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.
Dr. Paulette Gorsuch
Hello! My name is Dr Gorsuch and I am a licensed Marriage and Family Counselor in the state of California. I have a PhD in Psychology and twenty years of experience working with individuals , couples , and families in my own private practice.
Rachel Konecki
Hi there, and welcome! I am a Marriage and Family Therapist licensed in California. I have 10 years experience in counseling individuals, families, couples, and facilitating group therapy. My experience covers a variety of issues including depression and anxiety, relationship issues, parenting problems, loneliness and isolation, grief and loss, issues of aging and older adulthood, and I have helped many people struggling with acute mental illness. I approach each of my clients with sincere curiosity about their life experiences and I have compassion and respect for the courage it takes to be vulnerable in seeking help and personal growth. Building a relationship of trust is important to me and I believe it’s crucial to my clients’ progress. While I tailor my methods to the needs of each unique client, I draw from my experience and training in cognitive-behavioral, client-centered and solution-focused therapies. Taking that first step toward personal growth, improving relationships, and seeking help can be difficult but so rewarding. I would be honored to walk along side you and help in your journey. I look forward to working with you!
Leslie Patricia Acoca
I am a licensed California Marriage and Family Therapist with 20 years of experience providing therapy to individuals, couples and families. I work with clients to create a warm and trusting environment where they can explore and find solutions for stress and anxiety, trauma and abuse, grief and loss, as well as intimacy and relationship issues. I have extensive experience working clients and families who have lost loved ones to suicide. Taking the first step to creating a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process.
Ariane Willis-Smith
I am licensed in California with 3 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety & 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 sign up for therapy can take courage and I am proud of you for getting started!
Dr. Michael Greenberg
I am a board-certified psychologist licensed in California with 12+ years of professional work experience within the mental health field. I’m also a published ACT (Acceptance and Commitment Therapy) author and have experience with helping clients presenting with a wide variety of clinical and non-clinical presentations. My specialty focus is with treating, anxiety, depression, PTSD and other transdiagnostic factors to include maladaptive avoidance, relationship issues, trauma, abuse, motivation & 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. 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.
Deanna Bennet Ridgway
I am licensed in California with 7 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 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!
Lynette Alarcon
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, & eating disorders. I also have experience working with 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. 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.
Pauline Padrul
Hello! I am a licensed clinical social worker in the state of California with over twenty years of professional work experience in behavioral health treatment. I also have a Master's degree in Public Health with a strong interest in behavioral epidemiology. I have worked with clients who typically present with stress and anxiety, eating disorders, motivation, self esteem issues & depression. I believe that you are the expert of your story and that you have many strengths with which to overcome challenges and build resilience.
Sophia Amargi
I am licensed Marriage Family Therapist in California with 27 years of professional work experience. I specialize in healing complex and unresolved childhood Trauma and its impact on adult functioning. I work with helping clients understand how early childhood development can be deeply impacted and at times derailed by Trauma. If this goes unrecognized and unhealed it can severely impact us in adulthood with relationship issues, family conflicts, with what we believe about ourselves and how we see and understand the world and if we fundamentally feel safe in it, including intimacy related 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!
Jade Rosado
Hello, my name is Jade Rosado, LCSW and I am licensed therapist in California with 15 years of professional work experience. I offer brief, solution-focused therapy, designed to help you reach your personal goals during life's challenging seasons. Because of the short term model approach that I provide, I often find that I am good fit for those who have been referred by EAP or for those who want to work towards a small measurable goal. I believe therapy is a partnership that empowers you to overcome adversity and build on your strengths. My style is warm, compassionate and with a touch of humor. I believe in treating people with respect and understanding, and providing a space where you can be your authentic self. It takes courage to take these first steps and reach out for support, so I am glad you are here. I would be honored to be part of your journey and look forward to working with you! Please note: I am unable to see Kaiser members on this platform, even if Kaiser is not being used for therapy purposes.
Dynesha Crooks
I am licensed in California with 18 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, coping with grief and loss, 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 sign up for therapy can take courage and I am proud of you for getting started!
Orsini Estrada
I am licensed in California with 9 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress, anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, & 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 seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process.
Lori Montross Thomas
I am licensed in California with 10 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress, anxiety, coping with grief, coping with loss, coping with life changes, executive coaching, & professional coaching. I also have experience working with compassion fatigue. 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!
Nancy O'Neil
I am licensed in California with 29 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress, anxiety, coping with addictions, relationship issues, coping with grief, & coping with loss. 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. 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.
Lakesha Stidum
Hello, I've been providing individual therapy since 2014. I use Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Motivational Interviewing with clients to help in reaching goals. I've mostly worked with clients who experience Depression and Anxiety. I received a Bachelor's degree at Arkansas State University and Master's degree at the University of Arkansas Little Rock. I'm currently licensed in Arkansas, California, and Texas. I look forward to working with you.
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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