Image of a therapist and client in a counseling session.

686,000 people sought help with Thriveworks in the last year

Discover how starting therapy with a psychologists can support your own journey toward a happier, more fulfilling life.

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Starting Treatment With a Psychologist

What are psychologists?

Psychologists are mental health professionals that provide psychotherapy services and diagnoses for their clients. They have more research-focused training than most therapists, as they are more medically educated and receive a more general education about therapeutic approaches and theory.

How do psychologists work?

Thriveworks psychologists in Palo Alto, CA provide standard psychotherapy services, tailoring treatment to each client and their unique concerns. However, they can also provide diagnoses to clients when appropriate, something that therapists and counselors cannot do. Finally, in some states in the U.S., they are allowed to prescribe medication.

Can I see a psychologist in person or online?

How long would I see a psychologist?

Psychological treatment at Thriveworks Palo Alto is very individualized and specific to each client, which means that the duration of treatment is often varied depending on a client’s condition or disorder, the state of their symptoms, and their specific goals.

Need more help deciding?

Caring for yourself mentally can be a little more challenging. No two minds are exactly alike, so what is best for one person’s mental health may not serve another. That’s one of the reasons why working with a licensed psychologist can help you maintain your best possible mental health.

If you’d like to see how working with a psychologist can help you improve your mental health and get more out of life, reach out to Thriveworks Counseling in Palo Alto, CA today. We can connect you with an experienced psychologist who is ready to help. Call our office or use our online scheduling tool to set up your first appointment.

Can Working With a Psychologist Help Me?

Psychologists can help you cope with a wide range of circumstances that can impact your mental health and have a direct influence on your life. Some common reasons people decide to pursue working with a psychologist include the following:

  • Major life changes or transitions
  • Career counseling and life coaching
  • Anxiety disorders
  • Depression or other mood disorders
  • Personality disorders
  • Specific phobias
  • Behavioral problems
  • Trauma or PTSD
  • Anger or stress management
  • LGBTQ+ counseling
  • Relationship or family problems
  • Substance abuse or addiction

If you are struggling with any of these specific issues or other mental health concerns interfering with your life, consider speaking with a licensed psychologist at Thriveworks Counseling in Palo Alto, CA. Our mental health professionals accept many insurance plans and may be able to see you within the same week as ascheduling.

What to Expect When You Work With a Psychologist

When you begin working with a psychologist, they will assess your symptoms, mental function, and personality to understand the issues you’re facing and offer a diagnosis. They will use this information to create the best possible treatment plan tailored to your unique needs.

A psychologist may implement one or multiple forms of psychotherapy to address your mental health issues or challenges. Some common therapeutic approaches your psychologist might recommend include the following:

  • Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)
  • Interpersonal therapy
  • Psychodynamic therapy
  • Dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT)
  • Exposure therapy

The style and duration of your therapy can vary depending on your specific symptoms and how you respond to treatment. Sometimes, a combination of talk therapy and prescribed medication can be beneficial for more complicated issues. Your psychologist may work with a psychiatrist or another doctor to facilitate the prescription and management of these medications.

Schedule Your Appointment With a Licensed Psychologist at Thriveworks in Palo Alto, CA

A licensed psychologist can provide you with the tools to cope with difficult emotions, face challenges in life, and form more meaningful relationships. When you’re ready to improve your mental health and overall wellbeing, a psychologist from Thriveworks Counseling in Palo Alto, CA is here to help. Call our office today to schedule your first appointment.

At Thriveworks, we make it easy to get the help and support you need. Our psychologists work with their clients through online appointments over video chat. This allows you to work with a professional without leaving the comfort of home.

Contact our counseling center to get started with a licensed psychologist at Thriveworks in Palo Alto, CA. Our team members are here to help.

Pricing & insurance

Our therapists accept most major insurances. We accept 585+ insurance plans, and offer self-pay options, too.
Learn more about pricing for therapy and counseling services at Thriveworks.

Our Palo Alto therapists and counselors accept 22 insurance plans

  • Aetna

  • Blue Shield of California | BCBS

  • Compsych

  • First Health Network

  • Humana Exchange

  • Humana HMO/POS

  • Humana Medicare Advantage

  • Humana PPO | EPO | HDHP

  • Imperial Health Plan Medicare Advantage

  • JP Farley Corporation

  • MHN

  • MHN Medicare Advantage

Show more
Self-pay costs at Palo Alto
Talk therapy

Talk therapy

Includes individual, couples, child/ teen, & family therapy

First session

$1

Ongoing sessions

$1

Talk therapy

Psychiatry

Includes reducing symptoms with medication & management

First session

$1

Ongoing sessions

$1

Hear from our clients

4.5 Learn about verified reviews
★★★★★
My entire experience so far has been great.. both my psychiatrist and therapist have been a good fit in my treatment.. I am learning new skills with each visit, and gain a little more insight as well.. the convenience of having video visits is an added plus since my anxiety keeps me from driving right now.
Read more My entire experience so far has been great.. both my psychiatrist and therapist have been a good fit in my treatment.. I am learning new skills with each visit, and gain a little more insight as well.. the convenience of having video visits is an added plus since my anxiety keeps me from driving right now.
Joe Feb 2024
Thriveworks.com verified review
★★★★★
I was extremely impressed by Juan's ability to connect and provide valuable information during my therapy. Juan's perception of facts and information retention and his ability to understand my place during my separation has help me cope with my stress. Juan has the ability to clarify and identify overlooked areas of concern. I'm very pleased with his professionalism during my therapy sessions.
Read more I was extremely impressed by Juan's ability to connect and provide valuable information during my therapy. Juan's perception of facts and information retention and his ability to understand my place during my separation has help me cope with my stress. Juan has the ability to clarify and identify overlooked areas of concern. I'm very pleased with his professionalism during my therapy sessions.
remington Feb 2024
Thriveworks.com verified review
★★★★★
So thankful to have been connected to my therapist.
Sulyn Feb 2024
Thriveworks.com verified review
★★★★★
My therapist is great! She's professional, personable, and on time. She goes the extra mile to be helpful. I don't like the Zoom format; I prefer in person sessions but she does her best to make it feel like we are in the same room. Very happy.
Read more My therapist is great! She's professional, personable, and on time. She goes the extra mile to be helpful. I don't like the Zoom format; I prefer in person sessions but she does her best to make it feel like we are in the same room. Very happy.
Jeannie Feb 2024
Thriveworks.com verified review
★★★★★
I started with Dr. Maddy about 3 months ago and I think that I had my last appointment last Friday,1/12. I really enjoyed talking to her. She is very down to earth and, most of all, she listens. I told her some things a few months ago and she remembered when I was talking with her on Friday. Amazing. We talked about a lot of issues, among them, what would I be working on, my certain issues. I would very heartedly recommend her. I can’t say enough kind words about her.
Read more I started with Dr. Maddy about 3 months ago and I think that I had my last appointment last Friday,1/12. I really enjoyed talking to her. She is very down to earth and, most of all, she listens. I told her some things a few months ago and she remembered when I was talking with her on Friday. Amazing. We talked about a lot of issues, among them, what would I be working on, my certain issues. I would very heartedly recommend her. I can’t say enough kind words about her.
Ann Jan 2024
Thriveworks.com verified review
★★★★★
Dr Stephanie Field is an amazing clinician, she has a tremendous amount of care and insight. She cares deeply about her work and patients.
Read more Dr Stephanie Field is an amazing clinician, she has a tremendous amount of care and insight. She cares deeply about her work and patients.
Sunnyvale Mar 2022
Review left on Thriveworks.com
★★★★★
Alexandera provides excellent service. I felt comfortable and safe. She made it easy to open up and talk.
Read more Alexandera provides excellent service. I felt comfortable and safe. She made it easy to open up and talk.
San Jose Jan 2022
Review left on Thriveworks.com
★★★★★
Not just the website, but I have worked with Stephanie Field in past as a colleague and co-author of a book, and she is an excellent addition to their services.
Read more Not just the website, but I have worked with Stephanie Field in past as a colleague and co-author of a book, and she is an excellent addition to their services.
Sunnyvale Jan 2022
Review left on Thriveworks.com

Where to find us

Getting here

Thriveworks Counseling & Psychiatry Palo Alto is in the same building as Integrated Health Care, Bookshare, Heshmat Pain Management, Rea Laidler Chiropractor, Benetech, and Forbes Marshall Inc. On the other side of the building is New Mayfield Lane, and a parking garage. Nearby is Jin Sho, Terun, and Backyard Brew restaurants, as well as La Bodeguita del Medoi, Izzy’s Brooklyn Bagels, Ramen Kowa, and Kali Greek Kitchen.

Phone number

(650) 885-9469

Languages spoken by CA providers

  • English
  • Tagalog
Thursday 8:00am - 9:00pm
Friday 8:00am - 9:00pm
Saturday 8:00am - 9:00pm
Sunday 8:00am - 9:00pm
Monday 8:00am - 9:00pm
Tuesday 8:00am - 9:00pm
Wednesday 8:00am - 9:00pm

Shown in PT

Thursday 7:00am - 9:30pm
Friday 7:00am - 9:30pm
Saturday 7:00am - 6:00pm
Sunday 8:00am - 5:00pm
Monday 7:00am - 9:30pm
Tuesday 7:00am - 9:30pm
Wednesday 7:00am - 9:30pm

Shown in PT

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