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.

This is Mara Bruckner's avatar and link to their profile

Mara Bruckner

Offering therapy in California
License: M.A.,L.M.F.T.
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesFamily conflictsIntimacy-related issuesDepression
22 years of experience

I am a licensed Marriage & Family Counselor in Southern California with over 22 years of experience working in private practice and county and state funded agencies that offer behavior therapy to young children, teens and adults diagnosed with autistic spectrum disorder. Treatment included play therapy, ABA, social skills groups and guidance for parents. In private practice, I have a great deal of experience with teens and adults with Asperger’s or high functioning autism, as well as teens and adults with anxiety, depression and other disorders associated with adolescence. I also work with adults of any age. I have been certified in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, which is an evidence-based approach that is very effective for numerous problems and disorders including depression, anxiety, phobias, OCD and relationship issues. My counseling style is warm and interactive with some humor inserted at strategic times. I strongly believe that a sense of humor and the ability to laugh does wonders toward lightening the perception of many “heavy” issues. I treat all clients with respect, and can tailor my treatment approach to each individual client’s needs. I use any appropriate combination of cognitive behavioral, psychodynamic, solution-focused and client centered therapy, and I believe in taking a collaborative approach with my clients, allowing them to participate more actively in their sessions. I am greatly looking forward to working with YOU!

This is Brian VanBrakle's avatar and link to their profile

Brian VanBrakle

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietyFamily conflictsTrauma and abuseGriefSelf esteem
10 years of experience

Hi, I am Brian VanBrakle, I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in California with over 10 years of experience helping people navigate difficult life situations. I have worked with people with a wide range of concerns and issues including depression, relationship issues, parent/child conflicts, and anxiety. I have helped many people who have experienced trauma and emotional abuse. My counseling style is warm and interactive. I believe in treating people with respect, sensitivity and compassion. My approach combines cognitive-behavioral and solution focused. I will utilize a unique toolbox and treatment approach to meet your specific needs and concerns. It takes strength and courage creating a more fulfilling and meaning life. If you are ready to take those steps I am here to support and empower you. I look forward to working with you! Respectfully, BVB.

This is Wandalyn Lane's avatar and link to their profile

Wandalyn Lane

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

I am a family and marriage counselor licensed in California with over 14 years of experience working as a counselor and life coach. I have worked with clients with a wide range of concerns including depression, anxiety, relationship issues, parenting problems, career challenges, OCD and ADHD. I also helped many people who have experienced physical 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, solution-focused. 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! LMFT #111358 (Expires: 2023-01-31)

This is Matthew "Matt" Daues's avatar and link to their profile

Matthew "Matt" Daues

Offering therapy in California
License: LCSW
Stress, AnxietyAnger managementSelf esteemBipolar disorderDepression
25 years of experience

Hi, my name is Matt Daues and I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in the States of Missouri and California. I help others with a variety of issues including anxiety, depression, Bipolar Disorder, Schizophrenia, and older adult issues. My counseling style is pretty laid back. I take a holistic approach to helping individuals which means I take the whole person into consideration including emotional and physical health issues, and social-economic issues. I collaborate with individuals to help you make your own choices and develop your own goals to improved health. I use aspects of Motivational Interviewing, Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy, Mindfulness, Solution-Focused Therapy and relaxation techniques. Mindfulness and meditation exercises can even be done in session. My job as a therapist is to listen to you, help you develop goals and assist you in finding solutions and feeling better.

This is Holly Adema's avatar and link to their profile

Holly Adema

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseSelf esteemDepressionCoping with life changes
14 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 13 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, trauma and abuse, motivation, self esteem, and confidence, & depression. I believe in treating everyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion. I believe humans are resilient and capable of great change. It is my goal to offer an empowering, client-centered approach to therapy that is tailored to meet the needs of each individual. 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.

This is Tiffany Griffin's avatar and link to their profile

Tiffany Griffin

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietyGriefParenting issuesSelf esteemCoping with life changes
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 grief and loss, parenting issues, & motivation, self esteem, and confidence. 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!

This is Ivan Foote's avatar and link to their profile

Ivan Foote

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

I am licensed in California with 22 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, & parenting issues. 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!

This is Shannon Flaherty Gibbons's avatar and link to their profile

Shannon Flaherty Gibbons

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

I am licensed in California with 26 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 seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process.

This is Elsa Busch's avatar and link to their profile

Elsa Busch

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietyEating disordersAnger managementBipolar disorderDepression
25 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 25 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with various anxiety conditions (i.e., Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, Panic Disorder, Social Anxiety Disorder, Generalized Anxiety Disorder, Agoraphobia, Specific Phobias and etc.), eating disorders, anger management, & bipolar disorder. I believe in treating everyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion. I specialize in Cognitive Behavior Therapy and will tailor our treatment plan to also incorporate other modalities (Dialectical Behavior Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, and Mindfulness) 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 and to help you meet your treatment goals.

This is jorge sandoval's avatar and link to their profile

jorge sandoval

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesSelf esteemCareer difficultiesDepression
12 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 12 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress, anxiety, relationship issues, motivation, self esteem, confidence, & career difficulties. 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 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:

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.

In today's fast-paced society, mental well-being has become a cornerstone of a fulfilling life. Amid the daily challenges and stressors that can overwhelm even the most resilient individuals, seeking professional guidance often offers a path to clarity and balance. The journey toward improved emotional health involves understanding personal triggers, embracing self-compassion, and developing effective coping strategies. While self-help books and online resources provide valuable information, nothing compares to the personalized support offered by a qualified mental health professional. One-on-one sessions with experienced experts can help uncover the underlying issues contributing to anxiety, depression, or other emotional hurdles. With a careful and empathetic approach, these professionals tailor their advice to suit individual needs, ensuring that each person receives strategies that work best for their unique circumstances. Whether through cognitive behavioral techniques, mindfulness practices, or other innovative methods, the aim is to foster resilience and empower individuals to take control of their inner lives. For those living in bustling urban centers, engaging in face-to-face sessions in a welcoming environment can be particularly beneficial. Access to a caring clinician provides not only a safe space to explore difficult emotions but also builds a support network essential for long-term recovery. The process encourages self-reflection and greater insight into behavioral patterns that might otherwise go unnoticed. While the journey can be challenging at times, the rewards include enhanced emotional stability, improved interpersonal relationships, and a renewed sense of self-worth. In one notable case, the guidance provided by a highly trained therapist proved instrumental in navigating a tumultuous period. Through structured sessions and tailored interventions, the individual learned to identify stressors and develop healthier responses to adversity. This experience underscored the transformative impact that dedicated support can have on one's overall quality of life. In a region like Texas, community-based initiatives and accessible mental health programs further reinforce the value of professional help. These efforts emphasize early intervention, preventive care, and continuous support, ensuring that more people are equipped to face life's inevitable challenges. Ultimately, investing in mental well-being is an act of self-care that yields lifelong benefits. By embracing professional support, individuals can unlock new levels of emotional resilience and discover pathways to a brighter, more balanced future. Each step taken toward healing represents a commitment to personal growth, enabling a life filled with renewed optimism and strength. Embracing this transformative journey consistently paves the way for deeper understanding, lasting peace, and meaningful personal progress.
Find the right therapist for your needs
Match with a qualified therapist