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.
Marjorie Fagan
I would like to, first of all, congratulate you on taking the first step toward getting the support you need right now! My name is Marjorie, and I live in sunny Southern California with my partner John, of many years, my three cats, three dogs, and tortoise (who is currently hibernating)...don't we all wish we could do that at times? I have had the privilege of being a 'helper' for almost 13 years now...time really does fly! And, that is another reason for congratulating yourself for seeking help. Time is of the essence! I want to help you work through issues that are holding you back from being your true authentic self! Issues, or struggles that are too big or overwhelming to solve on your own. I know that I am not a fixer, and I don't have all the answers, although I might have a suggestion or two. I have worked in a variety of clinical settings over the years, and with many ethnic populations. I also have Certifications in the Trauma Resiliency Model, Mindfulness Meditation, Play Therapy with Children, and Alcohol and other Drug Counseling! I love what I do and consider it an honor to collaborate, and help you resolve whatever it might be that is holding you back..keeping you stuck! I look forward to working with you!
Melissa Hummelt
Welcome! As your potential therapist, I would like you to know that I really value the relationship that we create together in therapy. Before we have a chance to meet or if you want to have a better understanding of who I am, I have included some information about myself so you can decide if we might be a good fit. Having an open and trusting relationship is very important in making the most of our time together and getting the support you need. I completed my master's degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at Marquette University. I have been in the mental health field for over 13 years, and I have enjoyed using my training as a licensed psychotherapist to help many different people from all walks of life. I have been meeting with clients online for the past 9 years. I am passionate about empowering others, creating awareness around difficult situations, and ultimately supporting people in creating meaningful lives and relationships. I primarily use a cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) framework which means we problem-solve together to understand and change the thoughts, feelings, and behaviors that interfere with your fulfillment and success. I also often incorporate other theories and skills (e.g., mindfulness, psychodynamic, etc.) with the understanding that each person's treatment should be individualized to their specific needs and preferences. Prior clients have shared that they find me to be warm, welcoming, and non-judgmental. I look forward to meeting you!
Tanya Roberts
I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in California with over 20 years of experience working as a therapist in private practice. I have worked with a wide variety of clients, ages 8 to 80, who struggle with depression, anxiety, stress, relationship issues, and trauma. My therapy style is warm and interactive. At times, I may utilize humor to highlight a concern, at other times I may be more directive. I believe in treating everyone with respect, sensitivity and compassion. I utilize a cognitive behavioral approach to therapy while incorporating natural and holistic styles in treatment. I also believe in matching the treatment style to the person and not the person to the treatment style. It takes courage to take steps towards change. I am here to listen and offer my support and guidance every step of the way. I have availability for Better Help on Mondays and Fridays. Please note that I do my best to return messages at least once a day, however if I am in session or Tuesday-Thursday when I am working in person it may take me several hours or until the evening time to return messages.
Phillip Deming
I am licensed in California with 20 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, & coping with grief and loss, as well assisting families dealing with the impact of chronic physical or mental conditions. 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. For those clients who desire to incorporate their supportive spiritual beliefs into the healing process, I am extremely comfortable in doing so. I respect the positive nature of an individual's faith without imposing any external beliefs. I also am very comfortable and experienced in assisting members of the military and their families.
Cheri Williams
I am licensed in California with 14 plus years of professional work experience. I specialize in in helping clients with anxiety, stress and depression as well as parenting issues, motivation, self-esteem, confidence and Autism. I also have experience and expertise in treating couples to repair trust, improve communication, and strengthen emotional intimacy. Additionally, I have an understanding of Christian faith-based issues and am committed to providing a compassionate, holistic approach that integrates mental health and faith. Whether you're looking for guidance on personal struggles or relational difficulties, I'm here to walk alongside you, offering practical tools and insights to help you find peace and healing Taking the first step to seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process.
Jess Quessenberry
Starting therapy can be a scary thing. For some people they may see it as admitting to being broken or too weak to handle their problems on their own. Others may see therapy as a waste of time or money. In reality we just need help or feel like the world is just too confusing and scary to understand or cope with. That makes total sense if we stop and look at the world around us. Sometimes life hits us so hard that we don't know what to do next. And I am here to help you figure it out along the way. Quick facts about me: My chosen name is Jess (my name right now has to match my professional license on here) 33 years old, Married, I have 2 young children. Non-binary transfemme she/they Trauma and Abuse History Autistic/ADHD My own style of counseling is more casual and I tend to use humor quite a bit. There is nothing you could do or say to shock or offend me; so don't worry about that and use what ever language you like.
Jude Patton
I am an older out/open/proud transgender man. I have expertise and extensive experience in serving transgender, non-binary, and gender non-conforming clients. I prefer to serve my own community members but do not discriminate toward others. I am licensed as a therapist in Washington state, as both a Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) and as a Mental Health Counselor (LMHC), with 43 years of professional counseling experience. My professional background also includes having worked as a Psychiatric Physician Associate for 41 years. Before my career in human medicine and mental health, I worked for 20+ years as a Veterinary Medical Assistant and understand the value of animal companions and of the natural environment in supporting healthy living. I have experience in treating clients who have ADHD, an autism spectrum disorder, chronic pain/chronic illness and/or end-of-life concerns, sleeping disorders, anxiety, PTSD, and depression. I believe that you are the expert on your own story and that you have many strengths that will assist you in overcoming things that challenge you. Making the first step to sign up for therapy can take courage and I am proud of you for getting started. I am looking forward to working with you to find solutions to reach your goals in therapy.
Patricia Pena
I am a bilingual (Sp/Eng) clinician 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 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!
Dr. Cynthia Curnan
About Dr Cynthia Before I went to school to become a psychotherapist, I was a teacher of Inner Guidance. I also taught the curriculum to become a teacher of Inner Guidance. We all have powerful internal senses that we tend to neglect: intuition, insight, instinct, imagination and deeper intelligence that grows sharper the more we use it. Too often, our personal growth becomes confined at the surface of ourselves by the effects of childhood trauma and how we’re raised. Sometimes we don’t know there is so much more to us. Once we develop accurate self-knowledge and learn what part of us is doing our thinking and making our decisions, then self mastery is within reach. I help people unravel their personal predicaments and develop self mastery. Once we become more greatly empowered - we are equipped to know what we want in life and how to manifest it. I received my CA license (lmft2980) in 1992, received my PhD in psychology in 1996. I wrote/published a book, “The Care and Feeding of Perfectionists “, 1998. Often we spot perfectionism in others but cannot recognize it ourselves. Many of us believe the Perfectionist is the best part of us, when really, it prevents us from liking ourselves. Each of us have at least 2 types of perfectionism (9 types in my book). If not neutralized, it blocks our growth by convincing us that we are not good enough. I help people replace perfectionism with a free internal Gift. The inner drive toward Excellence- which springs from the Self - is a beautiful world away from the pain of perfectionism- which is a push from a wounded ego. Once we connect to our Inner Self, we see ourselves and our world as it really is. Then life, healing and accomplishments can become wondrous easy. Methods I use besides talk therapy: Identifying and healing trauma Conscious breathing Dream analysis Focused meditation Inner Guidance Inner Child work The necessity for humor. EMDR (eye movement desensitization and reprogramming.) FLASH (offshoot of EMDR) Interactive hypnotherapy Developing self knowledge Dismantling perfectionism Becoming present and living in the moment Accepting personal power Goal setting Couples Counseling
Jennifer Greene
I am licensed in California with 12 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, motivation, self esteem, and confidence, 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. 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.
Megan Curtis
Welcome! My name is Megan and I am a licensed psychotherapist based in California. ***I am currently ONLY available for Live Chat sessions on the BetterHelp platform*** I'm a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor (LPCC) based in California with a deep passion for psychology and clinical mental health counseling. My journey in this field began with an undergraduate focus on personality psychology, biopsychology, and human sexuality. I then advanced my education with graduate coursework emphasizing general clinical mental health treatment and neuropsychology. As an extremely open-minded individual, I adopt a person-centered approach to therapy. I believe in meeting clients where they are and recognizing that each person is the expert of their own life. My role is to guide and support you through the therapeutic process. I am dedicated to serving each client to the best of my ability, focusing on psychoeducation and utilizing various therapeutic approaches to find the best fit for your needs. One of my core methods is Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), an evidence-based treatment recognized for its effectiveness in addressing issues such as depression, anxiety, trauma, and abuse. As a certified CBT practitioner, I help clients identify and change thought patterns that contribute to negative emotions, fostering healing and growth. I understand that finding the right therapist is a personal journey, and trust is essential. I approach each new client with the intention of building that trust and ensuring you feel safe and supported. If I'm not the right fit for you, I will do everything I can to help you find a therapist who is. I look forward to Live Chatting with you soon and supporting your journey toward mental well-being!
Obdulia Hernandez
I am licensed in California with 5 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress, anxiety, coping with grief, coping with loss, 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!
Robert Marzio
I am licensed in California with 10 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress, anxiety, relationship issues, anger management, motivation, self esteem, & confidence. I also have experience working with 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.
Frances Bennett
I am licensed in California with 5 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress, anxiety, family conflicts, coping with grief, coping with loss, motivation, self esteem, & confidence. 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 sign up for therapy can take courage and I am proud of you for getting started!
Karen Weeks
I am licensed in California with 14 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress, anxiety, relationship issues, parenting issues, & 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:
- 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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- Fresno, CA
- Sacramento, CA
- Long Beach, CA
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- Bakersfield, CA
- Anaheim, CA
- Santa Ana, CA
- Riverside, CA
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