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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Janie Parra-Salaz

Offering therapy in California
License: MA,LMFT
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesTrauma and abuseDepressionCoping with life changes
9 years of experience

Welcome! My name is Janie Parra-Salaz and I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist #123952 in the state of California . As mental health therapist, I am available to listen, support and help deal with crisis, stressors and trauma that have occurred. My hope is to provide a warm, inviting, safe and non-judgmental environment for all my clients. My clinical experience has allowed me to work with those who have been dealing with depression, anxiety, PTSD, life transitions and family relational issues. I have gain additional experience in areas of sexual assault/abuse, domestic abuse/violence and have worked with at-risk youth and families through my clinical experiences. I am fluent in English and Spanish and am able to provide therapy sessions in either language. I incorporate modalities such as Strength based techniques, Solution Focus and Client Centered techniques based on the needs of my clients. I work collaboratively with clients throughout their counseling process and journey to support them in their healing. I look forward in meeting you soon! Beginning 9/16/2022: Weekdays: 6am to 12noon Weekends: 7pm to 10pm (live chat clients)

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Naira Karapetyan

Offering therapy in California
GriefCoping with life changes
12 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 9 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, coping with addictions, 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. 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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Silvie Wilson

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseGriefSelf esteemDepression
11 years of experience

I am licensed in California with over 10 years of professional work experience. I have extensive experience working with teens and young adults, as well as Spanish speaking clients. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, trauma and abuse, coping with grief and loss, building motivation, self esteem, and confidence. My specific area of interest is in using somatic (body awareness based) approaches to find individualized strategies to help my clients overcome fears, traumas, negative beliefs, abuse, and other struggles that affect people and stop them from reaching their potential. I also utilize various respected personality tests (such as Meyers-Briggs and Enneagram) to gain a deeper understanding of my clients, and help them make sense of their experiences. I have also studied astrology and can offer insights pertaining to that depending on my clients preferences. 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. My goal in therapy is always to empower you, shine a light on your unique strengths, and help you to gain belief in your purpose and faith in your future. It takes courage to open up and ask for help to seek out a more fulfilling and happy life, and to take the first steps towards a change. I am here to support & empower you in that journey.

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Anne George

Offering therapy in California
AddictionsRelationship issuesFamily conflictsParenting issuesSelf esteem
12 years of experience

I am licensed in California and Nevada with 12 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with coping with addictions, relationship issues, family conflicts, & 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.

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Deana Porter

Offering therapy in California
Relationship issuesTrauma and abuseIntimacy-related issuesSelf esteem
15 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 15 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with relationship issues, trauma and abuse, & intimacy related issues. I also have experience working with 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 seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process.

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Pat Staten

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietySelf esteemDepressionCoping with life changesCoaching
25 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 25 years of experience as a therapist, as well as years of experience working for major companies in several different industries. I have experience helping clients with stress and anxiety, work- and career-related issues, and coping with life changes. I treat 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.

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Kandie Brown

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesTrauma and abuseSelf esteemDepression
5 years of experience

I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) in California. I have a Master’s degree in Social Work from Our Lady of the Lake University, San Antonio, TX. I follow a systemic approach to therapy and believe that to understand people and their challenges it is important to understand the systems and relationships they are a part of. I believe that the therapeutic relationship should be one of authenticity, collaboration and one that feels safe and supportive. I focus on the client’s strength and resiliency. I strive to help clients find tools to cope with life’s stresses. I use a humanistic approach, CBT, existential, EMDR, narrative, solution focused, and mindfulness approaches and/or other modalities tailored to the client's needs. I strive to help clients find more adaptive habits that lead to more meaningful and fulfilling lives. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, depression, relationship issues, anger management, trauma, abuse and low-motivation, lack of self-esteem and lack of confidence. I work with my clients in California 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 and empower you in that journey. About me: I enjoy gardening, quilting, researching, reading, walking, hiking, travel and enjoying my dog and family.

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Maribel Contreras

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseSelf esteemCareer difficultiesCoping with life changes
20 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 20 years of professional work experience. 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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Tiffany Ung

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesFamily conflictsParenting issuesSelf esteem
13 years of experience

I am a licensed clinical social worker in California with more than 10 years of clinical experience working as a psychotherapist. I have worked with a wide range of clients from different ethnic backgrounds with concerns and emotional challenges including depression, anxiety, relationship issues, parenting problems, ADHD, motivation, self-esteem and confidence, and coping with life changes. My therapy style is warm, laid-back and interactive. I believe in treating anyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion. I believe that you are the expert of your story and you have many strengths that will assist you in overcoming things that challenge you. My approach combines Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT), psychodynamic, Strength Based Focused, Narrative Therapy, and Motivational Interviewing Therapy. It takes courage to seek a more fulfilling and happier life. Taking the first step is the hardest. If you are ready to take that step to make changes in your life, I am here to support and guide you in that process. I look forward to working with you!

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Julia Alperovich

Offering therapy in California
LGBTRelationship issuesTrauma and abuseIntimacy-related issuesCoaching
19 years of experience

I am a direct and pragmatic person with a warm and empathetic demeanor. With over 15 years of experience, I am adept at identifying the underlying causes of ongoing distress and dysfunction. My goal in working with clients is to help them develop understanding and insight about the origins of their problems so that they can utilize and enhance their current strengths to bring about growth and healing. In addition, I am actively involved with various research communities to remain current with the newest and most effective treatment modalities. I specialize in treating adults with issues of intimacy, attachment, and sexuality. I have extensive experience in working with sexual addictions and partners of sex addicts. I also successfully treat sexual trauma, relationship problems, and infidelity. My approach is sex positive and open-minded to various forms of sexual expression. I hold the belief that people are resilient and that they possess the strength and wisdom to heal seemingly irreparable wounds. I use my expertise, directness, and warmth to support my clients through their treatment and to help them manage their pain in their healing processes.

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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