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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Chelsea Heller
Hi there! I'm Chelsea! I'm so glad you're exploring therapy - I think everyone can benefit from processing things in life and learning more about themselves. It's important to feel comfortable and connected with your clinician, so I'd like to tell you a bit about myself to help you make an informed decision as to whether or not we'd be a good fit together! I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) in California. Previously, I worked as a social worker for Child Protective Services for 9 years, supporting children and families touched by foster care and adoption. As such, I am well versed in addressing core adoption issues, attachment, and identity concerns. Additionally, I have experience treating depression, anxiety, parenting, blended-families, teen concerns, grief/loss, trauma, abuse, crisis, and adjustment. I've also worked at an in-patient psychiatric hospital, helping stabilize individuals short-term with bipolar disorders, schizophrenia, schizoaffective, depression, anxiety, addiction, co-morbid disorders, suicidal ideations, self-injurious behaviors, and those encountering psychotic breaks triggered by stress. Equally important was my role in educating families about the diagnosis and ways to support their loved ones. I have since transitioned to the education sector and have been supporting students as a School Psychologist. In this role, I conduct psychoeducational assessments to identify students with autism, intellectual disabilities, AD/HD, and learning disabilities, among others. My assessments are then utilized to inform independent education plans. I also conduct Educationally Related Mental Health Service assessments and provide related counseling, serving students with higher mental health needs. Lastly, I would be remiss if I neglected my passion and experience serving the LGBTQ community. For a portion of my time as a social worker, I worked solely with LGBTQ parents and children, providing support to this community. In the school setting, I conducted my doctoral research focusing on LGBTQ student needs and facilitated a Gay Straight Alliance (GSA) club, supporting LGBTQ students and allies. I utilize an eclectic approach with clients, though tend to draw primarily from a humanistic, person-centered approach. This dynamic in a therapeutic relationship means I attempt to “meet each client where they are.” This serves as a catalyst, allowing each individual to progress through their unique process of self-discovery. I also utilize principles from leading psychological modalities such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Solution-Focused Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, and Psychodynamic approaches. My role as a therapist is not to give you advice or change you. Rather, it is to be an understanding, empathic, and non-judgmental support to help guide you to your own choices, AT YOUR OWN PACE. Together, we can establish goals for therapy, and while I can help you gain insight, I will never push an agenda or risk rupturing our therapeutic relationship. I know it takes a lot of courage to seek support, and I am humbled by the opportunity to lend my strength during times when you are most vulnerable. My credentials include: - Bachelor of Arts in Social Science – California State University, San Marcos - Certificate in Parent Education and Training – University of California, Los Angeles - Certificate in Special Education Advocacy – University of San Diego - Master of Science in Research Psychology – University of Phoenix - Master of Arts in Counseling (Marriage & Family Therapy) – Mount Saint Mary’s College - PPS Credential in School Psychology – La Sierra University - Doctor of Education in Educational Psychology and Mental Health (in progress) – La Sierra University - Licensed by State of California Board of Behavioral Sciences (LMFT 116834) About me: I know it is difficult to share intimate details with someone, while not knowing any personal details about them. I also understand the desire for shared experiences, and feeling as though someone truly understands your pain. Thus, I tend to share some of my background with clients, while maintaining professional boundaries and focus. Growing up, my mother was a principal and my father was a chief of police. My older brother struggled with learning disabilities and drug addiction as a teen, eventually leading to crime and prison. Thus, as an adolescent, I was quickly exposed to internal conflict, fearing someone I loved, and grieving that relationship. As an adult, I became a single parent and sought my own therapy to manage the intense feelings of shame while learning to co-parent. I have since found a new partner and was recently married after postponing the wedding 4 times due to COVID.. I continue to navigate the challenges of having a blended family with my 6-year-old daughter and 6-year-old step son. I enjoy concerts, photography, soccer, and camping. I also use profanity a shitload more than I care to admit.
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Sally Millsap
Hi, My name is Sally. I have been a social worker for over 30 years. I attended Graceland College and graduated with a BSW in Social Work and a minor in Psychology. I attended the University of Iowa and graduated with a Masters in Social Work. Most of my work has been as a medical social worker. I have worked in four different states. My first job after graduate school was at an inpt. Rehab Center. I counseled patents and their families who had strokes, spinal cord injuries and head injuries. I then worked at a high risk OB unit and a NICU. I worked with drug exposed babies and their families, high risk pregnant women and NICU families. I held a support group for the parents of the NICU babies. I counseled females who were considering adoption, who had fetal demise, those involved in domestic violence relationships, post partum depression and those with pregnancy issues. I then moved to CA 13 years ago and began working at a Children's Hospital. I work primarily on the Child Protection Team and co-facilitate a grief support group. I also work with parents of children with chronic medial issues and those going through life changes. One of my strengths is working with diverse populations. I enjoy working with people from all ages.
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Dr. Susan Fleming
I have worked with families and children for 18 years. I work with children from 3 years old to 22 years old in educational settings stuggling with social skills in educational settings. My specialized area is in high functioning autism and coping skills. I work with adults that have a difficult time with coping skills and anger management. Areas of a high anxiety, depression and grieving issues are areas of expertise as well. I am licensed in California with 18 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, coping with addictions, relationship issues, & family conflicts. 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.
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Edwin Hernandez
I am licensed in California with 9 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, motivation, self esteem, and confidence, & career difficulties. I also have experience working with depression. 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 seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process.
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Alexis Reid
I am licensed in California with 8 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, family conflicts, & motivation, self esteem, and confidence. 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.

Angela Polk
I am licensed in California with 12 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with relationship issues, trauma and abuse, coping with grief and loss, & parenting issues. 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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Sabine LeBow
I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with over 20 years of professional work experience. Most of my experience has been with the NM Veterans Administration helping clients with PTSD, anxiety, depression, abuse, anger management, substance abuse, family and relationship difficulties, and life transitions. I provide trauma informed care and have training in cognitive behavioral therapy, truma informed care, mindfulness practice, acceptance therapies, solution focused therapy and other evidenced based practices. I am committed to treating everyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion in a nonjudgmental way. Together, we will design a 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 and empower you in that journey.
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Rachel Bivens
As a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in California, my mission is to educate and empower individuals and families. My approach emphasizes advocacy, communication, and personal engagement, recognizing the unique genetic and cultural differences of each family, couple, child, and individual. My aim is to build enduring relationships within the community, families, couples, caregivers, parents, children, and on a personal level. I seize every chance to leverage my expertise for a positive social impact. My objective is to support families, couples, children, and individuals in overcoming their challenges, empowering them to enact lasting changes, and contributing to a thriving, productive, safe, and healthy community through one-on-one engagement. I am a firm advocate of holistic self-improvement, believing in the necessity of intentional daily life and self-betterment. My role involves equipping and empowering communities, families, couples, parents, caregivers, children, and individuals with the knowledge and skills to strengthen interpersonal relationships and pursue self-actualization in their personal lives, within the community, their families, as caregivers, parents, and children, using an educational, preventive, and strength-based approach. With over a decade of experience aiding clients with relationship issues, family conflicts, trauma and abuse, and parenting concerns, I hold the conviction that you are the master of your narrative and possess numerous strengths that will aid you in surmounting your challenges. Initiating therapy requires bravery, and I commend you for taking that first step. Personally, I identify primarily as an African American woman with deep spiritual beliefs, a mother of nine, and a Ya-Ya (grandmother) of seven. My life experiences, professional background, and education have equipped me to actively engage in advocacy, empowerment, and self-sufficiency for communities, families, caregivers, parents, and children, perpetuating a cycle of change to make a difference in the world.
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Dr. Jaimee Hartman
I am licensed clinical psychologist in California with 14 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, coping with grief and loss, & motivation, self esteem, and confidence. 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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Jenna LaVallee
Welcome! Originally from Minnesota, I currently live in Idaho with my daughter and Air Force husband. We love to travel and see different states. We are in the process of moving for my husbands job so I've switched gears to continue doing what I love while having some flexibility in providing telehealth therapy. I love to read and learn and spend time outside. I so love being a therapist and walking with people through their own journey. I am fairly laid back and work hard to meet people where they are at. What works for you, works for me. I am licensed in Idaho and Utah with about 10 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress, anxiety, family conflicts, trauma, abuse, motivation, self esteem, & confidence. I also have experience working with depression. I most recently worked full time as a mental health and substance abuse counselor for juveniles but also have experience working with adults and people with disabilities as well. I am a certified clinical trauma professional and certified in dialectical behavioral therapy. 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 seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process. I'm so glad you are here and look forward to working with you!
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.
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