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.
Jessica Ortiz
Hello, my name is Jessica Ortiz. I am a licensed Marriage and Family therapist with over 16 years of experience. I am licensed in the states of California and Texas. I received my Masters in Psychology from Antioch University in 2008. I have experience working with a diverse population of clients with a wide range of clinical problems including: depression, anxiety, individual psychological problems, marital problems, and child-parent problems. I work with adults, couples, adolescents, children and families. My goal is to help you resolve issues in your life in order for you live a healthier and happier one. I like to use cognitive and behavioral approaches to help my clients achieve their goals quicker and within a specified time. I am trained in several modalities in therapy and will adjust my approach to my client needs. I’m here to help you resolve any issues that you are finding difficult to figure out on your own. I can provide suggestions and insight, but ultimately my goal is to empower you to feel confident in making decisions that are right for you. I am ready to help.
Yolanda Batres-Espinoza
Welcome! My name is Yolanda Batres-Espinoza, and I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. I received my Master of Science in Marriage and Family Therapy at Fuller Theological Seminary with an emphasis in Medical Family Therapy. I developed my passion for psychotherapy at the age of eight when I first had a therapist of my own. From then on, I was determined to become a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and help others as I was helped during my youth. I am an LGBTQIA+ affirmative therapist and a member of the community. My career began with working in community mental health agencies and providing mental health services to individuals and families from underserved communities within East Los Angeles. I have helped many families break through the stigma of therapy, and I have experience in treating diverse individuals and families living with trauma, depression, anxiety, and many other issues. I am certified in Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. I believe therapy gives us the tools to take control of our lives, and I would love to work together with you to help provide the tools you need to take control of your life. I provide therapy in both English and Spanish, and I provide therapy to individuals and families from age 12 and up.
Dr. Carlyn Werderman
I completed my Master's and Doctoral degrees at the California School of Professional Psychology at Alliant International University in Los Angeles. I offer my clients an individualized, empowering, values-based, and solution-focused therapeutic approach, which derive from several therapeutic approaches, such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Dialectical-Behavioral Therapy, Schema Therapy, and Motivational Interviewing. My previous clinical experience includes working with children, families, and adults in school, outpatient/community mental health, and residential treatment settings. I specialize in working with those who experience mood disorders, anxiety, trauma, anger, chronic pain, substance use, relationship, sexual health, and LGBT-related issues. I also specialize in working with high-conflict families, parental alienation and family reunification cases. I look forward to getting to know more about you and see if we are a good fit!
Julia Westney
I am a family and marriage therapist licensed in California with almost 20 years of experience working as a psychotherapist and eating disorder specialist. I have worked with clients with a wide range of concerns including depression, anxiety, relationship issues, parenting problems, career challenges, postpartum depression, and food and body issues. I also helped many people who are experiencing grief, loss and life transitions. My therapy style is warm and interactive. I believe in treating everyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion, and I don't believe in stigmatizing labels. My approach combines cognitive-behavioral, humanistic, psychodynamic and rational-emotive therapy. I will tailor our dialog and treatment plan to meet your unique and specific needs. It takes courage to seek a more fulfilling and happier life and to take the first steps towards change. If you are ready to take that step, I am here to support and empower you. I look forward to working with you!
Bianca Bannerman
I am licensed in California with 6 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, coping with grief and loss, & anger management. 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.
Jamie Pereira
I am licensed in California with 20 years of professional work experience in the mental health field, medical field and 5 years as a Clinical social worker. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, coping with addictions, coping with grief and loss, mood disorders, trauma, & PTSD. I also specialize in post partum depression, coping and adapting to complex medical diagnosis and co-occurring 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.
Janet Plankenhorn
I am licensed in California with 12 years of professional work experience. My areas of interest include, family or relational conflict, young adults, grief, life transitions, anxiety, depression and women's issues. I would love to help you start the process of healing. I can help you identify patterns in your life that may not be helpful anymore. 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!
Laura Moore
I knew from a young age that I wanted to be in a profession where I could help others. I have been blessed for over 20 years to work with adult of all ages, children, adolescents and families who want to make positive changes and live a happier and more fulfilling life. I want to walk this journey with you. I am a LCSW (Licensed Clinical Social Worker) in Florida with over 20 years expereince working with a wide range of concerns depression, anxiety, relationship issues, parenting problems, career challenges, self-esteem, trauma and abuse, ADHD, Autism, health issues and grief and loss. I am skilled in multiple therapeatic modalitie, Trauma and Loss Clinical Specialist and a Certified Autism Spectrum Disorder Specialist. As a counselor my goal is to provide you with a safe and supportive space where you can face issues you are experiencing and explore different ways of positively dealing with them. I will be your listening ear, cheer leader and emotioal support. Making the decision to start counseling is not an easy one, but often is one of the best decisions anyone can make. I look forward to working with you and walking this journey with you.
Audrey Teshima
I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in California with over 12 years of professional clinical work experience. Additionally, I have extensive experience as a public school teacher. My clinical experience ranges across a variety of treatment settings including private practice, community mental health/substance abuse clinics, and in the elementary, middle and high school environment. I specialize in family conflicts, relationship struggles, parenting/co-parenting issues, self esteem and confidence, and vocational & career difficulties. While integrating Biblically based Christian principles, and with gentle balance and guidance, I will walk with you through your areas of concern as you process the vast array of emotions attached to the issues. Together, we will work toward a solution that is focused on your strengths to create a more resourceful, resilient, hope-filled life worth living.
Meredith Craig
I am licensed in California with 24 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, & coping with grief and loss. 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.
Sheretta 'Sheretha' Lee
I am licensed in California with 15 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 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!
Aya Okumura
I am licensed in California with over 20 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, & 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. *Please note that if you are in need of a counselor to write official documentation for disability, Social Security, FMLA, parole officers, courts of law, or employers, I do not offer this service to clients.
Amanda Birescik
I am licensed in California with 9 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 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!
Quinesha Gatlin
I am licensed in California with 11 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with coping with grief, loss, motivation, ambivalence & coping with life changes. I also have experience working with compassion fatigue. 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!
Karen Rugama
The field of psychology is my passion. My professional journey began even before graduate school, and I've since honed my clinical skills in various therapeutic settings. Over the years, I've engaged in numerous roles within mental health, providing me with a comprehensive understanding of the field. My experience includes helping clients with stress, anxiety, trauma, abuse, parenting issues, and navigating life changes. I'm eager to continue offering services to those seeking change in their lives. I deeply respect the courage it takes to reach out for help, and I admire your ability to do so.
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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- San Francisco, CA
- Fresno, CA
- Sacramento, CA
- Long Beach, CA
- Oakland, CA
- Bakersfield, CA
- Anaheim, CA
- Santa Ana, CA
- Riverside, CA
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