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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Jeanette Salinas
I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and a Certified Thanatologist (specialist in grief and loss). I received my master’s degree and LCSW in Sacramento, California over 30 years ago. I have extensive experience working with all types of clients. My specialty is in grief and loss including pet loss, transitions, PTSD and trauma. In addition, I have experience counseling individuals with Bi-Polar Disorder, Major Depressive Disorder, OCD and Borderline Personality Disorder. I have worked with children, adolescents, adults and the elderly. I also provide support and counsel to individuals ones who are caring for their elderly parents or a family member who is terminally ill or chronically ill. I have established stages for moving forward after major life changes that have proven to be successful. I believe that trust and the development of a working relationship with you is the first step in the therapy process. The therapy session will be at your pace. I utilize a variety of approaches including CBT, DBT, Narrative and Solution Focused Therapy. I also supervise ACSW and MFTI's for licensure. I look forward to working with you. Beginning the therapy process can be a leap of faith and feel scary at times. I hope with support I can make this journey a positive one.
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Elias Protopsaltis
I understand how challenging it is to come to therapy and speak of subjects that can bring about fear, anxiety and feelings of being judged. Therapy is the safest of environments to bring up topics that have brought about great pain or arrest in one’s life. My hope for you is that therapy becomes a useful tool to transform your life into how you envision it to be. Life is too short not to be lived out to its fullest potential. By working with you, I hope to collaborate in a transformation process where life goals come to fruition. As your therapist, I am your advocate and will support you in all areas where challenges, obstacles and barriers are encountered. I hope this message finds you well and instills a sense of hope that anything, if one’s mind I put to it, is possible to change for the better. I am Licensed Psychotherapist in the state of California with a focused practice dealing with client trauma. I use a number of treatment modalities from Cognitive Behavioral, Existential to Object Relations therapy to address Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, Depression, Anxiety, Insomnia, grief/loss. I have been providing individual and group therapy services in agency and private practice settings for over 15 years. My educational background consists of an MA in Counseling Psychology from John F. Kennedy University and a BA in Psychology from San Francisco State University.
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Magdalena Orr
All of us need support at different times through our lives. The ability to see this and ask for help is a powerful statement of owns health. My intention is to create safe and compassionate space for each individual to examine their life experiences and support them as they embark on a journey toward self discovery and wellness. As a therapist for 20 years I worked with individuals, youth and couples dealing with wide range of issues such as: stress, anxiety, depression, grief, life transitions, parenting and more. My approach is holistic and I utilize variety of therapeutic modalities (CBT, ACT, Client centered, Psychodynamic, Mindfulness) to help access your strengths, trust your own personal inner guidance to lead you through difficult times. My goal is to work side by side with you and support you in discovering new ways of being, challenging old beliefs and rules that no longer serve you.
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Melissa Taylor
I am licensed in California with 4 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, bipolar disorder, & depression. My intention is to help you discover what is right with you not what is wrong with you. My approach is holistic, focusing on the mind and body. Through a combination of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, and mindfulness I help you move toward your goals. My work is gentle and compassionate, meeting you where you are. If you desire change and healing in areas of your life, it would be a privilege to work together.
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Dr. Cheryl Mims
I am licensed in California with 30 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, coping with grief and loss, & bipolar disorder. 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.

Susan DeHaan
I'm a LIcensed Clinical Social Worker with over thirty years experience working in a variety of counseling settings and hospitals with adults, children and families who are experiencing a wide range of issues and problems. During our first meeting, you can expect a brief review of information you've already provided about your personal history and current circumstances and to discuss your reasons for seeking counseling along with the goals you'd like to achieve (if known). Based on the information you provide, we'll develope an agreed upon strategy for obtaining these goals. In addtion, most of the time, at the end of our first meeting, I can give you an estimate of the number of meetings it will take to get there. I have Bachelor's Degress in Psychology and Sociology and a Master's Degree in Social Work. I have taught in my profession at the undergraduate and graduate levels, am an approved Clinical Intern Supervisor and have been a fully licensed clinician for decades. I strive to assist all those who work with me in resolving the issues that have brought them to counseling to ensure they feel benefited by the experience.
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Kathryn (Katie) Mason
I am licensed in California with 17 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, trauma and abuse, & depression. I am also trained in EMDR protocol. 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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Thomas May
I am a licensed Clinical Social Worker in California with over 40 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with health and disability changes as well as coping with grief and loss. My experience also includes working with clients with relationship and family changes and conflicts. I have enjoyed helping my clients with employment issues and work changes along with finding what motivates you. 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. Making changes or looking at yourself 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.

Dr. Heidi Stark-Bank
I am licensed in California with 20 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress, anxiety, coping with grief, coping with loss, sleeping disorders, and 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. Taking the first step to seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process.

Bobbie Paul
I am licensed in California with 32 years of professional work experience. I have training and experience helping clients with stress, anxiety, relationship issues, trauma, abuse, depression and 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 seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process. I am confident we can develop the necessary tools so you can prevail over your current challenges and achieve your goals. If you wish to know more about my approach to therapy visit my website at https://www.bobbiejpaul.com.
How can a counselor support you?
Therapists 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 CA, and one out of five Americans has a mental health condition. Searching for local licensed professionals 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 a BetterHelp therapist does not offer diagnostic or medication management services.
Why do people choose to work 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, BetterHelp can match you with a licensed professional tailored to your preferences noted when you sign up.
The mental health therapists in California support clients with varying issues through therapy, such as:
- 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 to contact in a crisis
If you are experiencing a crisis or emergency, don't use the BetterHelp site. 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 feature
- 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 of the most commonly asked questions about therapy can be found in the section 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.
When should I get a therapist in California?
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 can allow clients seeking therapy to experience professional help through video, phone, or live chat sessions without commuting to an office.
Does insurance cover the cost of 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 the safe option?
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
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- Anaheim, CA
- Santa Ana, CA
- Riverside, CA
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