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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Jeana De Lay

Offering therapy in California
License: LMFT, MA
Parenting issuesSelf esteemCareer difficulties
17 years of experience

I have been practicing therapy for over 16 years and enjoy working with men, women, children and couples. I have had success working with clients who have had past trauma and/or transitional issues and utilize forms of long and short term therapy for adults, helping them all to find their voice. I strive to be a warm, caring and understanding counselor to help clients feel comfortable and safe with the process of counseling. In addition, I teach parenting skills, helping parents find ways to interact, communicate and discipline their children at different stages of the child's life in a loving and consistent manner. I am also a Life Coach and for me, coaching creates a bridge from where you are now to where you want to be. Coaching is a goal-oriented processes, working on identifying personal development issues which connect the client to their goals, helps them find the ways to let go of their past stumbling blocks, help them achieve their future life goal, and moving them onto their successful path. I work with my clients to create a specific plan, which could involve some homework assignments tailored for the client to move forward to realize their vision and ultimate life goal. In working with clients I want to help them find ways to discover their path toward a more successful and positive future. I want to assist the client in defining their treatment goals, which involves an increased sense of well-being, relationship building, improving communication levels, changing behavior patterns and ultimately helping them find their “a-ha moment”.

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Rebecca Hathorn

Offering therapy in California
License: LCSW
Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseSelf esteemDepressionCoping with life changes
17 years of experience

Hello! Welcome to Better Help. You are probably wondering how this can be helpful and/or how is is different than traditional therapy. I wondered the same thing when I was looking into it. Better Help provides a unique experience for someone who may need help but can't find the time that fits into a "normal" schedule, can't find a therapist that is a good fit or maybe someone who isn't ready to be face to face with a therapist but still wants a professional, outside perspective. My name is Rebecca Hathorn and I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in the state of California. I have been working in the helping profession for 26 years and have been a licensed therapist for 20. I spent many years working with foster youth, foster parents and biological parents. I have a great deal of experience working with transition age youth, ages 13-24, and specialize in depression, anxiety, trauma, stress related to work, school, family and relationships as well as grief and loss and attachment disruptions. I recognize the inequities in the world, especially as it relates to people of color and LGBTQ, and the amount of stress and trauma these can cause. I also have experience working with parents . I understand, first hand, the stress of being a working parent and how the anxiety that comes along with parenting impacts all aspects of your life. I believe that the most important aspect of "good therapy" is the relationship that is formed between therapist and client. It is important that you feel comfortable talking with your therapist about everything. In order to do this, you need to feel a sense of trust and genuine acceptance. I consider myself to be a therapist who is "real". I am able to support you in meeting your goals and coming to your own conclusions and I do this through listening and offering reflections and suggestions. You are welcome to message me anytime through Better Help. One of the many great things about this mode of therapy is the frequency with which you can have access to a therapist throughout the day. I usually check messages twice each day, seven days per week. At this time, I only offer messaging and live chat sessions. Please note that what you see in my calendar may not reflect my only availability so you always want to check that out with me through messaging first. I look forward to working with you!

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Daniel Barrera

Offering therapy in California
License: MA,LMFT
Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseSelf esteemDepression
10 years of experience

Hello, my name is Daniel, and I am a licensed marriage and family therapist (LMFT). I earned my master’s in clinical psychology from Hope International University in Fullerton, CA. With over ten years of experience in the inpatient and counseling fields, I specialize in areas such as anxiety, depression, daily stressors, PTSD, developing coping strategies, fatherhood and young adult concerns. My approach to therapy is rooted in cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), person-centered therapy, and solution-focused techniques. I believe that lasting change occurs when we are honest with ourselves and open to exploring new life strategies that can guide us toward a better path, bringing us closer to change and happiness. The future is ahead—let it begin today.

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Lani Stoner

Offering therapy in California
License: LMFT
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesGriefDepressionCoping with life changes
27 years of experience

>The brief intro to me, my experience, education and approaches to work with people and how I hope to help you: I’m Lani Bain Stoner, a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. Details of my experience, education and treatment approach are below, but in a nutshell, I have worked in the mental health (MH) field since the late 1970s, with a broad range of clients, with individuals, couples, families and in groups, I grew up in a family of educators moving frequently as my father worked at different Colleges, and lived overseas during my mid-childhood and early adolescence. I came back to the US for the end of Jr High and completed high school in Virginia. I went to college in Pennsylvania, Washington DC, and completed my BA and MA in So. California. After getting married in 1975 and completing my MA, I moved to a central valley city in CA where I and my husband raised two children with support from their grandparents. We moved to a smaller community in the foothills in 2019 to where our adult children live. At times I’ve had to back off of full-time work in the MH field while being a caregiver for family members, but I’m deeply committed to helping people achieve their treatment goals—reaching for hope for a better quality of life and improved functioning and healthier relationships. My therapy focuses on what are largely brief therapy modalities—though I have worked with people on a longer-term basis, and I use theoretical orientations that lead to an active and directive therapeutic stance when working with clients. I look forward to meeting with you to help start down the path toward hope and healing. >The longer explanation—if you’d like more information about me and my work, is below: My experience: I’m Lani Bain Stoner, a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. I have worked in the mental health field since 1976 after completion of her MA in Counseling Psychology. I worked in county/agency settings from 1978 to 2006 with children, adults and elderly, with a major focus on work with chronically mentally ill adults starting in 1982. After I retired from public agency work, I began a private practice working with children, adolescents and adults, doing 1:1, couples and family work through to 2016. Due to family needs I stopped all but online volunteer work with the military population, veterans and their loved ones and minimal private practice online up until spring of 2020. At that point I began working with another public MH system, through the summer of 2020, when I returned to online pro bono work with the military population mentioned above, and a small online private practice. My education: After getting my MA in Counseling Psychology from Chapman University in 1976, and completing classwork for a Certificate in Gerontology from Sacramento State University om the late 70s, I’ve dedicated time and energy to gain training and understanding of major mental illnesses, as well as those with disabling/problematic or chronic/intrusive symptoms, working to understand and respond to the difficulties that first responders and military have, for work with those who have LGBTQQIP2SAA identification (LGBTQQIP2SAA stands for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, questioning, queer, intersex, pansexual, two-spirit (2S), androgynous and asexual) and want to have treatment in a safe therapeutic relationship. I continually work to be ready to help those who are struggling in difficult life circumstances, and couple relationships or with parenting concerns, and with people who have chronic pain and physical concerns or emotional difficulties, or who have difficulties with a history of trauma (including from major traumatizing events or circumstances) or of abuse. I am trained and experienced in CIS—a structured way of working with people who have had traumatic events in their work environment or school settings. More detail about my treatment approach: As mentioned above, my work with people is active and directive. My primary treatment approach in my work with people is Cognitive/behavioral, focusing on the interplay between thoughts, feelings and actions and how to make changes in key areas that can improve functioning in life and relationships. I also utilize concepts and tools from multiple treatment orientations—Narrative Therapy, Strength Based Therapy, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, as well as Client Centered, Mindfulness and Solutioned focused therapies, and draw from family systems theories and related family related treatment modalities. A major focus of my work is in the area of symptom management—helping people learn ways to manage response to symptoms in a way that decrease the symptoms’ impact on the person and on their loved ones. I have worked with people of many religious/spiritual orientations and those who are agnostic or atheistic, with people of many and mixed ethnicities and cultures, and dealing with history of impact of their own and family’s immigration to the US when there may be concerns. I continually seek training and keep up with writings on an ongoing basis on all of the above areas of focus to strengthen skills and understanding of these areas of work—being sensitive to all aspects of culture and multigenerational history that could affect their beliefs, focuses and understanding of life and life events and their functioning in life and relationships. I also have a case management approach, clarifying unmet needs and barriers for persons in their lives, and assisting them in gaining help from programs and services in their communities. And more on how I feel that I can help you: I seek to establish a respectful, safe and supportive therapy environment that • helps people take steps toward stability in their emotions and symptoms, their lives, work environments and relationships—helping them to build healthier life and symptom management skills, and communication and relationship skills. • helps people learn stress management, self-care and coping skills especially when there are psychiatric or emotional distress • work with the persons on individualized treatment goals and focuses that may evolve through the treatment process At times people hope through therapy to gain a better understanding of the severity of the symptoms that they may have, and whether they need medications. With work to help them manage their response to symptoms, we can clarify barriers to managing symptoms, and better discern whether they can gain voluntary control of their response to symptoms and can improve their overall quality of life and level of functioning. Not all can fully benefit from learning the skills and understanding for doing this, and the step of supporting the person in seeking psychiatric treatment may need to happen.

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Christi Fields

Offering therapy in California
License: LCSW
Stress, AnxietyParenting issuesSelf esteemDepression
10 years of experience

Hi! My name is Christi and I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with 10+ years’ experience providing counseling, clinical case management, and parenting psycho-education. My professional practice areas have included working with individuals and families, often with court- related, criminal justice and/or child welfare involvement. I have experience working with folks who are navigating thoughts and feelings of depression, anxiety, shame, anger, and grief. I also have experience with trauma, domestic violence, substance use, homelessness, divorce/separation, family, parenting, and employment issues, among others. My practice philosophy is rooted in client self-determination and empowerment. I believe in providing services though a non-judgmental, harm-reduction lens, where we are not always striving for perfection but rather finding what works for us individually and our own valuation of “good enough”. Through a Person-In-Environment approach, with a short-term, integrated use of Client Centered, Solution Focused, Cognitive Behavioral, and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy modalities, let's work together in creating that path to the life experience you want and deserve. I look forward to working with you! Christi Fields, LCSW she/her/hers https://christi-fields.clientsecure.me/

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Dr. Benjamin Lasky

Offering therapy in California
License: Ph.D.
AddictionsLGBTRelationship issuesFamily conflictsDepression
3 years of experience

I am a licensed psychologist in California and Nevada with over 20 years of experience. I specialize in LGBTQIA issues, my pronouns are ‘he and him.’ I also have worked over 10 years in a psychiatric hospital where I gained expertise with dual diagnosis patients (substance abuse issues + mental health disorder). I was also fortunate enough to work in the adolescent unit of the hospital as well. I earned my Ph.D. from Ball State University in Muncie, Indiana. I am also an educator to graduate students and provide supervision as they pursue their licenses. This helps keep me motivated to stay current with emerging trends in therapy. I mainly utilize cognitive-behavioral techniques as well as client-centered therapy. One of my favorite parts of conducting therapy is seeing diversity and being able to help those in all walks of life. I make no judgments and work hard to see things from the perspective of my clients. I see myself as a facilitator and I help my clients gain insight so they can tap into their strengths. Therapy is serious business, but I always like to use a bit of humor as appropriate. It is very important that everyone I work with feels valued and respected and I fully bring that to each and every session. Thank you for your time and I hope to work with you. Licensed Psychologist PSY 19363 California, PY 0726 Nevada

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Philip Beitel

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesParenting issuesSelf esteemCoping with life changes
35 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 35 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, motivation, self esteem, and confidence, & 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 seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process.

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Alejandra Guzman-Valencia

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesSelf esteemDepressionCoping with life changes
3 years of experience

I am a strong believer in meeting individuals where they are at that is, validating and supporting their current stage of change while encouraging them to actively visualize the best version of themselves. Together we will come up with treatment goals and we will work towards that at your speed. The first couple of sessions involve rapport building in which you and I get to know each other and determine if the therapeutic alliance is a good fit. As sessions progress, I will be here to support and encourage you every step of the way while also respecting your right to self determination. I am Alejandra Guzman-Valencia, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. I have worked in a variety of settings and with different populations such as hospitals, schools, outpatient health clinics and with individuals struggling with end of life issues, chronic diseases, anxiety, depression, adjustment disorders, personality disorders and grief amongst others. My practice helps individuals dealing with anxiety, depression, family changes, life circumstances, interpersonal relationship issues and more. Together we will implement therapeutic practices and interventions that best meet your needs.

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Jennifer Rodriguez Morrow

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseGriefSelf esteemDepression
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, trauma and abuse, coping with grief and loss, & 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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Dana McPherson

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

I am a clinical therapist licensed in California with 4 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, trauma and abuse, self-esteem, and navigating through life changes. I work with a range of clients from teens to seniors and I believe in treating everyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion. I will "meet you where you are", tailoring our sessions and treatment plan to meet your unique and specific needs. Taking the first step to seeking a more fulfilling and happier life- whether it's through improving relationships, getting "unstuck", or resolving issues from the past- takes courage and I have a lot of respect for that. I am here to support you in the process of finding a better way to be. *Please note that I do not provide couples therapy. Additionally, many clients are waiting for time to become available for appointments- I ask that you please be respectful of their time and of mine. Three no show appointments will result in termination.

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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