Compare 286 licensed clinical social workers in Palo Alto, CA. Check ratings, insurance, and availability.
286
Licensed Clinical Social Workers
100%
Accepting patients
73%
Most common: LCSW
Ranked by Clarity Score, based on profile detail, verification, and patient activity.
Palo Alto has 286 licensed clinical social workers. The most common credential is LCSW (73%). 100% are currently accepting new patients.
Nearby hospitals include Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, UCLA Ronald Reagan Medical Center, and UCSF Medical Center. Local training programs run through UCLA David Geffen School of Medicine and UCSF School of Medicine.
A first session typically lasts 50 to 60 minutes. The social worker will ask about your current concerns, mental health history, family background, living situation, and support network. They may also ask about practical issues like insurance coverage, housing stability, and safety at home. Together, you will set goals for treatment. Social workers use evidence-based therapies including cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), and trauma-focused approaches. Sessions are usually weekly or biweekly. Social workers cannot prescribe medication but can refer you to a psychiatrist if medication might help.
You might see a clinical social worker for depression, anxiety, grief, relationship conflict, trauma recovery, or adjustment to major life changes like divorce, job loss, or chronic illness diagnosis. Social workers are also the right fit if you need help navigating the healthcare or social services system alongside therapy. If you are in crisis, experiencing domestic violence, or need case management for a complex situation involving mental health and practical barriers, a social worker can address both the emotional and logistical challenges.
Individual session copay: $20-50 with insurance · Self-pay: $80-150/session · Community mental health center: $20-80/session sliding scale
Clinical social workers provide family therapy that addresses communication patterns, boundary issues, and generational dynamics. They also connect families with community resources for additional support.
Social workers offer grief counseling and help with the practical side of major life changes: navigating benefits, connecting with support groups, and building a plan for moving forward.
Licensed clinical social workers provide therapy for anxiety and depression using evidence-based methods. They take a holistic view that considers your relationships, environment, and resources.
Social workers are trained in trauma-informed care and help survivors of abuse process their experiences, develop safety plans, and access community resources for ongoing support.
A chronic health diagnosis changes everything. Clinical social workers help you cope with the emotional impact, navigate the healthcare system, and maintain quality of life.
Palo Alto, CA has 286 licensed licensed clinical social workers. 100% are currently accepting new patients, so finding an available provider should be straightforward.
Yes. 100% of licensed clinical social workers in Palo Alto, CA are currently accepting new patients. You can filter your search on FindClarity to show only providers who are taking new patients.
The most commonly accepted carriers among licensed clinical social workers in Palo Alto, CA include qhp-56707, unitedhealthcare, medicare, qhp-33602, and anthem. Coverage and in-network status vary by provider, so it is worth confirming directly with the office before scheduling. FindClarity shows accepted insurance for each provider.
A session copay is $20 to $50 with insurance. Self-pay rates are $80 to $150 per session. Community mental health centers charge $20 to $80 on a sliding scale. Actual costs in Palo Alto, CA depend on the provider and your insurance plan. Social workers are generally the most affordable type of licensed therapist. Community mental health centers employ social workers and offer income-based sliding-scale fees. Many LCSWs in private practice also reserve sliding-scale slots.
Look for a board-certified provider who accepts your insurance and practices near you. Palo Alto, CA has 286 licensed clinical social workers. Reading patient reviews and checking hospital affiliations can help narrow your choice. FindClarity lets you compare providers by credentials, insurance, and location.
LCSW stands for Licensed Clinical Social Worker and MSW stands for Master of Social Work. Both are equivalent qualifications. In Palo Alto, CA, 73% hold the LCSW credential and 10% hold MSW. The difference is in training pathway, not quality of care.
Some licensed clinical social workers in Palo Alto, CA accept Medi-Cal, the state's Medicaid program. Medicaid covers LCSW therapy in all states. Coverage includes individual and group therapy. Co-pays are minimal or zero for most Medicaid recipients. Contact the provider's office directly to confirm Medi-Cal participation before scheduling.
Top accepted carriers in Palo Alto, CA include qhp-56707, unitedhealthcare, medicare, qhp-33602, and anthem.
Most insurance plans cover therapy with licensed clinical social workers (LCSWs). Social workers are one of the most widely covered mental health provider types. Verify your plan covers outpatient mental health services and check whether the social worker is in-network. Mental health parity laws require most plans to cover mental health at the same level as physical health. Community mental health centers often accept Medicaid and offer sliding-scale fees.