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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Heather Brooks

Offering therapy in California
License: LMFT
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesGriefSelf esteemCoping with life changes
13 years of experience

We all do the best we can, with what resources are available to us at any given time. A lack of resources or support, can make difficult times all the more challenging. Do you feel alone, overwhelmed, heartbroken, trapped or flawed? Through a supportive therapeutic process, my goal is to help clients discover and build upon their own inner strengths and resources. I know it takes courage to seek services, so I strive to create a nurturing, non-judgmental, honest, and respectful atmosphere. I believe in working together to create individualized solutions to the problems in your life. I've always been passionate about working with grief/loss/bereavement. I specialize in helping clients work through their grief process and find emotional completion; saying goodbye to any unmet hopes, dreams, and expectations that they wish were different, better, or more. My goal is helping clients live their best life possible. I pull from a variety of approaches in order to best suit my client's individual needs. I am influenced by client centered, strength-based therapies, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), and Dialectical (DBT). Over the past two years I have spend most of my time transitioning to more solution focused practices that aim at symptom relief/reduction in dealing with the overwhelming pressures of every day life. Anxiety, depression, high expectations, trying relationships, job pressures, and drug addiction/substance abuse have been areas of focus. I look forward to providing support with whatever your needs may be.

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Alina Ghitea

Offering therapy in California
License: LMFT
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesIntimacy-related issuesSelf esteemDepression
6 years of experience

I am an individual and couples therapist licensed in California with over 7 years of experience as a counselor and mental health practitioner. As humans, I believe we live in an interdependent world in which diverse relationships within family, community and workplace frame our lives. I have worked with clients who have experienced struggles with anxiety, depression, relationship issues and career transitions. I partner with you as a reflective, healing presence in the midst of uncertainty and persistent change. My counseling style is warm and hopeful. I see each individual as unique and distinct and although life comes with challenges, I believe we don’t have to get stuck in the pain or despair. My approach combines cognitive-behavioral and emotion focused principles. I enjoy partnering with clients and creating a safe place to express difficult experiences along with inner-most thoughts and feelings. My passion is to see clients experience emotional and relational healing and succeed in life.

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John Young

Offering therapy in California
License: LCSW
AddictionsLGBTIntimacy-related issuesSelf esteem
25 years of experience

My name is John Young; I earned my license in Clinical Social Work (LCSW) in May of 1999 and promptly set about exploring a wide range of career options both in and out of the therapy field. I have hosted a morning radio show in The East Bay area of Northern California for 24 years, while simultaneously seeing individual clients, consulting with social service agencies, and supervising students in social work agency settings. Additionally, I taught Human Sexuality in the Master's in Social Work program at UMass Global from 2018 to 2023. I have been drawn to Cognitive Behavioral interventions, and solution-based short-term therapeutic styles since early in my career; I enjoy helping clients and their families find solutions to challenges. I've worked with a wide range of individuals, helping people navigate relationship issues, addiction, sexual health and self esteem concerns. I believe strongly in the power of collaboration, proper referrals, and above all, client comfort with the process. I look forward to working with you!

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Lesley Hilp

Offering therapy in California
License: MA ,LMFT
Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseSelf esteemCompassion fatigue
6 years of experience

Hello there! Thank you so much for perusing my profile. I am so proud of you for taking this step towards healing. A little bit about me: I am a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with six years of experience working with children, families, couples and teenagers. I have worked in community based health and have collaborated with individuals and families on coping with issues such as depression, Posttraumatic Stress Disorder, parenting challenges, anxiety, substance abuse, setting boundaries and building autonomy, confidence and resilience. My philosophy to therapy is client centered, focusing on building trust, rapport and emotional safety within the therapeutic space. My aim is to create an open and warm environment where individuals feel comfortable and safe to freely express themselves. I believe the primary agents of change are self-compassion, awareness, affect regulation and resiliency. I would be honored to work with you to build new behaviors and mindsets that can offer you relief and a deeper understanding of patterns so you can heal and thrive in all realms of your life.

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Daryl Austin

Offering therapy in California
Trauma and abuse
12 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 10 years of professional work experience as a therapist and over 40 years working in the mental health field in varied capacities from beginning as a mental health worker to later on doing case management work in a County Mental Health Outpatient Clinic. I worked earlier in my career in an acute in-patient setting for 4 years. I went back to school in my 50's to get my Master's Degree in Professional Counseling from National University in Fresno, California. My undergraduate degree was in Recreation Administration from Fresno State University. I have experience in helping clients with trauma and abuse, as most client's in the County Mental Health System unfortunately have trauma in their background. I use an eclectic therapy approach that is tailored to the individual client. I was the main facilitator for short term Dialectical Behavioral Therapy groups for several years in the county I worked for. I work with my clients to create an open and safe environment where thoughts, feelings, and topics of faith can be shared without fear of judgment. I retired from the County Mental Health system in June 2022. My goal now is to provide and integrate Christian faith into the therapy I provide. It is not mandatory that any client holds the same beliefs as myself, but I desire for individuals that desire faith based treatment have an alternative to secular, humanistic logic and wisdom. I do have experience and training in Dialectical Behavioral Therapy and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and I am very client centered and supportive. 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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Samantha Nelums

Offering therapy in California
LGBTFamily conflictsSelf esteemCoping with life changes
4 years of experience

I am licensed in California and New Mexico with over 12 years of professional social work experience (5 years in the clinical setting). I have experience in helping clients with LGBTQ+ related issues specifically around family acceptance and coming out. I also work with the general population on general family-related conflicts, boundary-setting, self-esteem, and self-empowerment. While I am an ally to gender diverse communities, I do not specialize in gender dysphoria and or writing letters for gender affirming surgery. Although I am a supporter for the cause, I feel that medical communities should not have authority in decisions related to how one's body, rather I believe that the individual themselves should have that autonomy. I think that you are the expert of your story and that you have many strengths that will assist you in overcoming things that challenge you.

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Patricia Castillo

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesFamily conflictsTrauma and abuseDepression
11 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 11 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, & trauma and abuse. 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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Christine Paulsen

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietyLGBTRelationship issuesIntimacy-related issuesCoping with life changes
4 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 4 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, lgbtq+ related issues, relationship issues, & 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. 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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Dawn Leisch

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietyFamily conflictsTrauma and abuseAnger managementSelf esteem
18 years of experience

I am licensed in California and Texas with 18 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, family conflicts, trauma and abuse, & 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. 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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Lisa Bove

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietyLGBTGriefSelf esteemCompassion fatigue
29 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 29 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, lgbtq+ related issues, coping with grief and loss, low 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. 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.

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:

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.

In today's fast-paced society, mental well-being has become a cornerstone of a fulfilling life. Amid the daily challenges and stressors that can overwhelm even the most resilient individuals, seeking professional guidance often offers a path to clarity and balance. The journey toward improved emotional health involves understanding personal triggers, embracing self-compassion, and developing effective coping strategies. While self-help books and online resources provide valuable information, nothing compares to the personalized support offered by a qualified mental health professional. One-on-one sessions with experienced experts can help uncover the underlying issues contributing to anxiety, depression, or other emotional hurdles. With a careful and empathetic approach, these professionals tailor their advice to suit individual needs, ensuring that each person receives strategies that work best for their unique circumstances. Whether through cognitive behavioral techniques, mindfulness practices, or other innovative methods, the aim is to foster resilience and empower individuals to take control of their inner lives. For those living in bustling urban centers, engaging in face-to-face sessions in a welcoming environment can be particularly beneficial. Access to a caring clinician provides not only a safe space to explore difficult emotions but also builds a support network essential for long-term recovery. The process encourages self-reflection and greater insight into behavioral patterns that might otherwise go unnoticed. While the journey can be challenging at times, the rewards include enhanced emotional stability, improved interpersonal relationships, and a renewed sense of self-worth. In one notable case, the guidance provided by a highly trained therapist proved instrumental in navigating a tumultuous period. Through structured sessions and tailored interventions, the individual learned to identify stressors and develop healthier responses to adversity. This experience underscored the transformative impact that dedicated support can have on one's overall quality of life. In a region like Texas, community-based initiatives and accessible mental health programs further reinforce the value of professional help. These efforts emphasize early intervention, preventive care, and continuous support, ensuring that more people are equipped to face life's inevitable challenges. Ultimately, investing in mental well-being is an act of self-care that yields lifelong benefits. By embracing professional support, individuals can unlock new levels of emotional resilience and discover pathways to a brighter, more balanced future. Each step taken toward healing represents a commitment to personal growth, enabling a life filled with renewed optimism and strength. Embracing this transformative journey consistently paves the way for deeper understanding, lasting peace, and meaningful personal progress.
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