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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April Zariczny - Nunez

Offering therapy in California
License: MA ,LMFT
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesGriefSelf esteemCareer difficulties
5 years of experience

I believe we all have abilities to transform, heal and move towards a greater level of wellness in our lives. Each person is unique with their own challenges and experiences that may later manifest as road blocks that can impact their capacity to be fully present in life. These can hold us back from achieving our full potential. My holistic approach integrates Mind-Body, Art Therapy, Yoga, Somatic and Embodied Mindfulness practices. The events we experience impact us in a holistic way - physically, cognitively, spiritually and emotionally. Integrated Body/Mind approaches to therapy offer us a holistic way to heal. I provide clients with a safe space for them to explore their inner landscape. In addition to this, I offer resources, research and psycho-education to assist clients in gaining deeper understanding and empowerment with each step of the therapeutic process, integrating these tools within a Solutions Focused Methodology. LMFT - Licensed Marriage Family Therapist - 2018 ​- California BBS License # 107000 CYT - Certified Yoga Therapist- 2022

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Juline Hobson

Offering therapy in California
License: M.A. LMFT,M.A. LPCC
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesFamily conflictsSelf esteemDepression
6 years of experience

I received my Bachelor’s degree in Psychology with National University and my Master’s degree in Psychology with California Southern University. I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in California with six years of experience providing direct mental health therapy. I have worked with individuals ages three to adults with a variety of presenting issues, including mood disorders, anger management, parental and family conflicts, anxiety, post-traumatic stress, as well as adjustment issues and phases of life issues. I am very conscious of cultural factors and I am sensitive and respectful of people’s values. I believe counseling offers healing, growth and clarification for individuals as they courageously decide to work with me in a safe, trusting warm and confidential environment. My therapeutic approach is mainly cognitive and behavioral (CBT) and Client/Centered Therapy but use other therapeutic approaches as needed. I strive to meet you where you are at, then we decide the style that fits your needs, as we are going to be working together to help you meet your goals. I believe in people’s inner strengths and capacity to succeed and grow even during difficult times. My purpose is to help you gain or regain the level of functioning that you desire. I value the courage it takes to make this first step and I look forward to working with you!

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Sydney Erskine

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

My name is Sydney. I am a licensed MFT in the state of California. I completed my Masters in Psychology in 1994 and received my license as of January 2000. I have worked in centers for addiction treatment, dual diagnosis, and private practice in the bay area. I utilize a holistic approach with my clients customizing treatment as appropriate for the individual. This allows for the integration of our bio-psycho-social-spiritual self. My theoretical background includes, but is not limited to, in brief, Psychodynamics, and Bowen; investigating the systematic learned behavior of your past that has brought you to this moment, Humanism; providing a safe, compassionate, empathic, respectful pathway to guide you in uncovering and discovering your true essential self, and Dialectical Behavior Therapy; practical, realistic, tangible tools to apply to conflictual thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. I have a deep appreciation, respect, and compassion for what it takes to summon the courage to seek counseling. In my career as a therapist, I have had the privilege to be of service to individuals seeking positive change in their lives. It is of vital importance to see my clients as they are; individual, distinct, and worthy, they deserve no less and usually much more. Together, we begin by assessing the issues that compelled you to seek counseling at this time in your life. Through a whole life approach, we will examine the bio-psycho-social-spiritual aspects of your life. We will collaborate to gain insight, create measurable goals, find and develop the value and meaning of these discoveries and implement deliberate actions redirecting your focus to transform your life to be one of authenticity, actionable internal motivation, and transformational change. I look forward to helping you develop and achieve meaningful change in your life. Let's work together.

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Alina Ghitea

Offering therapy in California
License: LMFT
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesIntimacy-related issuesSelf esteemDepression
6 years of experience

I am an individual and couples therapist licensed in California with over 7 years of experience as a counselor and mental health practitioner. As humans, I believe we live in an interdependent world in which diverse relationships within family, community and workplace frame our lives. I have worked with clients who have experienced struggles with anxiety, depression, relationship issues and career transitions. I partner with you as a reflective, healing presence in the midst of uncertainty and persistent change. My counseling style is warm and hopeful. I see each individual as unique and distinct and although life comes with challenges, I believe we don’t have to get stuck in the pain or despair. My approach combines cognitive-behavioral and emotion focused principles. I enjoy partnering with clients and creating a safe place to express difficult experiences along with inner-most thoughts and feelings. My passion is to see clients experience emotional and relational healing and succeed in life.

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Corie Duzsa

Offering therapy in California
License: MA,LMFT
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesFamily conflictsTrauma and abuseDepression
20 years of experience

Hello and welcome. I am a marriage and family therapist licensed in California with nearly 20 years experience. I have worked with children, teens, adults, couples, and families with a wide range of concerns including trauma, depression, anxiety, grief and loss, relationship issues, parenting problems, family conflict, chronic pain, prenatal and postnatal depression, low self-esteem and more. I would describe my therapeutic approach as warm, compassionate, and empathic. I try to meet my clients where they are and help guide them through where they want and need to go. I believe creating a therapeutic relationship based on trust, safety, and compassion allows clients to explore their thoughts and feelings freely and openly. I like to work with clients collaboratively to discover strategies and solutions that work best for them. My approach combines cognitive behavioral, humanistic, psychodynamic, and mindfulness therapy. I feel strongly that our childhood and early experiences shape who we are and how we see the world. In my work, I see a lot of childhood trauma survivors and work with client's to identify how their life has been impacted by their experiences, and work to develop goals for positive change in their lives.

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Shardae Collins

Offering therapy in California
License: MHP,MA,LICSW
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesTrauma and abuseSelf esteemDepression
6 years of experience

Hello my name is Shardae Collins I am a licensed clinical social worker who offers telehealth therapy to individuals residing in WA. I support individuals in recognizing their strength and resilience regardless of the cards that were dealt to them. My therapeutic approach explores your environment and lived experience to better understand your strengths, needs, and hopes for the future. I believe that you have the power to heal yourself. I am simply a guide. I provide a non-judgmental safe space for you to freely express yourself. My approach is one that is direct, culturally relevant, sensitive, trauma informed, and non-shaming. I specialize in anxiety, depression, life transitions, and trauma and PTSD. I offer individual therapy rooted in mindfulness. Therapy can be hard and sometimes scary. I get it, I am here to support you on this journey. I look forward to supporting you on your journey to healing and self-discovery. I have availability Monday-Thursday from 7AM-2PM PST and Fridays from 7am-11am PST.

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Marcellus Rose

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

I am licensed in Illinois and California with 14 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, lgbt-related issues, relationship issues, & trauma and abuse. 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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Mie Lynn Tsuchimoto

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesSelf esteemCoachingADHD
24 years of experience

I have been licensed in California with 23 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, motivation, self esteem, and confidence, & executive and professional coaching. 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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Samy Selim

Offering therapy in California
AddictionsFamily conflictsTrauma and abuseDepressionCoping with life changes
11 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 12 years of professional work experience. Prior to attaining my LMFT I gained value experience working in foster care, education and investigating elder/dependent abuse. I have experience in helping clients with depression, anxiety, family conflict/systems, trauma and abuse. In addition, I am familiar with recovery modalities necessary to overall wellbeing. I work 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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Monique Ambrester

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesFamily conflictsParenting issuesDepression
17 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 17 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. 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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Julia Szpakiewicz

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesTrauma and abuseEating disordersCoping with life changes
15 years of experience

I am licensed in California, New Jersey and Texas with 15 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, trauma and abuse, & eating disorders. 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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Coral Dickinson

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesFamily conflictsParenting issuesCoping with life changes
3 years of experience

Hi there, my name is Coral I'm licensed in CA. My personal and professional beliefs are that when a person feels accepted, they are much more able and ready to make change in their life. This informs my approach to counseling; you can expect a safe and gentle environment. We all need someone in our corner that believes in us! If and when you’re ready, let’s work together to get you closer to your goals - whether they be a healthier relationship, a change in mood, increasing motivation, or processing something you just haven’t been able to process yet.

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Beth Williams

Offering therapy in California
License: LCSW
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesFamily conflictsDepressionCoping with life changes
20 years of experience

I am passionate about helping the clients I serve as they navigate life challenges. With nearly two decades of experience in wilderness settings as well as clinical settings, I have helped my clients with trauma, interpersonal relationship issues, addiction, grief/loss, depression, anxiety, aging, and family dynamics. I seek to build a connection of trust, understanding, and empathy with my clients. Listening to your concerns and helping you discover the best path for your circumstances is always my primary focus. I use a variety of techniques in treatment, tailoring to best meet the individual needs of the client. Some of my favorites combine mindfulness and cognitive behavioral therapy such as meditation, mindfulness practices, identifying unproductive thought patterns and reshaping them to create new behavioral patterns.

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Nambryan Do

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesSelf esteemDepressionCoaching
4 years of experience

I am licensed in California and Nevada with 4 years of professional clinical experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress, anxiety, relationship issues, motivation, self esteem, confidence, depression, & executive coaching. I also have experience working with professional coaching. I primarily use Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Solution-Focused Therapy, with elements of Evolutionary Psychology. I currently operate a private practice in CA and NV and I am also the in-house performance coach at a successful hedge fund on the East Coast. My focus is in helping individuals reach their prime selves through cognitive restructuring and setting clear attainable goals. But I will challenge you to follow through with your strategies.

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Lilian Zulewski

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesFamily conflictsDepressionCoping with life changes
4 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 4 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress, anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, & 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.

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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