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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Maria Biasiotto

Offering therapy in California
License: LMFT, RN-BC
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsTrauma and abuseBipolar disorderDepression
30 years of experience

My therapy style is warm, interactive, action orientated and focused. I have experience working with adults, both in Individual and Group Therapy for many years. I believe in treating everyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion. Spiritual/Religious, as well as cultural sensitivity is included in my approach. My approach combines humanistic, cognitive-behavioral/CBT, and brief solution focused therapy. I am here to meet your unique and specific needs. Clients that I have interacted with have included those with issues involving Self Esteem, Complex Trauma, MST, PTSD, CPTSD, Bipolar, Depression, Anxiety, Panic, Substance Abuse, Sexual Trauma, and Domestic Violence and Behavioral issues. These clients over all have reported reduction in unwanted symptoms and improvement in quality of life. A quote I share here was from a client I had been seeing for about a year: "I did not think this could help and one day I realized that it really was helping and I never believed it could." "The Longest journey BEGINS WITH A SINGLE STEP." My Masters is in psychology and I hold a License as a Family Therapist, LMFT. I have a RN and I am Certified in Behavioral Health by the ANCC, RN-BC. Please feel free to ask any questions about my experience, that may be of a help for you.

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Douglas Glen

Offering therapy in California
License: M.A.,LMFT
Relationship issuesIntimacy-related issuesSelf esteemCareer difficultiesCoaching
10 years of experience

I am a licensed mental health professional in California with over 10 years of experience working as a Psychotherapist and Marriage & Family counselor. Born and educated in the UK, I bring a wealth of life experience from living and working in Europe before moving to the US. I have worked with clients with a wide range of concerns including depression, anxiety, relationship issues, parenting problems, career challenges, OCD and ADHD. I have also helped many people who have experienced trauma or emotional abuse. My counseling style is warm and interactive. I believe in treating anyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion, and I don't believe in stigmatizing labels. My approach combines cognitive-behavioral, humanistic, psychodynamic and rational-emotive counseling. I will tailor our dialog and treatment plan to meet your unique and specific needs. It takes courage to seek for 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!

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Alfred Carter

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

Do you want to overcome the obstacles preventing you from being your best self? My name is Alfred Renard Carter and I'm a Licensed Psychotherapist. My clinical experience and specializations are Depression, Anxiety, Stress management and relationship dynamics (couple/marriage/family). I take a strength-based approach to empower you to overcome the psychological and emotional distress you're experiencing. I'm eclectic from a theoretical standpoint. However, I lean towards Cognitive Behavioral and Humanistic Existential theories as a base treatment modality. I believe in allowing your needs intrapsychic needs to determine the theoretical approach and interventions most suitable for your treatment. While my education and professional experiences provide me the competence to provide effective treatment, I don't profess to be an expert on you. You're the expert on your life journey. My role as your therapist is to walk with you through your past as well as present challenges to alleviate the psychological symptoms and barriers preventing you from overcoming its impact on your well-being.

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Linda Titus-Conboy

Offering therapy in California
License: LCSW
Stress, AnxietyFamily conflictsTrauma and abuseGriefDepression
27 years of experience

I am a Licensed Clinical Social worker in California with over 20 years of experience working as a Counselor. I have worked with a wide range of concerns including anxiety, depression, relationship struggles, parenting problems, and challenges in living with chronic medical conditions. I have also worked helping those who are dealing with the despair and grief of loosing a loved one. In addition, I have helped people who have experienced trauma in their lives, including physical and sexual abuse or childhood neglect. My therapy style is warm and supportive. I strive to create a safe and trusting therapy space for you to explore your inner self, relationships, and life challenges. My hope is that together we can work to help you move in a direction that brings you greater peace and fulfillment in your life. In our work together, I will draw from a variety of treatment approach’s, including mindfulness, cognitive therapy’s (CBT ACT) attachment therapy and trauma informed treatment. I welcome the opportunity to work together.

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David Bonfanti

Offering therapy in California
License: LMFT # 43891
AddictionsRelationship issuesFamily conflictsGriefParenting issues
20 years of experience

I am a licensed marriage and family therapist having worked in the mental health field approximately 25 years , having worked with most populations. My approach is straightforward: " The problem is not the problem, the reaction to the problem is the problem." We can not change the past, we must accept what has happened, but with a renewed sense of empowerment and hope we can forge ahead to experience the quality of life we want and deserve. We often feel worse when we commence therapy, as self-examination is painful at times. That said, in the end, we will hopefully develop the skill set to manage whatever challenges come our way. Let's take the judgment out of our lives and move forward in the high calling of our daily lives.

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Silvie Wilson

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseGriefSelf esteemDepression
11 years of experience

I am licensed in California with over 10 years of professional work experience. I have extensive experience working with teens and young adults, as well as Spanish speaking clients. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, trauma and abuse, coping with grief and loss, building motivation, self esteem, and confidence. My specific area of interest is in using somatic (body awareness based) approaches to find individualized strategies to help my clients overcome fears, traumas, negative beliefs, abuse, and other struggles that affect people and stop them from reaching their potential. I also utilize various respected personality tests (such as Meyers-Briggs and Enneagram) to gain a deeper understanding of my clients, and help them make sense of their experiences. I have also studied astrology and can offer insights pertaining to that depending on my clients preferences. 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. My goal in therapy is always to empower you, shine a light on your unique strengths, and help you to gain belief in your purpose and faith in your future. It takes courage to open up and ask for help to seek out a more fulfilling and happy life, and to take the first steps towards a change. I am here to support & empower you in that journey.

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Joyann (Joy) Thornhill

Offering therapy in California
Trauma and abuseGriefCareer difficultiesDepressionCoping with life changes
25 years of experience

I am licensed in California with over 25 years of clinical work experience. I have experience in helping clients with trauma and abuse, coping with grief and loss, depression, & 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. 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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Peter Hilliard

Offering therapy in California
Relationship issuesFamily conflictsTrauma and abuseAnger managementCoping with life changes
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, relationship issues, family conflicts, & anger management. 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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Karissa Matthews

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietyFamily conflictsCareer difficultiesCoachingCompassion fatigue
8 years of experience

*I am currently only available for live chat and messaging services* I am licensed in California with 8 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, family conflicts, career difficulties, & executive and professional coaching. 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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Denise Rollins

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsRelationship issuesFamily conflictsTrauma and abuse
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, coping with addictions, relationship issues, & family conflicts. 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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Carmen Gonzalez-Ball

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesParenting issuesSelf esteemCoping with life changes
5 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 5 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, 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 sign up for therapy can take courage and I am proud of you for getting started!

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Ashley Perkins

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietyIntimacy-related issuesSelf 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, intimacy related issues, motivation, self esteem, and confidence, & career difficulties. My educational background is BA Sociology from UC Riverside and MSW from Columbia University. I have worked closely in community activism, community organizing, women's health, mental health, and herbalism. I am a public speaker, community event planner and organizer, radio/podcast personality, tv personality, and herbalist. Empowerment is my approach to every avenue that I interact with, and therefore I believe that everyone can achieve growth if that is what they truly wish to achieve and work towards. I have lived and worked in different areas of the United States and have also lived abroad while working within the field of herbalism.

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Nora O'Connor

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsLGBTSelf esteemCoping with life changes
15 years of experience

I’m a licensed clinical social worker in California with 15 years of experience. I support clients through challenges like stress and anxiety, addiction recovery, LGBTQ+ issues, disABILITY, life changes & stressors, relationship dynamics, career exploration, and building self-esteem. Enjoys working with young adults exploring life transitions. My approach is grounded in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Somatic Awareness, and trauma-informed practices. I’m here to guide you on your path to a more fulfilling life.

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Mirna Martinez Serrano

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietyDepressionCoping with life changes
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, & coping with life changes. I practice a problem solving approach to therapy. 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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Cristina Sierra

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietyDepression
4 years of experience

I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in California with over 4 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress, anxiety, relationship issues, 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 sign up for therapy can take courage and I am proud of you for getting started!

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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