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.
Collin McShirley
It is my intention to meet you where you are, with my full presence and experience, honoring your inherent wisdom and all that has brought you to this place. Taking steps to create a more fulfilling life may be one of the most profound actions one can undertake. I have over 10 years or counseling experience and specialize in working with anxiety. I use CBT, and client centered therapy to help you reach your goals. I have a Masters in Clinical Psychology from Antioch University. I believe that walking this path requires developing a curious and accepting relationship with oneself as well as being witnessed and supported by another - be they a therapist, partner, friend or family member. I am committed to value your strengths, be a companion in your struggles, and support you in deepening your relationship to yourself and others.
Dr. Lou Bordisso
Lou A. Bordisso, Ed.D. has been licensed as a Marriage and Family Therapist since 1987. He graduated from California State University with a B.A. in social welfare, the University of San Francisco with an M.A. in marriage and family counseling, and Ed.D. in Educational Psychology and Franciscan School of Theology at the Graduate Theological Union with an M.Div. His professional profile includes, but is not limited to, Employee Assistance Program Administrator for a government program; Outpatient Supervisor for insurance firms, Outpatient Supervisor for Forensic Mental Health for a government program; Hospice Spiritual and Pastoral Care; Substance Abuse, Process Addictions, and Co-dependency Counselor for various Inpatient and Outpatient treatment facilities; Social Service provider among populations underserved; LGBTQ (GAY MEN), Sexuality, and Sexual Orientation Behavioral Health in private practice. Dr. Bordisso has a reputation for being a warm, compassionate, and empathetic provider with a listening ear and caring heart. His counseling and therapy modalities include, but are not limited to, supportive therapies; existential/philosophical life issues, client-centered counseling; spiritual and/or pastoral care concerns; LGBTQ (GAY MEN) and sexuality issues and concerns; work/employee-related issues and problem-solving utilizing an Employee Assistance Program modality; cognitive-behavioral orientation; Early-stage Alzheimer's, Mild Cognitive Impairment and related memory issues and caregiving concerns, all according to assessment and counseling modality needed, given preferences due to presenting issues.
Pamela Peringer
Thank you for reading my profile – I hope I will get a chance to meet with you soon! I am a Marriage and Family Therapist licensed by the state of California, Board of Behavioral Sciences, LMFT #117301, with nine years of counseling experience working with adults, children and teenagers, individually and in groups. When working with adults, I find it helpful to remember and honor the precious children they once were, and to strive to treat them with the sensitivity, kindness, patience and unconditional positive regard that they still need and deserve now that they are grown up. I look forward to working with you to increase your resilience and psychological flexibility, so that you can be more open, aware and engaged in life. I will encourage you to explore your own values and help you to take positive actions towards them. I hope to help you to feel better, have more fulfilling relationships and feel empowered to lead a more meaningful life. My counseling style is based on a special client-centered relationship that is caring, respectful, genuine and accepting, to encourage your self-compassion and personal growth. I use an eclectic approach of evidence-based practices that best suit your individual strengths and needs, and that provide you with coping skills you can use when you need them. We can also explore the use of mindfulness training and the power of metaphors to help you tap into your own brainpower. These are difficult times. Even in times like these we can still find meaning, and move towards hope, individuation and joy! I would be honored to be a small part of your life journey. I would like to help you to explore and expand your own unique potential!
Sharricci Dancy
Hello, welcome to my profile page. When I'm not providing therapeutic services for BetterHelp, I'm out in the field as a licensed clinical social worker for the County healthcare case management program. Over the past decade, I have had the privilege of journeying alongside adults and families facing mental health concerns, and let me tell you, it is my absolute passion! My toolbox is filled with therapeutic approaches like cognitive behavioral therapy, solution-focused therapy, client-centered therapy, and if you prefer, I can bring in psychoanalysis or narrative therapy too! Your comfort and receptiveness guide our sessions, ensuring we find what works best for you. In our time together, I'm not just a therapist—I am your companion, a guide, a vessel for you to explore your inner thoughts and feelings in a safe, supportive, and non-judgmental space. I am genuinely excited to get to know you better and discover how I can help you on your therapeutic journey. Remember, taking the first step towards change is a courageous leap towards a happier, more fulfilling life, and if you are ready to take that leap, I am here to support and empower you every step of the way! :) So, what do you say? Let's kickstart your therapeutic journey together—schedule a session with me, and let's make some positive changes happen! Hope to talk with you soon. :) Take care, Sharri
Guadalupe Rios
I am licensed in California with 25 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with coping with addictions, trauma and abuse, coping with grief and loss, & 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 seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I look forward to supporting you in that process.
Willie Denard
I have been a Licensed Clinical Social worker and Mental Health Therapist in the State of California with over 5 years of professional work experience. I have experience helping clients with stress and anxiety, family conflicts, trauma, abuse and depression, as well as other life 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. Taking the first step to seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process.
Michael Southerland
I am licensed in California with 12 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, lgbt-related issues, relationship issues, & intimacy related 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. Taking the first step to seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process.
Michele Koenes
Hello ~ I am a licensed Masters level Social Worker in Michigan, California & New Hampshire with over 10 years of experience. I have worked in both inpatient and outpatient settings with young adults, adults, and older adults with a wide array of mental health concerns. I have also worked as a litigation attorney and as a teacher. These experiences have strengthened my abilities to relate, connect, and provide support to my clients. My counseling style is one of collaboration and responsiveness. I am attuned to my clients unique and individual personalities, situations and needs. I believe that empathy and letting the client set the pace of therapy is imperative to an effective process and the realization of desired outcomes. Therapy is a supportive, safe place where every aspect of you is welcome – even the parts that may be uncomfortable to share. As your therapist, I will strive to build and maintain a space for healing and growth. I am ready to begin the process with you! MI License #6801065517 - CA License #LCSW118004 - NH License #3943
Lucille Estrada
I am licensed in California with 19 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, motivation, self esteem, and confidence, depression, & 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!
Erica Fitts
I am licensed in California with 9 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.
Lamonte Coke
I am licensed in California with 10 plus years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, anger management, & 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. 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.
Darlene Violas
I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with over 14 years of experience in the clinical field. With a deep commitment to providing evidence-based care, I utilize a range of therapeutic approaches tailored to meet each client's unique needs. Care is centered around creating a warm, compassionate, and non-judgmental space where clients can feel safe to explore their thoughts and emotions. Through collaborative goal-setting and a focus on the client’s strengths, I work to empower individuals to overcome obstacles, build resilience, and achieve lasting change. I am dedicated to helping clients navigate life's challenges with support and understanding.
Clarissa Cantu
I am licensed in California and Texas with 7 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, & 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!
Kimberly "Kim" Woolley
I am licensed in California with over 20 years of professional experience in the mental health field. I have worked in Medical Social Work helping individuals and families with sudden loss, injury, and chronic illness. I have worked with people and communities impacted by disasters. My expertise includes helping clients manage stress, anxiety, trauma, relationship challenges, depression, abuse, and career difficulties. I also have significant experience working with individuals in high-stress professions, including first responders, law enforcement, and veterans. I believe you are the expert of your own story, and together, we can identify the strengths that will help you overcome life’s challenges. Taking the first step toward therapy is a powerful choice, and I am here to support you every step of the way.
Dr. David Sommers
I am licensed in California with 40 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress, anxiety, coping with addictions, relationship issues, & career difficulties. I also have experience working with depression. 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.
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
- San Diego, CA
- San Jose, CA
- San Francisco, CA
- Fresno, CA
- Sacramento, CA
- Long Beach, CA
- Oakland, CA
- Bakersfield, CA
- Anaheim, CA
- Santa Ana, CA
- Riverside, CA
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