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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Paula Bishop

Offering therapy in California
License: MS Counseling,LMFT,Certified Yoga Instructor-CYT-200
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesTrauma and abuseSelf esteemCompassion fatigue
26 years of experience

I have a Masters Degree in Counseling and I have been a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist for over 15 years. My experience involves 18 + years working with children and families involved in the child welfare system. I helped families address a range of concerns that revolved around child abuse, child neglect, domestic violence, substance abuse, child custody, self-esteem, depression, anxiety and more. I have also worked with adult and adolescent psychiatric patients in acute and residential settings, advocating for patients’ rights. I work from a Solution Focused (SF) theoretical approach and focus on what people CAN do rather than what people CANNOT do to help their situation. I help clients capitalize on their strengths and reframe “weakness” into strengths. I assist clients in identifying constructive behaviors they are already utilizing. I also believe that exploring family history is important in understanding a person’s values and belief system Though your situation may seem insurmountable, I believe you will learn the tools to achieve your goals.

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Jilla Lavian

Offering therapy in California
License: LCSW
Stress, AnxietyFamily conflictsParenting issuesSelf esteemCoping with life changes
20 years of experience

I am a licensed clinical social worker in California, with nearly 20 years of experience working with diverse communities on a wide range of issues. I attended the University of Southern California for my dual masters in Social Work and Jewish Communal Service. I am also trained as a transformational life coach. I believe that self-exploration is an investment in you and your future. When we learn to pay attention to our thoughts and feelings with kindness and compassion, we gain insight and a true understanding of our authentic selves. We experience a sense of inner-peace, find deeper meaning, and become more nurturing to ourselves and others without judgment. My mission is to get to know the core of who you are and understand your inner experiences. Together we will explore your emotional state. I will listen and validate your feelings within a safe space with empathy. My intention is to help you set new goals and take steps towards achieving them. I will work with you to gain a true understanding of your strengths and help you restore your sense of clarity, direction, and creativity. I use different approaches in my work depending on the needs of my clients, including: client-centered, cognitive behavioral with psychodynamic perspective, mindfulness, and strength-based therapy. Specialties: Life coaching Stress, anxiety Women’s issues Self esteem Acculturation Coping and adjustment Depression Relationship issues Parenting Languages: English Farsi

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Terese Ghilarducci

Offering therapy in California
License: MFT
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesFamily conflictsDepressionCoping with life changes
24 years of experience

I am a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist living in the Bay Area in California. I have been licensed for 24 years and most of my work has been with working with high school students and their families. I am also a former social worker working with foster children and their foster families. For the past 17 years I have been working as a school counselor at an Alternative Education site in the Bay Area and my daily work consisted of working with adolescents who had a variety of issues that h impacted their academic life. My students were working through many obstacles such as school phobia, stress and anxiety, depression, family, and substance abuse issues. Starting in the 2024-2025 school year I will be working as a school counselor at an elementary school presenting classroom presentations on bullying, inclusion and coping strategies as well as facilitating support groups. I am excited to work with school age children and their parents. I strive to use a client-centered approach in working with individuals and I also like to include art and journaling as a way to explore issues. I offer a safe container for you to share and I am honored that you are open to working with me.

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Ashley Goodey

Offering therapy in California
License: LCSW
Stress, AnxietyFamily conflictsGriefCoping with life changesCompassion fatigue
11 years of experience

Hello! I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker licensed in California with 10 years experience working with grief and loss. I have worked with many families who have experienced a peaceful acceptance of death and those that felt it was simply too soon. My bereavement experience allows those experience death and dying to identify that stages are not linear and do not occur in one particular order. My counseling techniques include cognitive behavior therapy, where I assist families and individuals with identifying their thoughts, feelings and behaviors in any given situation. I'm compassionate and display patience. My goal is to have a dialog and atmosphere that meets you were you are at in this journey of life and healing. The goal is to obtain a balance of your ultimate survival and strength. It takes courage to seek support and move towards healing. If you are ready to take that step I am here to support and empower you. My areas of focus include, but are not limited to: grief counseling, depression, relationship issues , caregiver stress and family discord.

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Stacey Sugar

Offering therapy in California
License: MS,LCPC
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesFamily conflictsIntimacy-related issuesCoping with life changes
14 years of experience

“Anyone can tell you what to do, but the true ability to grow comes from understanding who you are.” In 15 years of clinical practice, I've realized that within our uniqueness, we have one thing in common: We are all constantly writing our life stories. Many of us are passive biographers, believing that our book is already written, and that the ending is set in stone. Here's the secret: Our lives are not linear, and we have the power to edit our narrative at any--and every--moment. While we cannot change our past, we can learn to change our perspective of it. Once we unlock our unconscious defenses, we gain insight about who we've become and unleash the potential to transform into who we authentically want to be. When entering any new relationship, it is perfectly healthy--and encouraged-- to take the time you need to test it out and make sure it feels right. I promise to meet you where you are, and provide you with the tools to explore yourself deeper and make transformations at your own pace. I will support you to find the strength and motivation that will allow you to be more open and committed to making the changes you desire. In our time together, we will explore the full range of your emotions, including feelings that you may not be aware of--yet! Bringing these unconscious elements into your present experience offers you a series of a-ha moments that lay the foundation for greater self-awareness and enable you to live your best life. If you're ready to dig deep, it is my honor to join you on your journey. Let's remove the barriers that are blocking you from realizing your wants, needs, and actualizing your full potential!

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Kathryn (Katie) Mason

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesTrauma and abuseDepressionCoping with life changes
17 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 17 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, trauma and abuse, & depression. I am also trained in EMDR protocol. 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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Alexandra Gulbis

Offering therapy in California
Family conflictsTrauma and abuseSelf esteemCoping with life changesADHD
9 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 9 years of professional work experience. I am a non-judgmental and trauma-informed psychotherapist. I offer a safe and supportive space for individuals seeking healing, growth, and transformation. My practice incorporates an existential lens, recognizing the importance of exploring life's fundamental questions, meaning, and purpose. I believe in embracing existence and empowering individuals to discover their authentic selves, navigate existential challenges, and cultivate a sense of fulfillment and wholeness.

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Elise Demerdjian

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesGriefDepressionCoping with life changes
30 years of experience

I am a licensed clinical social worker (LCSW) in California with over 30 years of professional work experience. I have vast experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, coping with grief and loss, & depression. The modalities I primarily use to help people with depression and anxiety are evidence based. For example for clients dealing with depression, I believe integrating depression awareness and management through a behavioral activation approach that encourages involvement in various types of meaningful activities is very helpful in alleviating the symptoms. For anxiety, I believe cognitive behavioral techniques are helpful. I also use the modality of solution focused therapy where I help you find a solution to a particular mental health issue. 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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Amber Strong

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseDepressionCoping with life changesADHD
14 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, depression, & 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 sign up for therapy can take courage and I am proud of you for getting started!

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Lori Salinas

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseParenting issuesAnger managementDepression
17 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 17 years of professional work experience. I have experience in treating clients with stress, anxiety, trauma, abuse, parenting issues, & anger management. I also have experience working with teens. My expertise with teens is teaching tools surrounding social anxiety, OCD, depression and parent-teen conflict. 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!

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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