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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James Becker

Offering therapy in California
License: LCSW
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsSelf esteemDepressionCoping with life changes
10 years of experience

Hello and welcome. Deciding to reach out for support is a really important first step in the process of moving forward with your life. Working with a skilled therapist can give us an ability to see our lives from a different perspective which often leads to new and creative insights about how we get stuck, what we really want and how to get there from here. I have been a Social Worker for 14 years and a licensed psychotherapist since 2009, working in the fields of Treatment Foster Care, Substance Abuse Recovery, Community Mental Health and Private Practice. In addition to my professional training and experience, I have also been on my own path of personal healing and growth for almost 30 years. Over that time, probably the most effective tools I have found, both for myself and my clients, are the practices of Mindfulness and Self-Compassion. Mindfulness is a powerful method for getting to know ourselves, our minds and our stories better so we can see how often we get in our own ways and create “problems” which actually only exist in our heads. Self-Compassion is a practice of making friends with ourselves, being kind and accepting ourselves unconditionally, just as we are. Combining Mindfulness and Self-Compassion with other clinical approaches such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy and Hakomi (Mindfulness-based Body Centered Psychotherapy) can create a powerful set of tools for changing ourselves and moving towards the life we really want. Applying these wisely to our lives can profoundly impact our levels of inner peace and overall sense of well-being and safety in the world. While not all issues are amenable to quick fixes, I generally see clients begin to have new hope and optimism about their lives in fairly short order. Here’s a short poem which I feel expresses the value of practicing self-kindness and compassion: Self-Observation Without Judgment (Danna Faulds) Release the harsh and pointed inner voice. it's just a throwback to the past, and holds no truth about this moment. Let go of self-judgment, the old learned ways of beating yourself up for each imagined inadequacy. Allow the dialogue within the mind to grow friendlier, and quiet. Shift out of inner criticism and life suddenly looks very different. i can say this only because I make the choice a hundred times a day to release the voice that refuses to acknowledge the real me. What's needed here isn't more prodding toward perfection, but intimacy - seeing clearly, and embracing what I see. Love, not judgment, sows the seeds of tranquility and change. I look forward to having the opportunity of working with you to help increase your sense of happiness, contentment and general life satisfaction.

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Diana Vines

Offering therapy in California
License: Psy.D
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesParenting issuesDepressionCoping with life changes
10 years of experience

Thank you for visiting my profile. I am a Licensed Clinical Psychologist in the state of California as well as having a Masters in Social Work . I have experience working with clients with a wide range of concerns including depression, anxiety, relationship issues, parenting problems and end of life issues. My counseling style is warm, supportive, and interactive, and I consider the client/therapist relationship to be the most important element in the healing process. I believe in treating each client with respect, sensitivity, and compassion , avoiding stigmatizing labels. My approach combines cognitive behavioral and solution focused therapy but I consider early life experiences to be very influential in an individual's psychological development. I will tailor our dialogue and treatment plan to meet your unique and specific needs. It is not easy to take the first step towards change but therapy can be a transformative experience leading to a more satisfying and fulfilling life. If you are ready to take that step, I am here to support and empower you.

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Saundra Green

Offering therapy in California
License: LMFT
Family conflictsIntimacy-related issuesCareer difficultiesCoping with life changesCoaching
16 years of experience

I am a Marriage and Family therapist (MFT) licensed in California with over 16 years of experience working as a psychotherapist and more recently integrating life coaching. I have worked with clients with a wide range of concerns including anxiety, relationship issues, parenting problems, career challenges. An area that I have come to also specialize in is working with singles who have grown very discouraged with online dating apps and who are navigating the difficulties of social media in relationships. I really enjoy this area so if that is an issue for you please don't hesitate to reach out. I am very proud of the book that I wrote early on in the pandemic. If you are feeling stuck, and lacking clarity, you can find my best selling book as a resource. Clarity, 7 Steps From Getting Unstuck to Taking Action. USA Marketplace https://www.amazon.com/dp/B093YHFZJC My therapy style is warm and interactive. I believe in treating each with respect, sensitivity, and compassion. I don't believe in stigmatizing labels. My approach combines cognitive-behavioral, humanistic, psychodynamic and rational-emotive therapy. I will tailor our dialog and treatment plan to meet your unique and specific needs. It takes courage to seek a more fulfilling and happier life and to take the first steps towards change. If you are ready to take that step, I am here to support and empower you. I look forward to working with you!

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Teresa Paris

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietyParenting issuesSelf esteemDepressionCoping with life changes
9 years of experience

Welcome! I am licensed Therapist in California with 9 years of professional work experience. I have had the privilege of working with many diverse populations. I have experience in helping clients with stress, anxiety and depression, parenting issues, motivation, self esteem, and confidence. I believe in treating everyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion. The foundation of my practice relies on helping you identify your strengths. Together, we 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 change. I am here to support and empower you in that journey.

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Jaime Pitingaro

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietyLGBTTrauma and abuseSelf esteemDepression
8 years of experience

I am licensed in New York with 8 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, lgbt-related issues, trauma and abuse, & 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 seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process.

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Holly Doolittle

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesFamily conflictsGriefDepression
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, relationship issues, family conflicts, & 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. 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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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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Leihua McMiller

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsRelationship issuesGriefCoping with life changes
15 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 15 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress, anxiety, coping with addictions, relationship issues, coping with grief, & coping with loss. 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. 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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Vicki Barker

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseSelf esteemDepressionCoping with life changes
14 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 14 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress, anxiety, trauma, abuse, motivation, self esteem, confidence, & depression. 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. 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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James Gibson

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietyFamily conflictsAnger managementSelf esteemCoping with life changes
25 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 25 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress, anxiety, family conflicts, anger management, motivation, self esteem, & 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!

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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