns? I am honored to work alongside you to help you react to life more authentically and genuinely, true to who you would like to be. Let’s support freeing yourself from negativity and barriers by looking at self-talk, relationships, boundaries and gaining insight along the way. I focus on tools and techniques that bring empowerment and awareness to help you learn about yourself and your relationships.
![Photo of Crystal Ruacho, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/32938d91-bafe-4ead-a2dd-4f57e8837530/1/320x400.jpeg)
Hi, my name is Crystal Garcia Ruacho, and I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) in California. My therapy approach focuses on developing human connection through a trauma informed lens to support the people I work with in reaching their personal mental health goals. I have over 12 years of experience working with school aged children, adolescents, and young adults. I enjoy supporting individuals experiencing PTSD, depression, and anxiety. I am a trauma focused therapist, using EMDR and person centered approach to help clients work through life challenges and bring out the best version of themselves.
Hi, my name is Crystal Garcia Ruacho, and I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) in California. My therapy approach focuses on developing human connection through a trauma informed lens to support the people I work with in reaching their personal mental health goals. I have over 12 years of experience working with school aged children, adolescents, and young adults. I enjoy supporting individuals experiencing PTSD, depression, and anxiety. I am a trauma focused therapist, using EMDR and person centered approach to help clients work through life challenges and bring out the best version of themselves.
![Photo of Fennie Zheng, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/508688f3-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/3/320x400.jpeg)
Do you want to be known, seen, and loved for who you are, not for what others expect you to be? Therapy is a safe place to discuss your life experiences – the past hurts, the current challenges, and the fear and helplessness for the future. I am dedicated to help you to overcome those difficulties and feelings, to empower you to move forward towards positive change. Seeing you to regain life balance and to live and love your life wholeheartedly will be my greatest joy.
Do you want to be known, seen, and loved for who you are, not for what others expect you to be? Therapy is a safe place to discuss your life experiences – the past hurts, the current challenges, and the fear and helplessness for the future. I am dedicated to help you to overcome those difficulties and feelings, to empower you to move forward towards positive change. Seeing you to regain life balance and to live and love your life wholeheartedly will be my greatest joy.
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![Photo of Barbara Lowenstein, MA, AMFT, MBA, Marriage & Family Therapist Associate](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/7bac7759-97b8-426e-9210-bc710bae8bce/2/320x400.jpeg)
Barbara Lowenstein
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, MA, AMFT, MBA
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
San Mateo, CA 94401 (Online Only)
I specialize in helping clients achieve their ideal selves by alleviating anxiety, panic attacks, and negative thoughts. My therapeutic approach is characterized by warmth and empathy, blending a trauma-informed perspective with EMDR and a positive narrative framework. This holistic approach nurtures significant increase in personal empowerment.
I specialize in helping clients achieve their ideal selves by alleviating anxiety, panic attacks, and negative thoughts. My therapeutic approach is characterized by warmth and empathy, blending a trauma-informed perspective with EMDR and a positive narrative framework. This holistic approach nurtures significant increase in personal empowerment.
![Photo of Dora Dui Chen, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/55e8dcc2-b3eb-4ddd-9855-bd6726eac37a/2/320x400.jpeg)
Dora Dui Chen
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
5 Endorsed
San Mateo, CA 94402 (Online Only)
Waitlist for new clients
Overwhelmed with the fear of not being good enough? Worrying about how to build and maintain relationships? Feeling stuck, even though you're trying so hard to move forward? Difficulties in life are painful and frustrating. However, these challenging moments can also be the “trailheads” leading to a self-discovery path. The essential goal of my work is to help you discover, access, and trust your inner wisdom and strength. So you will get unstuck, reach personal goals, and continue personal growth, even after the therapy session ends.
Overwhelmed with the fear of not being good enough? Worrying about how to build and maintain relationships? Feeling stuck, even though you're trying so hard to move forward? Difficulties in life are painful and frustrating. However, these challenging moments can also be the “trailheads” leading to a self-discovery path. The essential goal of my work is to help you discover, access, and trust your inner wisdom and strength. So you will get unstuck, reach personal goals, and continue personal growth, even after the therapy session ends.
![Photo of Caroline Morton, MFT, ATR-BC, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/33602c21-a8d7-4581-81c0-abd51f9b3731/2/320x400.jpeg)
Therapy is a personal process and finding the right fit with the right therapist makes all the difference. In a non-judgmental, supportive and safe environment, I invite my clients to take risks and explore their challenges wholeheartedly to help understand their issues, gain awareness, overcome their obstacles, and ultimately obtain the tools to lead an empowered life. I offer one free 30-minute phone consultation. Call (650)455-2547 to determine if we are the right fit. To find out more about my professional background, visit my website at www.cmortonmft.com.
Therapy is a personal process and finding the right fit with the right therapist makes all the difference. In a non-judgmental, supportive and safe environment, I invite my clients to take risks and explore their challenges wholeheartedly to help understand their issues, gain awareness, overcome their obstacles, and ultimately obtain the tools to lead an empowered life. I offer one free 30-minute phone consultation. Call (650)455-2547 to determine if we are the right fit. To find out more about my professional background, visit my website at www.cmortonmft.com.
![Photo of Andrea Gonzalez, AMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist Associate](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/4104de97-32b5-4347-b0d8-5c257f55288e/2/320x400.jpeg)
My ideal client seeks support for a spectrum of challenges, including anxiety, depression, identity exploration, life transitions, family dynamics, relational struggles, and career obstacles. Their overarching goals are to lead fulfilling lives marked by healing and personal evolution, striving for understanding, empowerment, and resilience in their journey toward holistic well-being.
My ideal client seeks support for a spectrum of challenges, including anxiety, depression, identity exploration, life transitions, family dynamics, relational struggles, and career obstacles. Their overarching goals are to lead fulfilling lives marked by healing and personal evolution, striving for understanding, empowerment, and resilience in their journey toward holistic well-being.
![Photo of Janet Weber, MA, LPCC](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/876d8e5b-17fc-425d-8f85-1119624ead84/2/320x400.jpeg)
Janet Weber
Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor, MA, LPCC
Verified Verified
Montara, CA 94037 (Online Only)
There are so many things we dedicate ourselves to – a career path, an education, our significant other, or our children. A guitar riff, a wave, or a project or hobby. But something I see all the time with the most intelligent and curious people is that they forget to apply that same dedication to themselves. Most people come to therapy because they’re struggling with their emotions, a challenging relationship or a life transition. Beyond that, there’s always something deeper that shapes the way that we feel. And it’s only by delving into ourselves with professional guidance that we can find a way forward in truly changing our lives.
There are so many things we dedicate ourselves to – a career path, an education, our significant other, or our children. A guitar riff, a wave, or a project or hobby. But something I see all the time with the most intelligent and curious people is that they forget to apply that same dedication to themselves. Most people come to therapy because they’re struggling with their emotions, a challenging relationship or a life transition. Beyond that, there’s always something deeper that shapes the way that we feel. And it’s only by delving into ourselves with professional guidance that we can find a way forward in truly changing our lives.
![Photo of Cynthia Gallagher, MA, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/54a50ad0-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
My psychotherapy services are tailored to meet the individual needs of my clients. I approach your problems with curiosity and kindness as I believe you are the expert on your own experience. I will work with you to help guide you, learn new tools, and make positive choices that fit for you, your family, and your life. I draw from a variety of techniques to help adults learn how to manage daily stresses and live a full and rewarding life.
My psychotherapy services are tailored to meet the individual needs of my clients. I approach your problems with curiosity and kindness as I believe you are the expert on your own experience. I will work with you to help guide you, learn new tools, and make positive choices that fit for you, your family, and your life. I draw from a variety of techniques to help adults learn how to manage daily stresses and live a full and rewarding life.
![Photo of Penny Thomas-Proctor, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3cfbb69a-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
Do you want to feel better about your self and improve your relationships with others? My approach is grounded in Humanistic/Existential psychology and incorporates Cognitive Behavioral and Mindfulness-based techniques. Combining these approaches, the goal is to create a non-judgmental "curious" understanding about your emotions and yourself as a whole. It is my hope that you find acceptance for your emotions and all parts of yourself. We will also identify reactive thoughts and behaviors and replace them with intentional responses. Through intentional living, you can create and live a life that is meaningful with profound connections to others.
Do you want to feel better about your self and improve your relationships with others? My approach is grounded in Humanistic/Existential psychology and incorporates Cognitive Behavioral and Mindfulness-based techniques. Combining these approaches, the goal is to create a non-judgmental "curious" understanding about your emotions and yourself as a whole. It is my hope that you find acceptance for your emotions and all parts of yourself. We will also identify reactive thoughts and behaviors and replace them with intentional responses. Through intentional living, you can create and live a life that is meaningful with profound connections to others.
![Photo of Jennifer Alvarez, PhD, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/403d6ab5-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
I am a licensed, clinical psychologist with extensive experience providing evidence-based psychotherapy for anxiety, depression, trauma, and other stress-related problems. I use cognitive-behavioral, dialectical behavioral, and mindfulness therapeutic approaches to treat problems such as social anxiety, phobias, obsessive-compulsive disorders, depression, grief & loss, PTSD/trauma, and stress related to relationships, work, parenting, and other issues. In addition to private practice, I have been an Adjunct Clinical Associate Professor in the Department of Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences at Stanford University School of Medicine.
I am a licensed, clinical psychologist with extensive experience providing evidence-based psychotherapy for anxiety, depression, trauma, and other stress-related problems. I use cognitive-behavioral, dialectical behavioral, and mindfulness therapeutic approaches to treat problems such as social anxiety, phobias, obsessive-compulsive disorders, depression, grief & loss, PTSD/trauma, and stress related to relationships, work, parenting, and other issues. In addition to private practice, I have been an Adjunct Clinical Associate Professor in the Department of Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences at Stanford University School of Medicine.
![Photo of Linda Park Macapagal, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3ce5f091-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
Linda Park Macapagal
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Burlingame, CA 94010 (Online Only)
I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with over 20 years experience working with children, adolescents and families. My professional experience has involved working with issues related to anxiety, depression, behavioral issues, parent-child conflict, life transitions, and chronic mental health. In my practice, I also incorporate mindfulness and self-compassion skills building. I enjoy working with people to process current challenges in their lives and gain insight into their current state in order to make necessary changes that will promote a healthier and happier life.
I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with over 20 years experience working with children, adolescents and families. My professional experience has involved working with issues related to anxiety, depression, behavioral issues, parent-child conflict, life transitions, and chronic mental health. In my practice, I also incorporate mindfulness and self-compassion skills building. I enjoy working with people to process current challenges in their lives and gain insight into their current state in order to make necessary changes that will promote a healthier and happier life.
See more therapy options for San Mateo County
Female Therapists
Does it matter what gender my therapist is?
In general, this is not an important factor, as there is no relationship between a therapist’s gender and their efficacy. Some clients, however, prefer to see therapists of a particular gender, whether due to their own past experiences with men and women, or ingrained beliefs about how people of different genders think and behave. Exploring the roots of such preferences and considering what one wants to address in therapy can help someone determine whether their therapist’s gender truly matters to them.
Should I see a female therapist?
Many people—not just women—prefer to see a female therapist, either because they believe that a woman will be able to relate to their specific challenges (for example, sexism in the workplace) or because they imagine feeling more comfortable disclosing sensitive information to a woman. Such beliefs may not turn out to be accurate, however, and adhering too rigidly to a gender preference can at times hinder a client from finding the best therapeutic match.
Do therapists get specific training to help with women’s concerns?
Therapists are trained to provide care to clients of any gender. However, some therapists—both men and women—may pursue additional training in feminist therapy, gender-specific issues, or women’s mental health. Female clients may wish to ask prospective therapists whether they have received specific training in the client’s primary area(s) of concern, or whether they have worked extensively with women on issues similar to their own.
How can I inquire about a therapist’s experience in treating women?
It’s OK—even encouraged!—to ask a therapist directly whether and how often they have treated women in the past, or whether they have treated women dealing with the client’s most prominent concern(s). Competent therapists will be happy to share their educational background, preferred treatment modalities, and prior client experience to help an individual find the therapist best suited to their needs.