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.
Jennifer Roche-Sheets
I am a Licensed Professional Counselor in California with almost 20 years of experience working in the mental health field. I have worked with clients with a wide range of concerns including depression, anxiety, stress, relationship issues, parenting problems, and career challenges. My counseling style is client-centered and supportive. I believe in treating everyone with respect, sensitivity, compassion, and I honor those that choose to trust me with the details of their mental health journey. My job is to work with you to develop a treatment plan that best suits your needs and concerns. I have been described as passionate and direct. I applaud you for taking these necessary first steps towards a more positive life. I am honored to be part of your journey and forward to working with you! Should you feel in need of urgent help or that you are in crisis at any time during our work together; please call 1-800-273-TALK 24 hours a day; or 911. This forum does not provide any type of emergency services, so I want to be sure you know who to contact if you need immediate help.
Donny Simpson
My name is Donny Simpson. I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. I graduated with a Master's Degree in Marriage and Family Therapy from Grand Canyon University in 2012 and Bachelor's Degree in Human Services from Cal State Fullerton. I was most recently a Child Welfare Social Worker and continue to manage Social Workers in Children and Family Services. I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and I have worked with clients with a broad range of issues, including anxiety, depression, stress management, relationship/marital and family problems, work-related stress and issues unique to the LGBT community. I also specialize in working with families involved in the Child Welfare system including reunification and/or adoption. It is my priority to maintain a judgment-free space, a space that is challenging but comforting, and a process that is enlightening as well as retrospective. My approach to therapy is laidback and conversational while providing goal-directed treatment using a combination of Cognitive and Solution Focused Therapy. I take a collaborative and supportive stance in my approach to therapy and I have been told that I am comfortable to be with and easy to talk to. All treatment is planned with the goal in mind and progress is made toward reaching that goal. I look forward to working with you!
Jared Maloney
Hello and welcome. Allow me to share with you a little bit about my experience and how I approach therapy. I have five years of experience working as a therapist with teens, adults, couples and families. Helping people manage their thoughts and emotions in a healthy way that improves their experience in the world. I’ve worked with clients who were worried, anxious, grieving, feeling lost, sad, depressed, struggled with self worth, intrusive thoughts, addiction, relationships and anger management. I’ve also helped coach people on how to reach goals, find what direction they wanted to go in and create a deeper sense of meaning and purpose in their life. I’m always willing to find the style or technique that will be the most helpful for my clients but here are style I use the most: Client centered- letting you guide us to what you feel needs to be addressed and working on that together. Holistic - including all the parts that make you who you are, such as your thoughts, feelings, physical sensations, hopes, spirituality and relationships. Depth Psychology- explores what things mean for you, why you react to things the way you do, what is your unconscious may be saying to you. Psychosynthesis – working with all the parts of your personality healthy way, building personal recourses to improve your life. Solution focused – building self esteem by setting and achieving goals and knowing your self worth. CBT- becoming more aware of your thoughts and what you can do to change them. Some of the techniques I’ve incorporated in the past are journaling, art, guided meditations, dream analysis, mindfulness practices, somatic exercises (I don’t mean going to the gym, but that could be helpful) and role-play. My goal is to help you find your way through whatever it is you’re going through and to develop tools and skills that you can use for the rest of your life. If this sounds like something that would be helpful for you I look forward to hearing from you.
Kim Connolly
Hello, My name is Kim. I am a seasoned therapist who has been in the mental health field for over 30 years. Most of that time has been in the nonprofit world. I have had the privilege of working with multitudes of folks, some short term, most long term. In that time, I have worked with a very wide variety of client concerns including personal growth, depression, anxiety, PTSD, attachment disorders, relationship problems, parenting issues, teen issues, grief, loss and coping with physical pain. I have a long history of counseling folks who have experienced physical, emotional, or sexual abuse and everything that now comes with that. And lately everything that has changed with the experiences of COVID, in our school, work and homes. I am a warm, interactive, and empathetic therapist. I respect that all of us have to move through life at our own pace and I will respect that with you. Your pace, where you want to go and how you want to get there. I will be direct and honest with you. I have used many different styles of therapy, depending on what my client needs and what makes them comfortable. Some of these include family systems, solution focused, existential, cognitive and psychodynamic. I also have a great belief in the healing power of loving humor. I think I have been involved in mental health for most of my life. Both of my parents were in related fields. I left my undergrad college my 3rd year to intern in a group home in Nevada City, Ca. From that point on, I worked on and off there while I went to Cal State Chico. I then worked many jobs in the field for several years before and during the time I got my Masters in Counseling at Sonoma State University and my subsequent Marriage and Family Therapy license. These days I live in a beautiful area of Ca. near the ocean. Everyone here seems to have a dog. I have one, but given a choice and the space, I would have more! I’ve always had dogs, growing up with them, then fostering them for a rescue, working with them for a humane society and then boarding them for awhile. There really is NOTHING like 5 dogs in your bed at night! Dogs are wonderful companions, can always make me laugh and are always there when you are feeling down. If I sound like a therapist that would work for you, let’s get started.
Dr. Katarina Thomas
I am licensed in California with 35 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, & 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. 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.
Monica Garnett
Hi I’m Monica, Are you feeling stuck, unsettled and ready to regain some normalcy in your life? Are you hoping to become the best version of yourself? Allow me to assist you in becoming more self-aware and regaining more control of your life. I am a licensed counselor for the state of Illinois and a certified substance abuse counselor for California. My experiences have allowed me to work with diverse clientele ranging from children and adolescents to adults with varying needs. My therapeutic style is collaborative and engaging and I assist you in learning to live an enriched and full life. I have fifteen years’ experience working with individuals who needed help with emotional regulation, developing coping strategies, struggling with alcohol, drug or behavioral addictions as well as with individuals or couples needing to enhance their communication skills. I also have several years of experience working with veterans. I offer phone and video sessions for clients who are distancing or quarantined. I have immediate openings for new clients. Allow me to assist you in taking the next step towards living a more fulfilled life!
Sara Contreras
I am licensed in California with 5 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, trauma and abuse, depression, & coping with life changes. 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 mostly available Monday, Wed, or some Thurs evenings. I have morning sessions as well or by appointment times that we can coordinate together. Feel free to let me know what you need. :)
Leslie Watson
My name is Leslie, and I am a licensed in California with over 9 years professional experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress, anxiety, trauma, lack of motivation, self-esteem, and depression to name a few. I work with my clients to create an open and safe environment where thoughts and feelings can be shared without fear or judgement. Taking the first step to signing up for therapy takes courage and I am extremely proud of you for getting started! Even if we never speak, I wish you the best in your journey of healing!
Lindsey Eggers
I am licensed in California with 3 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, motivation, self esteem, and confidence, & 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!
Sergio Ibanez
I am licensed in California with 7 years of professional work experience. I speak English and Spanish. I have experience in helping clients with trauma-EMDR, stress, anxiety, relationship issues, trauma, abuse, motivation, self-esteem, & confidence. I also have experience working with depression. 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.
Mellissa Williams
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. I also have experience working with coping with life changes. 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!
Noemi Corral
I am licensed in California with 11 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress, anxiety, relationship issues, trauma, abuse, & depression. I also have experience working with coping with life changes. 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.
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
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- 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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