Find a therapist in San Jose, CA — covered by insurance


Top therapists in San Jose, CA accepting new patients
My name is Claire Pinkston MS/MSC. I'm a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) and a Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor (CADCII). I’ve been in the counseling field for almost 20 years. I believe that we all face challenges engaging fully in life, owning our choices, connecting with other people, and making our lives meaningful. How we think about ourselves, others, and the future has a tremendous impact on how we feel and what we do. My goal is to help you understand the factors influencing your thinking, feelings, and choices, and make changes that will improve your life. I especially like working with people who are motivated to dig in and do the work, because change requires change.
I believe therapy works best when it feels human, collaborative, and grounded in trust. I strive to create a space where clients feel safe being honest, imperfect, and fully themselves without fear of judgment. I value clear communication, emotional attunement, and meeting clients where they are rather than rushing the process. My goal is to support you in building insight, confidence, and tools that feel realistic and sustainable for your life.
Life can be challenging, and in those moments we may lose touch with our true selves. Reaching out for support takes courage and is an important first step. With over 18 years of experience, my approach is collaborative, compassionate, and tailored to each individual’s needs. I work primarily with adults using an integrative approach that includes Psychodynamic Therapy, CBT, EMDR, and Mindfulness. I have extensive experience supporting individuals in creative and caregiving fields, helping them reconnect with themselves, build resilience, and find balance. I also work with adult children of caregivers who struggled with substance abuse and mental health issues such as Borderline and Narcissistic Personality Disorder.
It's hard to find non-judgmental therapy, especially when dealing with subjects that evoke shame. That's why I collaborate to create a therapy that meets you as you are. I hold an affirming space for marginalized orientations, neurotypes, and relationship styles. We can work to navigate major issues like trauma, sexuality and life changes, or an ongoing condition like depression or anxiety. I am also passionate about supporting people through their gender journeys. My therapy is not just inclusive, but is LGBTQ+ and neurodiversity affirming. I also enjoy working with couples or relationship groups as they navigate challenges.
My work is centered around helping you figure out concrete steps to take to reach your goals. Sessions with me are structured. I will help you navigate anxiety, relationships, or self-doubt that is getting in the way of your day to day joy.
I work primarily with people navigating trauma, PSTD, psychosis, nightmares, personality disorders, and complex patterns that can make life feel difficult to understand or change. Many of my clients have experienced overwhelming or destabilizing experiences and may feel caught in cycles that no longer serve them. Others are struggling with recurring nightmares, intrusive memories, fears, relationship patterns, or changes in perception that leave them feeling disconnected from themselves or the world around them.
I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with over 9 years of experience providing compassionate care across clinics, hospitals, and diverse community settings in Los Angeles.
My name is Thomas, and I have been working in the field of recovery and addiction for more than 20 years. I hold a Master’s degree in Marriage and Family Therapy and am also a Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor. Throughout my career, I have had the opportunity to work with individuals and families facing challenges related to addiction, mental health, relationships, and life transitions.
My primary focus is helping clients regain balance and create meaningful, lasting change in their lives. Whether you are struggling with anxiety or depression, navigating family conflict, working toward recovery from addiction, or simply feeling stuck, I believe therapy can provide a safe and supportive space to better understand yourself and develop effective solutions.
I take a collaborative approach to therapy and believe that meaningful change often involves not only the individual, but also the family and support systems around them. Together, we can identify strengths, address challenges, improve communication, and develop practical tools to help you move forward with greater confidence and purpose.
I have witnessed the growth and success of many wonderful people who came to therapy feeling nearly hopeless. I know that you can reach your goals and I'd like to help you get there.
Frequently asked questions


Find the right therapist for you
Headway makes it easy to find support for your mental health — from finding the right provider, to understanding costs, to scheduling with ease.


























.jpg)













