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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Claudia Stein

Offering therapy in California
License: MSW, LCSW
Stress, AnxietyFamily conflictsBipolar disorderDepressionCoping with life changes
30 years of experience

Claudia Stein, LCSW Years of experience: 28 License: LCS #21322 My name is Claudia Stein, LCSW. I have over 28 years of experience in treating people of all ages who have experienced mood disorders, adjustment disorder, addiction, co-existing disorders, malaise, loss of motivation and purpose, and grief and loss. Throughout my career I’ve demonstrated an ability to provide sincere emotional support, empathy, insight, and practical steps in reaching clients' goals. My therapy style is warm and interactive. I believe in treating everyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion. I integrate a bio-psycho-social perspective on mental health, incorporating Cognitive Behavioral Therapy with other modalities, depending upon each case and what would be helpful, like Mindfulness meditation, psychoeducation, and Psychodynamic Therapy. In order to have an overall sense of well being, one must take steps towards improving not only their outlook and attitude, but also their lifestyles. More and more, we are becoming ever more aware of the impact that lifestyle, the foods we eat, the way we live, affects our mental health. I apply my clinical training and my life experiences in assisting clients to learn how to manage and overcome obstacles in order to their best lives. I look forward to hearing from you to see how I may be of help. Sincerely, Claudia Stein, LCSW

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Dr. Anna Lee

Offering therapy in California
License: PhD
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsRelationship issuesSelf esteemCoaching
12 years of experience

I am a clinical psychologist licensed in California with over 10 years of experience working as a psychotherapist and university faculty. I have worked with clients in the areas of stress management, performance, depression, anxiety, relationships issues, and addictions. My therapy style is personable, connected, focused, and attuned. My approach combines mindfulness-based, cognitive-behavioral, acceptance and commitment (ACT), existential-humanistic, and Gottman Couples therapy approaches. Warmly, Dr. Anna

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Rebecca Jordan

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseParenting issuesSelf esteemDepression
7 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 6 years of professional work experience as a therapist and 16 years as a Social Worker. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, trauma and abuse, parenting issues, & 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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Mark Duarte

Offering therapy in California
LGBTTrauma and abuseAnger managementDepressionCoping with life changes
46 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 45 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping individuals with identity and purpose related issues. Life presents us with dilemmas and opportunities each new day. My practice is to be present with individuals to resolve issues of dysphoria, and help to learn , practice, to resolve personal and social dysfunction. I strive to treat everyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion. In our dialog and treatment plan to meet your unique and specific needs. I recognize 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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Megan Quinn

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietyParenting issuesDepressionCoping with life changesCompassion fatigue
5 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 5 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, parenting issues, depression, & 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!

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Keturah Baker

Offering therapy in California
LGBTRelationship issuesGriefParenting issuesDepression
13 years of experience

Hello beautiful people. My most treasured skill as a therapist but most importantly as a human is the ability to connect and relate with almost any one no matter your race, gender, culture, sexual orientation, socioeconomic status, or age. I am learning in practice and in life that no matter how old, young, accomplished or established we become there will always be a natural human yearning we carry to feel like we belong and that we matter to others. I have experience in the following: Individual therapy Family Therapy Couples Therapy Group Therapy Adults Infant/Children/Adolescents Grief and Loss Foster Care and Adoption Depression Anxiety PTSD Anger Suicidal Ideation Bipolar Parent-Child Relationships Interpersonal Relationships. As a therapist I believe a safe space is important for the client to be their true self and for growth and change to happen. This process only happens when trust is established. Whatever decision you make towards your health and wellness today know that life is a journey that can only happen one day at a time. I wish you well.

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Mark Wojciechowski

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesFamily conflictsSelf esteemDepression
11 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 12+ years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, & 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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Kayla Mulholland

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietyParenting issuesSelf esteemCoping with life changesCompassion fatigue
5 years of experience

Kayla, a licensed clinical social worker, brings extensive expertise in working with refugee and immigrant populations, as well as systems-involved parents and youth. With a background in clinical therapy with foster youth and their parents in CA, women and children in Mexico and recently arrived immigrant families, Kayla is deeply committed to social justice efforts, recognizing the systemic factors impacting mental health outcomes. Her journey began about 12 years ago in the community mental health sector, working with Latino migrant day laborers in San Francisco. Having lived in Spain and Mexico, where she learned Spanish and closely collaborated with asylum-seeking communities, Kayla has firsthand experience fostering resiliency to improve individual outcomes. Specializing in trauma-informed mindfulness-based care for immigrant and refugee populations, Kayla is motivated by witnessing others' growth and supporting them in creating the lives they desire. She cares passionately about personal development and aims to eliminate taboos and stigmas associated with seeking care, especially for vulnerable populations. Kayla has ample experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, trauma and abuse, parenting issues, & depression. She believes that you are the expert of your story and that you have many strengths that will assist you in overcoming things that challenge you. She looks forward to working towards your own goals, together!

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Adam Hewitt

Offering therapy in California
License: LCSW
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsAnger managementSelf esteemDepression
8 years of experience

Hello! My name is Adam Hewitt, and I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker based in Missouri. I have been with BetterHelp since 2021 after spending several years in private practice as a mental health therapist and substance abuse counselor. I've always been passionate about helping people overcome their challenges. When it comes to therapy, I like to keep things friendly and honest. I will never talk down to you or make you feel like a burden. I find it incredibly rewarding to see the joy on people's faces when they realize just how strong they can be, whether it's facing their fears, overcoming addictions, or taking control of their lives. As for my therapeutic approach, I focus on your strengths. I believe that everyone has innate abilities that can help them achieve their life goals, and it is my job to help you find yours. I take a mindfulness based approach, and am very sensitive to how technology and culture intersect to make our lives more complicated. I've worked significantly with people dealing with trauma, substance and gaming addiction, and systemic oppression. My aim is to help individuals become empowered to go out into the world feeling in charge of their lives. I don't consider myself to work for an agency; I'm here because of you. My promise is to let you take the lead to make the changes in your life that are meaningful to you. My hope is that my openness and positive attitude will make you feel trusted and inspired to live the life you deserve.

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Courtney Corbitt

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietyGriefSelf esteemCoping with life changes
23 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 23 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. 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!

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Carly Makie-Bennett

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesSelf esteemCareer difficultiesCoping with life changes
7 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 7 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, motivation, self esteem, and confidence, & career difficulties. I believe in treating everyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion. I will tailor our dialogue 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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Dr. Steven Blakely

Offering therapy in California
License: Ph.D.
Stress, AnxietyDepressionADHD
3 years of experience

Hello, My name is doctor Steven Blakely, and I have a Ph.D. in psychology from California Graduate Inst. in Westwood California. I also have a Bachelors degree and Masters degree from Pepperdine University, in Malibu California. I have had varied work experiences in the field of psychology, including working 6 ears in two different mental hospitals, with inpatient psychiatric patients; as well as working 12 years conducting psychological and educational testing of children, adolescents and adults. I also have worked for 12 years with the skilled nursing and assisted living senior population, and had mostly worked with the following mental health issues prominent with that population: depression, anxiety, worry and grief. I have been. joyous and committed long-time seeker, meaning always wanting to learn, to advance my understanding and skills to apply to my working psychology population. I am largely committed to assisting patents cope with life through acceptance, meditation, mindfulness, inquiry work, and spiritual seeking. I have certificates in behavioral medicine and hypnosis. I have also compiled much therapy homework to further educate patients on how to manage mood and quiet the mind. I believe that mood stability is achieved through quieting the mind, and maintaining attention on the present moment with acceptance and nonjudgment.

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Judith Fleming

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesGriefSelf esteemCoping with life changes
6 years of experience

As a licensed therapist based in California with over 6 years of professional experience, I specialize in supporting clients through a variety of challenges including stress, anxiety, relationship issues, grief and loss, as well as issues related to motivation, self-esteem, and confidence. I firmly believe in your inherent strengths and capabilities as the expert of your own narrative. My role is to provide a supportive and empowering environment as you navigate towards a more fulfilling and happier life. Taking the first step towards change requires courage, and I am dedicated to walking alongside you in this journey. I see myself as a facilitator of growth and transformation, committed to creating a nonjudgmental space where you can explore and evolve at your own pace. My approach is encouraging, light-hearted, intentional, and honest, guided by a compass of ethics, integrity, and healthy boundary-setting. I understand that each individual is unique, and there is no one-size-fits-all approach to therapy. My goal is to help you harness your innate gifts and strengths, empowering you to achieve your goals and manifest positive changes in your life. My clients often include youth, young adults, and individuals navigating challenges such as infertility, identity formation, manifestation and goal setting, processing difficult past challenges, and grief.

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Mauricio Mairena

Offering therapy in California
License: LCSW
AddictionsTrauma and abuseAnger managementSelf esteemBipolar disorder
20 years of experience

I received my Master in Social Work at University of Southern California in 2006. I have fifteen years experience providing therapeutic services to youth, teens, adults and families in different settings including clinics, hospitals, and private offices. I like to take a non judgmental, collaborative and holistic approach where all areas are considered when improving an individual's quality of life. These areas include physical, mental, emotional and spiritual. I enjoy being part of the journey of health with others.

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Dr. Travis Griffith

Offering therapy in California
Anger managementSelf esteemCareer difficultiesDepressionCoaching
11 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 11 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with anger management, motivation, self esteem, confidence, career difficulties, 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. 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 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:

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.

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