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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Alison Murphy
Hi, my name is Alison. If you're here, that means you're looking for something, and I'd love to help. Congratulations on taking a huge step in thinking about asking for support. Over the years, I've helped lots of people at many different stages of their life work to have more control, more safety and more stability. Whether you are dealing with something new, a long term challenge, or if you just know something's not right and you can't put a finger on it, we should talk. I'm a Licensed Clinical Social Worker from California and my work with individuals and couples has been to support people in cultivating tools to improve how they manage the challenges they are facing. I'm an experienced therapist who has worked with diverse individuals around issues of trauma, depression, grief & loss, anxiety, substance abuse and interpersonal difficulties. My work with individuals is centered around the goals we develop together to improve their relationships, coping skills and emotional experiences. I approach the work with an open mind, an open heart and without judgement. You are the expert in your experience and I am here to help you identify where we can focus your energy to maximize your use of therapy. Together, we can use my clinical experience and training to personalize interventions that make the most sense for your individual goals. You should know that I attended San Francisco State University for my bachelors in Social Work (2005) as well as my for Masters in Social Work (2007) which provided a strong foundation in the value of Social Justice which is integrated into all my clinical work. My approach to this work is also guided by the ethical guidelines of the National Association of Social Workers and promotes self-determination, respect for others and the importance of human relationships. Since my work is based in these principles, if we work together, I promise you will feel seen, you will feel safe and you will feel better. Thank you for reading, I look forward to hearing from you.
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Marina Alexander
Hello and Welcome, I am so glad you are here - because you are in the right place! It takes an intelligent person to seek out a guide when passing through challenging terrain. I know this is the right time for you to begin your journey into a deeper understanding of who YOU are as a unique person, and what YOU need to start making positive changes in your life. A life that “works” is largely a result of making the right choices. It is the choices we make every day - that bring about the consequences which we call our life experience. But sometimes it is difficult to see clearly and there may be a multitude of opinions about “what’s the right thing to do is” for YOU. Often, when we are not sure what to do, so we end up not doing anything. Feeling stuck in a “bad place” and not acting to change it can deepen feelings of anxiety, helplessness, and depression. On the other hand, getting help in understanding the situation you are facing and making a clear decision for corrective action - will always make you feel more empowered and happier because you are taking responsible action. I am here to help you gain more clarity into your situation, provide tools that you can use immediately to start feeling better, and support you in making the choices which are right for you. In working with me you will have a safe space of unconditional positive regard where you can share your thoughts and feelings without reservation. I know that we all long to feel accepted, validated, and understood, and that when we are given this kind of nurturing space, we can begin the exciting adventure toward healing and happiness. I am a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) in the state of California. I have been working as psychotherapist for over 16 years. I counsel adults of all ages, specializing in the treatment of life transitions, anxiety, depression, addictive behaviors, parenting challenges, relationship and marital conflicts, grief and loss. Some of the therapeutic approaches I have been trained in include Cognitive Behavior Therapy, Emotionally Focused Therapy, Mindfulness Based and Solution-Focused Therapy, and Triple P – Positive Parenting Program and have successfully helped parents of children of all ages to manage disruptive behaviors. In addition to my training, I have been through a lot of transitions in my personal life, and lived in different countries. This experience has been priceless in helping me understand and relate to people in a culturally sensitive manner. I believe that my job as a therapist is to meet you where you are - in order to help you get to where you want to be. I am looking forward to meeting you and working with you!
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Brandy Malloy
I am Licensed Clinical Therapist in California. I have worked with clients with a wide range of concerns including stress management, anxiety, depression, relationship issues, establishing boundaries, self esteem issues, grief/loss, caregiver stress, and life transitions. My therapy style is collaborative . I believe in being truthful with my clients. I believe in treating them with respect and compassion. My approach combines cognitive-behavioral therapy, problem solving therapy, and acceptance commitment therapy. However, I’m able to tailor sessions and treatment plan to meet your unique needs. It takes courage to seek out a more fulfilling and happier life. Making a decision to take the first steps towards a change can be scary. I am here to support and empower you in that journey.
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Sandra Lynn-Fulcher
I am a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist living in Southern California with 40 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, coping with addictions, relationship and intimacy related issues. I believe in treating everyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion. I will tailor our sessions and treatment plan to meet your unique and specific needs. It takes courage to seek out a more fulfilling and happier life and to take the first steps towards change. I am here to support & empower you in that journey. I approach our therapeutic relationship with the understanding that each person is unique via their experiences both socially and in their families and that each person views life from their own special point of view. I see my part as understanding each client and learning from you on how you experience and see the world. My background is very diverse. I have had the privilege of working with a multicultural clientele in both inpatient and outpatient settings as well as in private practice. I also taught counseling for many years helping students of many cultural and ethnic backgrounds to become qualified counselors. I have two adult children and step grandchildren and one deceased child. I have been happily married for 35 years to my current husband after divorcing my first husband after 17 years of marriage. I have had the experiences of children from infants through adulthood as well as the grief of a dying and deceased child. I was also a returning student going back to school at age 30. My counseling experience is wide and diverse counseling those with substance abuse issues and their families, helping families with divorce and reconciliation, family transitional issues, stress management and anxiety issues, grief issues, relationship and family issues. It has been my honor to work with each of my above clients who shared their lives with me. It is my privilege to have been a small part of their lives in helping them reached their desired goals. My therapy style is always person centered as it is the only way to empathetically understand another. With this understanding and co-partnership with you, we can begin the journey in helping you reach your goals. My therapy style is influenced by the Cognitive Behavioral Approaches, Gestalt, Systems and Structural Therapies. It is my hope that we can collaboratively work together to meet your goals. It takes a lot of strength and courage to take the steps necessary to create a happier and more fulfilling life.
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John Vangerov
I am licensed in California with 25 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with addictions, family relationships, coping with grief and loss, anxiety and depression. 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 and empower you in that journey.

Janice Nichols
I am licensed in California , Washington State, and Texas with 24 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, coping with addictions, & depression. I also have experience working with coping with life changes. 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.

David LaBua
I am licensed in California with 24 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with relationship issues, family conflicts, intimacy related issues, & 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. 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.

Amanda Birescik
I am licensed in California with 9 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress, anxiety, family conflicts, trauma, abuse, & depression. I also have experience working with coping with life changes. 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!

Evan Thomas
I am licensed in California with 8 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress, anxiety, family conflicts, trauma, abuse, & parenting issues. I also have experience working with anger management. 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. 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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Cristobal Lopez
I am licensed in California with 16 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress, anxiety, trauma, abuse, & depression. I also have experience working with coping with life changes. 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 sign up for therapy can take courage and I am proud of you for getting started!
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 a BetterHelp therapist does not offer diagnostic or medication management services.
Why do people choose to work with a licensed counselor?
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, such as:
- Challenging situations or life stressors
- Eating disorders
- Anxiety disorders
- Depression or depressive conditions
- Adjustment issues
- Emotional support for a terminal illness
- Chronic pain emotional support
- Grief
- Personality disorders
- Trauma
- Relationship conflicts and concerns
Finding a therapist 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 site. If you are in life-threatening danger, call 911. If you require support for a crisis, reach out to the hotlines below:
- National Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-799-SAFE (7233)
- National Suicide Prevention Lifeline:1-800-273-TALK (8255)
- Crisis Text Line:Text HOME to 741741
- Veterans Crisis Line<:Call 1-800-273-8255 (and press 1) or text 838255. For support for the deaf and hard of hearing community, please use your preferred relay service or dial 711 then 1-800-273-8255.
- Trevor Lifeline(LGBTQ Lifeline): (866)488-7386
- SAMHSA National Helpline: (Substance Use): (800)662-4357
- National Eating Disorder Association Helpline:1-800-931-2237 (M-Th: 9 AM-9 PM EST, Fri 9 AM - 5 PM EST
- Child Help Hotline Call 1-800-422-4453 or use the online chat feature
- National Anti-Hazing Hotline: 1-888-NOT-HAZE (1-888-668-4293)
- Physician Crisis Support Line: Call 1-888-409-0141 if you are a first responder or medical provider experiencing crises related to Covid-1
- Sexual Assault Hotline: Call RAINN at 1-800-656-4673
Frequently asked questions (FAQs)
Some of the most commonly asked questions about therapy can be found in the section below.
How much does a therapist cost?
Mental health professionals can differ in price. Forbes found that the average cost of in-person therapy in the US is around $100 to $200 per hour. Pricing can also vary based on your location.
BetterHelp offers payment plans of $60 to $90 per session, charged monthly in a lump sum. 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.
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.
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 therapy?
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.
Is online therapy 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.
Popular cities in California
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