Nicole is easy to talk to, provides useful insights and asks great questions.
Nicole Valadao, LCSW
Experienced mental health professional
Provides online counseling through BetterHelp
At a glance
Nicole is an experienced, licensed Mental Health Professional who specializes in affordable online therapy offered through our partner, BetterHelp.
- FSA/HSA accepted
- 5.0 stars
- Clients are very satisfied with Nicole. View 1 review
- Offers Telehealth visits
- Licensed in California
Recent reviews
More about Nicole
- 10 years' experience
- Female
- LCSW
I'm a licensed therapist in California with a passion for supporting women through life's most challenging transitions. My work centers on helping women navigate depression, anxiety, stress, and the complexities of identity and belonging. My clinical practice is strictly focused on women's mental health, female-identifying individuals, and non-binary clients. I do not specialize in or accept male clients at this time. I have particular expertise working with LGBTQ+ women, and I'm committed to creating an affirming, non-judgmental space where you can explore who you are and who you want to become.
Throughout my career, I've supported clients facing a wide range of concerns—from career transitions and workplace challenges to relationship difficulties, isolation, and questions about life purpose. I also work with women navigating family dynamics, adoption, foster care, and fertility journeys. I'm experienced in supporting caregivers managing compassion fatigue and burnout, and I bring specialized knowledge to women's issues.
My approach is grounded in genuine care and deep listening. I believe in meeting you where you are, honoring your values and lived experience, and working collaboratively toward meaningful change. Whether you're exploring self-love, improving communication, or processing trauma, I'm here to support your healing with warmth, authenticity, and respect.
Taking the first step toward therapy takes courage, and I'm honored to walk alongside you.
Specialties
Stress
Anxiety
LGBT Issues
Career difficulties
Depression
Relationship issues
Family conflicts
Parenting issues
Self-esteem
Coping with life changes
Compassion fatigue
Adoption and foster care
Blended family issues
Caregiver issues and stress
Communication problems
Family problems
Fertility issues
Isolation / loneliness
Life purpose
Postpartum depression
Pregnancy and childbirth
Self-love
Women's issues
Workplace issues
Insurance Accepted
- Anthem Blue Cross California
- Cigna
- GEHA
- Optum
- UMR
- UnitedHealthcare
Treatment Approaches
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
- Mindfulness Therapy
- Motivational Interviewing
- Solution-Focused Therapy
Licenses
Nicole Valadao's National Provider Identifier (NPI) is 1629407192.
- LCSW · California · 123668 · Renews June 2028
About online counseling
- Affordable.
- Pay a low flat fee.
- Convenient.
- Do it at your own time and at your own pace. Communicate whenever you feel it's needed.
- Available now.
- There is no waiting list and no calls to make. Simply fill out a short questionnaire and send your first message.
Online counseling allows you to receive care from a mental health practitioner via phone, video chat, or instant messaging. It is convenient for those who may have trouble getting to or would prefer not to have in-person therapy appointments. Starting at $65 per week, online counseling is generally more affordable than in-person counseling. A study by researchers at University of California, Berkeley found that online counseling can be just as effective as face-to-face therapy while being more convenient, affordable, and accessible.
Reviews for Nicole Valadao
All reviews have been submitted by clients after seeing the provider.
Overall rating:
Nicole is easy to talk to, provides useful insights and asks great questions.
Frequently asked questions
Does Nicole Valadao offer telehealth visits?
Yes. Nicole Valadao works with clients by exchanging messages, chatting live, speaking over the phone, or video conferencing based on what works for the client at that particular time.
What language(s) does Nicole Valadao speak?
Nicole Valadao speaks English.
How many years of experience does Nicole Valadao have?
Nicole Valadao has 10 years of experience.
Where is Nicole Valadao licensed to practice?
Nicole Valadao is licensed to practice in California.
Does Nicole Valadao accept FSA/HSA?
Yes, Nicole Valadao accepts FSA/HSA meaning you can pay for sessions with your pre-tax healthcare dollars. Every year hundreds of thousands of people use their FSA/HSA to pay for therapy.
Does Nicole Valadao accept insurance?
Yes, Nicole Valadao accepts Anthem Blue Cross California, Cigna, GEHA, Optum, UMR, and UnitedHealthcare.
Does Nicole Valadao accept clients outside of the United States?
No, Nicole Valadao does not accept clients outside of the United States.
Is online therapy as effective as in-person therapy?
Numerous studies support the effectiveness of online platforms in facilitating life changes. For instance, research published by JMIR Publications, conducted by teams from the University of Berkeley, UCSF, and SF General Hospital, found that "users of BetterHelp experienced significantly reduced depression symptom severity after engaging with the platform."
What treatment approaches does Nicole Valadao offer?
Nicole Valadao offers clients Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Mindfulness Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, and Solution-Focused Therapy.
How can I communicate with Nicole Valadao?
Nicole Valadao can be engaged in any one of four ways: (1) Exchanging messages, (2) chatting live, (3) speaking over the phone, or (4) video conferencing. You can use different ways at different times as you wish, based on your needs, availability, and convenience.
How do I get started with Nicole Valadao?
Just tap the CHAT NOW button or tap here: A new window will open and you'll be directed to a simple form that will help start the conversation.
Mental health conditions are real, common, and treatable.
And recovery is possible.
When you tap CHAT NOW a new window will open and you'll be directed to a simple form that will help start the conversation.
FSA/HSA
eligible