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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Sonia Blue

Offering therapy in California
License: M.A.,L.M.F.T.,
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsRelationship issuesGriefCoping with life changes
30 years of experience

Change is possible and we DO get better! I have experienced this personally and have witnessed it again and again in my 30 years as a psychotherapist. I have been privileged to accompany countless individuals, couples and families on their journey to health and wholeness. Healing the past, relating to others with greater intimacy and authenticity, communicating more effectively and creating meaning as we grow and change are just some of the possibilities positive, compassionate and effective therapy can offer. If your problems could be solved by good advice alone, you would have figured them out long ago. Problems that are difficult confound your efforts to move forward leaving you stuck. Let's have a DIFFERENT KIND OF CONVERSATION one that moves you towards clarity, changes behaviors and results in your feeling and doing better. I provide a confidential environment for you to come as you are and discover the internal resources that you already possess. I offer the patience for you to work through the difficulties that constrict you and I'll give the wisdom, empathy and support you deserve for the willingness it takes to begin this journey. *If you have questions about the benefits of psychotherapy watch this short animated clip called "Psychotherapy" on Vimeo. https://vimeo.com/134193131

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Cheryl Williams

Offering therapy in California
License: MA
Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseGriefSelf esteemDepression
12 years of experience

Hello. I am a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) and a Certified Biblical Counselor. I have a passion to help individuals and couples find their way to wholeness and good mental health. I have over 12 years of experience working in the mental health industry. I earned a Master of Arts Degree in Counseling Psychology. There comes a time in everyone’s life when they really need someone safe to talk to. They need someone who will not use their pain against them. So often they end up holding that pain inside, masking it with a smile or adherent behavior. I can provide a safe place for you to empty your pain and take off the mask, help you clean up your garden of life so that your quality of life can improve. Every client needs something different; I use various evidence-based approaches that will fit my client’s needs. I am skilled in cognitive behavioral therapy, psychodynamic, mindfulness, solution focused therapy, narrative therapy, positive therapy, and biblical counseling. I will utilize my skills to treat and support clients with depression, anxiety, self-esteem, family conflict, and grief. I also help clients who are experiencing challenging interpersonal relationships, shame, and guilt by improving communication skills, setting boundaries, and understanding the power of “no”. I walk with my clients through the gardens of their lives and help them identify any unwanted weeds and uproot them, so that they can regain their voice and move forward. I enjoy working with adults, couples to help them resolve their issues through a client centered approach offering empathy and a non-judgmental environment to support clients in establishing their goals so that they can identify and develop their inner strengths. If you are ready to do the work, I am ready to support you to be the person you desire to be. I’m looking forward to working with you.

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Clifton Davis

Offering therapy in California
License: LMFT
Stress, AnxietyFamily conflictsParenting issuesAnger managementDepression
12 years of experience

Hello My name is Clifton Davis. I am a Licensed Married and Family therapist in California. Life can be overwhelming with the changes, demands, and expectations that we face. It can be difficult to find someone who’ll listen and not be judgmental. My goal is to be that person. I have a passion to work with those who struggle to navigate emotions, or may not have someone to talk to. I believe that we can change the way we feel & act by changing the way we think. With me, you can expect timely responses and a friendly, safe environment to discuss and process all of life’s challenges. I have worked in the mental health field for over 15 years. I am experienced with working with people ranging from early childhood to late adulthood. I have over 10 years of experience working with depression, anxiety, trauma, conduct related issues, ADHD, adjustment issues, relationship and family issues. My therapeutic approach is a combination of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Humanistic. I also like to incorporate Solution Focused interventions when appropriate. If you feel like I’m a good match, I’d be honored to be your therapist, and assist you on your journey to happiness.

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John Alilovich

Offering therapy in California
License: MA
Relationship issuesTrauma and abuseIntimacy-related issuesDepressionCompassion fatigue
40 years of experience

Hello my name is John Alilovich. I am a Licensed Professional Therapist in California. I worked for over fifteen years for our county mental health department with children and families. I focused on areas of substance addiction, domestic violence, marriage and relationship issues, various forms of abuse, parenting issues, and LGBTQ families. I concurrently started working in my private practice where I continue seeing an array of clients going on 40 years now. My style of therapy is warm and personal. I work by getting to know you as a person since you are the expert on your own life. Together, we can jointly come up with goals and solutions that are going to work for you. I will treat you with sensitivity, respect, and warmth by getting to know you as a unique individual. I like to use Emotion Focused Therapy, Internal Family Systems, mindfulness, and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. By getting to know you, we can figure out which modalities are going to be most beneficial for you. Seeking therapy is not an easy decision to make, and I want to commend you for wanting to create a better life for yourself. I would love to support you and be part of your journey towards the goal of a more fulfilling life.

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Ann Kite

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietyLGBTTrauma and abuseIntimacy-related issuesCoping with life changes
28 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 28 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, lgbt-related issues, trauma and abuse, & intimacy related 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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Jessica Erickson

Offering therapy in California
Self esteemCareer difficultiesCoping with life changesCoachingADHD
4 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 4 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with motivation, self esteem, and confidence, career difficulties, coping with life changes, & executive and professional coaching. 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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Bethany Besand

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

I am licensed in California, Illinois, Kansas, Michigan and Missouri with 13 years of professional work experience as a licensed therapist though I have been in the social service field for over 25 years. 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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Jack Bowman

Offering therapy in California
LGBTTrauma and abuseGriefAnger managementSelf esteem
28 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 18 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with lgbtq+ related issues, trauma and abuse, coping with grief and loss, & anger management. 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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Nydia Collins

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseSelf esteemDepressionCompassion fatigue
22 years of experience

Hi there! Welcome and congratulations on taking the first step in seeking support in this journey we call life. My name is Nydia (its basically Lydia just with an N) I am a licensed clinical Social Worker (LCSW). I have been in this field for over 20 years. Areas I can help support you in are as follows: stress, anxiety, trauma and abuse, motivation, self esteem, and confidence, & depression. Some modalities in my therapy toolbelt are MI, CBT, DBT, and I am currently working towards certification in EMDR. I do not wish to overwhelm you with this information if you do not know what form of therapy you want but know there are options and there is no one size fits all. The beauty is that I can always tailor my skill set to your needs. I love what I do and know its a privilege to support and work alongside someone so they can be the best version of themselves. I am transparent and look forward to helping you. I am grateful for the opportunity to help others. If you have questions or are interested in booking with me please refer to my information by clicking my name on this page. I wish you nothing but the best in this process.

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Amy Riesberg

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseGriefDepression
9 years of experience

I am licensed in Iowa and California. I have 9 years of professional work experience in mental health. In addition, I have extensive experience working in hospice and long term care. I have helped clients with anxiety, depression, stress, trauma, grief and loss. I am certified in EMDR. 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. I am very laid back and easy to talk to. Please be aware that I do not write ESA (Emotional Support Animals) letters fpr clients.

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Cassandra Jimenez

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseSelf esteemDepressionADHD
6 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 6 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress, anxiety, trauma, abuse, motivation, self esteem, confidence, depression, & concentration, memory. I also have experience working with focus (adhd). 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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Jeanette Garza

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

I am licensed in California with 28 years of professional work experience in the area of perinatal mental health. I have provided emotional support to countless clients adjusting to new parenthood, processing birth trauma, and coping with unexpected events during and after delivery, including having a premature or medically fragile baby in the NICU. I also have experience in helping clients with stress, anxiety, coping with addictions, relationship issues, coping with grief, & coping with loss. 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!

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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