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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Jonathan Kabat

Offering therapy in California
License: LMFT
Trauma and abuse
10 years of experience

You have questions. They are in your heart; and therefore, weigh heavily on your heart. They may appear to be unanswerable. Perhaps they are. They may arise in your thoughts or they may not. These questions come in feelings, images, sensations, dreams, and most importantly longings. We very often attempt to satisfy these longings through insufficient means. Our longings go unmet as we do the same things, try the same strategies, without success. You might be asking, "how do I change these patterns?" As a systems therapist I explore with you the vast territory of life in fine detail so you may better recognize the impacts of experience on you and realize your impacts on life. We collaborate on ways to change and I support your practice of developing new approaches to achieve what your heart truly longs for. Therapy is quite like a quest to find the ways you can be the best 'you.' It's a guided quest for navigating challenges, often catastrophes, and finding a way forward towards your heart's calling. I draw from many approaches to integration and revealing wholeness. Because I have found that integrating one's whole being requires approaching life's challenges from many perspectives and trying different methods to facilitate change. I have studied transpersonal and systems approaches to understanding the causes and conditions which arise in our human experience. I have trained in somatic, emotional, and cognitive therapies; which often, integrates the way we sense, feel, and think about our experience. Much of my approach is informed by applied ecopsychology, eco-therapy, and climate psychology. I am particularly interested in working with individual experiencing strong emotional reactions to the changes we are experiencing in the ecological systems and society at this time. I support individuals who are experiencing eco-rage, eco-despair, eco anxiety, all arising from eco-empathy and ultimately returning to a deep care and concern for Earth. The entire world around us; and therefore we as individuals, are going through tremendous changes. Integrating this experience and finding compassion, resilience, and purposeful action is my passion. I will seek to assist you in finding your personal way towards your own clarity and purpose. Jonathan Kabat LMFT 129217

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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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Christine Berberian

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsRelationship issuesFamily conflictsGrief
14 years of experience

I am licensed in California with over 14 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, coping with addictions, relationship issues, & family conflicts. 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. If you are thinking about making changes in your life I am here to help you and support you in that process.

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Adriene Faust

Offering therapy in California
AddictionsFamily conflictsTrauma and abuseGriefAnger management
20 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 20 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with coping with addictions, family conflicts, trauma and abuse, & 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. 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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Michael Levittan

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesTrauma and abuseParenting issuesAnger management
30 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 30 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, trauma and abuse, & 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. It takes courage to seek out a more fulfilling and happier life and to take the first steps towards a change. I am genuinely dedicated to support & empower you in that journey.

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Domonqe Walker

Offering therapy in California
Eating disordersSelf esteemBipolar disorderDepressionADHD
7 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 7 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with eating disorders, motivation, self esteem, and confidence, bipolar disorder, ADHD, anxiety, & depression. 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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Robyn Engel

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseGriefSelf esteemDepression
8 years of experience

~Please note: I do not do legal advocacy of any type. ~I generally have availability during work day hours at this time. ~Our first session includes a screening process. I'll need your willingness to provide basic identifying information including an address with which to send basic therapy forms (Consent to Treatment). I'm licensed in California with over 20 years of professional work experience. I'm honored to have supported countless clients (youth and adults, families and individuals) to better manage their stress and anxiety; to navigate the loneliness that often accompanies depression; to express and process grief and loss, abuse and related traumas, and various other challenges. We'll work as a team. You won't get trendy clinical jargon from me. I'm not up-to-speed on all of the current terms, nor do I find this necessary for true healing. I enjoy genuine, honest relationships focused on my clients' paths; you are the expert on yourself. I see myself as a mentor-coach-guiding force and objective professional. You'll also receive caring nudges from me, as needed, to enhance your sense of self-worth and improved mental wellness. Aiding my clients towards increased self-love and compassion is my ultimate goal. It takes courage to embark on this process to achieve the positive changes that you deserve. I hope to empower you on this journey.

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Mary Stanley

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesSelf esteemCoping with life changes
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, & motivation, self esteem, and 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!

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Dr. Ann 'Annie' Vance

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesTrauma and abuseSelf esteemCoping with life changes
26 years of experience

I am licensed in California and Hawaii with 26 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, trauma, and abuse, as well as, helping with 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 seek a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. You've started the journey, I am here to support you in that process. I continue to grow and learn through Continuing Education Courses. I have a Doctorate in Christian Counseling Psychology to support Faith-based clients who want that, and respect those who only want secular psychology.

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Rachel Connelly

Offering therapy in California
AddictionsFamily conflictsTrauma and abuseGriefCoping 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 coping with addictions, family conflicts, trauma and abuse, & coping with grief and loss. 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 am here to support you in that process.

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Crystal Factor

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseSelf esteemCareer difficultiesDepression
10 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 10 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, trauma and abuse, motivation, self esteem, and confidence, & career difficulties. 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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Patricia Artieda

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseGriefParenting issuesDepression
5 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 3 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress, anxiety, trauma, abuse, coping with grief, coping with loss, & parenting issues. I also have experience working with 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 proud of you for getting started!

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Traci Witt

Offering therapy in California
AddictionsTrauma and abuse
7 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 7 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with coping with addictions, trauma, & abuse. 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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Dr. Heidi Stark-Bank

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietyGriefSleeping disordersDepressionCoping with life changes
20 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 20 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress, anxiety, coping with grief, coping with loss, sleeping disorders, and depression. 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 seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process.

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Jazmin L Martinez

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

I am licensed in California with over 5 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress, anxiety, relationship issues, coping with grief & loss, & depression. I also have experience working with coping with life changes & healing from generational trauma. 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 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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