Business Details
23 Years
experience
Your Trusted Mental Health Counseling Service in San Carlos
Bay Area Counseling Service has provided compassionate mental health therapy for over 29 years. Our licensed Marriage and Family Therapist specializes in addressing anxiety, depression, substance abuse, and life transitions through personalized counseling for individuals, couples, and families. As a Certified Employee Assistance Professional and Substance Abuse Professional, we offer DOT-compliant evaluations and free outpatient treatment for problem gambling authorized by California's CalGETS program.Our practice emphasizes evidence-based strategies to help clients develop coping mechanisms and achieve emotional well-being. With expertise in critical incident stress management and work-life balance challenges, we deliver both short-term problem resolution and long-term therapeutic support. Our sliding fee scale ensures accessibility while maintaining the highest professional standards through ongoing certifications and accreditations.
Services
Adult Counseling
Gambling Addiction Treatment
Substance Abuse Evaluations
Employee Assistance Programs
Critical Incident Stress Management
Details
- Year established: 2003
Highlights and features
- 29 years of specialized mental health counseling experience
- Certified Employee Assistance Professional with corporate partnership expertise
- Free state-authorized gambling addiction treatment program
- Sliding scale fees for accessible mental health care
- DOT-compliant substance abuse evaluations for safety-sensitive positions
Associations and certifications
- Certified Employee Assistance Professional (CEAP)
- Substance Abuse Professional (SAP)
- California Office of Problem Gambling (CalGETS)
Services
Adult Counseling
Our licensed Marriage and Family Therapist provides personalized counseling for adults facing anxiety, depression, and life transitions. Using evidence-based techniques, we help clients develop coping strategies for work-life balance, relationship challenges, and emotional distress. Sessions focus on identifying behavioral patterns and implementing practical solutions for improved mental well-being.
Gambling Addiction Treatment
State-authorized free outpatient treatment for problem gamblers and affected individuals. Our program combines cognitive-behavioral therapy with support for financial and relationship recovery. Certified through California's CalGETS program, we address both the psychological and practical impacts of gambling addiction through individual and group counseling options.
Substance Abuse Evaluations
Department of Transportation-compliant evaluations for safety-sensitive positions. Our certified Substance Abuse Professionals conduct comprehensive assessments and recommend appropriate treatment plans. Services include follow-up evaluations and return-to-duty guidance while maintaining strict compliance with federal regulations for workplace safety programs.
Employee Assistance Programs
Short-term problem resolution services for corporate clients through Certified Employee Assistance Professional. We address work-related stress, interpersonal conflicts, and productivity challenges. Companies can offer this benefit as part of employee wellness initiatives, with confidential sessions focused on improving workplace mental health and professional effectiveness.
Critical Incident Stress Management
Specialized support following workplace accidents, natural disasters, or traumatic events. Our crisis intervention techniques help organizations manage collective stress and prevent long-term psychological impacts. Services include on-site debriefings, coping strategy workshops, and follow-up counseling to restore workplace stability and employee well-being.
People
Lisa Montalvo
Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, CEAP, SAP
With 29 years of clinical experience, Lisa Montalvo specializes in anxiety, depression, and addiction counseling. As a Certified Employee Assistance Professional and Substance Abuse Professional, she provides DOT-compliant evaluations and state-authorized gambling treatment while maintaining active professional certifications.
Questions
What mental health services do you offer?
We provide adult counseling for anxiety, depression, and life transitions, along with specialized programs for gambling addiction, substance abuse evaluations, and critical incident stress management.
Is gambling addiction treatment really free?
Yes, our outpatient program for problem gamblers and affected individuals is state-authorized and offered at no cost through California's CalGETS initiative.
Do you accept insurance?
We operate on a sliding fee scale based on income and offer free services for qualifying programs. Check with your employer about EAP benefits that may cover our services.
Are your counselors certified?
Our lead therapist holds multiple certifications including Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, Certified Employee Assistance Professional, and Substance Abuse Professional credentials.
