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.
Tara Boerner
I am licensed in California with 16 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, & family conflicts. I also have experience working with coping with grief and loss. 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!
Katherine Jones
Hello, I am an LMFT who works to create a safe and validating space for clients to express the struggles they are enduring. I am interested in working in a strengths-based way guiding clients to find the answers they need to heal and move forward. I work to be personable and also offer DBT and CBT skills in hopes of creating strong basis for coping as we explore the issue at hand as well as patterns that know longer serve the client. With these resources, I work with those who are experiencing stress at work or in their relationships, are recovering from childhood or more recent trauma and I love to support those who feel like the odd one out. I am happy to work with clients from alternative communities or highly creative persons making their way through this world to the the beat of their own drum. Offering respectful acceptance and focus on the work at hand and allowing for the spirit that makes us each a little different and the world a little more colorful. Allow me to share my warmth, experience and hope, with a combination of deep listening and the solid evidence-based interventions to help you navigate the joys and suffering that each individual's journey offers.
Tara Tobin
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!
Deborah Bowe
I have had a long career in human services in community mental health in Los Angeles, CA and Miami FL. I am a seasoned therapist both in years and experience. For over the past 20 years I have had the privilege to work with individuals, families and couples and support them through their concerns and challenges. My counseling style is warm and interactive. I work in a collaborative fashion and respect that you as the client have the answers. I view my role as your guide providing a safe, trusting, empathic environment so you will have the freedom to find out for yourself and make the changes you would like to see in your life. My approach combines cognitive-behavioral, humanistic, and psychodynamic counseling. I use Motivational Interviewing, Mindfulness and Solution focus modalities. My experience has been with working with individuals /families with anger management, anxiety, grief loss, depression, trauma focus work, PTSD and all forms of abuse. I will tailor our dialogue and treatment plan to meet your specific and unique necessities. During our time together I will provide strategies and schemes as well as feedback to lend support and encouragement throughout the process of change. It takes courage to seek for a more fulfilling and happier life and to take the first steps towards a change. If you are ready to take that step I am here to support and empower you. I look forward to working with you!
Veronica Michael
I am compassionate with very good listening skills. While I am supportive and can establish a positive, clinical relationship, I can help clients discern what is the central issue and can help clients find the best practical solution.
Erica Youngblood
We all have those moments in life where we want a kind person to be present, listen and encourage us through what may be a difficult time. I am a licensed clinical social worker (LCSW). I have worked in the therapeutic setting for the past 8 years providing a gentle presence to clients in need. I am available to those individuals who may be struggling with self-love, finding purpose and meaning in life and life changes. I use motivational interviewing, solution focused counseling and client-centered care to help you move forward in your life. I am a kind presence, who is ready to listen and help you achieve your goals. Also specializes in counseling for: Single women navigating dating and situationships Talking through breakups Work Stress and Burnout Boundaries Discovering life purpose
Alexis Tyson
I’m a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist committed to helping individuals pinpoint and solve emotional, mental and interpersonal problems. My work focuses on targeting ineffective behaviors, habits, and beliefs that interfere with your daily life. I believe in taking a collaborative approach to helping clients reach their goals. I have 9 years of experience working with anxiety, depression, trauma and addiction. Under the umbrella of a humanistic, existential, and cognitive behavior-based approach, modalities used in treatment include Client Centered Therapy, Gestalt Therapy, CBT, and mindfulness-based interventions. If you’re struggling to cope with anxiety, trauma, depression or addiction, I can help you navigate these struggles, and together find a path forward. It takes courage to seek a more fulfilling and happier life and to take the first steps towards change. If you are ready to take that step, I am here to support and empower you.
Charlene Black
I am licensed in California with 8 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, family conflicts, trauma and 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 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.
Ashley Saucedo
I am licensed in California with 7 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, motivation, self esteem, and 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. Taking the first step to seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process.
Malaika Hill-Jones
I am licensed in California with 10 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, lgbtq+ related issues, relationship issues, & family conflicts. 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!
Sigfrido Urtecho
I am a licensed bilingual Latino therapist in California with 14 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, lgbtq+ related issues, & 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. Taking the first step to seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process.
Leah Jackson
I am licensed in California with 5 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with relationship issues, family & work conflicts, coping with grief and loss, & depression. 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.
Stephanie Arevalo
I am licensed in California with 5 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, motivation, self esteem, and confidence, & career difficulties. 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. Please note that I do not provide documentation for emotional support animals, stress leave, court recommendations regarding custody or court mandated treatment, or accommodations related to school or work.
Claudia Lucio
I am licensed in California with 15 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with coping with grief and loss & 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. 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.
Lillian Strom
I am licensed in California with 12 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress, anxiety, coping with grief, coping with loss, 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. 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.
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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