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.
Lani Stoner
>The brief intro to me, my experience, education and approaches to work with people and how I hope to help you: I’m Lani Bain Stoner, a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. Details of my experience, education and treatment approach are below, but in a nutshell, I have worked in the mental health (MH) field since the late 1970s, with a broad range of clients, with individuals, couples, families and in groups, I grew up in a family of educators moving frequently as my father worked at different Colleges, and lived overseas during my mid-childhood and early adolescence. I came back to the US for the end of Jr High and completed high school in Virginia. I went to college in Pennsylvania, Washington DC, and completed my BA and MA in So. California. After getting married in 1975 and completing my MA, I moved to a central valley city in CA where I and my husband raised two children with support from their grandparents. We moved to a smaller community in the foothills in 2019 to where our adult children live. At times I’ve had to back off of full-time work in the MH field while being a caregiver for family members, but I’m deeply committed to helping people achieve their treatment goals—reaching for hope for a better quality of life and improved functioning and healthier relationships. My therapy focuses on what are largely brief therapy modalities—though I have worked with people on a longer-term basis, and I use theoretical orientations that lead to an active and directive therapeutic stance when working with clients. I look forward to meeting with you to help start down the path toward hope and healing. >The longer explanation—if you’d like more information about me and my work, is below: My experience: I’m Lani Bain Stoner, a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. I have worked in the mental health field since 1976 after completion of her MA in Counseling Psychology. I worked in county/agency settings from 1978 to 2006 with children, adults and elderly, with a major focus on work with chronically mentally ill adults starting in 1982. After I retired from public agency work, I began a private practice working with children, adolescents and adults, doing 1:1, couples and family work through to 2016. Due to family needs I stopped all but online volunteer work with the military population, veterans and their loved ones and minimal private practice online up until spring of 2020. At that point I began working with another public MH system, through the summer of 2020, when I returned to online pro bono work with the military population mentioned above, and a small online private practice. My education: After getting my MA in Counseling Psychology from Chapman University in 1976, and completing classwork for a Certificate in Gerontology from Sacramento State University om the late 70s, I’ve dedicated time and energy to gain training and understanding of major mental illnesses, as well as those with disabling/problematic or chronic/intrusive symptoms, working to understand and respond to the difficulties that first responders and military have, for work with those who have LGBTQQIP2SAA identification (LGBTQQIP2SAA stands for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, questioning, queer, intersex, pansexual, two-spirit (2S), androgynous and asexual) and want to have treatment in a safe therapeutic relationship. I continually work to be ready to help those who are struggling in difficult life circumstances, and couple relationships or with parenting concerns, and with people who have chronic pain and physical concerns or emotional difficulties, or who have difficulties with a history of trauma (including from major traumatizing events or circumstances) or of abuse. I am trained and experienced in CIS—a structured way of working with people who have had traumatic events in their work environment or school settings. More detail about my treatment approach: As mentioned above, my work with people is active and directive. My primary treatment approach in my work with people is Cognitive/behavioral, focusing on the interplay between thoughts, feelings and actions and how to make changes in key areas that can improve functioning in life and relationships. I also utilize concepts and tools from multiple treatment orientations—Narrative Therapy, Strength Based Therapy, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, as well as Client Centered, Mindfulness and Solutioned focused therapies, and draw from family systems theories and related family related treatment modalities. A major focus of my work is in the area of symptom management—helping people learn ways to manage response to symptoms in a way that decrease the symptoms’ impact on the person and on their loved ones. I have worked with people of many religious/spiritual orientations and those who are agnostic or atheistic, with people of many and mixed ethnicities and cultures, and dealing with history of impact of their own and family’s immigration to the US when there may be concerns. I continually seek training and keep up with writings on an ongoing basis on all of the above areas of focus to strengthen skills and understanding of these areas of work—being sensitive to all aspects of culture and multigenerational history that could affect their beliefs, focuses and understanding of life and life events and their functioning in life and relationships. I also have a case management approach, clarifying unmet needs and barriers for persons in their lives, and assisting them in gaining help from programs and services in their communities. And more on how I feel that I can help you: I seek to establish a respectful, safe and supportive therapy environment that • helps people take steps toward stability in their emotions and symptoms, their lives, work environments and relationships—helping them to build healthier life and symptom management skills, and communication and relationship skills. • helps people learn stress management, self-care and coping skills especially when there are psychiatric or emotional distress • work with the persons on individualized treatment goals and focuses that may evolve through the treatment process At times people hope through therapy to gain a better understanding of the severity of the symptoms that they may have, and whether they need medications. With work to help them manage their response to symptoms, we can clarify barriers to managing symptoms, and better discern whether they can gain voluntary control of their response to symptoms and can improve their overall quality of life and level of functioning. Not all can fully benefit from learning the skills and understanding for doing this, and the step of supporting the person in seeking psychiatric treatment may need to happen.
Shawn Hensen
I am a University of Southern California results-driven graduate working as an LCSW, who specializes in mental health, including military mental health, and who challenges clients to work toward healing and self-sufficiency while emphasizing their personal strengths and milestones. I have been practicing as a therapist in California for 8 years, working with incarcerated, adult males. I specialize in the provision of evidenced-based treatment for a range of psychological difficulties and disorders, including depression, anxiety, low self-esteem/poor self-image, adjustment concerns, and family stress. I utilize a blend of cognitive behavioral therapy, interpersonal process and brief solution-oriented approaches to problems in therapy. I believe that the key to effective treatment begins with the quality of the relationship and connection between a therapist and client. I bring with me a combination of life experience which includes being a military spouse growing up in a military family and raising a child with special needs along with my years of experience working with incarcerated individuals and assisting those patients with the daily challenges they endure. I offer an intuitive ability to connect with people facing many types of challenges.
Maria Lozano
I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker who has been dedicated to providing therapy for the past 8 years, with a total of 20 years of experience in the field of mental health and social services. In my time, I have been able to combine my passion for mental health and reproductive health justice to include post partum doula as a dual role to my title. I have worked with individuals address trauma, family dynamic difficulties, and regaining empowerment to reach their optimum goals. In my dual role as mental health clinician and post partum doula I help new parents and mujeres navigate an ocean of emotions while living through transitions and changes in their lives by holding space for words, breath, and sips of tea as they regain empowerment to reconnect to their innate power. Folks I have worked with have addressed and managed with depression, anxiety, trauma, ADHD, immigration and family separation, grief, Perinatal (pre or post natal) mood disorders, and domestic violence. I believe there is strength in intersectionality which has empowered my approach integrating holistic tools (yoga, meditation, mindfulness, and herbs) with my training and experience with somatic therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, trauma focused, and motiviational interviewing. I am warm, compassionate, empathetic, and welcome humor as sweet medicine when the time is right. I believe that tears are medicine releasing from our inner most emotions to wash away the strains we have carried. It would be my honor to support this journey of healing and reclamation of your emotional wellness you have chosen for yourself.
Michelle Stanton White
Life is difficult and, at one time or another, everyone needs extra support. I am here to help you alleviate your anxiety, grief, depression... whatever that has brought you here today. Perhaps you only need some assistance to resolve a problem or to deal with a difficult relationship. You have made the right decision to get some help. I left a successful career in the computer industry to become a Marriage and Family Therapist because I love helping people lead better lives. I’m an active therapist, collaborating with my clients to help them recognize self-defeating behavior, change their perspective, and make the right choice. I may use one or more empirically-supported techniques—Cognitive Behavioral, Solution-Focused, Strategic Family, Motivational Interviewing, etc.—depending on the situation. But fundamentally, I believe change can only occur if my clients and I have a warm, trusting relationship. My goal is to help you move beyond your current difficulties so that you can achieve a happier and more productive life.
John Sulmeyer
I am a licensed therapist with over 30 years of experience helping clients of all ages address a wide range of issues, such as depression, anxiety, stress, family conflicts, parenting issues, intimacy and relationship struggles, low self-esteem and self-confidence, life transitions and personal growth. My style as a therapist is both eclectic and dynamic, and I am committed to providing an environment that is safe, comfortable and free of judgment or labeling. It takes a great deal of courage to address one's own struggles in order to achieve a more fulfilling and happier life, and I am committed to supporting and empowering my clients in that endeavor.
Laura Hastings
I am licensed in California with 22 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with relationship issues, motivation, self esteem, and confidence, career difficulties, & coping with life changes. 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. 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.
Damanpreet Mangat
I am licensed in California with professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, & 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 sign up for therapy can take courage and I am proud of you for getting started!
Gail Shurtleff
I am licensed in California with 30 years of professional work experience. I'm an ally to the LGBTQIA2s community;I have experience in helping clients coping with grief and loss smf depression. I also understand how bipolar affects families. I've worked with the disabled and disability issues. I also have experience working with faith transitions.I'm familiar with issues surrounding cult involvement. I’m a student of the Enneagram, Iand will use it in working with people if it’s requested. I have spent a great deal of my work doing insight therapy with clients, and I believe life is a journey that unfolds in powerful ways. I believe in treating everyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion. I will tailor our dialog and treatment plan to meet your unique and specific desires. You are your own expert and we can use that to help you get to where you want to go. Taking the first step to seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support your process.
Dr. Thomas Browne PhD
I am licensed in California with 25 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, family conflicts, trauma and abuse, & 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 & empower you in that journey.
Larry Newson
I am licensed in California with 7 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, family conflicts, trauma and abuse, & anger management. 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!
Karen Conklin
Hello and welcome to the first step to living the life you want to be living. I have 14+ years of life experience, living on both coasts and the Midwest too, one marriage, a son and daughter, a BA in Advertising and a MA in Clinical Psychology, a Middle School counselor, and psychotherapist to our War Veterans, a Marriage and Divorce Mediator. I have helped thousands with grief and loss, stress and anxiety, depression and anger, self esteem and silencing negative self talk, by learning to come from a place of love and growth versus fear, which keeps us stuck in a vortex. I provide the readily attainable tools for change. And I am honored to share my compassion in supporting you on your journey. Sincerely, Karen Conklin
Gracie Bishop
I am licensed in California with 9 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, coping with addictions, lgbtq+ 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.
Morgan Gross
I am a Clinical Social Worker licensed in California with 14 years of professional work experience. Over my years of clinical experience, I have helped clients deal with everything from minor everyday stressors to severe psychiatric illness. My particular area of interest is women's health and well being, especially symptoms of depression and anxiety stemming from life stressors. My goal is always to help clients understand why they feel the way they do and then work together to function and feel their best. My other area of interest is couples therapy, and I particularly enjoy working on improving communication and conflict resolution. My background is as a family systems therapist, which means I pay particular attention to how a person interacts with important relationships and their environment. I would describe my style as warm and accepting, and I genuinely enjoy working with my clients and hearing people’s stories. I tend to prefer a pragmatic and logical approach and enjoy helping clients get to the root cause of their stresses.
jonathan castro
I have been a therapist in the state of California with about 11 years of experience. I have experience and history in working with clients who struggle with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, motivation, self esteem, and confidence, & depression, and more! I have worked in various spectrums of therapeutic settings, ranging from psychiatric hospitals, private practice, as well as county crisis clinics. I like to inform clients of that history to reassure them that I can handle whatever they are struggling with, and that my most important thing as your therapist is making you feel seen, safe, heard, and like you are making progress. I go into therapy with the mindset of a team effort. I have an eclectic style of therapy that I like to work around and create for each client I am working with. I also like to add some sarcasm and humor, because whats struggle without some laughter? I believe in treating everyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion. I also want to take a moment and say how much courage it takes to reach out for help, especially in a therapeutic setting. I hope to be able to help you accomplish the various goals you may have.
Julia Gallyot
I am licensed in California with 5 years of professional work experience with people of a variety of ages, backgrounds, identities, and goals. I have experience in helping clients with relationship issues, intimacy related issues, existential inquiry, anxiety & depression. I also have experience working with coping with life changes. 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. *I am currently only seeing clients for short term therapy, and will take a hiatus starting in April 2025*
How can therapists in California support you?
Therapists in California 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 California, and one out of five Americans has a mental health condition. Searching for licensed professionals in California 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 does not offer diagnostic or medication management services.
Why are many residents in the state of California working 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 in California, BetterHelp can match you with a licensed professional tailored to your preferences noted when you sign up.
Mental health counselors in California support clients with varying issues, which can include:
- 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
If you are experiencing a crisis or emergency, don't use this site's online services. 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 featur
- 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 commonly asked questions can be found 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.
How do I know if I should get a therapist?
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 in California can allow clients seeking therapy to experience professional help through video, phone, or live chat sessions without commuting to an office.
Does insurance cover 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 safe?
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
- Los Angeles, CA
- San Diego, CA
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- San Francisco, CA
- Fresno, CA
- Sacramento, CA
- Long Beach, CA
- Oakland, CA
- Bakersfield, CA
- Anaheim, CA
- Santa Ana, CA
- Riverside, CA
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