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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Paula Corano

Offering therapy in California
License: MA,LMFT
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesFamily conflictsDepressionCoping with life changes
14 years of experience

Hello, my name is Paula Corano and I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT # 83322) in the state of California. I graduated from Pepperdine University with a Master's degree in Clinical Psychology. I am also a certified to provide Parent-Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT) by the University of California, Davis. For the past 10 years, my focus has been to provide a strength-based approach to promote change and growth in individuals, children, couples and families experiencing functional impairment. I like to approach therapy in a holistic manner, supporting my clients in solving problems by defining goals and changing unhelpful thinking patterns, while also providing empathy and practical feedback. My awareness and appreciation of cross-cultural understanding grows continually and I highly respect and value individuals who come from different cultural backgrounds. In addition to my specialty in the treatment of children with behavioral and emotional problems through PCIT, I also have extensive experience in helping individuals, families, and couples cope with a diverse range of issues, including stress management, relationship issues, difficulties in adjusting to major life changes, trauma, coping with loss, depression, anxiety, and panic attacks. My therapeutic approach is centered on what matters most to the client. My style is both empathetic and goal-oriented. I respect clients for their perseverance in navigating through obstacles of life, and feel privileged to take part in their journey of making positive changes and finding more personal fulfillment. You have already made the first step, and I would welcome the opportunity to help you in that journey.

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Jonathan Pearson

Offering therapy in California
AddictionsRelationship issuesIntimacy-related issuesSelf esteemDepression
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, relationship issues, intimacy related issues, & 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 seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process.

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Aureen Knauls

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

Hello, I am licensed in California with 9 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 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 and I look forward to meeting with you.

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Dr. Lisa Zaslove

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsRelationship issuesEating disordersDepression
40 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 40 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, coping with addictions, relationship issues, & eating disorders. 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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Sandra Carrubba

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietyGriefSelf esteemCareer difficultiesCoping with life changes
8 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 8 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 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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Sara Irwin

Offering therapy in California
License: MS,LMHP,LADC
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsRelationship issuesTrauma and abuseDepression
14 years of experience

"There is hope, even when your brain tells you there isn't" Hello! I am glad you are here and I look forward to working with you. I am a licensed mental health and addiction therapist in with over 10 years of experience in the field. I graduated from Creighton University in 2008 with a Master's degree in Community Counseling. I have worked with all ages in clinic setting and private practice on various issues including substance abuse, anxiety, trauma, depression, relationship issues, grief, parenting struggles, stress management, and poor impulse control. In addition, I am also trained as a certified Clinical Trauma Professional. My therapeutic style is based on being genuine and understanding with clients. I believe it is essential to actively listen and effectively problem solve with my clients. My therapeutic foundation is a mix of cognitive-behavioral, humanistic, and rational-emotive theories. There are so many benefits from seeking out therapy. It can be the beginning of a powerful change for a person's life. I enjoy helping people reach their goals or resolve what is bothering them. I encourage you to start today to change your life for the better by allowing me to help your through your journey. When I am not working, I stay busy with my family. I have two little guys, so I am always on the go with these two. I also love running, traveling, reading, learning new things, and being outdoors. I am here to help you get unstuck and live your best life!

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Meridian Brady

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsGriefCoping with life changesADHD
5 years of experience

Hello. I'm so glad you're taking the first step to getting support! Life can be challenging and it helps to have someone navigate it with us. I am an LMFT in California that has worked in numerous settings with diverse populations so all are welcome. I have experience in helping clients manage stress and anxiety, addictive behaviors, low self esteem and ADHD as well as cope with life changes, chronic illness and grief & loss. Artists, those with ADHD or HSP, folks in recovery and people living non-traditional lifestyles are particularly welcome. I believe in treating everyone with respect and compassion and have an open, friendly, curious and interactive approach. (I am originally from the east coast so while I am warm, I can also be direct for those who want that.) I will tailor our sessions and treatment plan to meet your unique and specific needs. Taking the first step to seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage and I'm here to support you on your journey.

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Tina Kelley

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietyLGBTParenting issuesDepressionCompassion fatigue
12 years of experience

Tina Kelley is an LMFT in California with over a decade of professional experience. She has experience working with children, teens, young adults, members of the LGBTQ+ community, parents, and those on the autism spectrum, and their families. She supports her clients moving through feelings of depression, and anxiety, codependency, family conflicts, and burnout. Tina uses an integrative and trauma informed approach to therapy.

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Dr Yuki Mitsuhashi-Acs

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsRelationship issuesSelf esteemCoaching
13 years of experience

Yuki J. M. Acs, Psy.D., M.S., M.A., Ed.D., LL.M., M.B.A. Dr. Acs is a licensed clinical psychologist trained in psychodynamic and behavioral approaches. He has worked with artists, executives, and psychiatric patients in California with 13 years of clinical work experience. He has worked as a medical psychologist, evaluator, psychotherapist, and counselor. He helps clients with stress and anxiety, coping with addictions, relationship 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 happy to help you get started on addressing the issues bothering you!" Dr Acs trained in psychotherapy and psychopathology as a master's level clinician (M.A. - Marriage and Family Therapy '13, M.S. - Chemical Dependency and Compulsive Disorders '13). As a doctoral level clinician Dr Acs completed further training in psychodynamic approaches and psychological testing (Psy.D. - Applied Clinical Psychology '16) and recently completed a second doctorate in adult learning (Ed.D. - Higher Order Thinking '23) as well as a postgraduate diploma in psychiatry from a medical school. He has worked as a college counselor, neuropsychologist, behavioral psychologist, psychiatric triage, and emergency room clinician.

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Herman Kothe

Offering therapy in California
Relationship issuesSelf esteemCareer difficultiesCoping with life changesCompassion fatigue
27 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 27 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with relationship issues, motivation, self esteem, and confidence, career difficulties, & 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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Suzanne Tuzzi

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietyGriefSelf esteemCareer difficultiesDepression
4 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 4 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!

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Sandra Leon

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietySelf esteemDepressionCoping with life changesCompassion fatigue
3 years of experience

I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in California, and I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, motivation, self-esteem, and confidence, depression, & 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. I use a short-term, solution-focused modality, with the goal of ensuring you feel confident to use the tools you've learned in therapy. Disclaimer: Due to conflict of interest, I will not accept clients with Kaiser Permanente health insurance. Thank you for understanding.

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Xochitl Perez

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseSelf 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, trauma, abuse, 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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Tamara Taylor

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseGriefAnger managementDepression
9 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 9 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress, anxiety, trauma, abuse, coping with grief, coping with loss, & 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!

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Cailyn Hymer-Costa

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsEating disordersParenting issuesDepression
5 years of experience

Thank you for making yourself a priority, for choosing to accept the help and guidance through your therapeutic journey. Hello, I am a Licensed Clinic Social Worker in the state of California. My approach to therapy is grounded in compassion, empathy, and authenticity as a clinician. I believe in creating a safe, nonjudgmental space where clients can explore their emotions with curiosity, build resilience, and find effective methods of stress reduction to manage life's hurdles now and in the future. Throughout my career, I’ve had the privilege of working with individuals who struggle with mental health challenges such as anxiety, depression, and trauma, as well as those navigating the complexities of substance use disorders. I understand how these issues can intertwine and impact daily life, and I am deeply committed to providing the support and tools necessary for healing and growth. I am deeply passionate about supporting individuals through the unique emotional and psychological challenges of pregnancy, the postpartum period, and early parenthood. My practice focuses on helping clients navigate the complexities of adjusting to new motherhood, managing the waves of the pregnancy journey and overcoming the profound hurdles that can arise during the postpartum phase. I personally understand the journey to parenthood and how this can be filled with joy and anticipation as well as fear, overwhelm and isolation at times. Whether you are experiencing prenatal anxiety, postpartum depression, or struggling with the overwhelming changes in identity as you emerge to the Mother role~ I offer a loving, nurturing and supportive space to let you feel and process your journey in motherhood.

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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