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.
Dr. Jared Wilke
I am a licensed Clinical Psychologist in the state of California, with over 7 years of experience counseling individuals, couples and families. I completed my Doctor of Psychology degree from the California School of Professional Psychology at Alliant International University. I have worked with individuals, couples, and families in helping those overcoming difficulties in their lives. My experience also includes psychological evaluation and several years of inpatient work with those who have severe mental illness. Choosing someone who has the clinical expertise to deal with your specific concerns is an important decision. I combine this expertise with personal and caring treatment. My goal is to successfully assist in the adjustments and transitions that may be necessary for you, your significant other and your family. I specialize in individual, family, and couples therapy.
Autumn Jones
Welcome to Better Help! Making the decision to explore your vulnerabilities with a mental health professional can be difficult. I applaud you for stepping out of your comfort zone and into change and rediscovery. My name is Autumn Jones and I believe that building trust by creating a clinical space free from judgment has allowed me to also create a professional connection and rapport. Some of my most important work has been helping people adjust to change while working through both physical and mental challenges resulting from depression, anxiety, trauma, poor self-image, adjusting to illness and stress. Although I am skilled at using various treatment modalities such as strengths-based therapy, cognitive behavior therapy, motivational interviewing and mindfulness, I maintain flexibility depending on your needs and preferences. This approach enables me to follow your lead to help you meet your desired goals and expectations. I am a licensed clinical social worker in Michigan, California and Florida. I earned a dual degree in Psychology and Sociology and a master’s degree in Social Work. I have committed to a life of discovery and growth, which provided me with the opportunity to travel the world while meeting people with unique cultural differences and traditions. Over the past 13 years, much of what I have learned personally and professionally has been incorporated into my work. I look forward to working with you as you seek clarity and embrace growth. Please feel free to contact me anytime through Better Help. I usually check messages twice each day of the week. I offer messaging, live chat, phone and video sessions with availability during evenings and weekends.
Cheryl Williams
Hello. I am a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) and a Certified Biblical Counselor. I have a passion to help individuals and couples find their way to wholeness and good mental health. I have over 12 years of experience working in the mental health industry. I earned a Master of Arts Degree in Counseling Psychology. There comes a time in everyone’s life when they really need someone safe to talk to. They need someone who will not use their pain against them. So often they end up holding that pain inside, masking it with a smile or adherent behavior. I can provide a safe place for you to empty your pain and take off the mask, help you clean up your garden of life so that your quality of life can improve. Every client needs something different; I use various evidence-based approaches that will fit my client’s needs. I am skilled in cognitive behavioral therapy, psychodynamic, mindfulness, solution focused therapy, narrative therapy, positive therapy, and biblical counseling. I will utilize my skills to treat and support clients with depression, anxiety, self-esteem, family conflict, and grief. I also help clients who are experiencing challenging interpersonal relationships, shame, and guilt by improving communication skills, setting boundaries, and understanding the power of “no”. I walk with my clients through the gardens of their lives and help them identify any unwanted weeds and uproot them, so that they can regain their voice and move forward. I enjoy working with adults, couples to help them resolve their issues through a client centered approach offering empathy and a non-judgmental environment to support clients in establishing their goals so that they can identify and develop their inner strengths. If you are ready to do the work, I am ready to support you to be the person you desire to be. I’m looking forward to working with you.
Adam Whyte
My name is Adam Whyte, I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) licensed in the State of California. I currently hold a position as a Senior Clinical Social Worker at the VA (Veterans Affairs) working with Veterans. Since obtaining my MSW in 2001, I have continued to deepen my clinical skills as a counselor focusing on treating trauma, addition, depression, anxiety, confidence issues, wellness and health. I am experienced in providing support to people of a variety of ages, genders, cultures and sexual orientations. The techniques I have utilized to help individuals with their self-growth have included mindfulness, journal writing, recognizing supports, and developing inner strengths. I am well versed in many different therapeutic tools. In particular; Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavior Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, Relapse Prevention and Strengths Based Therapy. I feel I can be an effective counselor to individuals who are striving to improve themselves and gain more self-fulfillment in life.
Dr. Matthew Meyers
My experience is working with individuals/ couples, children, and families. I look forward to supporting your journey. I am a Licensed Profesional Clinical Counselor in the states of California, Nevada, Florida, New Mexico, Arizona, Utah, Indiana, Idaho, and a Nationally Board Certified Counselor. My doctorate is in counseling psychology. I have 20 years of counseling experience. My practice focuses on working with individuals, and couples with relationship issues as well as work-related challenges. I work with my clients to create an open and safe environment where issues, thoughts, and feelings can be shared. My goal is to build upon what is working in the client's life and collaborate with my clients to address the needs that they feel should be addressed in a way that they feel comfortable with. I do ask thought-provoking questions during sessions to help engage the client. Scheduling Availability is usually on weekdays evenings or weekends. I am in the West Coast time zone I look forward to working with you!
Shardae Collins
Hello my name is Shardae Collins I am a licensed clinical social worker who offers telehealth therapy to individuals residing in WA. I support individuals in recognizing their strength and resilience regardless of the cards that were dealt to them. My therapeutic approach explores your environment and lived experience to better understand your strengths, needs, and hopes for the future. I believe that you have the power to heal yourself. I am simply a guide. I provide a non-judgmental safe space for you to freely express yourself. My approach is one that is direct, culturally relevant, sensitive, trauma informed, and non-shaming. I specialize in anxiety, depression, life transitions, and trauma and PTSD. I offer individual therapy rooted in mindfulness. Therapy can be hard and sometimes scary. I get it, I am here to support you on this journey. I look forward to supporting you on your journey to healing and self-discovery. I have availability Monday-Thursday from 7AM-2PM PST and Fridays from 7am-11am PST.
Michelle Ferrante
I am licensed in California with 17 years of professional experience. My previous clients have struggled with a variety of difficulties including stress and anxiety, trauma and abuse, substance use, and parenting issues. 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 and empower you in that journey. I’m a psychotherapist that pulls from different theoretical orientations. I have also been trained in two evidenced based practices that focus on trauma. I enjoy working with my clients by partnering with them and providing them compassion and acceptance. Everyone struggles and everyone can reach great happiness. I have a strength-based approach and hold hope for your resilience and mental well-being. A couple of initial approaches to therapy: We can do a deep dive into your early childhood and relational experiences, as often times our current struggles are impacted unconsciously by these prior events. AND/OR Equally important is the present, and I do a lot of focus on the “here & now.” The groundwork will be creating a safe environment, so you are able to be vulnerable. An essential component to therapy is your sense of trust so that you can look at patterns, process emotions, and find clarity. As your therapist, I will assist you in working through the issues that have you struggling. I work collaboratively with you to explore and clear away the emotional blockages that can create tension and conflict in your life, negatively affecting you and your relationships with others. I believe each person has an innate ability to get unstuck and heal emotional wounds and it is my role to facilitate that process.
Dr. Arnold Scott Presley
I am licensed in California with 17 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, trauma and abuse, & intimacy related issues. 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.
Walter Nielson
I am licensed in California with 15 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, coping with addictions, coping with grief and loss, & anger management. 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!
Boyang"Eric" Zhang
I am licensed Professional Clinical Counselor in California with 7 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. Taking the first step to seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process.
Jeremeka McBride
Welcome! My goal is to provide quality services to clients by establishing relationships that encourage growth and mutual respect. I am a licensed clinical social worker who has been providing therapy services for over 5 years. I believe therapy is a tool that you can use to navigate anything, big or small. I believe that therapy is beneficial to everyone and being in therapy allows you to express yourself in a judgment free environment. I am licensed and trained to work with children, adolescents, adults, and families with varying levels of psychological and relational concerns. My primary therapeutic use is solution-focused counseling and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. I am here to guide you, advise you, provide strong active listening skills, support, and direct you in finding the solutions to your struggles. My goal is to use my best judgement and experienced clinical skill sets to direct you along your journey I look forward to working with you!
Mary Stanley
I am licensed in California with 20 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, & 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 sign up for therapy can take courage and I am proud of you for getting started!
Lakeina Ferguson
I am licensed in California with 8 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with coping with addictions, family conflicts, trauma and abuse, & coping with grief and loss. 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.
Corina Mendoza
As a bilingual and bicultural mental health therapist, I bring a unique perspective to my work by blending cultural insights with evidence-based methods. My approach is rooted in cultural competence, which helps me connect with individuals in a genuine, respectful way. I offer short term therapeutic coaching and solution focused therapy that integrates each individual’s cultural identity, creating a space where they feel truly understood, supported, and empowered in their journey toward growth. I work with adults from diverse backgrounds and help them navigate a variety of challenges. Whether it’s anxiety, stress, life transitions, or women’s issues, I’m here to guide and empower individuals to overcome obstacles and reach their personal goals. I tailor my approach to meet each person’s needs, focusing on building resilience, fostering growth, and supporting overall well-being. I strive to create a warm, nonjudgmental environment where individuals feel heard, respected, and valued. Whether we’re working through tough times or celebrating milestones, I’m committed to offering a supportive and affirming space for personal transformation. Please note: I am currently unable to meet with individuals whose healthcare insurance is provided by Kaiser Permanente. I am also unable to provide services to anyone located outside of California. Thank you for your understanding.
Candice Wilkins
I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in California with five years of experience as a Master's-level social worker, and I have been providing grief counseling since 2011. I specialize in helping clients navigate all types of grief and loss. My approach is grounded in a narrative theoretical framework, which emphasizes the strength and power we have to shape and redefine our own life stories. I also incorporate Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Solution-Focused Therapy, and I am trained in EMDR therapy. My goal is to create a safe and welcoming space where you can share your thoughts and emotions without fear of judgment. Taking the first step toward a more fulfilling and joyful life takes courage, and I am here to support and empower you every step of the way.
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
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- Fresno, CA
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- Long Beach, CA
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- Anaheim, CA
- Santa Ana, CA
- Riverside, CA
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