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.
Cindee Oswald
Welcome! Thank you for taking the time to explore what growth opportunities might be in your future. You might be looking for a change, struggling with an important aspect of your life or just wanting a person to validate and share your story with. Finding the right person to ride along on this journey with you is very important. I want to provide you with some information about me in order to help you decide if my experience and style is the right match for you. I have been a social worker for more than 10 years. I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in California and Arizona. I have experience working with children, adolescents, parents, military veterans and their families from all different backgrounds, all over the world, who are struggling with a wide variety of challenges. Most of my experience has been working with people who are struggling with anxiety, trauma, depression, LGBTQ+ issues, substance abuse, the challenges of parenting, the challenges of being connected to or in the military, foster care and adoption issues. I have been told from clients that I am nurturing, nonjudgmental and accepting of them. I can be expected to stand with you through what ever struggles you are facing and assist with deeping the connection you have with yourself in order to create the peace and life you want. I will always provide a positive framework but honestly provide you feedback. I am a person-centric therapist that will let you set the goals you want to work towards. We will be working at your speed of emotional safety. I will try to push you to rethink some of the limits you place on yourself so you can step into who you want to be. You are the one that will be doing the hard work. I will just be navigating you with a nurturing heart through the process. Think of it as if you are the person in the driver seat and I am the person in the passenger seat with the maps ready to provide navigation. Most of my availability is in the evenings and weekends, but I do check my messages at least twice a day. I will do my best to respond to you within 24 hours. It takes courage to ask for help and discover a more peaceful and happier life. If you are ready to take that step I am here to support and empower you. I would be honored to work with you.
Jeremee (Mimi) Bouchard
As a therapist, I create a warm, safe, nonjudgmental environment for people to be able to open up and share their feelings and make sense of what is troubling them. I strive to empower people and help them realize the strength and potential they possess. My experience has prepared me well to be able to interact and connect with a wide variety of individuals from diverse backgrounds. I have 21 years experience working in the mental health field, 18 years of which as a therapist. I have a great deal of experience focusing on areas like relationship issues, parenting, communication skills, mood management, and conflict resolution. In my practice, I utilize a number of theoretical orientations and therapy styles, as I find that different techniques work with different people. I primarily draw from humanistic, positive psychology, cognitive behavioral, and solutions focused theories. My approach to therapy is meeting the client where they're at, I follow your lead. I begin by asking questions to get a sense of what kinds of things you're struggling with, and see if we can figure out a direction we want to move in. We go at a pace that you're comfortable with. Sometimes just having someone to talk with to help you identify and process your feelings can provide some relief, especially if there's a lot of stuff bottled up. Then we can work toward identifying areas of your life that you're not satisfied with, and develop some basic goals to drive our work together. *Please note that I currently only have availability Monday - Friday in the mornings/early afternoons.
Dr. Carlyn Werderman
I completed my Master's and Doctoral degrees at the California School of Professional Psychology at Alliant International University in Los Angeles. I offer my clients an individualized, empowering, values-based, and solution-focused therapeutic approach, which derive from several therapeutic approaches, such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Dialectical-Behavioral Therapy, Schema Therapy, and Motivational Interviewing. My previous clinical experience includes working with children, families, and adults in school, outpatient/community mental health, and residential treatment settings. I specialize in working with those who experience mood disorders, anxiety, trauma, anger, chronic pain, substance use, relationship, sexual health, and LGBT-related issues. I also specialize in working with high-conflict families, parental alienation and family reunification cases. I look forward to getting to know more about you and see if we are a good fit!
Dawn Hedwall
I am a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in California with over 14 years of experience. I have a wide breadth of experience working with a variety of individuals. I practice from a trauma informed perspective and have a great deal of expertise in working with people that suffer from multiple and various forms of trauma. I have also worked extensively with people who struggle with depression, anxiety, communication challenges and an overall feeling of being stuck in patterns and behaviors. I have a large tool box and I work eclectically utilizing a variety of modalities and clinical approaches. Each person is unique with unique wants and needs. It is my job to find a way to work with each individual person to help find a way to clear any blocks that are preventing you from living the life you are seeking.
Joseph De Vico
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?
Jonathan Fonseca
I am licensed clinical social worker in California, with 6 years of counseling experience and over 10 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, family conflicts, trauma and abuse, work burnout, & coping with grief and loss. As your licensed therapist, I am here to support you on your journey of self-discovery, healing, and personal transformation. Together, we will explore your thoughts, emotions, and experiences, and work towards fostering resilience, finding clarity, and cultivating a sense of inner peace. 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. Your story matters, and I am honored to walk alongside you as you navigate the complexities of life. Preference of phone/ video sessions.
Jennifer Davis
I am licensed in California with 8 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 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!
Tina Schab
I am licensed in California with 22 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, depression, life changes,coping with addictions, 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. 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.
Katherine Ryan
I am licensed in California with 23 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients coping with addictions, relationship 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!
Laura Todd
I am licensed in California with 16 years of professional work experience. I have experience with clients of all ages in the areas of depression, stress and anxiety, coping with grief and loss, parenting issues, & coping with life changes to name a few. I believe that as long as we are living we have the potential to grow and change. Through this work, I seek to help people realize this potential to achieve meaningful improvement in their lives by guiding them towards meaningful self awareness and acquisition of knowledge and skills to face their challenges with confidence.
Dr. Demi Shugrue
I am licensed in California with 10 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress, anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, motivation, self esteem, & confidence. I also have experience working with 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. Taking the first step to sign up for therapy can take courage and I am proud of you for getting started!
JerRon Tatum
I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist licensed in California with over 11 years of experience working in clinical practices. I specialize in providing therapeutic support for both men and women. My approach is grounded in empathy and understanding, as I believe that every one journey is unique. I work collaboratively with clients to explore their thoughts, feelings and behavior helping them navigate challenges and achieve personal growth. I'm here to guide you your path of healing and self-discovery. Together, we can create a safe and supportive space for you to explore your experience and work towards your goal. I have an meet you where you are approach and NO Judgement Zone. My mission is to provide a safe and Stigma-free space for individuals to seek mental health support and empower them with the tools they need to thrive. My therapy combines cognitive behavioral techniques with mindfulness strategies (CBT/DBT) aiming at helping the individual manage their Depression, Anxiety, PTSD/Trauma, Grief, Men Issues, Midlife Transitions, and Pain management. Additionally, I specialize in mental health and performance consultations with medical staff, minor/major league affiliate teams, players, and coaches. In addition to my work with the Professional Baseball team, I provide support for various athletes during their transitions from H.S. to College and Pre to Post-draft processes in leagues such as MiLB, NBA, and NFL. "Awareness brings the opportunity for change but intentionality brings about change". I believe that as a therapist I am not the expert of your lives, but rather bring expertise and resources that benefit you through collaboration. I have extensive training working with clients who experience a wide range of symptoms and concerns, including stress, anxiety, trauma, abuse, motivation, self-esteem, confidence, & depression. 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. My honesty and authenticity give me a unique way of connecting with you. Also of importance, I don’t take myself too seriously. Clients truly appreciate this. Nevertheless, we will still deeply feel feelings in our counseling sessions. By contrast, I don’t think therapy is all that successful when the therapist is in the position of “expert” and everyone else is in the position of “patient.” For that reason, let’s work together as a team to improve your Life. Ultimately, I want to help you remove the roadblocks that keep you from discovering who you truly are. Taking the first step to sign up for therapy can take courage and I am proud of you for getting started!
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
- San Jose, CA
- San Francisco, CA
- Fresno, CA
- Sacramento, CA
- Long Beach, CA
- Oakland, CA
- Bakersfield, CA
- Anaheim, CA
- Santa Ana, CA
- Riverside, CA
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