Finding a therapist in California can be challenging. Even in some of the biggest California cities, concerns about cost or a lack of available providers can make finding an in-person therapist 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. From young adults needing help managing ADHD to seniors struggling to heal from past events, therapists can help adults of any age navigate the challenges in their lives and learn 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.

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Jesse Moon

Offering therapy in California
License: MA, LMFT,LMFT
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsRelationship issuesTrauma and abuseParenting issues
11 years of experience

I am a licensed Marriage Family Therapist in California. This includes the treatment of individuals. I have experience as a practicing psychotherapist and Life Coach. I treat anxiety, depression,post traumatic stress, sexuality, marriage/ relationship issues, stress, addictions, self esteem, career issues and a desire to increase your sense of happiness,well being and personal growth. I have expertise in Anger Management.. My approach is a combination of a humanistic strength based approach as well as cognitive behavioral therapy. In addition I am particularly sensitive to the needs of partners and families of those suffering with addictions and Adult Children of Addicts., ACA's. Treating adults whose parents or partners have significant personality disorders Such as narcissism or borderlines I believe that counseling is an interactive process and needs to be tailored to your particular needs.. I provide a warm, safe space for you to talk about your life and receive support and validation You respond at your own timing and schedule. It takes courage to reach out and take the first steps toward change and inner fullfillment. I am here to support and empower you. I will also provide practical suggestions that can aid you in bettering your circumstances . I look forward to working with you!

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Martina Cisneros

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesTrauma and abuseIntimacy-related issuesDepression
21 years of experience

I am licensed in Texas and California with 19 years of clinical work experience. I have assisted clients with grief/loss, relationship issues, trauma, abuse, stress, anxiety & 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. When I am not helping others I enjoy gardening, skiing, traveling, cooking, music, exploring new cultures, reading, kayaking and spending time with friends and family.

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Dr. Paula Alvarez

Offering therapy in California
License: EdD,LCSW,MBA
Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseAnger managementBipolar disorderDepression
30 years of experience

Greetings! I am a licensed clinical social worker (LCSW) in the states of California, Illinois, and Missouri, and I have a doctorate in Organizational Psychology. I have worked in locked and outpatient mental health facilities for the last 30 years. I facilitated group treatment of domestic violence perpetrators in Spanish and English for eight years. I specialize in treating trauma-related symptoms, anxiety and depression, anger management, geriatric well-being, mental health recovery, cultural diversity issues, and self-esteem issues. My doctorate degree (EdD) In Leadership and Learning with a specialization in Organizational Psychology was conferred on May 27, 2021. I use a client-centered approach (Carl Rogers), and I know that the client is the expert. I tailor my therapy sessions to what the client wants. I used cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) with those who like CBT interventions. I offer homework assignments and bibliotherapy for those clients who want those interventions. I also use Brief-Solution Focused Therapy, Trauma-Informed Therapy, and Motivational Interviewing techniques. I invite you to contact me to see if I am a good fit to help and empower you on your journey to better living.

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Erlynn Cabarles

Offering therapy in California
License: MSW,LCSW
Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseGriefDepressionADHD
28 years of experience

Hello and thank you for having enough courage and honesty to take the first big step. My name is Erlynn and I have a Master’s in Social Work, concentration in Individuals, Families and Groups from San Francisco. I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in the state of California since 2015. I received a BA in Psychology, emphasis in Clinical and Developmental Psychology from Santa Cruz. I have 20 plus years of experience in the mental health field. I have worked across a continuum of care from residential, sub-acute day treatment programs, and hospitals focusing on mental health issues, probation, relationship issues, trauma and abuse, family dynamics and conflicts. I have experience working with infants/toddlers, children, adolescents, young adults, people with disabilities, and the elderly. I believe that the first step of healing is self-discovery and the development of personal goals to overcome challenges. My intentions are to instill hope and inspiration and to empower you to be able to move on to a more fulfilling life. Remember that You are resilient and determined to change for the positive. My purpose is to provide a safe space and non-judgmental environment. If you’re ready, I’ll be here to support you!

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Howard Acosta

Offering therapy in California
License: LCSW
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsLGBTParenting issuesAnger management
24 years of experience

HELLO! Feeling stuck? We live in challenging times and relief doesn't seem fast enough these days. I've been there, I've been counseling 24+ years and I know what works and what works fast. My job as a licensed psychotherapist is to get you in-and-out as soon as possible and to ensure you learn what works by teaching you up-front, rapid, science-based coping methods and strategies that work to quickly move you towards more relaxation, self-control and/or joy as fast as possible. In fact I've written books about it titled "UCoping" and "UCoping: Interactive Edition" available on Amazon. The methods in UCoping are the methods I use in treatment. They CUT TO THE CHASE, without all the PSYCHOBABBLE and instead teach you how to RAPIDLY use science-based coping correctly. Then I teach how to CRYSTALIZE the methods for life in as short of an amount of sessions as possible—usually 1-5 sessions. After then we can triage for transition to long-term therapy if needed! This is how I practice in treatment. It all comes through an active faith, being a licensed therapist and through the academics of clinical psychotherapy. I treat anxiety, depression, sexual identity distress (not sex addiction) with co-occurring drug/alcohol issues, as applicable. I also treat symptoms of anger management and psychosis (not personality disorders) and provide parenting psychoeducation. I teach clients how to turn evidence-based coping methods into habits for life! I add faith, spiritual and/or religious discussions as needed in a style that is calm, warm and compassionate. I mostly use Cognitive/Behavioral Therapy (CBT), some Motivational Interviewing (MI) and Solution-Focused Treatment (SFT) to name a few. Let's get started working together to get you unstuck fast for life!

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Janelle Alexander

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesTrauma and abuseSelf esteemDepression
20 years of experience

I am licensed clinician in California and Florida with over 20 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress, anxiety, relationship issues, trauma, PTSD, abuse, motivation, empowerment, self esteem, and confidence. I believe in treating everyone with respect and dignity. Showing compassion and being sensitive to each other is also important. My therapeutic approach is of an eclectic style which means i use different treatment modalities while we work together. Taking the first step to sign up for therapy can take courage and I commend you for getting started!

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Roya Haghighat

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesTrauma and abuseDepression
11 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 11 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, & trauma and abuse. 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. 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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Andrea Plate

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsCareer difficultiesCoping with life changesCompassion fatigue
18 years of experience

I am licensed in California, with 18 years of professional work experience. For nearly 15 years I ran a residential substance abuse treatment program within the West Los Angeles Department of Veterans Affairs, serving those suffering from homelessness and chronic mental illness. Now working with individuals in the population at large, I do my best to help clients cope with: anxiety, personal and professional setbacks, addiction, major life changes, relationship conflicts and career concerns. I also refine and enhance my practice through teaching social welfare and addiction at a major West Los Angeles university. 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.

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Abbe Goodman

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesEating disordersSelf esteemDepression
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, eating disorders, motivation, self esteem, and confidence. I work with patients of all ages, including children, teens, seniors and families to positively create an open and safe environment where thoughts and feelings can be shared without fear of judgment. Let me further emphasize that the adolescent population can freely discuss feelings and situations with me. I encourage you to take the first step towards seeking a more fulfilling and happier life which takes courage. I emphasize that I am here to support you in that process.

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Yolanda Robles

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesSelf esteemDepression
21 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 21 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, & motivation, self esteem, and 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 seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process.

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Tiffany Whittington

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsTrauma and abuseSelf 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 addictions, trauma and abuse, & motivation, self esteem, and confidence. 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.

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Xiaoying 'Sharon' Qi

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietyParenting issuesSelf esteemCareer difficultiesADHD
6 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 6 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, parenting issues, motivation, self esteem, and confidence, & career difficulties. 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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Michael Edward Quackenbush

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsTrauma and abuseGriefDepression
28 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 28 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress, anxiety, coping with addictions, trauma, abuse, coping with grief, & coping with loss. 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.

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Tucker Cannon

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietyFamily conflictsParenting issuesSelf esteemDepression
20 years of experience

I’m Tucker Cannon, a licensed psychotherapist here to guide you through life’s most complex and difficult matters. I truly care about my patients’ well-being and promise a commitment to high quality therapy and consultation services individualized to your unique needs. Throughout my career, I have provided a wide range of therapeutic services to children, families, individuals, schools and agencies. Growth toward one's well-being is my number one priority, and I go above and beyond to help each client overcome the obstacles that lead to the pursuit of personal and familial happiness. Get in touch with me today for more information.

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 BetterHelp therapists in California does not offer diagnostic or medication management services in therapy.

Why do people choose to work with a licensed counselor or therapists?

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, working with:

  • Challenging situations or life stressors
  • Eating disorders requiring therapy
  • Anxiety disorders in need of therapeutic support
  • Depression or depressive mental health conditions
  • Adjustment issues in need of therapeutic support
  • Emotional support for a terminal illness
  • Chronic pain emotional support
  • Grief therapy
  • Personality disorders
  • Trauma therapy
  • Relationship conflicts and mental health concerns

Finding a therapist in California 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 therapy site. If you are in life-threatening danger, call 911. If you require support for a crisis, reach out to the therapy 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 therapy with a licensed therapist cost?

Mental health professionals can differ in price. Forbes found that the average cost of in-person California therapy in the US is around $100 to $200 per hour. Pricing can also vary based on your location. 

BetterHelp offers payment plans of $65 to $100 per week. 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.

Is it possible to find a therapist, counselor, or psychology practitioner that offers affordable therapy?

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.

What can a psychologist help me with in therapy?

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 in-person or online therapy with a therapist in California?

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.

Are online therapy sessions 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.
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