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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Karen Fincher

Offering therapy in California
License: MA, MAC,LMFT
Stress, AnxietyParenting issuesAnger managementCoping with life changesCoaching
15 years of experience

I am a marriage and family therapist licensed in California. I have been working in the mental health field for many years now focusing on supporting individuals, couples, and families with overcoming various challenges and reclaiming quality of life. I have worked with clients with a wide range of challenges including addictions, anger, anxiety, depression, stress, relationship issues, parenting, and family conflict. I have also helped people with emotional and physical trauma. My counseling style is warm, interactive, and empathetic. I believe in treating everyone with respect, sensitivity, compassion, and being non-judgmental. My interactive approach combines cognitive-behavioral, solution focused, and family therapy modalities with a focus on acceptance and unconditional positive regard. I will work with you to identify your strengths and tailor treatment to your specific needs. It takes courage to acknowledge a need for change, and begin to work toward a more fulfilling and happier life. If you are ready to take that first step, I am here to support and empower you. I look forward to working with you! "No matter what people tell you, words and ideas can change the world." - Robin Williams

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Aileen Stein

Offering therapy in California
License: LCSW,LMSW
Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseSelf esteemDepression
30 years of experience

Hello. Welcome to my profile. I am a licensed psychotherapist since 1992 in both New York and California. I believe that building a trusting relationship in a safe environment is the first step toward successful therapy. Psychotherapy is a two-way relationship. One of my strengths is listening. I feel one of the most basic wishes of a client is to be heard. I want to understand the issues the client identifies as well as the unspoken issues that may impede growth. My work begins “where the client is” with no agenda or judgment. As our work together progresses, I will encourage and motivate the client toward reaching goals he or she has set. However, I will employ these methods in a timely manner, when I determine the client is ready to take another step forward. I primarily practice Psychodynamic Psychotherapy . I'm also schooled in Motivational Interviewing and Mindfulness Therapy. I studied at New York University where I received my MSW in 1992. I've treated children, adults and seniors and am passionate about working with all age groups. It's very fulfilling to witness people reach their goals. I have experience in a variety of settings, including hospitals as a medical social worker and counseling centers as a psychotherapist. I've also worked in Intensive Outpatient Programs treating the chronically mentally ill. Among the issues I've explored with clients are depression, anxiety and health issues, as well as domestic violence, PTSD and trauma. I check messages several times per day and will respond within 24 hours. Thank you for reading my profile. I look forward to meeting you.

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Diane Cullen

Offering therapy in California
License: LCSW
AddictionsGriefCompassion fatigue
15 years of experience

I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with more than 30 years of experience in the Human Services field. I am based out of the Los Angeles, CA, area, My interest as a clinician is to work as a therapist who is resourceful, motivated, passionate, approachable, non- judgmental, diverse and informed. I have the interest and ability to offer assistance through the various stages and experiences of life as well as mental health issues for you. . My ability is to bring education, resources, hope and comfort to you. I will provide positive regard, respect, honesty and caring. We will examine the emotional experiences of life challenging mental health concerns. It takes courage to seek a more balanced and fulfilling life. I can create comprehensive therapy and treatment planning. Please feel free to contact me with any questions or concerns.

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Joseph De Vico

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietyLGBTGriefDepressionCoping with life changes
25 years of experience

Hello, my name is Joseph De Vico. Let’s talk. We’ll work together until that unsolvable problem is history, until that overwhelming pain is bearable, until the dream future that seems a million miles away is right in front of you. You’ve always been strong, resourceful, and intuitive. I’m just going to help clear away the junk you’re trapped beneath so you can actually feel that way: false beliefs that make life seem harder than it really is; stories about yourself that are so outdated, they have nothing to do with who you are now; distractions that keep you from deciding what is most meaningful to you; power imbalances that take away good things that are rightfully yours. This stuff has to go. What will you feel when you feel better? Peaceful? Hopeful? Whole? Decisive? Free? Seen, validated, grounded, elevated, invigorated, triumphant? Just plain better? When do we start?

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Linda Granadino

Offering therapy in California
License: LCSW
Family conflictsTrauma and abuseGriefParenting issuesSelf esteem
12 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 11 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with family conflicts, trauma and abuse, coping with grief and loss, & parenting issues. 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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Ernestine Passas

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietySelf esteemCareer difficultiesDepression
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, motivation, self esteem, and confidence, & career difficulties. 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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Maribeth Capen

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsSelf esteemDepressionCoping with life changes
12 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 12 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, coping with addictions, motivation, self esteem, and confidence, & 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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Courtney Corbitt

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietyGriefSelf esteemCoping with life changes
23 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 23 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, coping with grief and loss, & motivation, self esteem, and confidence. I also have experience working with 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 sign up for therapy can take courage and I am proud of you for getting started!

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Natalie Stockton

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesTrauma and abuseDepressionCoping with life changes
10 years of experience

I am licensed in California and Hawaii with 10 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, trauma and abuse, & depression. 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. 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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Tieaesha Gaines

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesTrauma and abuseSelf esteemCoping with life changes
23 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 23 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, trauma and abuse, & 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.

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Dale Hamilton

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesTrauma and abuseGriefDepression
29 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 29 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, trauma and abuse, & coping with grief and loss. 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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Deanna Burgdorf Burcina

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsTrauma and abuseSelf esteemDepression
12 years of experience

I am licensed in California, Alabama, and Texas with 12 years of professional work experience, particularly working with clients with histories of trauma, substance abuse issues and codependency, stress and anxiety, depression, and attachment issues. I welcome clients of all backgrounds, religious beliefs, races, cultures, or personal identities. My extensive experience traveling both within the US and abroad has helped me to develop a deep appreciation for the differences and similarities amongst individuals and groups in general. That said, I have a variety of experience with a range of clientele, but all shared a desire for connection with others. As a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, I tend to work from a psychodynamic perspective . I have found success using the relationship between client and therapist to create awareness, make observations, and allow a safe space for growth and change. Given I have worked with clients with extensive histories of trauma, I do believe it is important to understand the impact of primary or prior experiences on current relationships with self and others, but you determine the pace at which we work. It is never the goal to relive trauma or pressure you to disclose something you are not ready to share. I truly believe each client will share what is relevant for their healing in their own time. It is my job to hold that space and work with you to build connections and remove barriers to your own happiness and satisfaction in life. Despite my tendency to work from a psychodynamic perspective, I may use other tools or therapeutic perspectives if it is helpful for you, the client. Flexibility and empathic attunement are essential components of a successful therapeutic relationship. In regards to my specific experience, I have facilitated groups for the CA Lawyers Bar Association in both Los Angeles and the Bay Area to help members address issues of depression, anxiety, or substance use that were interfering with their work or ability to obtain/maintain licensure. Creating a safe space to allow for others to share insights, build awareness, and share feelings was imperative to that therapeutic process. I have worked with clients in a private practice setting, primarily working with clients struggling with Anxiety, Depression, or Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. I learned clients may come to therapy for a specific issue or goal that would often change during the course of therapy. That is ok! I cannot stress enough how important it is in my practice to work at the client's pace. While it is not my goal to tell you what to do, I may, make observations, inquire about, or make connections to other information shared in our sessions to help you determine what is best for you. Finally, I worked with the Juvenile Justice system for more than 12 years working with youth and their families in a variety of roles. I collaborated with the Court system, non-profit agencies, and worked directly with youth in group settings. Establishing rapport and building a foundation of trust and respect was key for discussing barriers to success and identifying ways each person could achieve the goals set forth. Anyone who has worked with teens knows ruptures in the relationship may occur. If that happens, whether it is with an adult or teen, it is important for me as a therapist to allow space in session to validate that experience and repair the relationship. Ruptures in a relationship can actually lead to some of the greatest moments of healing and growth, if handled appropriately. A person's perspective is their reality and I want to understand each client's perspective in a non-judgmental and compassionate way. Overall, I work with my clients to create an open and safe environment where thoughts and feelings can be shared without fear of judgment. If you experience something in session that you did not like, I encourage feedback and honesty so we can work together to address that. The therapeutic relationship can be the foundation for healing and growth, but only if it is a safe space. Therapy can stir up difficult feelings both in and out of session. As your therapist, I want the space in session to feel safe enough to share those experiences, even when it can be difficult or painful. Taking the first step to seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes incredible courage. I am here to support you in that process. It is an honor to work with each client and join you on your journey of healing and growth!

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Jeremy Nilsen

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

I am licensed in California with over 20 years of professional work experience, 13 years providing direct services. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, family conflicts, 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 sign up for therapy can take courage and I am proud of you for getting started!

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Tiffany Cutler

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietySelf esteemDepression
10 years of experience

I am licensed in California and Florida with 10 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety. 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!

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Terri Lee

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesCareer difficultiesCoping with life changesCoaching
20 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 20 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, career difficulties, & 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.

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:

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.

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