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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Jack Gershfeld

Offering therapy in California
License: MA,LMFT
Relationship issuesFamily conflictsIntimacy-related issuesAnger managementCoaching
8 years of experience

My name is Jack Gershfeld, and I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. I am also the Clinical Director of a non-profit community mental health clinic in Fullerton, California. I work with individuals who experience anxiety, depression, or relationship distress and yearn to feel better and feel close to the people they love. I teach at Pepperdine University and supervise associates and trainees at a community mental health clinic. My approach is rooted in research-based Emotionally Focused Therapy, which focuses on recovering individuals from emotional distress. This approach is grounded in client care, support, and empowerment. This nonjudgmental approach ensures safety and support and offers a safe and secure environment to heal emotional wounds. I know that it is not easy to decide to start therapy. After all, we are expected to know how to solve personal problems! Many people try for years to feel better but seldom get relief. No matter how hard you try, the discomfort and struggles persist. Take the first step toward personal growth, discoveries, and insights that remove anxiety, anger, and frustration and replace them with care, support, love, and understanding. Journey to where you are understood, valued, cared for, and respected. I know it isn't easy to take the first step and schedule a session with a licensed marriage and family therapist. Yet, the alternative is a continued struggle and disappointments. Let's work together to reclaim your strength and build a trusting future.

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Martin Bordson

Offering therapy in California
License: MA,LMFT
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesSelf esteemCoping with life changes
24 years of experience

Hello, I am an immigrant from Mexico, bilingual and bicultural (Spanish/English), with over 40 years experienced in the human services field. I have worked in multiple settings over the years, including private practice, hospitals and clinics, however, I have been semi-retired for the past three years, dedicating myself to enjoying life, taking care of myself, and doing some work in the counseling field assisting others get fulfillment out of this life. I have been trained in multiple modalities of care but describe myself as eclectic (using models to fit a particular person and situation). I work best with client's who are motivated to make changes, involved, and follow homework assignments. I believe the first thing is to increase one's self-esteem and sense of empowerment in order to tackle life's challenges and mental health concerns (removing any victim mentality). 2nd, it's important to learn and apply coping / life skills, have some structure in one's life, including a healthy diet, exercise, work and enjoyable activities. I believe that most of the mental health challenges (except for severe conditions), can be improved to a satisfactory level, not removed completely, because part of being human is to have certain challenges and ongoing growth. I am very direct, challenge you, and ask you to collaborate and to be active. We work with specific goals in mind, and our work is meant to be brief. If you are ready to put the effort, let's work together.

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Marielle Beniquez

Offering therapy in California
License: MS,NCC,LPCC
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesGriefSelf esteemDepression
15 years of experience

Hello and Welcome! My name is Marielle Beniquez, I am an NBCC-National Certified Counselor and Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor (LPCC) in the state of California. I acknowledge that the process of therapy can be very intimidating. It is a challenge to open ourselves up to feel vulnerable. That is why my approach prioritizes helping you feel safe in a non-judgmental, authentic space. I welcome all those who seek healing, understanding, and peace without any regard to race, color, national origin, sex, creed, handicap, or sexual preference. A holistic approach to mental health and wellness is my primary goal. Integrative psychotherapy is fundamental to promote healing on all levels: physical, emotional, social, spiritual, and mental. Having a sound mind, body, and spirit is a paradigm that signifies the wheel of wellness in its continuum, enriching the various aspects of life for optimal growth and a sense of well-being. First, cultivating our spirituality promotes resiliency, equilibrium, and wellness. It provides a moral compass that affects our thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. As the Serenity Prayer of St. Francis Assisi goes, “God, give me the courage to change the things I can, peace to accept the things I cannot, and wisdom to know the difference..,” renders faith and renewed strength. Second, faith-based counseling along with various treatment modalities is essential to effective therapeutic prevention and intervention. I support the therapeutic approach which best meets my client’s needs that fosters healing, life-giving grace, hope, peace, and love. Lastly, “There is a source within us that always works to bring things into the light.” ~ John A. Sanford I am a USAF veteran, military spouse, and civilian with over 10 years of experience. Specializing in Depression, Anxiety, Stress/Adjustment Relationship Issues, Military Transition/Lifestyle, Grief and Loss utilizing fact-based clinical interventions to include Cognitive/Behavioral, ACT, Spiritually Informed/Faith-based, and Solution-Focused Brief therapies. I look forward to working with you and become part of your life as a mentor and counselor.

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Melissa Macgown

Offering therapy in California
License: LMFT
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsRelationship issuesFamily conflictsDepression
14 years of experience

Hello! My name is Melissa and I love what I do! Counseling people is my life's work and I've been doing it 14 years. Whatever it is you are going through, I can assure you, I have worked with someone who has dealt with something similar. I specialize in treating addiction issues, as I've worked in 5 different in-patient drug and alcohol treatment centers/rehabs in my career. Though I have years of professional experience working with an array of all kinds of issues and different populations. I greatly enjoy working with individuals and families. I also have several years experience working with teens, including those who have grown up in the system, been abused, and at high-risk, or with behavioral or learning problems. Clients feedback is often reported to me as: I am "easy to talk to," "friendly," and "down to earth." I've also been told I am helpful and a "good listener;" that is important to me. I am mostly solution-focused, meaning...I want to understand the problem, but then want to get into the tough work of finding solutions as soon as possible. As a therapist, I have a lot of empathy, am caring, and invested in improving your life circumstances. I am non-judgmental and believe that no matter how similar or different we may be, we can work together and develop a rapport. We can start right away, opening lines of communication so I can understand where you are coming from and help in anyway I can. My hope is to develop a warm, and trusting relationship in which you feel comfortable, and heard. One of my favorite things to hear as a therapist from a client is, "exactly," because I know we are on the same page, and I smile when a client says after session, " I feel much better." That is my aspiration, to help, and get to know you. Please understand that this is not just a job for me. I am genuinely here for you! Thank you for taking the time to read my profile and learn more about me as a professional.

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Marimar Rosa Monge

Offering therapy in California
License: LCSW
Stress, AnxietyFamily conflictsAnger managementSelf esteemDepression
9 years of experience

Hello, My name is Marimar Rosa. I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. I have a Bachelor’s and Master’s Degree in Social Work. I am bilingual (Spanish and English). I provide counseling to couples, families, individuals. The age range that I provide counseling services to are teenagers, adults and elders. I would love to communicate with you to help you establish and achieve goals. This could help us work towards improving the quality your life and relationship. I could also help provide support for conflicts in your work environment and create healthy habits to overcome the tension caused by the Pandemic. I am here to help for those times in life where we feel vulnerable, confused and in need of a guidance. I would be honored to help you in this process of healing and improvement.

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Joseph Delgado

Offering therapy in California
License: LMFT
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsRelationship issuesFamily conflictsTrauma and abuse
8 years of experience

How can I be of service? I have been a practicing clinician for 7 years. I have experience with individuals, families, couples, and adolescents. I have a bachelors degree in pastoral ministry from Life Pacific University, and a masters degree in marriage and family therapy from Hope International University. I am fully certified to provide EMDR trauma counseling. I am a family systems therapist and my approach is to walk alongside you in the journey and adventure that is your life.

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Travis Yokota

Offering therapy in California
Parenting issuesSelf esteemDepressionCompassion fatigueADHD
8 years of experience

I have been licensed as a Marriage and Family Therapist in the State of California since 2004. I have experience in helping clients with parenting issues, motivation, self esteem, and confidence, depression, & compassion fatigue. I will create with you an open and safe environment where thoughts and feelings can be shared without fear of judgment. Together we will craft a treatment plan that addresses your unique needs and goals, then navigate the path toward healing and growth.

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Mark Wojciechowski

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesFamily conflictsSelf esteemDepression
11 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 12+ years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, & 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. 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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Jamie Kelley

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesTrauma and abuseCareer difficultiesCompassion fatigue
20 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 13 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, trauma and abuse, & career difficulties. 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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Shirley Cheney

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsAnger managementBipolar disorderDepression
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, coping with addictions, anger management, & bipolar disorder. 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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Zachary Hensley

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesSelf 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, relationship issues, motivation, self esteem, and confidence, & 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.

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Liana Gibson

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

Hello, I am licensed in California, Texas and Washington with 13 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, & 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. 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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Xiaoying 'Sharon' Qi

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietyParenting issuesSelf esteemCareer difficultiesADHD
6 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 6 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, parenting issues, 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!

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Michael Chavez

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsGriefAnger managementCoping with life changes
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, coping with addictions, coping with grief and loss, & anger management. 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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Michal Pomeranetz

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

I am licensed in California with 14 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 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!

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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