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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Tara Tobin

Offering therapy in California
License: MA,LMFT
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesDepressionADHD
19 years of experience

Hello, my name is Rhiannon (I go by my middle name). I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) in California. I have been providing therapy since 2005, primarily working with children, adolescents, parents, families, and couples. I specialize in helping children, teens, and young adults dealing with anxiety, depression, and attention difficulties as well as assisting parents with skills to help their children develop emotionally, academically, and socially. My passion is to help all ages learn effective coping strategies to manage challenges related to focus, anxiety, depression, and anger/aggression. Another strong focus of my practice is with couples and the various relationships in our lives. Here, learning and mastering positive and effective communication and problem-solving skills is key to creating supportive partnerships and increasing our quality of life. Originally from New York, I obtained my Bachelor’s degree in Psychology with a Minor in Studio Art in Baltimore, Maryland, and then obtained my Master’s degree in Marital and Family Therapy with a concentration in Art Therapy from Loyola Marymount University in Los Angeles, California. I utilize interventions from cognitive-behavioral therapy, solution-focused therapy, family systems theory, art therapy, and mindfulness practices. These approaches support the processes of increasing awareness of our thoughts, feelings, and behaviors, developing more effective strategies/skills to make changes and reach personal goals, and ultimately lead to a sense of feeling more balanced and satisfied with our lives. I believe that in order for the therapeutic process to be successful, we will focus on your strengths and you being the “expert” in your life. As a facilitator of growth and awareness, I look forward to working with you!

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Elizabeth Lee

Offering therapy in California
License: MA, LMFT
AddictionsRelationship issuesFamily conflictsTrauma and abuseSelf esteem
22 years of experience

Elizabeth Johnson Lee MA, LMFT Hi, I’m Liz. Are you feeling anxious, depressed, and angry or having trouble in your relationships? I’m here to help! I’m a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, and my area of expertise is in helping people develop a better relationship with themselves and with the world. I provide encouragement, support and validation with a nonjudgmental and accepting, empathetic and compassionate style, with an emphasis on what’s needed most to help you. I am good at seeing patterns in people’s lives and in bringing them to their awareness so that they can learn from them. Some patterns you may want to change, but others may be hidden strengths, talents and other assets that you can use to empower yourself and improve your life. I also use paradoxical approaches to help you flip weaknesses and painful experiences into strengths and benefits. I am experienced in teaching communication skills to help you improve your relationships in all areas of your life. By combining an exploration of your past relationships with a focus on the here-and-now, I can guide you in seeing how the past has affected you and how you can make changes in the present to transform your life. I received my Masters degree in Clinical Psychology from Antioch University in 1988 and my Marriage and Family Therapist license in 1998. I have worked with survivors of rape, incest, domestic abuse and other traumas, family problems, relationship issues, parenting issues, grief and loss, addiction, LGBTQ+ issues, anxiety, depression, suicidality, psychosis, personality disorders, inter-faith spiritual issues and more. I use an eclectic style to tailor my approach to the needs of each client. I also use a whole-person approach to address the person from a mind, body, and spirit perspective. I look forward to working with you. Let’s get started! Specialties: Anxiety Depression Suicidal thinking Sexual assault Trauma Domestic abuse Addiction Communication skills Relationship issues Years of experience 22

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Virginia Ballantyne

Offering therapy in California
License: MSW,LCSW
Relationship issuesTrauma and abuseCareer difficultiesDepressionCoping with life changes
12 years of experience

PLEASE NOTE: If this is an emergency, call 9-1-1. I generally check messages here a few times per day and will respond as quickly as I can. I am currently accepting new clients who RESIDE IN CALIFORNIA. I am available for sessions BY PHONE, VIDEO or LIVE CHAT. Hello and Welcome! Let me introduce myself. I am Virginia A. Ballantyne, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW #98267). I identify as a bi-racial woman and my pronouns are She/Her. My specialties include working with people who have experienced intimate partner violence, trauma/PTSD, anxiety and depression, or grew up in an environment where they were negatively impacted by a family member's substance use or mental illness. I have received training in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, as well as Solution Focused Therapy. I practice from a strengths-based, client-centered approach that focuses on empowering each person to access their inner wisdom and move toward mental wellness. My counseling style is non-judgmental and my theoretical orientation is best described as humanistic/eclectic and unique to each person’s situation and background. I provide a sex positive environment where issues around sexual intimacy, sexual identity, and sexual desires can be discussed without judgement. I consider myself to be an LGBTQ+ affirming therapist and an ally for LGBTQ+ individuals and sexual/gender minorities. I have many years of experience working with a variety of disadvantaged populations through work in both non-profit and county services. I value social justice, authenticity, and each person’s right to self-determination. I will provide you with support, help you consider different perspectives, and we will work together as a team to help you develop new skills to help you manage stressors and live your best life! Are you ready to get started? Let’s connect. I look forward to working with you.

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Andrea Stocker

Offering therapy in California
License: LCSW
Relationship issuesAnger managementDepressionCoping with life changesADHD
10 years of experience

I am an LCSW in California with almost 10 years of experience in social services. I have worked in a group home, homeless services, housing, in a prison and in a community heath setting, which has given me varied perception and varied experience. I also have experience working with older adults. I am sex positive and comfortable working with people in alternative relationships, the the LGBTQ+ community, as well as the BDSM community. I have extensive experience working with depression, anger management, and anxiety. I also work with people with eating disorders and follow the Heath at Every Size model. I believe in a whole person and client centered approach to mental health.

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Lisa Smith

Offering therapy in California
Family conflictsTrauma and abuseGriefDepressionCoaching
5 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 15 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with family conflicts, trauma and abuse, coping with grief and loss, & 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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Genesis Goma

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietySelf esteemDepressionCoping with life changesADHD
8 years of experience

I am a therapist licensed in California with 8 years of experience working as a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT). I have worked with clients with a wide range of concerns including depression, anxiety, stress, motivation, ADHD, and autism. I have an undergraduate degree in Psychology from Pepperdine University and masters degree in Marriage and Family Therapy from University of Southern California. My therapy style is warm and interactive. I believe in treating anyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion, and I do not believe in stigmatizing labels. My approach combines cognitive-behavioral and humanistic. 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 and empower you in that journey. I look forward to working with you!

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Kathy-Ann Dougan

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesGriefSelf esteemCoping with life changes
10 years of experience

I am licensed in California with three decades of professional work experience with 10 of those years as a licensed therapist helping clients with stress, anxiety, relationship problems, self esteem, confidence issues, and coping with grief and loss. In an open and safe environment 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 change. I am here to support you in that process.

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Louise Hoff

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesGriefParenting issuesCoping with life changes
36 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 36 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress, anxiety, relationship issues, coping with grief, coping with loss, & parenting issues. 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. 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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Johanna Paz

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

I am licensed in California with 6 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress, anxiety, trauma, abuse, motivation, self esteem, confidence, & 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.

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Wanda McWhirter

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietyFamily conflictsParenting issuesSelf esteemCoping with life changes
20 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 25 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress, anxiety, family conflicts, parenting issues, motivation, self esteem & confidence and 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. Taking the first step to seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process.

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.
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