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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Andrew Pari

Offering therapy in California
License: LCSW, Diplomate
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesTrauma and abuseIntimacy-related issues
25 years of experience

Girls and women in today's world are given conflicting messages. Your parents told you one thing. Your friends another. The media confused you even more. And now you want something more fulfilling. More fun. More authentic. More…you! You’re afraid of being labeled. The people you date are the ones you are “supposed to,” not who you want. Maybe sex has been painful or unfulfilling and you want to understand why. Your sexual self is yours alone. But how do you sort your truth from everyone else’s? You want something different, but you are not sure how to talk about it. This is YOUR body! You get to decide how you want to Awaken. It’s time to break the Disney stereotype you were taught. Time to find out who you’re supposed to be. Time to learn all the sexual secrets that have been kept from you. You are ready to gain Awareness! You need a safe, supportive space to explore and talk about what you want and who you want to become without fear of being judged or shamed. You can finally live YOUR life! Whatever sex has been (or hasn’t), you can create the sex life you have been dreaming of! It’s time to change. To empower yourself. All you need is knowledge and guidance from someone who knows how to help you meet your sexual self. I am a nationally known therapist, speaker, and advocate for female sexual trauma, healing, and empowerment. I have pioneered open discussion of aspects of sexual trauma that were rarely addressed before. Women are often shamed for having experiences and reactions during unwanted sexual contact that they can't explain or don't understand. These experiences can sometimes end up being expressed in ways that continue that feeling of shame and self-harm, even though they may also feel good. I have spoken around the world at feminist, psychology, sex therapy, and forensic conferences about my work to further support for women whose experiences go unacknowledged. I have developed treatment strategies to address self-harm through sex and the urges and compulsions some women have to take sexual risks that end with more feelings of doubt and confusion. I work with women who are searching for their authentic self, free of societal stereotypes of what women are “meant for” and “supposed to be.” Whether it’s recovering from sexual trauma, exploring new desires, letting go of past relationships, discovering your own body, or diving deeper into understanding what you want, I can help. I know. I understand. And I care. Contact me now and simply say, “I’m ready.” I’m waiting to help you find your happy, worthy, and empowered life.

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Sederia Moore

Offering therapy in California
License: MSW,LCSW
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsLGBTGriefDepression
5 years of experience

Welcome, and thank you for reaching out! My name is Sederia Moore, and I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker licensed in Texas and California with over 5 years of experience working in the mental health field. I obtained my Master’s Degree in Social Work, focusing on Children and Families from the University of Southern California in 2012. I have worked with clients with a wide range of challenges, including depression, anxiety, addiction, stress, grief/loss, and life transitions. I also have experience and a passion for working with the LGBTQ+ population. My counseling style is nonjudgmental and integrative. I believe in meeting people where they are at, and helping clients access their internal compass to guide them toward solution. My primary therapeutic approaches are Acceptance and Commitment, and Mindfulness inspired treatment. I am also EMDR trained for those who are appropriate for this protocol. I believe that every person is unique, and therefore my treatment plans and support will be geared toward your specific needs. I applaud you for taking the first step in finding fulfillment and support in your life. Lets work together and build a trusting relationship that will help see you through your challenges, and support your continued emotional growth. I look forward to connecting with you!

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Sherell Taylor-Page

Offering therapy in California
License: MA,LMFT
Stress, AnxietyDepression
11 years of experience

I am Sherell Taylor-Page, a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) in Inglewood, California. I earned my Master’s degree in Counseling Psychology from National University in 2006. My experience includes working with clients in an inpatient residential treatment facility that struggled with the affects of physical abuse, addiction, anxiety, depression, grief/loss, insomnia, and trauma. The journey has been both personally and professionally rewarding. I take an eclectic/integrative approach to therapy. It is important to meet clients where they are and I believe in blending elements of different therapeutic approaches and tailoring them to meet the client’s individual needs. The various treatment approaches I utilize include Client-Centered Therapy, Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), and Family Systems Therapy. I enjoy helping people reach their full potential in an empathetic, warm, and non-judgmental environment. I look forward to working with you and helping you meet your therapeutic goals. I look forward to hearing from you soon!

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Esther Kennedy

Offering therapy in California
License: MSW,LCSW
Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseSelf esteemDepressionCoping with life changes
35 years of experience

Hello and welcome to taking the first steps to changing your life situation. My name is Esther Kennedy and I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, LCSW. I have been in the field of behavior health for over 30 years. My direct services have been providing support to adults, children and adolescents. My expertise is in the areas of; outpatient therapy, individual, family, group, psycho-social assessments, social-emotional development, crisis intervention, case management services, substance misuse/abuse, adaptive life skills and client advocating. Additionally, I have worked with clients on a wide range of concerns such as anxiety, depression, ADHD, parenting concerns, relationship problems, family conflicts, domestic violence, coping with life changes, poor social skills, anger management and trauma induced issues to name a few. My counseling approach combines Client Center Therapy, Mindfulness, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Solution Focused Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, and a Faith-Based Counseling approach. I take pride in my style of a non-judgmental attitude, cultural sensitivity, being warm and caring, being an empathetic listener and responding empathetically can help you work through challenges and life’s issues. If you want to experience more effective ways of coping with life stressors please consider partnering with me to achieve your desired goals.

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John Alilovich

Offering therapy in California
License: MA
Relationship issuesFamily conflictsIntimacy-related issuesParenting issuesDepression
40 years of experience

Hello my name is John Alilovich. I am a Licensed Professional Therapist in California. I worked for over fifteen years for our county mental health department with children and families. I focused on areas of substance addiction, domestic violence, marriage and relationship issues, various forms of abuse, parenting issues, and LGBTQ families. I concurrently started working in my private practice where I continue seeing an array of clients going on 35 years now. My style of therapy is warm and personal. I work by getting to know you as a person since you are the expert on your own life. Together, we can jointly come up with goals and solutions that are going to work for you. I will treat you with sensitivity, respect, and warmth by getting to know you as a unique individual. I like to use emotion focused therapy, family systems theory, mindfulness, and cognitive behavioral therapy. By getting to know you, we can figure out which modalities are going to be most beneficial for you. Seeking therapy is not an easy decision to make, and I want to commend you for wanting to create a better life for yourself. I would love to support you and be part of your journey towards the goal of a more fulfilling life.

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Adekanbi Ogunade

Offering therapy in California
License: LCSW
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsTrauma and abuseBipolar disorderDepression
12 years of experience

I have been a clinical social worker for more than 10+ years and have been privileged to work with people both in psychiatric inpatient, outpatient treatment, case management, and in individual therapy treatment. I’m strong believer of community mental health approach. I have worked with people of different backgrounds dealing with multiple mental health issues with wide range of concerns including mood disorder, depression, anxiety, relationship issues, trauma and stress related problems, substance use related problems, parenting problems, career challenges, problems related to legal system and incarceration, problems related to social environment, abuse and neglect, acute psychiatric conditions, OCD and ADHD. My style of treatment is showing respect and non-judgmental labels. I allow clients to educate me and guide me through their path of existence. My approach combines cognitive-behavioral, dialectical-behavioral, client-centered, narrative, solution-focused, and humanistic counseling. It’s step in right direction and courageous to reach out to seek change. If you are ready to take that step I am here to support you in creating a partnership of strength towards wellness. I look forward to working with you. Session options: video/phone Availability: Mondays 10am-2pm; 4pm-7pm Wednesdays & Thursday 5pm-8pm Fridays & Saturdays 9am-7pm Sundays 2pm-6pm

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Mersedeh Kaviany

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesTrauma and abuseSelf esteemDepression
6 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, relationship 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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Jason Stringer

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsRelationship issuesSelf esteemDepression
6 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 6 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, coping with addictions, relationship issues, & 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.

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Maria Ward

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseAnger managementDepression
13 years of experience

I am licensed in the state of California with 13 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress, anxiety, trauma, abuse. I am also certified in "Trauma Focus" a treatment modality to treat trauma. I have experience working with parents who might be having parenting challenges, anger management, depression, mood shifts, challenges with interpersonal relationships. I believe that you are the expert of your story and that you have many strengths that will assist you in overcoming and manage life's challenges. I am here to support you and provide you with additional tools to support your in this journey. Taking the first step to sign up for therapy can take courage, by taking the first step, is the first and most important step. I will be here to support you, collaborate, listen and provide you the support that you need. Tengo mas de 13 anos de terapista, mantengo mi liensiatura en el statdo de California. Tengo experiencia y proeido el suporte a varias populaciones que sufren de estres, anxieda, trauma, Tanbien estoy certificada en la modalidad llamada "Trauma Focus" para tratar a personas que han sufrido de trauma. Tengo experiencia trabajando con familias, padres que esten pasando por etapas con sus hijos dificiles, con parejas que tienen y quieren estableser una familia con sus hijos de las dos partes. Tengo experiencia trabajando con personas que sufren de adiciones, problemas en manejar sus emociones como el coraje, frustracion, depression. Aqui estoy para darte el suporte, proveer las destreszas que nesesites y trabajar juntos para que alcanzes tus metas y objectivos. Tu eres el experto de tu hisotria, yo aqui estoy para darte el suporte que tu nesesitas y quieras obtener, estoy qui para darte ese suporte durante tu camino. El primer paso, es el mas importante, darte tienpo para ti y empesar es el primer paso.

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Baotran Amanda Nguyen

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseAnger managementSelf esteemDepression
4 years of experience

I am a licensed marriage and family therapist with 11 years of professional experience. I first obtained my BA in Psychology at San Francisco State University and was intrigued with motivational and positive psychology. Once I graduated, I started off working with adolescents with Autism for 5 years, then expanded my experience working in Mental Health as a Behavior Specialist. I acquired my MA in Counseling Psychology at John F. Kennedy University. I have experience working with a variety of diagnoses (Depression, Anxiety, PTSD, Bipolar, Impulse Disorders, ADHD, and Psychosis). I am specialized in helping clients and families with stress, anxiety, trauma, grief, abuse, anger management, motivation, self-esteem, and confidence. I am also bilingual in English and Vietnamese. 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 and patience 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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DeAnn Bilotta Clark

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietyFamily conflictsGriefParenting issuesCoping with life changes
3 years of experience

I am a licensed therapist in California with over 20 years of professional work experience. My experience includes helping clients with stress and anxiety; motivation, self esteem & confidence; and work around coping with life changes and grief/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 sign up for therapy can take courage and I am proud of you for getting started!I

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Joshua Helman

Offering therapy in California
LGBTCoping with life changesCoachingCompassion fatigue
10 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 10 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with lgbtq+ related issues, relationship issues, trauma , & compassion fatigue. 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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Whitney Burgess

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

I am licensed in California with 13 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, coping with grief and loss, & motivation, self esteem, and confidence. I believe in treating everyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion. I will tailor your 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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Francesca Biffi

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

I am licensed in California with 24 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, trauma and abuse, motivation, self esteem and confidence, life transitions and 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 sign up for therapy can take courage and I am happy to assist you in this process.

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Donna Priano-English

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietyEating disordersSelf esteemDepressionCoping with life changes
8 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 8 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress, anxiety, eating disorders, 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. Taking the first step to seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process.

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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