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.

Dr. Alexa Wasserman
Welcome to your journey toward healing and wholeness. ✨ Whether you feel completely overwhelmed by life or are just looking for some support, I hope you recognize that by reaching out you have already overcome one of the most difficult parts of the journey. What gives me the authority to make such a claim? I stand by this belief as a product of my 20 years of clinical experience practicing as a psychologist but more profoundly based on my own personal journey toward healing and wholeness. It is my goal to ensure a positive, trusting therapeutic relationship so that we can create a safe place to work through whatever difficulties you may be facing. I believe in setting collaborative goals with my clients to help them with their areas of need, while also empowering them to use their strengths to overcome difficulties. To reach this end, I utilize a variety of therapeutic approaches that incorporate cognitive-behavioral, client-centered and solution focused techniques. I also value the use of mindfulness techniques when my clients feel comfortable doing so. It would be an honor and pleasure to accompany you on your personal journey! ✨

Araceli Ramos
I have a passion for helping individuals who seek to enhance their lives by choosing to live for today. I have over 24 years of experience working in mental health and have worked with people from all walks of life from families to elder adults. I take a harm reduction approach to therapy and use this modality in all my professional interactions. I meet clients where they are by taking a client centered approach to services. I have a Bachelors Degree in Psychology, a Masters in Social work, and many years in post graduate experience. I am licensed to practice therapy in the State of California and love that I get to help people every day. I am here to provide you with support and guidance through a nonjudgemental, compassionate, empathetic experience. Together we can take this journey with the hope of reaching your goals.

Krista Arrington
Welcome! I am Krista Arrington, Licensed Clinical Social Worker. I have over 30 years of experience as a mental health professional in community-based, out-patient treatment programs and most recently, in public school settings. I work with clients seeking change through collaborative goal setting, problem solving, and progress monitoring in a validating, respectful therapeutic relationship. I am available to work with clients experiencing immediate challenges, as well as those exploring personal growth. I believe in the transformational power of relationship, as a way to deepen the understanding of patterns that you find no longer serve you. I have worked with clients with a variety of concerns including life transitions, relationship challenges, ineffective behavioral patterns, family conflicts, grief & loss, peri-menopause, menopause, and sleep difficulties. I have special knowledge in the areas of learning disabilities, neuro-diverse learners, and special education, working with clients who want to explore related parenting dynamics. My counseling approach is empathic, thoughtful, straight forward, and authentic. My approach combines mindfulness-based practices, cognitive behavioral, family systems, and positive behavioral support strategies. I tailor techniques to meet clients’ unique needs and treatment goals, as they share their story and we get to know each other. Including bits of humor along the way, my goal is to help clients address immediate concerns, explore unhelpful response patterns, and learn uncomplicated practices that support emotional wellbeing. If this sounds right for you, contact me and let’s move forward together.

Dr. Kristi Hottenstein
Whether you’re experiencing difficult times or new adventures, I’m here to help. I have been a licensed professional counselor in the state of Michigan since 2009. I am the practitioner/owner of Compass Counseling & Coaching, PLLC, a member of the Michigan Mental Health Counselors Association and was appointed to their board in 2021. I have a doctorate in higher education administration from the University of Toledo, a masters in Counseling from the University of La Verne and a bachelors in Sociology from Alma College. I provide counseling for individuals, couples, and teens, as well as provide college selection coaching. I have a very holistic approach to counseling because no two people are the same. I see each client as an individual requiring their own unique approach. I use a variety of counseling techniques, encouraging self-awareness and the acceptance of one’s own responsibilities in their personal journey. I believe the more we know ourselves, the better we can respond to situations.

Dr. Rita Dumas
I am licensed in California with 15 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, parenting issues, & 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. 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.

Vanessa Hernandez
I am licensed in California with 14 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, motivation, self esteem, and confidence, 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!

Mary Dallman
I am licensed in California, South Dakota and Washington with 30 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with coping with addictions, coping with grief and loss, eating disorders, & 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.

Penny Gifford
Your recovery begins here. I seek to help adults in individual sessions to integrate new and healthy skills to gain self-empowerment and improve your life. Whether you struggle with mental health issues or change of life issues the goal is to provide a supportive therapeutic environment to empower you to grow and make effective changes in your life. Creating a collaborative, non-judgmental and positive atmosphere is a crucial piece to your healing process and change. I have extensive experience with the following conditions: anger management, anxiety & stress, co-dependency, family discord, eating disorders, grief & loss, life purpose & transition, mood disorders, obsessive compulsive disorders, post- traumatic stress disorders. I employ treatment through integrative counseling by drawing on behavioral therapies, psychodynamic therapy & humanistic therapies to help you learn, grow and heal by guiding you through a directive and solution focused process.

John Fielder
I am licensed in California with 40 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress, anxiety, relationship issues, trauma, abuse, coping with grief, & coping with loss. I also have experience working with depression. 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.

April Wilson
Hi! So proud of you for taking the first step in reaching out for support! I enjoy helping people who are committed to where they want to go, even if it gets uncomfortable sometimes. I look forward to working with you in the area of your choice. I’m happy to work with you on any area of concern. My areas of specialty are couples, first responders, law enforcement and compassion fatigue. I believe that therapy is NOT one size fits all, should be accessible to all with no barriers to receiving care. My treatment style is goal oriented, direct and to the point. I like to provide tangible tools and feedback to help you get where you want to go at a healthy pace.
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:
- 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 feature
- 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 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.
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