Dr. Helena Dow, LMFT, PsyD, CA | Psychotherapist

What patients are saying

Overall rating

4.90

Average wait time

4.62

Bedside manner

4.86

“I had my first appointment with Dr Helena Dow today and I really enjoyed it. We had to do the assessment today but we had a good talk also. I am happy to continue to see her!!”

Pam J.July 31, 2025Video visit

“Amazing therapist. Kind and compassionate and light hearted. Its hard to find a therapist that you have an instant connection and sense of comfort with and She was that therapist for me right away.”

Nicole T.August 28, 2024Video visit

About Dr. Helena Dow

Focus areas

Alcoholism

Behavioral Problems

Depression

Anxiety

Bipolar Disorder

Eating Disorder

Attention-Deficit / Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)

Couples Therapy

Clientele seen

Children (<13)

Adults (25-64)

Couples

Teenagers (13-17)

Seniors (65+)

Groups

Young adults (18-24)

Individuals

Families

Treatment approaches

Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)

Structural Family Therapy

Family / Marital

Mindfulness-Based (MBCT)

Identity

Gender

Female

Languages spoken

Albanian, English

Getting to know Dr. Helena Dow

*This provider only treats residents residing in the state of California. When booking your appointment, please use the full name as written on your insurance card. Helena Dow treats patients starting at 7 years old. Dr. Helena Dow is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and a 2006 graduate of Alliant International University’s California School of Professional Psychology (CSPP), where she earned a PsyD in Marriage and Family Therapy. She also holds a Master of Science degree in Marriage and Family Therapy (2000) and a Master of Arts degree in Educational Counseling, both from San Diego State University. Dr. Dow has a comprehensive clinical background with extensive training and experience in utilizing various therapeutic techniques and theoretical models. She provides individual, couple, family, and group therapy to children and adults of various ages and backgrounds, addressing a variety of disorders and their related symptoms. Her experience includes work in outpatient hospital programs treating patients with chronic psychological conditions; crisis centers addressing addiction issues; hospice hospital settings where she conducted pre- and post-bereavement work; community colleges; community clinics; and public schools, where she participated in wrap-around programs involving multiple community agencies to support children and their families. Dr. Dow is certified in Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT), with an emphasis on couples therapy. She also holds a certificate in chemical dependency from CSPP at Alliant International University. Additionally, Dr. Dow is certified as an Approved Supervisor by the American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy (AAMFT) and is a clinical member of the association.

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More information on payments and coverage

During the LifeStance onboarding process, we will contact you to collect your payment card information. It’s our policy to collect this information and confirm that it is valid prior to your first appointment so that we can simplify the payment process upon completion of your appointment, especially in the case of a telehealth appointment where the traditional “check-out” process doesn’t occur. Important Note: This provider is not currently bookable for new patients with Medicare or Medicaid coverage.

Popular visit reasons

Agoraphobia

Anxiety Disorder

Depression

New Patient Visit

Psychotherapy

Psychotherapy Intake / Initial Visit

Therapy

Women's Mental Health Issues

Agoraphobia

Anxiety Disorder

Depression

New Patient Visit

Education and background

Practice names

LifeStance Health - California

Education and training

Alliant International University, PsyD in Marriage and Family Therapy
San Diego State University, Master's in Marriage and Family Therapy
San Diego State University, Master's in Educational Counseling

Professional memberships

American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy

Awards and publications

Dr. Dow is certified in Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT), with an emphasis on couple's therapy.
he additionally received a certificate in chemical dependency from the California School of Professional Psychology (CSPP) at Alliant International University.
Dr. Dow is additionally certified as an Approved Supervisor by the American Association of Marriage and Family Therapy (AAMFT).
Dow, H. D. & Woolley, S. R. (2011). Mental Health Perceptions and Coping Strategies of Twelve Albanian Immigrants and Their Families. Journal of Marital and Family Therapy, 37(1), 95-108.
Dow, H. D. (2011). An Overview of Stressors Faced by Immigrants and Refugees: A Guide for Mental Health Practitioners. Home Health Care Management and Practice, 23(3), 210-217.

NPI number

1992807168

Patient reviews

All reviews have been submitted by patients after interacting with the practice.

Overall rating

4.90

Wait time

4.62

Bedside manner

4.86

Your trust is our top concern, so providers can't pay to alter or remove reviews. We also don't publish reviews that contain any private patient health information. Learn more here

49 reviews

Most relevant

Helena is very charismatic and friendly. I felt comfortable and safe with her. It was a very welcoming first time experience.

July 15, 2024Michael L.Verified patientVideo visit

Helena was a pleasure and a great listener. She is passionate about helping others and is extremely genuine. 10/10

January 19, 2023Devon D.Verified patientVideo visit

I had my first appointment with Dr Helena Dow today and I really enjoyed it. We had to do the assessment today but we had a good talk also. I am happy to continue to see her!!

July 31, 2025Pam J.Verified patientVideo visit

Good listener and great advice

December 24, 2024Nancy Diamond W.Verified patientVideo visit

The therapist didn’t seem to be the best listener. Opening up was hard enough, only to have the conversation shift to small talk about where I live and where they plan to visit next with their husband. I didn’t feel reassured, even though I understand that the first session can be a slow start—it just didn’t feel right. There were red flags: poor listening, slow note-taking, and I often had to repeat myself. When I shared difficult experiences from my upbringing, the therapist reacted inappropriately, even gasping, which felt unprofessional. Aren't therapists supposed to maintain a professional composure? I plan to switch to another therapist.

November 14, 2024Estelle P.Verified patientVideo visit

Amazing therapist. Kind and compassionate and light hearted. Its hard to find a therapist that you have an instant connection and sense of comfort with and She was that therapist for me right away.

August 28, 2024Nicole T.Verified patientVideo visit

Everything went well

December 16, 2022Lauri O.Verified patientVideo visit

I felt comfortable being open and honest with Helena and she appreciated her transparency and knowledge. I am confident she can help me unpack some things that are holding me back from living me best life and now feel I have an ally helping me write the next chapter in my story of life

October 21, 2022Mishon H.Verified patientVideo visit

September 28, 2025Isabella R.Verified patientVideo visit

Less than 1 year agoInitials hiddenVideo visit

Less than 1 year agoInitials hiddenSource: Partner