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.
Meghan Carroll
I am a Clinical Social Worker, licensed in California, Texas, and Alabama and I have been practicing Social Work for seven years. I currently live in Alabama so I am in Central Time for scheduling purposes. I have worked in various settings, including residential psychiatric treatment facilities, in-home therapy, as well as providing therapy in an office setting and through telehealth services. I have worked with adolescents, adults, couples, families, and the older adult population. I have a large amount of experience working with anxiety, depression (including intense training on post-partum mood disorders), trauma, family conflicts, grief/loss, and parenting issues. My approach to therapy is to first and foremost build a strong and positive therapeutic relationship with my clients. As a therapist, I focus on each person's specific individual needs, meeting the client where they are at in the present moment, and adjusting my style to meet their needs. I am a solution focused, strengths based therapist but I also utilize components of cognitive therapy and trauma-informed therapy as needed. My ultimate purpose as a therapist is to provide positive support and a safe space for someone to open up and process any thoughts, feelings, and emotions that they find would be helpful for them. I look forward to working with you!
Sarah Ochsner
I graduated with a Bachelors in Counseling/Psychology at William Jessup University and a Masters in Marriage and Family therapy at Western Seminary. I am licensed in the state of California as a Marriage and Family therapist as well as a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor. I enjoy working with an individual who wants help. However, perhaps they feel stuck and they want someone to help them process things so that they can accomplish their goals. I use a client-centered approach with a warm and compassionate style. I believe that often times people know what they need but sometimes they also want support along the way to achieve their full potential. My hope is for my clients to feel happy and successful. I am excited to help you on your journey to lasting change. I have experience working with client's who struggle with depression, anxiety, trauma, and as well as working with the whole family unit. I am a busy mama of two. Therefore, I currently only have availability for sessions on nights and weekends. These sessions are approximately 30 minute in duration. I am licensed in California. Please note client's need to be in the state of CA during the session. Please know I value self care. I lead by example and take most holidays off to be with my family. If you have any questions about membership please contact the Customer Success Team.
Jillianne Boyd
Hello, I am Jillianne Paladino Boyd and I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. Therapy is a unique journey for each individual and I consider it an honor to assist you in your voyage of self-discovery. I support my clients with empathy and caring, having compassion to walk through pain and darkness with you. Exploring hope, connection and purpose can be an important part of improving self-awareness and the relationships around you. I come from a humanistic approach to assist individuals in developing a strong sense of self and healing from past trauma. Using strength-based approaches, I want to assist you in developing coping and increasing a sense of inner peace and harmony. We will work together to prioritize your goals to fit your values and beliefs. My Specialties Include: Trauma Shame/Guilt Veterans/Military Families Substance Use Disorders Relationship issues Anxiety Depression Grief For Trauma treatment I use Mindfulness techniques and Trauma Release Exercises.
Anyssia Johnson
I am licensed in California with 4 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, trauma and abuse, coping with grief and loss, & 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.
Stephanie Hochman
I am licensed in California with more than 20 years of professional work experience. I have helped clients with stress and anxiety, trauma and abuse, parenting 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.
Anna Guha
Hello, I'm Anna Guha, an LMFT with six years experience in clinical counseling. I have worked closely with individuals struggling with addiction, depression, anxiety, chronic illness, and relationship issues. I've helped people from age six to eighty-six feel better about themselves and learn how to manage and thrive in change. My therapeutic approach blends person-centered and humanistic therapies, with an existential stance. Our freedom is a mixed-bag, liberating us while weighing us down with responsibility. You are the expert on your life, and your preferences and goals will guide the therapeutic process. I will help you embrace the freedom to create your own meaning and purpose, and help you learn how to navigate life’s challenges with authenticity and resilience.
Vanessa Hernandez
I am licensed in California with 14 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, motivation, self esteem, and confidence, depression, & coping with life changes. 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!
Jennifer Mendoza
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, trauma and abuse, & 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 sign up for therapy can take courage and I am proud of you for getting started!
Cesar Mardones
I am licensed in California with 15 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with lgbtq+ related issues, relationship issues, parenting 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.
Jonathon Yassanye
LIFE CAN BE FULFILLING! We have ALL experienced stress, anger, anxiety and depression at different points of time, yet sometimes having one or all of these emotions can be overwhelming to the point of creating constant dysfunction in day-to-day living. Therapy is a liberating avenue to explore oneself and find inner peace that may be hidden under internal and external factors. It is important to feel heard and validated, especially when one is at their wits’ end. I am a firm believer in meeting each client where they are at in their journey of life and learning how they would like to approach their presenting problem(s), whether it be though visiting past experiences or keeping the discussion within the present moment; we will be able to co-create an individualized plan to help alleviate symptoms, as well as promote a healthier you, through psychoeducation, healthy interventions and self-care techniques. I am a graduate of Case Western Reserve University and bring six years of clinical expertise to the field of adult mental health. During graduate school, I interned at Circle Health Services (formerly The Free Clinic) in Cleveland, Ohio, where I advanced my therapeutic skills in cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), anger management skill training and brief psychodynamic therapies, while keeping a person-centered approach to the therapeutic relationship with my clients. Later, I had the privilege to join Jewish Family Service Association of Cleveland (JFSA), where I completed additional education in Alzheimer’s disease and related disorders. Here, I learned not only about different causes of cognitive decline and the biological facets that may be affected, but how to engage with an individual no matter what stage of cognitive impairment they are experiencing. In addition to working with affected individuals, I provided on-going psychotherapy to family caregivers, to help reduce the stress and burden that often occurs while caregiving. Throughout my time at JFSA, I earned my clinical license in social work, while being supervised by a clinical social worker who helped deepen my breadth of knowledge in Gestalt therapy, as well as grief and loss, experientialism, depression and anxiety. I have been trained by the co-founder, Dr. Carey Sherman, PhD., to facilitate the Savvy Caregiver Program and by Dr. Elizabeth O’Toole, MD, to administer an array of psychological measures, including the GDS, MoCA, PHQ-9, The Neuropsychiatric Inventory Questionnaire, QOL-AD, and the Revised Scale for Caregiving Self-Efficacy. Additionally, I have completed training and one-on-one supervision with Dr. Todd Pressman PhD. who created and certified me in his Deconstructing Anxiety model. https://toddpressman.com/certified-practitioners/
Cheryl Martin
Hello and thank you for considering me as your therapist. I am a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in California with over 15 years of clinical experience, and I’ve worked in community mental health for more than 20 years. Throughout my career, I’ve supported clients facing a range of challenges, including depression, anxiety, stress, family conflicts, trauma, self-esteem issues, and motivation struggles. My approach is centered on creating a safe, open space where you can share your thoughts and feelings freely, without fear of judgment. I understand that taking the first step toward a more fulfilling and meaningful life can be difficult, but it’s also a courageous and empowering decision. I’m here to support you every step of the way as we work together toward your healing and personal growth. I look forward to partnering with you on your journey to wellness. For additional information, please visit my webpage: www.journeytowellnessandhealing.com
Natarajan Gowda
I am licensed in California with 25 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress, anxiety, relationship issues, coping with grief, coping with loss, & 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. 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.
Ta'Nita Swearingen-Brooks
I am licensed in California with 15 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, trauma and abuse, & 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 sign up for therapy can take courage and I am proud of you for getting started!
Madilyn Pitrel
I am a licensed, clinical social worker/therapist in California with 12 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress, anxiety, family conflicts, trauma, abuse, & depression. I also have experience working with the LGBTQ+ community, as well as, coping with life changes and transitions. 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.
Megan Hurtado
I am licensed in California with 3 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress, anxiety, motivation, self esteem, & confidence. 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 seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process.
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
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- Fresno, CA
- Sacramento, CA
- Long Beach, CA
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- Anaheim, CA
- Santa Ana, CA
- Riverside, CA
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