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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Marsha (Marcie) Eriksen Hanna

Offering therapy in California
License: MSW,LCSW
GriefSelf esteemCareer difficultiesCoping with life changesCompassion fatigue
21 years of experience

Welcome and congratulations on reaching out for support! It takes great strength to make the decision to take that first step. We will be showcasing and enhancing your many strengths by utilizing a Strengths-Based, Solution Focused, and Cognitive Behavioral model in our time together to achieve your fullest potential and happiness in life. I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with almost 20 years of experience in working with individual adults and families in the following practice areas: Depression, Stress and Anxiety, Relationship issues, Family Conflicts, Coping with grief and loss, Parenting issues, Motivation/Self esteem/Confidence, Career difficulties, Coping with life changes, Compassion fatigue, and Memory Loss. My Master’s degree in Social Work is from San Diego State University. I also completed an Intergenerational Specialist certificate program from the University of Pittsburgh’s graduate school of social work. You will find my counseling style to be compassionate, warm, genuine, direct, and respectful. I create a space for you that is safe, non-judgmental, encouraging and positive. I am an empathetic and active listener, and we will use proven approaches and strategies that are tailored to the uniqueness of your needs and life path. I am looking forward to working with you!

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Julia Davis

Offering therapy in California
License: LMFT,MA
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesGriefIntimacy-related issuesDepression
13 years of experience

Welcome to my page! I am a licensed marriage and family therapist in Michigan, California, Florida and Washington with a decade of experience assisting others to relieve distress and promote and restore positive relationships. I have worked with adults and children helping them overcome anxious thoughts and behaviors, process past experiences, and support healthy living. Being supportive of healthy choices and remaining true to oneself is a process therapy can nurture. Creating meaningful connections and a more satisfying life experience can be achieved with healthy conversation that gives you permission to be yourself and connect with others authentically. With an open mind and a non-judgmental treatment approach, we create the space to collaboratively meet your goals. I am passionate about secure attachment, nonviolent communication, the connection between boundaries and anxiety, speaking up and reducing emotional paralysis and communication skills to reduce anxiety. Life in all its processes and nuances is unique for each of us. I am here to help, guide, listen and support you in meeting your goals. Together we can identify these and explore ways to meet them.

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Robert Aerts

Offering therapy in California
License: LMFT
Stress, AnxietyLGBTParenting issuesSelf esteemDepression
8 years of experience

My name is Robert Aerts, I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. I hold a master’s in counseling psychology and 8 years’ experience working in the Mental Health Field. I have over 30 years’ experience working in Human Services. I have worked with a diverse population through the years. I am LGBTQ friendly and understand the stigmas that come with being LGBTQ. My therapeutic approach varies on what is presented to me. I practice from a Cognitive Behavioral Theory approach. I provide individual therapy. My communication is open and honest. If I am not equipped in assisting the presenting issue, I will discuss alternative resources and supports that can be a better fit.

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Kevin Wurtz

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsRelationship issuesFamily conflictsSelf esteem
21 years of experience

I am licensed in California with over 21 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, coping with addictions, relationship issues, & family conflicts. 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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Angelinna Caisa

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietySelf esteemCoping with life changesCompassion fatigue
4 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 3 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, motivation, self esteem, and confidence, & coping with life changes. I also have experience working with compassion fatigue. I believe in treating everyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion. Taking the first step to seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process. My therapy style is warm and interactive. I believe in treating everyone with respect, cultural sensitivity, and compassion. My approach combines cognitive-behavioral, humanistic, psychodynamic and rational-emotive therapy. I will tailor our dialog and treatment plan to meet your unique and specific needs. It takes strength and 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.

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Bryan Busse

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietyGriefCoping with life changesCompassion fatigueADHD
28 years of experience

Hi. My name is Bryan Busse and thank you for considering me for your counselor. People look to BetterHelp for many reasons and desire many different outcomes but one of the most important factors in successful counseling is establishing rapport and trust. It is with that in mind I share the following. I diligently work to build and maintain the kind of empathic relationship where you explore, work through, and resolve the issues that are important to you. As everyone is unique, I take an eclectic approach to counseling, using skills acquired from 28 years of licensure and a lifetime of personal experiences. If you’d like more specifics, continue reading, if not you can skip to the next to the last paragraph for important "housekeeping" information. I hold a Master’s degree with honors from my graduate Counseling Psychology program. Interning exposed me to substance abuse and addiction therapy working in a methodone treatment center for opiate users and in a high school setting for adolescents who were experimenting. Those two programs led to interning at a county school for emotionally disturbed, at-risk youth and later practice with the same population for a county-mandated residential care program. Afterward, a professor contacted me to work with him in a neuropsychology practice treating traumatic brain injuries, brain disorders, dementia, and pain management. It was there I trained in neurofeedback and biofeedback which exposed and trained me in a more medical model of counseling in addition to utilizing psychology. Shortly thereafter I sat for the California State Board Exams and was fully licensed as a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) in 2004. I have worked in private practice and clinical settings but it was as a caregiver for, and survivor of, a family member with Alzheimer’s Disease dementia that inspired me to specialize in geriatric care. I have worked with hospice care, home health, personal assistant services, independent and assisted living communities, and memory care. Personally, I am a father of one and stepfather to another, both adults now. I have been married and divorced as well as coming from a divorced family of origin. I am a survivor of a parent with life-limiting dementia and cancer as well as another with alcoholism, emphysema, and early childhood trauma. I have lived well and had to pick myself up from the floor and move forward at times. I’ve traveled the world, mostly to developing countries, and gained the insight, perspective, and respect that international travel affords. Lastly, I had a previous career in business and finance which grounds me in reality and solutions. As I am new to the BetterHelp platform, I have purposely limited my availability to M - F in 45-minute time blocks during specific hours. Should you want to schedule other times or decrease your sessions to 30 minutes, please discuss that with me. I suggest a minimum of 1 scheduled video session per week but have found it more productive to schedule 2, especially as our relationship begins. Of course, our session frequency and duration will always be open to adjustments as needed. Feel free to reach out to me on the BetterHelp platform when issues arise that you think have some urgency. I do shelter time for my family and friends but will try to answer any communication within 12 to 24 hours unless I am away from internet connectivity. At those rare times, I ask for your patience and understanding. I will respond as soon as I am able. If an emergency arises, please call 988 or 911 for immediate help, and if possible, leave a message for me here on the BetterHelp platform as soon as you are able. From these lenses, experiences, perspectives, and practicalities I can offer assistance. It is said, “The first step in problem resolution is recognition”. The second is reaching for help. You are already on your way. I look forward to our first session and those that follow. Warm Professional Regards, Bryan Busse, LMFT

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Samy Selim

Offering therapy in California
AddictionsFamily conflictsTrauma and abuseDepressionCoping with life changes
11 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 12 years of professional work experience. Prior to attaining my LMFT I gained value experience working in foster care, education and investigating elder/dependent abuse. I have experience in helping clients with depression, anxiety, family conflict/systems, trauma and abuse. In addition, I am familiar with recovery modalities necessary to overall wellbeing. I work 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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Phyllis Grannis

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesParenting issuesSelf esteemCoping with life changes
34 years of experience

Greetings! I'm a licensed therapist from the beautiful state of California, bringing to you 34 years of experience in helping individuals just like you navigate life's challenges. Whether you're grappling with stress, anxiety, relationship dilemmas, parenting challenges, or need a boost in self-esteem and motivation, I'm here to help. My practice creates a warm, open environment where your feelings and thoughts are given the respect and attention they deserve, completely free of judgment. I know the first step towards therapy can seem daunting, and just by being here, you're already winning! I applaud your courage in taking this crucial step. You're not alone in this journey, and I'm here to support you every step of the way!

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Esther Jou

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesSelf esteemCareer difficultiesDepression
7 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 7 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 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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Adekunle Ilori

Offering therapy in California
Trauma and abuseGriefSelf esteemCareer difficultiesCoping with life changes
4 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 4 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with trauma and abuse, coping with grief and loss, motivation, self-esteem, and confidence, & career difficulties. 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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Dr. Alton Carswell

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietyLGBTRelationship issuesFamily conflictsDepression
16 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 16 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, lgbtq+ related issues, relationship issues, & family conflicts. 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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Natasha Mcgee

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesFamily conflictsSelf esteemDepression
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, relationship issues, family conflicts, motivation, self-esteem, & confidence. I also have experience working with depression. I work with my clients to create an open and safe environment where thoughts and feelings can be shared without fear of judgment. My character has led me to choose counseling as my career: my compassion, genuine eagerness to help people, personal experiences, and ability to empathize with a non-biased view of the emotional pain of others. I am attentive and a great listener and I pride myself on always being authentic.

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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