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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Julie Borden

Offering therapy in California
License: LCSW
Stress, AnxietyGriefParenting issuesDepressionCoping with life changes
23 years of experience

I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and have been providing counseling for more than twenty years. I have a master's degree in Social Welfare and experience in a wide range of areas, including grief and loss, stress management, parenting challenges, depression, and communication in relationships. I know that making the decision to start therapy, and reaching out to find someone you can trust, is a big step, often one that people think about for a long time before they actually take it. As you take that step today, I would like to offer some ideas about where this journey could take you. From my work with clients over the years, and from my own personal experience as well, I have come to see the process of therapy as something like looking through a new window, one that allows you to see your life and situation more clearly. In all of the challenges we face, big and small, perspective is key. Each of us is looking at our situation from the inside, in the way we have become accustomed to looking at it. This view is often fogged up and blurry. We are so close to it that we can’t see the forest for the trees. Therapy is about getting distance and perspective. This can come through insight, recognizing relationship patterns and being open to changing them, and questioning long-held assumptions that you didn’t realize you had until someone calls your attention to them. But as important as this awareness is, it usually needs to be followed with concrete steps in order to result in true change. Baby steps at first – in my experience we often underestimate the big results that can come from the smallest shifts. As we experiment with new behaviors, we begin to see ourselves differently. One small success doing something you didn’t think you could do can result in a ripple effect of seeing possibilities that you never knew were there before, and that is where real growth happens. My goal is to help people live more authentically, live with intention, and make deliberate and conscious choices rather than following old patterns that they never before thought to question. These ideas have brought me to some of the most important light bulb moments in my own life, and it brings me great happiness to see the moment that someone else begins to see that they have a wider range of options than they ever realized. If it sounds like I might be a good fit for you, I look forward to getting to know you, hearing the unique story that is yours alone, and working as a team as you find the clarity, peace, and confidence that will lead you to a brighter future.

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Natalie Schaffer

Offering therapy in California
License: LCSW
Stress, AnxietyLGBTRelationship issuesTrauma and abuseDepression
6 years of experience

Welcome! It's not always easy to reach out for support when you need it but you've already taken a huge step for yourself.  My name is Natalie and I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in Los Angeles. I have worked in various service settings including public child welfare, mental health and community-based non-profit. I have worked with folks from a variety of backgrounds with a wide range of concerns including depression, anxiety, relationship issues, LGBTQ+ issues and those who have experienced trauma and abuse. These challenges along with everyday stressors can make life feel overwhelming. I am here to support you along the way and to remind you that all of your emotions are valid; they can be managed to help you achieve greater peace and perspective.  I would describe my approach as interactive, strength-based, and compassionate with zero judgement. I use cognitive behavioral therapy, dialectical behavioral therapy, narrative therapy and motivational interviewing; however, I am flexible in drawing from various styles that work best for you. I also like to incorporate some mindfulness and art therapy techniques if it meets your unique needs.  I want you to get the most out of our time together and can be available in whatever manner you are most comfortable. I find that video sessions are a great way to get to know each other but I am also available to you via phone and messaging. My schedule is somewhat flexible but I have most of my availability evenings and weekends and I check messages regularly.  If you think I'm a good fit as your counselor, I would be honored to work with you! 

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Adriene Robinson

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseSelf esteemCareer difficultiesCoping with life changes
16 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 15 years of professional work experience. 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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Robin Taufer

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietyLGBTRelationship issuesFamily conflictsDepression
18 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 18 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, depression, lgbtq+ related issues, relationship issues, & family conflicts. 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!

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Nancy Lopez

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietyFamily conflictsSelf esteemDepressionCoping with life changes
3 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 3 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with coping with addictions, motivation, self esteem, and confidence, bipolar disorder, & depression. 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 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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Isabel Rubio

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietyFamily conflictsParenting issuesSelf esteemADHD
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, women’s issues, LGBTQ+ issues, parenting issues, motivation, self esteem, and confidence, & career difficulties. I have worked mostly within the Latinx community and with generational trauma. 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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Deborah Spake

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesTrauma and abuseDepressionADHD
12 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, trauma and abuse, career and job path, life changes, grief/loss & depression. I work with ADHD, PTSD, Parenting issues, LGBTQ+ and issues around gender and sexuality. 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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Clair Figueroa

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietyLGBTRelationship issuesTrauma and abuseSelf esteem
10 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 10 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress, anxiety, lgbtq+ related issues, relationship issues, trauma, abuse, motivation, & self esteem. I also have experience working with confidence issues and motivation. I am certified in EMDR and CPT. therapeutic modalities. 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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Tiffany Peiro Ochoa

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietyFamily conflictsSelf esteemCoping with life changesCompassion fatigue
10 years of experience

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 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. 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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Melissa Moon

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietyGriefParenting issuesAnger managementDepression
5 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 5 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress, anxiety, coping with grief, coping with loss, parenting issues, & anger management. 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!

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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