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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Frank Pavone

Offering therapy in California
License: MSW,LCSW
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesFamily conflictsTrauma and abuseAnger management
17 years of experience

Hello here is summary of my experience and approach to therapeutic counseling; My experience as a clinical social worker for over 25 years includes working in the prevention and treatment of family violence, victim advocacy for survivors of sexual assault and to assist individuals experiencing depression, loss and grief. I have assisted individuals and families struggling with communication and conflict issues and provided counseling for youth as part of court ordered diversion related to behavior problems in school and at home, truancy, substance abuse, adjustment problems divorce and family separations. My approach to counseling is client centered and solution focused in a collaborative approach to assisting clients in identifying key concerns in an atmosphere based in mutual respect. I take a holistic approach to therapy taking in account environmental, cultural and familial influences identifying client strengths and motivation for change. Treatment modalities include Cognitive Behavioral, Rational Emotive and Dialectical Behavioral Therapy with focus in identifying and changing negative thinking patterns, incorporating techniques such as mindfulness and meditation. Thank you for taking the time to review my bio and commend you for making the first step in seeking help. I am comfortable using either video teleconferencing ,telephone, live chat or messaging in conducting therapy sessions depending on your preference. I look forward to hearing from you!

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Beverly Ventura

Offering therapy in California
Coping with life changes
22 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 22 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, motivation, self esteem, and confidence, & depression. 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.

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Jude Patton

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietyLGBTSleeping disordersDepressionADHD
43 years of experience

I am an older out/open/proud transgender man. I have expertise and extensive experience in serving transgender, non-binary, and gender non-conforming clients. I prefer to serve my own community members but do not discriminate toward others. I am licensed as a therapist in Washington state, as both a Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) and as a Mental Health Counselor (LMHC), with 43 years of professional counseling experience. My professional background also includes having worked as a Psychiatric Physician Associate for 41 years. Before my career in human medicine and mental health, I worked for 20+ years as a Veterinary Medical Assistant and understand the value of animal companions and of the natural environment in supporting healthy living. I have experience in treating clients who have ADHD, an autism spectrum disorder, chronic pain/chronic illness and/or end-of-life concerns, sleeping disorders, anxiety, PTSD, and depression. I believe that you are the expert on your own story and that you have many strengths that will assist you in overcoming things that challenge you. Making the first step to sign up for therapy can take courage and I am proud of you for getting started. I am looking forward to working with you to find solutions to reach your goals in therapy.

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Fred Lombardo

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesSelf esteemCareer difficultiesCoaching
35 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 35 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 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.

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Jacqueline Shannon

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietyLGBTRelationship issuesSelf esteemCoping with life changes
10 years of experience

Hello! My name is Jackie Shannon and I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and Certified Alcohol and Drug Counsellor III. Well before I pursued a formal education in Marriage and Family Therapy, I felt a strong pull to support individuals in addressing some of life’s most difficult challenges. In 2004, I supported the start-up of a grassroots organisation and proceeded to work in community mental health settings. For nearly 20 years I have worked with adults and teens experiencing mood, anxiety and addictive disorders. Since my initial introduction to the field of addiction and mental health I have worked to refine my skill set. Over the past 5 years I have spent a significant amount of time working in leadership to guide and train those developing clinical skills. I have recently returned to pursue that which I am most passionate about, providing therapy to individuals, couples and families seeking support and change. I make use of humanistic and existential approaches through a variety of experiential modalities. By creating a safe space for individuals to experience the discomfort of life’s challenges, I support individuals in developing relationship through trust, empathy, direct and candid inquiry, and down to earth humor. I encourage intuitive exploration through integrating talk therapy with present moment awareness. Through therapeutic collaboration, individuals gain greater access to insight, motivation and empowerment thus improving the way that they see and experience the world. I am a passionate and experienced therapist and have been told I bring sensitivity, humor, keen attentiveness, and enthusiasm to my work. I specialize in working with transitional age youth, adults, families and couples. I welcome the opportunity to serve people from all races, religions, sexual orientations, gender identities and expressions, abilities, ethnicities, socioeconomic backgrounds, and am inclusive of all people without judgement.

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Frances Nedjat-Haiem

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietyGriefCoping with life changes
20 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 20 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, coping with grief and loss, & 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. 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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Lesley Cherry

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesSelf esteemDepressionCoping with life changes
12 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, motivation, self esteem, and confidence, & 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 sign up for therapy can take courage and I am proud of you for getting started!

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Angela Haick

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietyLGBTEating disordersParenting issuesDepression
3 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 3 years of professional work experience. I am also a retired school principal. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, lgbtq+ related issues, eating disorders, & 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. 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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Paula Tucker

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsDepressionCoping with life changesCompassion fatigue
20 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 20 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients coping with life changes, family relationships, depression, anxiety, addictions, pregnancy and childbirth, and more. 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.

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Katherine Cooper

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesFamily conflictsSelf esteemCoping with life changes
7 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 8 years of professional work experience in counseling. I have also been in the corporate world for over 20 years in technology marketing and understand the stress of work, life, job searches, layoff situations and balancing or wanting to build community and individual or family future fulfillment. I have experience in helping clients with stress, anxiety, relationship issues, health issues, family conflicts. I will meet you where you are and focus on your priorities, or help you define a place to start. The work can also focus on processing strong emotions, building motivation for change, improving interpersonal connections, building self esteem and confidence. I am here to support you where you are today and where you would like to be in the near future.

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Melissa Ebneter

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietyGriefSelf esteemCoping with life changesCompassion fatigue
6 years of experience

I am licensed in California and Georgia with 6 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress, anxiety, coping with grief, coping with loss, motivation, self esteem, confidence, & coping with life changes. I also have experience working with compassion fatigue. 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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Blaise Rastello

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsGriefSelf esteemDepression
10 years of experience

I am licensed in California and Colorado with 10 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress, anxiety, coping with addictions, coping with grief, coping with loss, motivation, self esteem, & confidence. 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. 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 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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