LGBT therapists in San Mateo, CA

avigating emotional distress or long-standing conflict can feel like being fractured, but healing often begins with finding a reliable and experienced partner. I am Dr. Julie Cohen, a Clinical Psychologist with over 45 years of experience. I have spent my career helping individuals, couples, and families resolve conflict—whether it’s occurring in the living room or the workplace. I specialize in treating depression, anxiety, and stress, particularly for those who are ready to dive into their inner experience to improve how they feel about themselves and their relationships. I feel privileged to help my clients achieve their goals and improve their lives by providing the expert, seasoned care necessary to handle even the most complex challenges with precision and kindness.

I believe that the foundation of our work is a relationship of absolute trust and safety. My extensive training allows me to look at your life through a wide lens, understanding how your past experiences and upbringing shape your current personality and challenges. I encourage an honest and direct dialogue, as that is where true mutual understanding begins. When I am not working with clients, I value the perspective that comes from a long career dedicated to human behavior, often finding restoration in the very principles of balance and growth that I share in my sessions. I want my clients to feel safe and empowered during their time with me, knowing they have a safety net of four decades of clinical expertise behind them.

Kayla, a licensed Clinical Social Worker with a background in community mental health, recognized the profound disparities in access to mental health care within BIPOC communities. Inspired by a vision of creating a space where healing is both inclusive and affordable, she founded Helen’s Project with the belief that everyone deserves access to quality mental health support, regardless of their background or financial situation.​​Helen’s Project operates on the principle that culturally competent and empathetic mental health care is essential for holistic well-being. The organization collaborates with a diverse team of mental health professionals who not only possess clinical expertise but also understand the unique cultural nuances and challenges faced by the BIPOC community.

As a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, I specialize in treating depression, anxiety, addiction, life transitions, relationship concerns, family dynamics, and other mental health challenges.

My goal is to provide a safe, supportive environment where you feel heard, understood, and empowered to create meaningful change.

Throughout my career in the last 5 years, I have had the privilege of working with individuals from diverse backgrounds, including those navigating anxiety, depression, trauma, substance use, major life transitions, and complex mental health concern. These experiences have strengthened my belief that every person deserves compassionate, nonjudgmental care tailored to their unique story.

I’m so glad you’re here. I’m Nina, a licensed therapist who is passionate about helping people feel better and live more fulfilling lives. I’ve worked with individuals from diverse backgrounds and offer services in both English and Spanish. My goal is to support your well-being by helping you build skills, navigate challenges, and create healthier, more meaningful relationships.

I’m Kali, and I have been licensed as a Marriage and Family Therapist in California since 2007. I want to help you have the relationships you want with yourself and with others. I have an MA in Applied Behavioral Science, with a concentration in Systems Counseling. What this means for you, practically speaking, is that as I work with you, I am also thinking about all of the other people, family and friends, co-workers and acquaintances, who are a part of and influential in your life, and you in theirs. I’m also thinking about the relationship you have with yourself, and how all of the parts of you, past, present and future interplay with each other and the world around you. Which is a long-winded way of saying I want to help you have the relationship you want with yourself and with others. I want you to find happiness, joy and health. I'd like to help you identify and meet your goals, and I am a warm, supportive presence whether or not you have any idea as to what your goals might be.

My name is Jeffrey W. Danese, MS, MA, LMHC, LPCC, and I am a licensed mental health counselor in Washington State and California, currently based in Sacramento. I bring over 15 years of clinical experience across private practice, inpatient and outpatient mental health settings, and college counseling, along with a an academic background teaching psychology, religious studies, and the history of science in higher education from UCSB, FSU, and 10 years at SJSU to various community colleges in the Puget Sound region and in North Florida and cross-cultural experiences such as living in Taiwan, Zambia, Germany and traveling around the world; I studied Spanish, German, and Chinese language, world history and religions, psychology, evolutionary psychology and the cognitive science of religion; was raised Catholic but ordained as a Buddhist monk in Thailand; and continue to meditate, explore and read broadly. One of my favorite quotes is by the Roman writer, Terence: "I am human and there is nothing human foreign to me." (or, Homo sum, humani nihil a me alienum puto. -- Publius Terentius Afer, 165 BCE)

I have a Masters Degree in Clinical Social Work, and a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW), working in private practice as a Psychotherapist. I live in Los Angeles, and work in-person or hybrid, with adults, teens, couples and the aging population. I specialize in anxiety, life transitions, relationship issues, work stress/dissatisfaction, career goals, sleep disorders, substance use, trauma (ptsd/complex/acute), obsessive compulsive disorders (OCD/OCPD), attention deficit disorders (ADD/ADHD). In addition I deal with grief, isolation, and breaking creative blocks.

I believe therapy is most effective when you feel genuinely heard, respected, and understood. My approach is compassionate, direct, and solution-focused, with a strong foundation in trauma-informed care. I work collaboratively with clients to understand not only what they're experiencing today, but also how past experiences may be shaping their present. Whether you're navigating grief, trauma, anxiety, relationship challenges, addiction, or major life transitions, I strive to create a safe, confidential space where you can explore difficult emotions, develop practical coping skills, and move toward lasting change. My goal is to help you build resilience, gain insight, and leave each session feeling supported, empowered, and hopeful.

My path into psychiatry is both professional and personal. I moved to the U.S. alone at 17 while navigating complex PTSD and periods of misdiagnosis, which shaped how I understand mental health today. I began with a bachelor’s degree in psychology at Nankai University, then trained as a nurse and nurse practitioner at Charles R. Drew University and Purdue University.

Over the past 7 years, I’ve worked across medical and mental health settings, developing an approach that balances clinical precision with individualized care. I specialize in anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, and complex PTSD, particularly for individuals who feel stuck or haven’t found relief in traditional treatment.

I’m licensed in California, Virginia, New York, Washington, and Oregon, and provide care via telehealth.

I have 26 years of experience dealing with individuals, couples, families in therapy. We will work together to develop plans that are unique and right for you.

Seeking therapy is acknowledging you are allowed to take space, time, and care for yourself. Finding the right therapist is an important first step. I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) who provides compassionate, evidence-based therapy for adolescents, adults, and seniors experiencing anxiety, trauma, eating disorders, depression, relationship challenges, life transitions, grief, and stress. My approach is warm, collaborative, and grounded in genuine connection. I believe healing begins when people feel understood without judgement. Together, we will work to increase insight, strengthen resilience, and create meaningful, lasting change that aligns with your values and goals.