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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Ying Kam

Offering therapy in California
License: LCSW
AddictionsGriefParenting issuesSelf esteem
12 years of experience

With over 10 years' experience, I have worked with diverse clients from children to elderly, experiencing a wide range of issues, including depression, anxiety, bipolar, schizophrenia, ADHD, drugs and alcohol additions, relationship issues, and a broad spectrum of mental illness. I have worked across various setting, including outpatient clinic, inpatient hospital, community, in-home, and within school settings. According to your needs, we may use different interventions, including cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT), motivational interviewing technique (MIT), solution-focused therapy models to provide empathetic supportive and yet directive, counseling style to empower you to explore and resolve ambivalence and enhance motivation for positive change in your life. My role as psychotherapist is to guide you to take a closer look at your thoughts, feelings, and actions, while walk along side with you on your journey of positive changes. I look forward to helping you in the best ways I can.

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Maria Rios

Offering therapy in California
License: MA,LMFT
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesParenting issuesSelf esteemDepression
12 years of experience

Hello! I am a licensed psychotherapist in California (LMFT) and I have been in practice since 2012. Before graduating with my Master’s degree in Counseling Psychology, I was a Montessori teacher in Cambridge, MA and San Diego, CA for 9 years and I enjoy working with children and parents who seek guidance in parenting skills and are in need of an emotional support. As a psychotherapist, I have worked in residential and outpatient settings, conducting individual and group therapy, as well as proving care to clients in office and online. The heart and passion of my work is to provide you with an uninterrupted time and space for you to process and explore your thoughts and feelings, understand your fears and your wishes, and reflect on different events in your life. I focus on bringing more clarity, awareness, peace, and harmony and on helping you move forward with grace, embracing yourself and your goals. My approach is person-centered which means that my work is about meeting you where you are on your journey and supporting you in feeling your best self. I am authentic in my style and I share an honest perspective. I am also a hope-based therapist and I view challenges as stepping stones to meeting your desired goals while trusting yourself to lean on the resilience you already possess and to feel encouraged to create healthy core beliefs. I believe that you have all the inner knowledge and the power to uncover the strength you need to make the changes you feel are right for you and I will provide guidance in ways that resonates with you. In cases when it’s relationship issues, I will walk you through analyzing and understanding the dynamics and the hierarchies of the relational systems. We will focus on heathy boundaries, self-worth, and personal growth. I use some of the leading psychological modalities, such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), Internal Family Systems (IFS), Solution-Focused Therapy, and Psychodynamic approach. I look forward to working with you! Crisis Line: 1-800-273-8255 (1-800-273-TALK) Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741-741

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Eliot Rosenstock

Offering therapy in California
License: M.A., Clinical Psychology
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesGriefBipolar disorderDepression
8 years of experience

Hello, my name is Eliot Rosenstock. I’m a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and I want to help you feel better. Let’s talk about what you want, and where you want to go in life. In my practice, I utilize dream analysis as well as a more cognitive-rational approach to integrate the unconscious and conscious mind to achieve your desired result from therapy. When you come to therapy, you want a concrete, positive change in your life. I don’t believe the idea that you come to therapy to feel better is very complex, nor do I believe you need your values totally rearranged to achieve a result which is life changing! Some therapists offer you a totally different way of seeing things, where as I want to offer you a clearer you. I don’t want to turn you into me, nor do I offer you a fast food religious experience. Through our conscious minds as well as our unconscious minds, we hold the key to a life where we feel better, more fulfilled, and less compromised by negative feelings and symptoms. Let’s help get you to the best you: feeling good, and thinking clearly!

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Jennifer Elkins

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

I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in the state of California with over 11 years of experience working with children, families and individuals. I have worked with clients on a wide range of concerns including depression, anxiety, relationship issues, parenting struggles and trauma. My therapy style is warm, interactive and empowering. I will work alongside you to develop insight into the concerns that brought you to therapy and develop coping skills and strategies to better move through your current struggles and life! Based on the individual’s needs and where they are at, I utilize EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing), motivational interviewing, cognitive behavioral therapy, mindfulness, and solution focused therapy to develop skills to help my client move through the situation at hand. Life can be complex and challenging for all of us at one time or another. It can require extra support and interventions to help move through the struggles we may be experiencing. I commend you on taking the first and sometimes most difficult step of seeking help and I look forward to supporting you along this journey. Should you feel in need of urgent help or that you are in crisis at any time during our work together; please call 1-800-273-TALK 24 hours a day; or 911. This forum does not provide any type of emergency services, so it is important for you to have resources available to you if you need immediate help.

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Daniel Thorne

Offering therapy in California
License: M.S.,LMFT
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsRelationship issuesFamily conflictsParenting issues
30 years of experience

My name is Dan Thorne. I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in the state of California. I have over 30 years of experience as a therapist. My work with clients ranges from stress reduction, learning mindfulness techniques, relationship and parenting issues, phobias, depression, anxiety, and substance use disorders. My approach to therapy is to make my client feel comfortable and valued during treatment. I believe therapy is a collaborative effort between the client and the therapist, working together on the client’s goals in treatment. I use cognitive-behavioral therapy, hypnotherapy, and dialectical behavior therapy as my main approaches. Not everyone is ready to change. But therapy can be a first step to using the untapped strengths you have to empower yourself in your life. I look forward to working with you!

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Lorraine Sanchez

Offering therapy in California
Trauma and abuseGriefSelf esteemCoping with life changesCoaching
15 years of experience

I am a licensed Marriage & Family Therapist in California, along with being a Certified Life Coach. I have 17 years of professional work experience in the mental health field working with a wide variety of disorders, life, career, and relational challenges. I also have experience in helping clients with relationship issues, trauma and abuse, motivation, self esteem, and confidence, & coping with life challenges. I believe in treating everyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion. I believe it is important to incorporate a life that is balanced with self care emotionally, physically, mentally, and spiritually. Through a supportive and collaborative experience, my clients will experience a process of self discovery, inner healing, insight and awareness, cognitive mindset shift, cultivate their inner gifts and purpose, and be inspired to grow and succeed. Additionally, I help clients learn how to become positive impactful leaders in their professional roles, teams, and in their community. I will tailor our dialog and treatment plan to meet your unique and specific needs/goals. Taking the first step to healing and seeking a more happier and healthier you takes courage. You are headed in the right direction and I am here to support you in that process. Nurture. Heal. Cultivate. Thrive!

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Shardae Collins

Offering therapy in California
License: MHP,MA,LICSW
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesTrauma and abuseSelf esteemDepression
6 years of experience

Hello my name is Shardae Collins I am a licensed clinical social worker who offers telehealth therapy to individuals residing in WA. I support individuals in recognizing their strength and resilience regardless of the cards that were dealt to them. My therapeutic approach explores your environment and lived experience to better understand your strengths, needs, and hopes for the future. I believe that you have the power to heal yourself. I am simply a guide. I provide a non-judgmental safe space for you to freely express yourself. My approach is one that is direct, culturally relevant, sensitive, trauma informed, and non-shaming. I specialize in anxiety, depression, life transitions, and trauma and PTSD. I offer individual therapy rooted in mindfulness. Therapy can be hard and sometimes scary. I get it, I am here to support you on this journey. I look forward to supporting you on your journey to healing and self-discovery. I have availability Monday-Thursday from 7AM-2PM PST and Fridays from 7am-11am PST.

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Dr. Katherine (Kate) Bergam

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietySleeping disordersSelf esteemCareer difficultiesADHD
22 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 22 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with isolation, depression, and anxiety, insomnia, stress, self love, life purpose & coping with symptoms. 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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Cynthia Fullwood-Fleck

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

I am licensed in the states California and North Carolina, as an LMFT, 20+ years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, & motivation, self esteem, sex education, 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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Nicole Ladner-Pace

Offering therapy in California
Relationship issuesGriefSelf esteemCoping with life changesCompassion fatigue
12 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 12 years of professional work experience. 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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Amina Habib

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsRelationship issuesParenting issuesSelf esteem
17 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 17 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, coping with addictions, relationship issues, & 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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Kayla Mulholland

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietyParenting issuesSelf esteemCoping with life changesCompassion fatigue
5 years of experience

Kayla, a licensed clinical social worker, brings extensive expertise in working with refugee and immigrant populations, as well as systems-involved parents and youth. With a background in clinical therapy with foster youth and their parents in CA, women and children in Mexico and recently arrived immigrant families, Kayla is deeply committed to social justice efforts, recognizing the systemic factors impacting mental health outcomes. Her journey began about 12 years ago in the community mental health sector, working with Latino migrant day laborers in San Francisco. Having lived in Spain and Mexico, where she learned Spanish and closely collaborated with asylum-seeking communities, Kayla has firsthand experience fostering resiliency to improve individual outcomes. Specializing in trauma-informed mindfulness-based care for immigrant and refugee populations, Kayla is motivated by witnessing others' growth and supporting them in creating the lives they desire. She cares passionately about personal development and aims to eliminate taboos and stigmas associated with seeking care, especially for vulnerable populations. Kayla has ample experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, trauma and abuse, parenting issues, & depression. She believes that you are the expert of your story and that you have many strengths that will assist you in overcoming things that challenge you. She looks forward to working towards your own goals, together!

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Rosa Winter

Offering therapy in California
Relationship issuesParenting issuesSelf esteemDepressionCoping with life changes
18 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 18 years of professional work experience. 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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Umeka Franklin

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

I am licensed in California with over 20 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, trauma and abuse, motivation, self esteem and confidence, chronic illness and pain, coping, & 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 seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process.

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Lindy Johnson

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesFamily conflictsCoachingCompassion fatigue
4 years of experience

As a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, I care deeply about helping individuals find healing and restoration within relationships. With experience addressing stress, anxiety, relationship challenges, family conflicts, compassion fatigue, and professional growth through executive coaching, I am committed to supporting your well-being. I believe in the incredible potential for mental, emotional, and relational health when we engage in the heart work and hard work necessary for growth. My approach is to meet you exactly where you are, walking alongside you to create a path forward that honors your unique journey and needs. Reaching out for support is a courageous step, and I am grateful for the opportunity to provide a safe, empathetic space where you can process, reflect, and grow. Together, we can explore how past experiences shape your present, empowering you to move toward freedom, restoration, and wellbeing. It would be a privilege to support you on this 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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