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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Katherine November

Offering therapy in California
License: LCSW
Stress, AnxietyFamily conflictsTrauma and abuseParenting issues

I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with over 10 years of experience working as a Clinical Social Worker. I have assisted adults, children and families struggling with issues of depression, anxiety, parenting challenges, child abuse and trauma, low self-esteem and coping with life's ups and downs. I also have experience helping individuals and families cope with a new medical diagnosis, disability or loss. My goal is to empower you with the skills you need to cope with life's challenges. I am empathic and caring and treat everyone with dignity and respect. I want to understand your perspective, in order to fully assist you. You are the expert in your life. We will develop goals and work together to achieve them. My approach is a combination of Cognitive-Behavior therapy, problem-solving therapy and a humanistic approach. I also utilize relaxation and mindfulness techniques. Reaching out for help is a huge step and takes a lot of courage. I look forward to supporting you.

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Marsha (Marcie) Eriksen Hanna

Offering therapy in California
License: MSW,LCSW
GriefSelf esteemCareer difficultiesCoping with life changesCompassion fatigue
21 years of experience

Welcome and congratulations on reaching out for support! It takes great strength to make the decision to take that first step. We will be showcasing and enhancing your many strengths by utilizing a Strengths-Based, Solution Focused, and Cognitive Behavioral model in our time together to achieve your fullest potential and happiness in life. I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with almost 20 years of experience in working with individual adults and families in the following practice areas: Depression, Stress and Anxiety, Relationship issues, Family Conflicts, Coping with grief and loss, Parenting issues, Motivation/Self esteem/Confidence, Career difficulties, Coping with life changes, Compassion fatigue, and Memory Loss. My Master’s degree in Social Work is from San Diego State University. I also completed an Intergenerational Specialist certificate program from the University of Pittsburgh’s graduate school of social work. You will find my counseling style to be compassionate, warm, genuine, direct, and respectful. I create a space for you that is safe, non-judgmental, encouraging and positive. I am an empathetic and active listener, and we will use proven approaches and strategies that are tailored to the uniqueness of your needs and life path. I am looking forward to working with you!

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Elizabeth Stark

Offering therapy in California
License: LMFT
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesFamily conflictsSelf esteemDepression
25 years of experience

I am a Licensed Marriage Family Therapist and I have been providing psychotherapy for the last 20 years. I received my bachelor degree in Liberal Studies at Chapman University in 1996 and became a bilingual peer counselor at a counseling center for victims of Domestic Violence. Then in 2003 I acquired my Masters degree in Counseling Psychology at National University . My experience includes individual therapy, group therapy and family therapy in various settings. I have worked with all ages and I have a lot of experience helping clients with different types of concerns, including depression, anxiety, relationship issues, parenting problems, career challenges and many people who have experienced physical trauma or emotional abuse. I utilize many different types of models such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Solution Focused and Motivational Interviewing to name a few; however, regardless of what approach I use I am always warm, empathetic, collaborative and encouraging.It takes courage to seek for a more fulfilling and happier life and to take the first steps towards a 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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Merrill Tamiya Moreno

Offering therapy in California
License: LMFT,PPS
Relationship issues
16 years of experience

Relationship help is here! Hello, and thank you for stopping by in your search for support. Although I am a California Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT), I am practicing as a Relationship Coach on the Betterhelp platform. You will receive the same exact support and expertise from me as a licensed therapist, but since I only currently offer live messaging sessions with no diagnosing or formal treatment planning, on this platform I will solely be practicing as your Relationship Coach. Any questions about this? Don’t hesitate to ask! :) A little bit more about my professional background: I have 16 years of experience as a mental health provider. I am deeply rooted in a psychodynamic, insight-oriented approach, with a focus on relationships. As your coach, we will dive into uncovering subconscious messages and drives from early life and we will explore ways this has impacted your adult life and relationships in particular. Together we’ll develop insight into what’s really going on and figuring out the root causes behind those relationship obstacles or patterns you may wish to change. If this sounds like the type of coaching you would be interested in engaging in, I would be more than happy to join you on your journey!

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Stephanie Moss

Offering therapy in California
License: LCSW
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesTrauma and abuseGriefDepression
8 years of experience

I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in California with over 15 years of experience working as a social worker and mental health clinician. My experience includes working with clients managing a wide range of concerns including depression, anxiety, relationship issues, parenting problems, career challenges, life transitions, loss and grief, and attention difficulties (ADHD). I also have experience working with people coping with trauma or adverse childhood experiences in their lives. My counseling approach is warm, kind, and interactive. I believe in the power of the therapeutic relationship to support change, and treat my clients with respect, sensitivity, and compassion. We are each unique in our life experiences, and finding value and compassion for ourselves is an underlying current of my approach. In addition, I utilize cognitive-behavioral, humanistic, and solution focused approaches. I will tailor our dialog and treatment plan to meet your unique and specific needs. I believe we are all capable of change when we have the support, tools, and vulnerability to do so. I'm here to help you when you're ready to take those steps toward living the life you envision for yourself. I look forward to working with you!

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Dr. Matthew Meyers

Offering therapy in California
License: Ed.D,LPCC,NCC
Relationship issuesFamily conflictsSelf esteemCareer difficultiesCoping with life changes
20 years of experience

My experience is working with individuals/ couples, children, and families. I look forward to supporting your journey. I am a Licensed Profesional Clinical Counselor in the states of California, Nevada, Florida, New Mexico, Arizona, Utah, Indiana, Idaho, and a Nationally Board Certified Counselor. My doctorate is in counseling psychology. I have 20 years of counseling experience. My practice focuses on working with individuals, and couples with relationship issues as well as work-related challenges. I work with my clients to create an open and safe environment where issues, thoughts, and feelings can be shared. My goal is to build upon what is working in the client's life and collaborate with my clients to address the needs that they feel should be addressed in a way that they feel comfortable with. I do ask thought-provoking questions during sessions to help engage the client. Scheduling Availability is usually on weekdays evenings or weekends. I am in the West Coast time zone I look forward to working with you!

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Brenda Batarse

Offering therapy in California
Family conflictsParenting issues
3 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 6 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with family conflicts & parenting issues. 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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Dr. Swanzetta Sheriff-Saunders

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesGriefParenting issuesSelf esteem
25 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 25 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, coping with grief and loss, & parenting 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 sign up for therapy can take courage and I am proud of you for getting started!

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Jennifer Miller

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseDepressionCoping with life changesCompassion fatigue
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, trauma and abuse, 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. 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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Michelle North

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

I am licensed in California with 14years of professional work experience in the field. I help clients with anxiety, depression, infertility, relationship issues and I specialize in grief, loss and life transitions. I meet you where you are at in life and assist you on a path to where you would like to go. I will tailor our dialog and treatment plan to meet your unique and specific needs. It takes courage to seek out a more fulfilling life and to take the first steps towards a change. I am here to support & empower you in that journey.

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Christie Carol Spahr

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesSelf esteemDepressionCoping with life changes
26 years of experience

I am a LMFT in California with 26 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with getting to know Who You are, practicing self compassion, tolerance, trust & confidence to better manage painful life experience, stress, sadness, melancholy, depression anxiety, relationship issues, existential angst, and refocusing on knowing & believing in Your Self. I work in Humanistic, Existential, Person centered, Motivational, Narrative, spoken word approaches with my clients to create an open hearted ~ open minded safe environment where thoughts, emotions & 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 with respect to support you on that Journey. I graduated from the University of Oregon, have a BA in Religious Studies ~ emphasis on Cultural, Sociological, Indigenous, and Philosophical world view.s Went back to graduate school after being in sports marketing, studying Indigenous cultures in Australia, and U.S. and received my graduate degree ~ MA in Psychology with a speciality in Marriage & Family Therapy. I have been a runner my whole life, have run Marathons around the world, I am grateful for my "lifestyle, as it taught me to Never Give Up, who I Am, realized it's amazing whats thought impossible until it's done, and simply you just can't lie to yourself through the marathon of life or 26 miles 385 yds. I love my work as a therapist & look forward to meeting you.

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Karen Conklin

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

Hello and welcome to the first step to living the life you want to be living. I have 14+ years of life experience, living on both coasts and the Midwest too, one marriage, a son and daughter, a BA in Advertising and a MA in Clinical Psychology, a Middle School counselor, and psychotherapist to our War Veterans, a Marriage and Divorce Mediator. I have helped thousands with grief and loss, stress and anxiety, depression and anger, self esteem and silencing negative self talk, by learning to come from a place of love and growth versus fear, which keeps us stuck in a vortex. I provide the readily attainable tools for change. And I am honored to share my compassion in supporting you on your journey. Sincerely, Karen Conklin

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Terri Morgan

Offering therapy in California
AddictionsGriefParenting issuesSelf esteemDepression
12 years of experience

I am licensed in California, Colorado, Connecticut and Massachusetts with 12 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with coping with addictions, coping with grief and loss, parenting issues, & motivation, self esteem, and confidence. 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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Jessica Guerrero

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietyFamily conflictsSelf esteemCoping with life changesCompassion fatigue
8 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 8 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, family conflicts, motivation, self-esteem, and confidence, & 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 seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process.

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Andy Le

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesSelf esteemDepressionCoping with life changes
5 years of experience

I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker based in California with over 5 years of experience serving in various capacities such as colleges, non-profits, hospitals, and government. I take a person-centered and systems approach to therapy in a holistic manner to provide opportunities to discover self-determination: voice and choice. I have worked with clients with a wide range of concerns including depression, anxiety, relationship issues, parenting problems, career, and school challenges. I also helped many people who have experienced trauma such as physical abuse or neglect. In my sessions, I provide a non-judgmental environment that comes from a place of calm, compassion, and empathy. I provide an environment that will allow opportunities to increase self-direction and collaboration in exploring different solutions to your issues and goals. 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 joining 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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