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.

This is Dr. Anushree Belur's avatar and link to their profile

Dr. Anushree Belur

Offering therapy in California
License: Psy.D.
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesTrauma and abuseSelf esteemDepression
3 years of experience

Seeking out therapy is an act of courage – it can be incredibly intimidating to acknowledge that you need additional support, and to then build up the strength to ask for that help! Once you start the process, however, you will find that therapy is a journey of self-discovery and self-improvement. I approach my role as a therapist with the goal of supporting you in this journey by creating a safe place for you to process your thoughts and emotions, and to help you explore and develop coping skills to change unhelpful patterns of behaviors. I have primarily worked with adults who have experienced anxiety, depression, relationship issues, trauma, and grief and loss. Additionally, I enjoy working with individuals exploring their identity from an intersectional and multicultural perspective. My style of therapy includes integrating humanistic and cognitive behavior therapy approaches along with mindfulness practices, as mindfulness has been shown to be effective in reducing stress and depressive symptoms. I strongly believe that individuals are experts on themselves, and therefore, focus on tailoring therapy to meet your needs. I am licensed as a clinical psychologist in California, and I look forward to being on this journey with you!

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Debra Pintel Steiner

Offering therapy in California
License: LCSW
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesFamily conflictsGriefDepression
10 years of experience

I am a retired social worker formerly with Alameda County Child Protective Services. I provided family counseling to families in the child welfare system. I have also provided individual therapy for adults with mental health and chronic physical health issues. Currently I provide individual therapy for adults with depression, anxiety, and relationship issues. I seek to develop a trusting relationship with my clients so that they can air their emotions and concerns, and begin to see life from a new perspective.

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Dr. Carmen Pulido

Offering therapy in California
License: PhD,MP
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsTrauma and abuseCoachingADHD
14 years of experience

I have a doctorate in Clinical Psychology and I provide Cognitive Behavioral Therapy services for a variety of issues including depression, stress, trauma, and substance use problems. Through self-exploration, I can help you learn what has caused some of your habits and ways of acting. Then, if you are ready, we can work on making small and larger changes that will improve your quality of life. For years, I have worked with professionals; these experiences have helped me identify what makes people successful and happy. Let me help you build a better life by showing you how to examine your past and develop a more intentional and meaningful life.

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Dr. Devora Lockton

Offering therapy in California
License: Ph.D
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesFamily conflictsGriefDepression
40 years of experience

I am a psychologist, licensed in California with over 40 years of experience. I have worked with people with a wide range of concerns and challenges including, depression, anxiety, relationship issues, family issues, and concerns of aging , and partner loss. My therapy style is warm and interactive. I believe in treating everyone with respect and compassion. I combine cognitive-behavioral, humanistic, psychodynamic therapy along with common sense and work to assist your own unique and specific needs. It takes courage to acknowledge that you can use some help in facing your concerns. I am here to support and empower you to do so.

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Eric Aldaco

Offering therapy in California
Self esteemCoping with life changes
16 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 14 years of professional work experience. I believe that you are the expert of your life journey 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 life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process. I am a Christian therapist and my approach to therapy is from a biblical perspective. I look forward in meeting you and collaboratively engaging in a strength base therapeutic model in treatment.

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Natalya Kuzmicheva

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesTrauma and abuseParenting issuesDepression
20 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 14 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, trauma, abuse, & parenting issues. 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 seeking 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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Kery Silva

Offering therapy in California
LGBTCareer difficultiesCoping with life changesCoachingCompassion fatigue
5 years of experience

I am Licensed Clinical Social Worker in California and a Licensed Independent Mental Health Independent Practitioner/Clinical Social Worker in Nebraska. I have experience in helping clients with LGBTQ+ related issues, career difficulties, coping with life changes, & executive and professional coaching. 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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Cheryl Hopkins

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesGriefParenting issuesSelf esteem
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, 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. 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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Ronald Gardner

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseGriefBipolar disorderDepression
40 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 40 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress, anxiety, trauma, abuse, coping with grief, coping with loss, & bipolar disorder. 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!

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Paige Wright

Offering therapy in California
Trauma and abuseGriefSelf esteemCoping with life changesCompassion fatigue
6 years of experience

Hi! My name is Paige and I am licensed in California with 6 years of professional work experience. I identify as a Black Female and I have experience in helping civilian and Veteran clients with trauma, abuse, coping with grief, coping with loss, motivation, self esteem, confidence, & coping with life changes. I also have experience working with compassion fatigue. I hope to be able to work together to create a safe space that allows you to explore your thoughts and feelings, without judgement. I also hope to be able to teach some coping skills that will allow you to continue managing those thoughts and emotions after our work together is complete.

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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