JFK University Sunnyvale Community Counseling Center

I am a firm believer that people should take mental health just as seriously as they do with their physical health. If only saying stuff like, «Oh man, I just talked through some esteem issues» was as cool as «Yah bro I just ran a half marathon,» because they’re both required to live a healthy life. Too bad we’re not all fully up to that level in this sophisticated world, huh?
With that being said, and without going into _​too_​much detail, I was in a pretty tumultuous phase in life and Amalia was not only able to help me through it, but helped me realize some more unearthed feelings that I wasn’t cognizant of. They were causing me side effects and she helped me realize them, acknowledge them, then explained the ‘why’ and we worked through them. Ahhh the feeling of good mental therapy — it’s like leaving a heavenly deep tissue massage session, except it’s for your mind.
If you can’t afford the high fees from a licensed mental health professional (which is probably the reason you may be considering this place), I highly recommend you come here. At least from my experience, they are very professionally trained, have zero bias towards any of your beliefs, and have a good grasp on how to help you. We grow up in this too crazy of a rat-​race world, are faced with way too many external stimuli in this socially and electronically connected world, and face way too much pressure especially in this Bay Area, so do yourself a favor and take advantage of these services, even if it’s once in a while. BTW this place shares property with a elementary school. Pay the kids no mind: P

Came here in search of a mediator for a dispute a friend and I were having, and ended up with the situation in an even worse start. Do I expect these people to be magicians and make things better all of a sudden? No. But I certainly don’t expect them to make things worse either.
I think part of the problem was communication. The counselor (Iman?) that was assigned to us was not a native English speaker, and not to discriminate, but when it comes to a profession where clear communication is vital, being able to understand what people are saying should be a base requirement. Right off the bat, he had trouble finding the right words for what he wanted to say, which was not a great impression. How can I trust that he’ll understand what we’re trying to say, if he can’t find his own words?
Aside from that, I was definitely not a fan of the counselor’s attitude, and I consistently felt like his tone was accusatory, which certainly won’t make me feel comfortable. And correct me if I‘m wrong, but I would say that half of a therapist’s job is to provide a comfortable environment for their patient (s). So he definitely failed on that front.
Even the organization itself seems pretty disorganized. When I called asking how long it would take the get an appointment, they told me we had to do an intake first. So I did mine a few days later, and they said they would do his the following week. But that week came and left, and I had to call again. When we finally got that out of the way, I asked how long it would take for them to get us an appointment, and was told 2 weeks. How long was it before we actually got something? Almost a month.
I also asked what the fee would be, and they told me $ 45 based on my income. So I asked how payment would work for a session with two people, and they said it would be the average. What did it turn out to be? $ 90. He said he was told that it would be the combination of our fees, which is fine, but shouldn’t everyone who works there know how everything works and give the right information?
Yes, this place is cheap — if you have a lower income — but if you have any other choice at all, you probably shouldn’t take this one. If you have an income that would generate a higher fee than a co-​pay at an actual non-​training counselor center, do that.
In the end, the friend and I worked it out amongst ourselves — and that alone, should speak for how ineffective this counselor was. I‘ve gone to a few different therapists in the past, through college, and have had both good and bad, but I would hands down say that this was the worst experience I‘ve ever had.
02.25.15 Update:
Two months later and guess who’s getting a bill in the mail for *another* $ 90? Ridiculous.

Here is a place that is very dear to me. After college, I was in a slump because of unemployment. Other things like death and family matters were really bothersome. When I came here, I felt safe and valued. I went from a shy, lonely, and unhappy person to someone with lots of friends, self-​confidence, and accomplished goals.
One tip: this is a school site, so counselors will change when they graduate. I left because I felt I needed a permanent counselor. Luckily, I found one of my old therapists through LinkedIn.
Despite that, If you are doing this for the first time and/​or can’t pay high psychologist rates, this is a great place.

I don’t know how I feel about writing reviews for mental health services, but I think this center is a really good resource that people should know about. I am a huge advocate of community mental health and centers that provide a sliding scale option so that people can receive low cost services.
As a grad student in the field of mental health, I can’t even afford to see a licensed therapist. So, I turned to JFK’s counseling center. My experience thus far has been very positive. Due to logistical reasons the original therapist that I was assigned to had to transfer my case, but the quality hasn’t changed.
The therapists’ experience ranges from trainees who are currently in their master’s program to interns who have graduated and are working towards licensure. I pay $ 15 per session. I would suggest calling ahead of time if you are interested, it takes a few weeks to complete an intake and to get matched with a therapist.
There shouldn’t be such a stigma in seeking mental health services. I think this place is a great resource and would highly recommend it.

I am seeing Lily Lu and she is amazing! Thank you Lily and JFK Counseling Center

I can’t say enough good about this place. I have an excellent therapist. The sliding scale fees are wonderful. I really like my therapist. I feel she is really «present» and that she actually cares not just doing her job. She makes you feel very safe to open up completely. If anyone is interested ask for Kim Black. She’s terrific.

(I pay $ ¹⁵⁄₅₀ minutes) I’ve been going there for a few months now, and I’ve made some big changes that I wouldn’t have been able to if it wasn’t for JFK. Even for those of you who have a pretty ‘good handle’ on life and are iffy on therapy… it’s really worth it. (At least for me) Going there and making small ‘reports’ holds me responsible to taking better care of myself, mentally and physically– partly because someone is going to be hearing it the next week if I don’t. This is the tip of the iceberg, really… I liken this metal health care to getting a trainer. If you have a trainer, why not have a ‘trainer’ for your mind as well?
I won’t name names because I think everyone there is really helpful, but my counselor has been incredibly helpful, friendly and «real» all the time. I couldn’t have done it without you! Thank you!!!

The fee is great… but what you pay for is also what you get…$ 15/​hr
My Counselor there several years back. fell asleep on me several times during our sessions. i brought it up with her and she did change– stayed awake but was still never really all there during our sessions even afterwards. since she was tired from working a full time job in HR and doing the grad program at JFK Counseling Center… she later admitted to me…
she also wasn’t very helpful in general. not sure if it was due to her being tired or her lack of insight/​knowledge…

The JFK Counseling Center is just as the first reviewer describes. I called, answered a few questions about my situation, and a week later a psych grad student contacted me to set up an appointment. With sliding scale pricing, I pay $ 15 for each meeting. The counselor I was paired with has been incredibly helpful.
If you are considering contacting the Center, do it.
Thanks, Misa Y. I would not have found the Center without your review.

Knowing how many Americans go without health insurance, I really applaud the availability of programs like this one. When I was a starving college student, not so long ago, I was going through a lot of issues that I was having trouble dealing with. I knew I needed help & wasn’t sure where to go. I emailed some psychologists briefly explaining my situation both financially & mentally, (I wish I could remember who, so I could write negative reviews on what bastards they can be) I was basically told sorry you can’t afford me, good luck… No referrals to anything (this almost turned me off the whole mental health care system) ANYWAY.
Somehow, with help from a friend & the miracle of the internet I was directed to the JFK Community Counseling Center & was able to get the help I needed.
They have all types of counseling available here: individual, couples & children. When you call, they do a little interview so don’t get freaked out, this is just to see what you need & also to get the ball rolling as far as who to match you up with (also to see if you’re someone that needs immediate help).
I was able to see someone on a weekly basis & they also charge on a sliding scale which is beautiful! I only paid about $ 10 per visit for 50 minutes! Compare that to an average of $ 100 or more. The only drawback to this set up is that you’re dealing with students. This isn’t really a bad thing, until they GRADUATE… Sigh …
Anyway, ultimately, I had an excellent experience through this place & for anyone who thinks they can’t afford these types of services, you should check this place out… This is one of many places that offers services to the monetarily challenged…