Ernest Schmidt, LCSW – Owner

Since 1996, Palo Alto Therapy founder and author of Tackling Anxiety Ernest Schmidt has dedicated his professional life to helping people work past problems for happier, more fulfilled lives, specifically focusing on anxiety problems and OCD. With a Bachelor’s Degree from the University of the Pacific, a Master’s Degree from UC Berkeley, certification in Cognitive Therapy from the Academy of Cognitive and Behavioral Therapies, and OCD certification through the Obsessive Compulsive Foundation, Ernest draws from both life experience and extensive training for effective results-oriented sessions. Under Ernest’s direct and personable approach, clients see both a short-term impact and lifelong changes, all without the commitment of long-term counseling.

As a previous tenured faculty member at Foothill College, Ernest provided personal counseling for students and taught courses on stress management and emotional wellness. In his free time, Ernest relaxes by gardening, traveling, playing tennis, and going on walks across the Bay Area’s many natural wonders with his wife and three children.