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.

This is Dr. Anushree Belur's avatar and link to their profile

Dr. Anushree Belur

Offering therapy in California
License: Psy.D.
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesTrauma and abuseSelf esteemDepression
3 years of experience

Seeking out therapy is an act of courage – it can be incredibly intimidating to acknowledge that you need additional support, and to then build up the strength to ask for that help! Once you start the process, however, you will find that therapy is a journey of self-discovery and self-improvement. I approach my role as a therapist with the goal of supporting you in this journey by creating a safe place for you to process your thoughts and emotions, and to help you explore and develop coping skills to change unhelpful patterns of behaviors. I have primarily worked with adults who have experienced anxiety, depression, relationship issues, trauma, and grief and loss. Additionally, I enjoy working with individuals exploring their identity from an intersectional and multicultural perspective. My style of therapy includes integrating humanistic and cognitive behavior therapy approaches along with mindfulness practices, as mindfulness has been shown to be effective in reducing stress and depressive symptoms. I strongly believe that individuals are experts on themselves, and therefore, focus on tailoring therapy to meet your needs. I am licensed as a clinical psychologist in California, and I look forward to being on this journey with you!

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Laura Lien-Mitobe

Offering therapy in California
License: LMFT
Stress, AnxietyLGBTGriefParenting issuesCoping with life changes
30 years of experience

Hello and welcome to my profile! My primary goal as a therapist is to provide a client-centered, non-judgmental, caring, supportive, safe space for you to explore experiences, patterns and feelings that may be causing you pain and/or hindering your personal goals and growth. I have been a licensed MFT therapist for over 20 years and worked with people from all lifestyles and cultures. I have experience in a number of therapy modalities and as a teacher. It takes courage to participate in the process of therapy. My wish is to accompany and assist you as you determine the path that leads to a more enriched life. • My experience includes counseling: Individuals, Couples, Families, and Groups Person-centered, Cognitive Behavior Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Solution-focused therapies are some of the therapy modalities that I use. But most importantly, the therapy must be tailored to the needs of the client. • Some of the issues that I have helped people with are: Stress, Anxiety and Depression Grief Special interest: Pet loss (It has an unique impact on people who lose a beloved pet) Compassion fatigue (special interest in veterinarians and staff, as well as, others in helping roles) Chemical dependency and Co-dependency Issues with eating Seniors experiencing life transitions Motivational Coaching Parenting

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Reuben L. Nevels, Sr.

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesGriefDepression
10 years of experience

I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in California. I have been in the profession for 16 years with 10 years of clinical experience. I earned my Master's Degree from the University of Southern California School of Social Work (2007). I am a Christian and ordained Elder (Minister). If desired, I am able to incorporate biblical wisdom, spiritual disciplines, and prayer into the sessions for those who request it. I have experience in helping individuals with depression, stress and anxiety, and coping with grief and loss. I also have experience working with relationship issues. I believe in treating everyone with respect and sensitivity. I am calm, compassionate, and non-judgmental. I will tailor our dialogue and treatment plan to meet your unique and specific needs. Taking the first step to sign up for therapy takes courage, and I am proud of your decision to embark on this journey of becoming a better you! I look forward to working you to find ways to enhance your quality of life.

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Bryant Harris

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesSelf esteemCoping with life changesCoaching
3 years of experience

I am licensed to practice in Alabama, California, and Georgia, bringing a wealth of professional experience. With my expertise in dealing with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, motivation, self-esteem, and confidence, as well as helping individuals cope with life changes, I am confident that I can help you tackle any challenges that come your way. I firmly believe that you are the expert in your story and possess the strength and resilience to overcome any obstacle. Taking the first step towards a more fulfilling and happier life requires courage, but I will guide and support you throughout the journey.

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Tamekia "Mika" Flanngan

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

I am licensed in California with 5 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, & 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. In life we experience many challenges, and it takes courage to seek out alternative ways to find meaning, purpose, assistance and hope. I am here to support & empower you in that journey.

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Dr. Charlotte Richardson

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietyLGBTFamily conflictsGriefDepression
11 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 11 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, lgbtq+ related issues, family conflicts, & 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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Stanley Sorensen

Offering therapy in California
AddictionsRelationship issuesTrauma and abuseGriefDepression
37 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 37 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with coping with addictions, 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 seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process.

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Dr. Ciro Visone

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseEating disordersDepressionADHD
10 years of experience

I am a licensed Clinical Neuropsychologist, Health Psychologist, and Military Psychologist with 10 years of experience and a Doctorate of Clinical (Health) Psychology, who takes a neuroscience approach to behavior. I specialize in severe mental illness, including depression, anxiety, trauma, medical illness adjustment, and eating disorders and related issues (i.e. behavioral management of diabetes and weight-loss). I also specialize in neurocognitive disorders, including ADHD, traumatic and acquired brain injuries, and memory disorders of advancing age, dementia, and other neurodegenerative diseases. I work from a biopsychosocial orientation and believe in identifying purpose and meaning in life in order to overcome personal challenges, while helping you address biological causes to your behaviors and emotions. I adjust treatment based on individual differences, with a respect for personal needs and culture, and value your ability to become autonomous and independent in life enroute to your own personal definition of self-actualization. Doing so requires acknowledging your past psychological influences and decisions, their impact on your present state, and an appreciation of how these factors can influence your physical and psychological health in the future.

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Monica Sanchez

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesSelf esteemDepressionCoping 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 stress, anxiety, relationship issues, motivation, self esteem, confidence, & 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. 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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Amy Welsch

Offering therapy in California
License: LPC
Stress, AnxietyGriefSelf esteemDepressionCoping with life changes
6 years of experience

I am a Licensed Professional Counselor with a Master’s Degree in Counseling Psychology. I value therapy as being a collaborative process and strive to create a warm, welcoming and non-judgmental environment for my clients. I use a holistic approach and aim to be culturally sensitive, catering to each individuals’ unique worldview. Through therapy, my goal is to help clients feel empowered and validated so they can increase self-efficacy, decrease problematic symptoms, gain insight and self-awareness and learn how to heal in order to have a more positive life experience. I use a strengths- based, person centered approach. I am interested in helping people who struggle with anxiety, grief, depression, self-esteem issues, emotional disturbances (including anger management concerns), and/or are trying to cope with situational life stressors. I use a blend of compassion-focused therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy as well as a solution focused model where appropriate. I also have years of experience working with adults with severe and persistent mental health disorders.

How can a counselor support you?

Therapists 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 CA, and one out of five Americans has a mental health condition. Searching for local licensed professionals 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 a BetterHelp therapist does not offer diagnostic or medication management services.

Why do people choose to work 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, BetterHelp can match you with a licensed professional tailored to your preferences noted when you sign up.

The mental health therapists in California support clients with varying issues through therapy, such as:

  • 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 to contact in a crisis

If you are experiencing a crisis or emergency, don't use the BetterHelp site. 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 of the most commonly asked questions about therapy can be found in the section 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.

When should I get a therapist in California?

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 can allow clients seeking therapy to experience professional help through video, phone, or live chat sessions without commuting to an office.

Does insurance cover the cost of 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 the safe option?

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.

In today's fast-paced society, mental well-being has become a cornerstone of a fulfilling life. Amid the daily challenges and stressors that can overwhelm even the most resilient individuals, seeking professional guidance often offers a path to clarity and balance. The journey toward improved emotional health involves understanding personal triggers, embracing self-compassion, and developing effective coping strategies. While self-help books and online resources provide valuable information, nothing compares to the personalized support offered by a qualified mental health professional. One-on-one sessions with experienced experts can help uncover the underlying issues contributing to anxiety, depression, or other emotional hurdles. With a careful and empathetic approach, these professionals tailor their advice to suit individual needs, ensuring that each person receives strategies that work best for their unique circumstances. Whether through cognitive behavioral techniques, mindfulness practices, or other innovative methods, the aim is to foster resilience and empower individuals to take control of their inner lives. For those living in bustling urban centers, engaging in face-to-face sessions in a welcoming environment can be particularly beneficial. Access to a caring clinician provides not only a safe space to explore difficult emotions but also builds a support network essential for long-term recovery. The process encourages self-reflection and greater insight into behavioral patterns that might otherwise go unnoticed. While the journey can be challenging at times, the rewards include enhanced emotional stability, improved interpersonal relationships, and a renewed sense of self-worth. In one notable case, the guidance provided by a highly trained therapist proved instrumental in navigating a tumultuous period. Through structured sessions and tailored interventions, the individual learned to identify stressors and develop healthier responses to adversity. This experience underscored the transformative impact that dedicated support can have on one's overall quality of life. In a region like Texas, community-based initiatives and accessible mental health programs further reinforce the value of professional help. These efforts emphasize early intervention, preventive care, and continuous support, ensuring that more people are equipped to face life's inevitable challenges. Ultimately, investing in mental well-being is an act of self-care that yields lifelong benefits. By embracing professional support, individuals can unlock new levels of emotional resilience and discover pathways to a brighter, more balanced future. Each step taken toward healing represents a commitment to personal growth, enabling a life filled with renewed optimism and strength. Embracing this transformative journey consistently paves the way for deeper understanding, lasting peace, and meaningful personal progress.
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