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.
Juline Hobson
I received my Bachelor’s degree in Psychology with National University and my Master’s degree in Psychology with California Southern University. I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in California with six years of experience providing direct mental health therapy. I have worked with individuals ages three to adults with a variety of presenting issues, including mood disorders, anger management, parental and family conflicts, anxiety, post-traumatic stress, as well as adjustment issues and phases of life issues. I am very conscious of cultural factors and I am sensitive and respectful of people’s values. I believe counseling offers healing, growth and clarification for individuals as they courageously decide to work with me in a safe, trusting warm and confidential environment. My therapeutic approach is mainly cognitive and behavioral (CBT) and Client/Centered Therapy but use other therapeutic approaches as needed. I strive to meet you where you are at, then we decide the style that fits your needs, as we are going to be working together to help you meet your goals. I believe in people’s inner strengths and capacity to succeed and grow even during difficult times. My purpose is to help you gain or regain the level of functioning that you desire. I value the courage it takes to make this first step and I look forward to working with you!
Tinia Holleman-Soto
Hello and Welcome. I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist located in the state of California. I graduated from the University of Southern California with my Master's in Marriage and Family Therapy and Pupil Personnel Service Credential. During my studies I began working in the counseling field as a Behaviorist with children ages 0-3 with Developmental Delays. I had the opportunity to collaborate with Speech Therapists, Occupational Therapists, Marriage and Family Therapists, and the Regional Center. In 2009 I transitioned my career to work with children, teenagers, and families dealing with a range of challenges; during this time I was able to work with Psychiatrists, Social Workers, Case Managers, and School Districts. I have experience working with a variety of concerns including parental support with children diagnosed with a Developmental Delay, Depression, Anxiety, Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (children and families who had experience sexual, physical, and domestic abuse), crisis interventions, and ADHD. In my work with client's I typically utilize a Person-Centered, Cognitive-Behavioral and Existential approach, meaning I will meet the client where he or she feels comfortable and safe, while assisting client's in understanding how thoughts, feelings, and behaviors are related and also challenging client's to live and act authentically in their lives. I am honored and passionate to be a part of someone’s personal life experience(s), as our problems and feelings are unique to each individual. I like to approach my sessions as a team, assisting each individual in feeling free from judgment, criticism, and pain. It takes courage and motivation to reach out for additional support 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!
Susan Johnston
Hello, I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in Indiana, a Licensed Mental Health Counselor in Indiana, and a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in California. I was a returning adult student and have been very fortunate to work as a team with individuals and families in office settings, residential and group homes, inpatient mental health care, intensive outpatient treatment, probation, and a college academic environment in my work experience and counselor training. What I learned is that many of us may want and/or need help sometimes. I also have training and experience in addiction treatment, where I enjoyed helping individuals and families work together to believe in themselves and possibility again. I have had the pleasure of working with individuals, couples, and families from nearby places and immigrant and refugee families from around the world, with the help of professional interpreters, and all of us working together to create a team respectful of languages and cultures. My counseling philosophy combines humanistic and experiential theories and emotions and cognitive work grounded in family systems theory. My goal is to work together as a team to individualize treatment and help you meet your goals. Take care, Susan
Dr. Kym Codallos
I am licensed in California, Colorado, and Wyoming with 16 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, coping with grief and loss, parenting issues, and substance use disorders. 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!
Ronald Rockenbach
I believe people can change and prosper when life challenging circumstances occur. Change can be tough when an individual holds on to old distorted views of themselves, situations and/or behaviors that keep them stuck. When someone is experiencing a mental health problem or crisis, it may be difficult for them to take the necessary steps to put things into perspective by themselves. My strength is creating an environment that allows clients to feel comfortable, supported, and engaged. This helps people to open up and talk about themselves, behaviors and experiences they may otherwise keep secret or suffer with silently in shame. The support provides a safe place to help them challenge their irrational thoughts and be open to new ways of thinking. My preferred therapy modalities are cognitive behavioral and family systems, but will use other approaches to meet the need of the client. I am licensed in California with 32 years of professional work experience. I have treated clients for depression, anxiety, anger management and trauma. I have worked in multiple, diverse mental health treatment settings, including private practice, treating such issues as drug/alcohol abuse, victimization, suicide prevention, anger management, family conflict and reunification, juvenile sex offending and conduct disorder. As a Mental Health Clinic Director and Supervisor (combined 20 years) I managed teams of clinical staff including psychiatrists, therapists, and substance abuse counselors. In addition, as a mental health master trainer, I provided ongoing mental health training to clinical, medical and program staff. I am a Licensed Marriage Family Therapist with a Master of Arts degree in Social Science with an emphasis in Marriage and Family Therapy . On a personal note, I am married to the woman I met in college. Together, we have raised three children who are now establishing their own families. In my free time, I lead an active life and have been an avid mountain biker for 20 years. Time spent outdoors and with my family bring me great happiness and a sense of balance. I believe 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 begin therapy can take courage and I am proud of you for getting started.
Nancy Lichtenstein
I am licensed in California with 30 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with coping with addictions, relationship issues, trauma and abuse, & intimacy related 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 am here to support you in that process.
Angela Phillips
I’m a licensed California therapist with over a decade of practice experience. I have helped clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, trauma and abuse, & 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!
Kenneth Breniman
I am licensed in California with 19 years of clinical work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, lgbtq+ related issues, 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 sign up for therapy can take courage and I do hope can co-create a brave space for your to support you along your life journey. A growing number of researchers and healthcare professionals agree: the body, mind, and spirit are not separate, but rather parts of an interconnected whole. While I’ve been a licensed clinical social worker since 2005, I’ve come to see that traditional talk therapy can only get a person so far. Likewise, while I respect the DSM, I believe that diagnoses can be somewhat limiting for those looking to do deep, spiritual inner work and explore the big existential questions of their lives. Your pain makes sense. Rather than label you with a diagnosis, my goal is to help you understand how your past may have contributed to your current suffering and give you the space to heal from your pain and move forward. As a lifelong learner, I’ve spent the last two decades exploring the intersection of psychology, yoga, sound healing, death studies, and psychedelic integration. My sessions with clients typically include a few, if not all of these modalities.
Monique Damroth
I am licensed in California with 10 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, lgbtq+ related issues, relationship issues, & trauma and 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. Taking the first step to seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process.
Michele Caban
I am licensed in California with 35 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, trauma and abuse, & coping with grief and loss. 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!
Mirna Martinez Serrano
I am licensed in California with 18 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, depression, & coping with life changes. I practice a problem solving approach to therapy. 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.
Dave Ramirez
I am licensed in California with 12 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 sign up for therapy can take courage and I am proud of you for getting started!
Dominic Marania
Hi, I'm a licensed therapist, working with clients in CA for over 10 years now. I am a queer, non-binary (they/she pronouns) person who enjoys working with people also in the QT+ community. Helping people overcome life difficulties and traumas while strengthening their inner confidence is a big part of my passion as a therapist. I'm excited to partner with you to support you in becoming who you want to be in life.
jorge sandoval
I am licensed in California with 12 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress, anxiety, relationship issues, motivation, self esteem, confidence, & 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. Taking the first step to sign up for therapy can take courage and I am proud of you for getting started!
Dr. Demi Shugrue
I am licensed in California with 10 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress, anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, motivation, self esteem, & confidence. 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!
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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