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.
Julie Barrett
I am so happy to be able to help people here at BetterHelp. I would love to help you with family and relationship issues, parenting issues, anxiety and stress reduction, depression, motivation, making positive changes in your life, coping with life changes, grief, chronic stress, healing after trauma, and confidence and self-esteem issues. I would love to talk to you about how I can help you improve your life!
Dr. Carol Gandolfo
For over twenty years I have worked with numerous populations. I received my education in California and then interned at a homeless shelter, with a license psychologist, at a counseling center and then at a Developmental Disabilities State Hospital. I took on every case available to me in order to round out my experience. I have worked with families and individuals in the areas of domestic abuse, family issues, childhood issues, and substance abuse issues. I then spent several years working for two Developmental Centers focusing on developmental disabilities such as Autistic Spectrum Disorder, Intellectual Disabilities, Schizophrenia, Bipolar Disorder, Major Depressive Disorders and forensic issues. I provided expert testimony for recommitment hearings and competency training. Since leaving California, I have volunteers on the Critical Incident Stress Management team for a fire department, mentored with women coming out of prison, and served as a Court Appointed Special Advocate. My volunteer work focused mainly on Trauma and Suicidality.
Anastasia Rivera
I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in California with experience working as an adult and Teen therapist. I have worked with clients with a wide range of concerns including depression, anxiety, relationship issues, parenting challenges, career challenges, behavior issues and end of life issues. I also helped many children and adults who have experienced trauma or emotional abuse. My counseling style is solutions focused and interactive. I believe in treating everyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion. My approach combines cognitive-behavioral, solution focused, psycho-dynamic and client centered approach. I will tailor our sessions and treatment plan to meet your unique and specific needs. You are always the lead in sessions and I do my best to ensure you are challenged but comfortable. It takes courage to seek a more fulfilling and happier life 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.
Bethany Kelley
Hey there and welcome! I am a Clinical Social Worker with over 20 years of experience working in the Mental Health and Addiction fields. I have worked with clients with a wide range of concerns including depression, anxiety, parenting problems, career/life change, military adjustment concerns, LGBTQ+ and relationship issues. I believe each person is unique and so I use a person centered approach with a very warm, non-judgemental and compassionate style. I believe in treating others with the highest level of respect and dignity. I will meet you where you are and move with you at your pace. I don't believe in stigmatizing labels--the world does enough of that. I acknowledge the courage it takes to seek out answers and create a more rewarding life! I also commend you for your choice in owning the goal to be a healthier YOU! I look forward to joining you on your journey to an improved, happier YOU!
Tiffany Griffin
I am licensed in California with 10 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, coping with grief and loss, parenting issues, & 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!
Shannon Nelson
I am licensed in California with 3 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, anger management, motivation, self esteem, and confidence, & depression. Most of my professional experience comes from time in school settings supporting children, teens, and young adults with ASD, ADHD, anxiety, depression, and other mental health needs. 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.
Luke Meier
Hello, my name is Luke. I am a 38-year-old father and husband who has been counseling since 2013. I was in the military from 2003-2010 and previously worked at a veterans hospital. Along with my counseling education and experience with various individuals, I have a Master's Degree in Theological Studies. Studying theology helps me incorporate these beliefs into sessions. I have experience in substance abuse disorders, including pornography addiction and eating disorders. I have experience with depression management, anxiety, mindfulness techniques, practical coping skills, and providing a listening ear. My areas of employment include substance abuse and mental health in treatment centers, private practice, and contract work. I have a TEDxLincoln talk titled Avoiding the Quick Fix from my experience as a nutritional counselor and have a few published pieces in those areas as well. Though I am formally trained in MI, MET, DBT, CBT, ACT, EMDR, and many other acronyms, my approach is to be constantly curious about your life. I like to ask difficult questions getting you to reflect on your thinking. I like to address behaviors both of us notice that interfere with what you want in life. You are the expert in your life. Therapy is not a teaching moment where I am right, and you listen, but rather something we explore together. Overall, therapy is a relationship. You should feel comfortable sharing whatever is on your mind with your therapist. Please, choose someone you connect with rather quickly. I look forward to meeting with you and viewing old, stagnant beliefs in your life differently.
Shabren Harvey-Smith
I am licensed in California with 18 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, motivation, self esteem, and confidence, & 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 sign up for therapy can take courage and I am proud of you for getting started!
Cuidonce Corona
I am a licensed Marriage & Family Therapist in California with 25 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with depression, stress and anxiety, family conflicts, trauma and abuse, & parenting 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. 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.
Dr. Holly Seaton
I am licensed in California with 31 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, parenting issues, & coping with life changes and transitions. I am also a certified executive coach and can help you with workplace goals and issues. 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.
Andrea Ziebell
Hello, I’m Andrea. My aim is to foster an open and safe environment where thoughts and feelings can be expressed freely- without judgment. Together, we can explore ways during our sessions to tailor your unique concerns and issues, formulate a strategy to achieve the goals you aspire to achieve. During our sessions, I can be the ear you need, a confidential space to share and validation that you are being heard--you're not alone. I'm versed in various therapeutic techniques and will find one that fits you best. If your new to the therapy process, you may want psychoeducation- understanding symptoms, ways to manage them, find coping strategies focusing on your strengths or journaling, homework assignments (OR NOT), create a wellness plan with other activities, practicing effective communication and learn about anger management skills, with solution focused, or CBT. As a California-licensed professional almost 25 years of experience with mental health, substance abuse, negative impact related to legal issues have caused, I'm ready to start alongside your recovery efforts. My therapeutic interest lies from life experiences, exposure working with abused/neglected children and inpatient/outpatient treatment with male/female adults. I look forward to meeting with you.
George Northrup
I am licensed in California with 40 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, & parenting 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 seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process.
Stephanie Lane
I am licensed in California with 22 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, motivation, self esteem, and confidence, & 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!
Adamina Camacho
I am a California-licensed mental health professional with 17 years of experience. I provide telehealth services to adult clients throughout the state. I work with clients who experience a wide range of symptoms and concerns, including stress, anxiety, depression, trauma, relationship challenges, family conflicts, and workplace stress. My approach: My therapeutic approach is tailored to each client’s unique needs, often incorporating a blend of different therapeutic approaches. The goal is to support clients in recognizing and transforming unhelpful thought patterns, managing intense emotions, fostering self-awareness, and focusing on achievable goals. My communication style is calm, personable, and authentic. I strive to make my clients feel comfortable discussing anything with me. I take pride in creating a safe, therapeutic environment that encourages self-expression. Although BetterHelp offers therapy via live video, telephone, and live chat, I do not provide therapy via live chat at this time. I strongly encourage scheduling live video or phone sessions, as these formats foster better rapport and maximize the value of your subscription. Therapeutic Goals: I work collaboratively with my clients to develop therapeutic goals. I believe that, as the client, you are the expert on your life; therefore, goal setting must be a collaborative effort. The process begins with an assessment phase, where I get to know you and introduce you to the therapy process. Together, we’ll work toward achieving your goals and tracking your progress along the way. It takes courage to seek a more fulfilling and happier version of you and to take the first step towards change. If you are ready to take that step, I am here to support and empower you. NOTE TO KAISER PERMANENTE PLAN HOLDERS: Unfortunately, I am currently unable to accept clients covered under Kaiser Permanente health plans. This policy applies even if you are paying out of pocket and not using your Kaiser Permanente health plan to cover BetterHelp services (e.g., paying out of pocket).
Kimberly "Kim" Woolley
I am licensed in California with over 20 years of professional experience in the mental health field. I have worked in Medical Social Work helping individuals and families with sudden loss, injury, and chronic illness. I have worked with people and communities impacted by disasters. My expertise includes helping clients manage stress, anxiety, trauma, relationship challenges, depression, abuse, and career difficulties. I also have significant experience working with individuals in high-stress professions, including first responders, law enforcement, and veterans. I believe you are the expert of your own story, and together, we can identify the strengths that will help you overcome life’s challenges. Taking the first step toward therapy is a powerful choice, and I am here to support you every step of the way.
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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