Young Adults

Start Feeling Better Now – Call (650) 461-9026 or Text (650) 461-9026

Being a young adult today, especially in the fast-paced, high-achieving culture of Silicon Valley, means balancing the desire for independence with immense societal and personal expectations.

Many young adults are navigating:

  • Balancing independence with family expectations
  • Anxiety about finances, student loans, or budgeting for the future
  • Concerns about climate change, political polarization, and social justice issues
  • Navigating relationships, including friendships, romantic connections and family dynamics
  • Burnout including overworking, academic exhaustion and social media fatigue
  • Identity exploration, including questions around gender, sexuality, or cultural identity
Therapy for Young Adults

Imagine having a space where your concerns are heard, your goals are supported, and your potential is nurtured. Our compassionate therapists are here to help you grow and succeed.

Begin Building the Life You Want

Call us (650) 461-9026 or Text us (650) 461-9026 today to get started, or book online – in-person and video appointments available!

What Is Young Adult Therapy?

Young adulthood is a pivotal time filled with exploration, growth, and decision-making. The pressures you face may vary depending on your background.

  • If you grew up in Silicon Valley or the Bay Area, you may feel the weight of family and local expectations around high achievement, financial success, or being part of a tech-driven culture.
  • If you’ve relocated here for college or work, you may be adapting to the challenges of building a new support system, understanding a new culture and pace of life, or balancing high costs of living with being early in your career.

Young adult therapy provides a supportive space to explore your goals, values, and concerns. Our therapists work collaboratively with you to:

  • Build confidence and self-awareness. Understand your strengths, values, and personal identity while developing a greater sense of self-trust. Therapy can help you break free from perfectionism, imposter syndrome, or the fear of failure that often accompanies young adulthood, especially in high-achievement environments.
  • Develop strategies for managing stress, uncertainty, and decision-making. Learn practical tools to handle overwhelming choices, whether they relate to academics, career paths, relationships, or broader concerns about the future. Therapy can help you navigate indecision, set priorities, and develop coping mechanisms for high-stress situations.
  • Navigate identity exploration, including gender, sexuality, and cultural identity, especially as they relate to relationships. Explore how personal identity influences friendships, dating, and family dynamics. Whether you’re questioning aspects of your gender or sexual identity, negotiating cultural expectations, or redefining your role within relationships, therapy provides a nonjudgmental space to process these experiences.
  • Strengthen relationships and improve communication. Build healthier connections with friends, partners, family members, and colleagues by developing communication skills, setting boundaries, and working through conflict effectively. Therapy can help you cultivate relationships that align with your values and provide mutual support.
  • Address concerns about academic, career, or personal transitions. Whether you’re deciding on a major, preparing for job interviews, adjusting to a new work culture, or figuring out life after college, therapy can help you clarify goals, navigate setbacks, and build resilience in the face of uncertainty.

Our Approach to Young Adult Therapy

At Palo Alto Therapy, we specialize in tailoring our evidence-based approaches to the unique needs of each young adult. Our goal is to provide practical, empowering tools that consider your personal circumstances, communication style, and needs.

Some of our primary methods include:

  • Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): Reframing unhelpful thought patterns to build emotional resilience and improve problem-solving skills.
  • Mindfulness Practices: Learning to stay present and reduce feelings of overwhelm, especially when facing environmental or societal concerns.
  • Goal-Oriented Counseling: Practical strategies to address financial challenges, academic or career pressures, and personal growth goals.

– Weekday, Evening, & Saturday Appointments Available –

At Palo Alto Therapy, we help kids through adults overcome challenges such as anxiety, depression, relationship difficulties, and life transitions. Our compassionate, highly-trained therapists use evidence-based techniques to create meaningful, lasting results—often without long-term counseling.

With convenient office locations in Palo Alto, Menlo Park, and San Jose, we proudly serve the entire Silicon Valley community – from Stanford University and the Peninsula to the South Bay, offering easy access for tech professionals, students, and families.

Frequently Asked Questions About Young Adult Therapy

Therapy is helpful for young adults facing transitions, feeling overwhelmed, or seeking guidance in areas like relationships, identity, or career. It provides tools for navigating life with greater clarity and confidence.

Approach the conversation with understanding and support. Share how therapy could help them gain tools to achieve their goals or manage specific concerns. Emphasize that therapy is a collaborative process and offer to help them take the first step by exploring options together.

Many young adults are deeply impacted by the global issues facing the world today. Therapy helps you process these concerns, build emotional resilience, and find ways to stay engaged without becoming overwhelmed.

Many young adults explore their relationship with substances during this stage of life. Therapy provides a nonjudgmental space to reflect on your choices, understand your motivations, and develop healthier coping strategies if needed.

Yes! Our therapists understand that conditions like anxiety and ADHD can manifest differently over time, especially as young adults take on new responsibilities, navigate independence, and enter the workforce. We specialize in therapy for anxiety, OCD, depression, stress, and ADHD and can help you develop personalized strategies to manage symptoms and thrive in your daily life.

Not necessarily. Many young adults see progress in just a few sessions, while others choose ongoing support. Together, we’ll create a plan that aligns with your goals and timeline.

Yes! We offer both in-person and video sessions to make therapy accessible and convenient, no matter your schedule.

Recognizing Good Therapy

evidence based therapy

Evidence-Based

Specializing in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, we provide effective & caring counseling. Our therapists are passionate in delivering high-quality therapy & enhance their skills through the latest trainings.

specialized counseling

Strong Relationships

Our relationship with you is valued & of highest importance. We are compassionate, respectful, & honest. Our professional counseling includes working side by side with you towards YOUR goals.

Short-Term & Focused

Our active therapists use tailored homework exercises to help you find relief in a timely manner. By keeping our meetings on track & targeting specific concerns we help you enjoy life again, usually in a matter of months not years.

Client Convenience

Appointments after 5pm & Saturdays, friendly administrative staff, & three locations: Palo Alto, Menlo Park, & San Jose. We help children, teens & adults, couples, & families. Video therapy available!

Meet Our Team of Online CBT Therapists in Palo Alto & San Jose

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Hoi Yan Nadia Lau
Hoi Yan “Nadia” Lau, LMFT
Cognitive Behavioral Therapist
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Location: Palo Alto, San Jose, Video Therapy
Ages: 8+
Type of Therapy: Individual, Children Counseling, Teen Counseling
Bella Stitt, LMFT, Therapist at Palo Alto Therapy
Bella Stitt, LMFT
Cognitive Behavioral Therapist
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Location: Palo Alto, Video Therapy
Ages: 11+
Type of Therapy: Individual, Family, Teen Counseling
Florina Petcu CBT Therapist
Florina Petcu, LMFT
Cognitive Behavioral Therapist
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Location: Video Therapy
Ages: 15+
Type of Therapy: Individual, Teen Counseling
Jacquelyn Jacqui Lewis Therapist
Jacquelyn “Jacqui” Lewis, LMFT, ATR-BC, CCTP, ACCTS
Cognitive Behavioral Therapist
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Location: Palo Alto, Video Therapy
Ages: 13+
Type of Therapy: Individual, Family, Teen Counseling
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Jen Clayman, AMFT, APCC
Cognitive Behavioral Therapist, AMFT, APCC, Under Licensed Supervision
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Location: Palo Alto
Ages: 5+
Type of Therapy: Individual, Couples, Family, Children Counseling, Teen Counseling
Lauren Timmerman, LCSW
Cognitive Behavioral Therapist
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Location: Palo Alto, Video Therapy
Ages: 5+
Type of Therapy: Individual, Children Counseling, Teen Counseling
Kitte Anderson Therapist
Kitte Anderson, AMFT
Cognitive Behavioral Therapist, AMFT, Under Licensed Supervision
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Location: Menlo Park, San Jose, Video Therapy
Ages: 15+
Type of Therapy: Individual
Nicole Brunn Therapist
Nicole Brunn, LMFT, LPCC
Cognitive Behavioral Therapist
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Location: Palo Alto, San Jose, Video Therapy
Ages: 11+
Type of Therapy: Individual, Family, Teen Counseling
Lisa Macedo, LMFT
Cognitive Behavioral Therapist
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Location: Palo Alto, Video Therapy
Ages: 18+
Type of Therapy: Individual
Amanda Bautista Therapist
Amanda Bautista, LMFT
Cognitive Behavioral Therapist
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Location: Palo Alto, Video Therapy
Ages: 14+
Type of Therapy: Individual, Teen Counseling
Jennifer Jenny Estes, LCSW, Therapist at Palo Alto Therapy
Jennifer “Jenny” Estes, LCSW
Cognitive Behavioral Therapist
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Location: Video Therapy
Ages: 12+
Type of Therapy: Individual, Family, Children Counseling, Teen Counseling
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Nancy Stephenson, LPCC
Cognitive Behavioral Therapist
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Location: Palo Alto, San Jose
Ages: 5+
Type of Therapy: Individual, Children Counseling, Teen Counseling
Deborah Coblentz, LMFT, Therapist at Palo Alto Therapy
Deborah Coblentz, LMFT
Cognitive Behavioral Therapist
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Location: Palo Alto, San Jose, Video Therapy
Ages: 4+
Type of Therapy: Individual, Family, Children Counseling, Teen Counseling
Jacqueline Eaton-Willard, LMFT
Cognitive Behavioral Therapist
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Location: Menlo Park, Palo Alto
Ages: 4+
Type of Therapy: Individual, Family, Children Counseling, Teen Counseling
Sarah Chelew, AMFT
Cognitive Behavioral Therapist, AMFT, Under Licensed Supervision
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Location: Menlo Park, Palo Alto
Ages: 4+
Type of Therapy: Individual, Family, Children Counseling, Teen Counseling
Jennifer “Jenny” Hays, LMFT
Cognitive Behavioral Therapist
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Location: Menlo Park, Palo Alto, Video Therapy
Ages: 4+
Type of Therapy: Individual, Family, Children Counseling, Teen Counseling
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Megan Taylor, LMFT, Therapist at Palo Alto Therapy
Megan Taylor, LMFT
Clinical Operations Manager
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Location: Video Therapy
Ages: 15+
Type of Therapy: Individual, Teen Counseling
Deborah Brewer San Jose Therapist
Deborah Brewer, LCSW – Clinic Director
Cognitive Behavioral Therapist
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Location: Menlo Park, Palo Alto, Video Therapy
Ages: 6+
Type of Therapy: Individual, Family, Children Counseling, Teen Counseling
Ernest Schmidt, LCSW, Therapist at Palo Alto Therapy
Ernest Schmidt, LCSW – Owner
Cognitive Behavioral Therapist
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Location: Palo Alto, Video Therapy
Ages: 18+
Type of Therapy: Individual