Finding a therapist in California can be challenging. Even in some of the biggest California cities, barriers to treatment, like concerns about cost or a lack of available providers, can make finding in-person therapy difficult. If you’re looking for mental health care in the Golden State, consider an online therapy platform like BetterHelp.

BetterHelp therapists have extensive experience and can help you work to overcome your unique challenges and meet your highest potential. From young adults needing help managing the effects of ADHD to seniors struggling to heal from events of the past, therapists can help adults of any age navigate the challenges in their lives and learn how to improve their mental wellness.

If you’re looking for a licensed therapist, CA has many online options available. Contact one of the providers below to schedule your first session and learn more about the benefits of online treatment.

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Elizabeth Lee

Offering therapy in California
License: MA, LMFT
AddictionsRelationship issuesFamily conflictsTrauma and abuseSelf esteem
22 years of experience

Elizabeth Johnson Lee MA, LMFT Hi, I’m Liz. Are you feeling anxious, depressed, and angry or having trouble in your relationships? I’m here to help! I’m a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, and my area of expertise is in helping people develop a better relationship with themselves and with the world. I provide encouragement, support and validation with a nonjudgmental and accepting, empathetic and compassionate style, with an emphasis on what’s needed most to help you. I am good at seeing patterns in people’s lives and in bringing them to their awareness so that they can learn from them. Some patterns you may want to change, but others may be hidden strengths, talents and other assets that you can use to empower yourself and improve your life. I also use paradoxical approaches to help you flip weaknesses and painful experiences into strengths and benefits. I am experienced in teaching communication skills to help you improve your relationships in all areas of your life. By combining an exploration of your past relationships with a focus on the here-and-now, I can guide you in seeing how the past has affected you and how you can make changes in the present to transform your life. I received my Masters degree in Clinical Psychology from Antioch University in 1988 and my Marriage and Family Therapist license in 1998. I have worked with survivors of rape, incest, domestic abuse and other traumas, family problems, relationship issues, parenting issues, grief and loss, addiction, LGBTQ+ issues, anxiety, depression, suicidality, psychosis, personality disorders, inter-faith spiritual issues and more. I use an eclectic style to tailor my approach to the needs of each client. I also use a whole-person approach to address the person from a mind, body, and spirit perspective. I look forward to working with you. Let’s get started! Specialties: Anxiety Depression Suicidal thinking Sexual assault Trauma Domestic abuse Addiction Communication skills Relationship issues Years of experience 22

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Tina Logan

Offering therapy in California
License: LMFT
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesFamily conflictsAnger managementADHD
12 years of experience

Tina A Logan Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT Verified by Psychology Today I provide video and phone sessions. Worries, nervousness and anxiety can be over-whelming. Uncertainty, during unknown times can make us anxious and depressed. I’m here to help. I am blessed to have the opportunity to help many of you during these unprecedented times. I am interactive, giving you suggestions, options, tools and hope for your future. My style is relaxed, supportive, encouraging, compassionate, caring and positive. I am non-judgmental and culturally diverse. I have experience working with children, families, adults and couples. I specialize with trauma, grief & loss, relationship issues & personal, work, parenting, family and friends. Most recently, I am working with a mom that is challenged in working from home while caring for children and home. I’ve worked with several different diagnosis and issues. I utilize the cognitive- behavioral, evidence based therapeutic approach to manage & teach behaviors and new skills. I speak, write and understand some Spanish. I would like the opportunity to meet with you and begin to understand your needs. I look forward to our first session, in your journey to a new chapter that we will write together. T

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Dr. Sarah Golden

Offering therapy in California
License: Ph.D.,LPCC (CA),LPC (MI)
Stress, AnxietySelf esteemCareer difficultiesCoping with life changes
8 years of experience

Welcome! I am happy you are here and have chosen to reach out for support. I know it can be challenging to take that first step. That takes courage! My name is Dr. Sarah Golden, and I am a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor (LPCC) in the state of California and a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) in the state of Michigan. I am a National Certified Counselor. I earned my graduate degree in Counselor Education and my Ph.D. in Counselor Education and Supervision. I have worked in the counseling profession in a variety of capacities as a counselor and a consultant. As we start working together, I hope to create a space where you can talk and feel heard. We will collaboratively help you navigate some of the challenges and feelings you've expressed and identify some goals you have for counseling. My style is to create a safe, collaborative, and warm environment for clients to explore their thoughts, experiences, and challenges while working toward their personal goals. My counseling approach is integrated and combines a person-centered, humanistic, CBT, mindfulness practices, and solution-focused approach. I look forward to starting this journey with you!

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Elaine Lipkin

Offering therapy in California
License: MS,LMFT
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesGriefSelf esteemDepression
35 years of experience

Choosing a therapist hinges on so many factors! Who you are, what you are looking for in therapy. Then there are the therapists available to you, You look at their education, training, experience, therapeutic approaches, etc. Deciding to seek therapy takes courage and you want a good fit. That fit comes from working together, developing trust and a willingness to be open to hearing what each other says. I have been a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist since 1990. I have worked in the mental health field since 1975, in psychiatric hospitals, outpatient clinics, and then interning in private practice for three years prior to becoming licensed. I was extremely lucky to have worked at a psychiatric hospital early on that provided staff education with some of the most famous people in the field of psychotherapy, so I feel my foundation is outstanding. Life can be hard, overwhelming, frustrating, and exciting. My role as a therapist is to help you help yourself, to identify areas in your life where you might be stuck, understand why you do or feel or act as you do, understand the influences that affect you today. I believe in setting goals in therapy that can be evaluated along the way and changed when needed. Therapy can be short term, very solution oriented. Or can take longer. I draw from the various therapeutic approaches that I have studied and put into practice over the years. And apply what I know to each client individually. Clients have described me as compassionate, that I seek to understand what they need, that I am able to hear them, and that I am respectful. I love the connection between myself and my clients that allows me to stay neutral yet utilizes my ability to be empathetic. I will help you to develop the tools needed to make the changes you identify and to incorporate insights that happen along the way. I have worked with individuals, families, and couples. My speciality has been working with people going through Infertility and I have had specialized training in this unique area as well as being a therapist with a national support organization. All of this experience and training define who I am as a therapist/counselor today. I have a good understanding of how our family of origin affects how we function today and utilize a family systems and a more eclectic approach. But more than what approaches I draw from, that connection I mentioned above is what helps my clients achieve their goals. I wish you all the best in your journey and if I am the therapist you contact, I look forward to our work together.

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Dr. Jeffrey Avants

Offering therapy in California
AddictionsRelationship issuesSelf esteemCareer difficultiesCoping with life changes
14 years of experience

I am licensed in the states of California, Nevada, Indiana, and North Carolina with 14 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with coping with addictions, relationship issues, motivation, self esteem, and confidence, & career difficulties. I believe that you are the expert of your story and that you have many strengths that will assist you in overcoming things that challenge you. Taking the first step to seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process.

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Andrea Throndson

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsRelationship issuesGriefDepression
14 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 10 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, coping with addictions, relationship issues, & coping with grief and loss. I believe that you are the expert of your story and that you have many strengths that will assist you in overcoming things that challenge you. I have expertise in grief, addictions and trauma. I also am certified in DBT. Taking the first step to sign up for therapy can take courage and I am proud of you for getting started!

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Rachelle Salerno

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesTrauma and abuseSelf esteemDepression
26 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 26 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, trauma and abuse, & motivation, self esteem, and confidence. I work with my clients to create an open and safe environment where thoughts and feelings can be shared without fear of judgment. It takes courage to seek out a more fulfilling and happier life and to take the first steps towards a change. I am here to support & empower you in that journey.

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Suzanne Tuzzi

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietyGriefSelf esteemCareer difficultiesDepression
4 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 4 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, coping with grief and loss, motivation, self esteem, and confidence, & career difficulties. I believe in treating everyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion. I will tailor our dialog and treatment plan to meet your unique and specific needs. Taking the first step to sign up for therapy can take courage and I am proud of you for getting started!

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Elena Wash

Offering therapy in California
Self esteemCareer difficultiesDepressionCoping with life changesCompassion fatigue
10 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 8 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress, anxiety, motivation, chronic illness and pain & coping with life changes. I also have experience working with compassion fatigue. I believe that you are the expert of your story and that you have many strengths that will assist you in overcoming things that challenge you. Taking the first step to sign up for therapy can take courage and I am proud of you for getting started!

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Christine Tippett

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietyGriefDepression
40 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 40 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress, anxiety, coping with grief, & coping with loss. I also have experience working with depression. I work with my clients to create an open and safe environment where thoughts and feelings can be shared without fear of judgment. Taking the first step to seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process.

How can a counselor support you?

Therapists can practice many types of counseling, from marriage and family therapy to cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and dialectical behavior therapy (DBT). They may also assist you with symptoms of depression, stress, or anxiety.

Therapists may help you set and achieve career goals, work on current issues you may be facing, or address your past. Over 32,349,851 people live in CA, and one out of five Americans has a mental health condition. Searching for local licensed professionals may help you find mental health support for personal growth, anxiety disorders, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and other mental health concerns. You do not need a mental health diagnosis to seek support from one of BetterHelp's licensed providers above.  

The mental health field can include psychiatric medication management, online therapy, marriage counseling, couples therapy, clinical social work, licensed counseling, and other mental health services in person and online. Seeing a licensed provider can help you navigate mental health conditions and life circumstances through mindfulness and other specialized techniques.

Please note that BetterHelp therapists in California does not offer diagnostic or medication management services in therapy.

Why do people choose to work with a licensed counselor or therapists?

People reach out for mental health support for a variety of reasons. Many individuals work with a counselor for general life advice, while others may attend therapy for a specific concern. Whether you live in a large city or a smaller county, BetterHelp can match you with a licensed professional tailored to your preferences noted when you sign up.

The mental health therapists in California support clients with varying issues through therapy, working with:

  • Challenging situations or life stressors
  • Eating disorders requiring therapy
  • Anxiety disorders in need of therapeutic support
  • Depression or depressive mental health conditions
  • Adjustment issues in need of therapeutic support
  • Emotional support for a terminal illness
  • Chronic pain emotional support
  • Grief therapy
  • Personality disorders
  • Trauma therapy
  • Relationship conflicts and mental health concerns

Finding a therapist in California that takes new clients in online therapy can be the first step in finding a treatment plan that works for you. Your therapist can provide a safe space for you to focus on self-care and well-being.

If you're interested in speaking to one of the therapists above or being matched with a counselor in 24 to 48 hours, consider signing up for BetterHelp. BetterHelp has over 35,000 providers, including those listed above.

Emergency services to contact in a crisis

If you are experiencing a crisis or emergency, don't use the BetterHelp therapy site. If you are in life-threatening danger, call 911. If you require support for a crisis, reach out to the therapy hotlines below:

Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

Some of the most commonly asked questions about therapy can be found in the section below.

How much does therapy with a licensed therapist cost?

Mental health professionals can differ in price. Forbes found that the average cost of in-person California therapy in the US is around $100 to $200 per hour. Pricing can also vary based on your location. 

BetterHelp offers payment plans of $65 to $100 per week. You can also take advantage of this pricing on one of BetterHelp's sister platforms, like ReGain for couples or TeenCounseling for teens aged 13 to 19.

Is it possible to find a therapist, counselor, or psychology practitioner that offers affordable therapy?

Many therapists may be upfront about their pricing and whether or not they take health insurance from the beginning. Additionally, some in your area may offer a sliding scale plan to allow those with lower incomes to pay less for therapy. However, services online can often save individuals a few hundred dollars per month.

When should I get a therapist in California?

Mental health services and mental health providers may help you navigate various concerns. You do not need a diagnosis or condition to attend therapy; You can discuss grief, relationship concerns, stress, or life changes and ask for general advice. A counselor may help you gain power over your life and emotions while you navigate day-to-day experiences.

What can a psychologist help me with in therapy?

Mental health issues don't always present as a crisis. Many professionals provide talk therapy and support for life transitions, skills learning, relationship problems, or life coaching. Online therapy sessions can allow clients seeking therapy to experience professional help through video, phone, or live chat sessions without commuting to an office.

Does insurance cover the cost of in-person or online therapy with a therapist in California?

Different counseling services can vary in cost. Therapists must apply to accept insurance through insurance companies, which may take time and money, so not every therapist offers services through insurance. If you cannot find a therapist that accepts your plan, BetterHelp may be cheaper than visiting an in-person therapist.

Are online therapy sessions the safe option?

Online therapy through BetterHelp and its sister platforms is safe. Therapists are licensed, experienced, and vetted before being contracted with the platform. If you experience any concerns with your therapist, you change your counselor through the platform or app at any time.

In today's fast-paced society, mental well-being has become a cornerstone of a fulfilling life. Amid the daily challenges and stressors that can overwhelm even the most resilient individuals, seeking professional guidance often offers a path to clarity and balance. The journey toward improved emotional health involves understanding personal triggers, embracing self-compassion, and developing effective coping strategies. While self-help books and online resources provide valuable information, nothing compares to the personalized support offered by a qualified mental health professional. One-on-one sessions with experienced experts can help uncover the underlying issues contributing to anxiety, depression, or other emotional hurdles. With a careful and empathetic approach, these professionals tailor their advice to suit individual needs, ensuring that each person receives strategies that work best for their unique circumstances. Whether through cognitive behavioral techniques, mindfulness practices, or other innovative methods, the aim is to foster resilience and empower individuals to take control of their inner lives. For those living in bustling urban centers, engaging in face-to-face sessions in a welcoming environment can be particularly beneficial. Access to a caring clinician provides not only a safe space to explore difficult emotions but also builds a support network essential for long-term recovery. The process encourages self-reflection and greater insight into behavioral patterns that might otherwise go unnoticed. While the journey can be challenging at times, the rewards include enhanced emotional stability, improved interpersonal relationships, and a renewed sense of self-worth. In one notable case, the guidance provided by a highly trained therapist proved instrumental in navigating a tumultuous period. Through structured sessions and tailored interventions, the individual learned to identify stressors and develop healthier responses to adversity. This experience underscored the transformative impact that dedicated support can have on one's overall quality of life. In a region like Texas, community-based initiatives and accessible mental health programs further reinforce the value of professional help. These efforts emphasize early intervention, preventive care, and continuous support, ensuring that more people are equipped to face life's inevitable challenges. Ultimately, investing in mental well-being is an act of self-care that yields lifelong benefits. By embracing professional support, individuals can unlock new levels of emotional resilience and discover pathways to a brighter, more balanced future. Each step taken toward healing represents a commitment to personal growth, enabling a life filled with renewed optimism and strength. Embracing this transformative journey consistently paves the way for deeper understanding, lasting peace, and meaningful personal progress.
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