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. Gail Masterson
Are you finding it difficult to navigate these uncertain times or feel that you’ve lost your way? Are you on your path, but progress is thwarted by circumstances not of your own making or beyond your control? Sometimes muddling through is the best any of us can do or expect of ourselves. Perhaps the uncertainty we are all facing is a blessing in disguise, because with uncertainty comes opportunity. If you’d like to explore what opportunities you have to find your footing or get things moving, sharing your story is the first step. With over 25 years experience practicing psychotherapy and having gone where I didn’t know I was going, I understand life’s challenges and the possibility for a more creative and meaningful life by venturing into unknown territory. My belief is that you know what you need to do to improve your life and with coaching and questioning you are capable of finding the best solutions. I have my BA in Humanities, MA in Marriage Family Therapy, PhD in Psychology, and am licensed in California as a Marriage Family Therapist. I have had extensive experience with teletherapy, having worked with David Viscott, MD, one of the first psychotherapists to have a nationally syndicated talk radio show, who had clients from all over the country call into the Viscott Center for Natural Therapy where our approach was brief solution oriented therapy. I also had extended, in-depth psychotherapy as part of my training and beyond because of my interest in exploring the self. I’m familiar and comfortable with both short and longer term therapy. I’ve worked with couples, families, and individuals ranging from teenage years to older adults at the end of their lives. I understand taking the first step can be difficult. I also know you can start before you’re ready! I’m here to listen, encourage, support, and collaborate with you until the correct path becomes clear.

Marcella Smithson
There are times when we need to explore some growth & healing work. Thankfully the ability to grow & heal is built into our human-nature, a nature that comes alive when receiving the support we need. Therapy is for receiving this support, and in a way that fits with you. And so I trust in this: Creating in your own expressive way a better life is what I know you are able—and meant—to do. Supporting you in discovering this for yourself will be a heartfelt privilege for me. I am trauma-attachment focused and informed. I am trained in EMDR by Curtis C. Rouanzoin,Ph.D. under EMDR Institute, Inc., EMDRIA; Couples - Trained by Susan Johnson, PhD, Emotion-Focused Therapy. I am a certified mindfulness teacher (by Tibet House & Dharma Moon). I am experienced in the field of mental health with over 15 years experience at the public health level, and on the front lines as a therapist. I am trained in evidenced-based techniques. My approach: Unconditional Positive Regard, Humanist, Trauma-attachment focused informed care. You Can Expect From Me: Honesty, Empathy, and an Ally.

Danielle Anderson
Hello, I am Danielle. I am licensed in California with 17 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, anger management, motivation, self esteem, sexuality & depression. 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.

Shuwen (Sylvia) Huang
I am licensed in California with over 15 years of professional work experience in offering client centered approaches to address issues including depression, anxiety, parenting issues, coping with illness, grief, and trauma. I have experience working in trauma hospital acute care and emergency department settings. I am also a registered nurse dedicated in providing individualized patient care through effective education and counseling. My experience has taught me that one of the most important aspect of counseling is the connection and comfort you feel with the person you choose to share your personal struggles. I believe we can all grow through challenging experiences by increasing our self-awareness. We all possess resilience and strength to achieve healing and personal growth. Sometimes another person, one who isn't in our immediate circle, can offer a perspective or additional support, that give us insights on a difficult situation when we feel stuck. It would be my privilege to be that person for you. We all want to be able to share our personal truths and be accepted and understood. I believe that you are the expert of your story and that you have many strengths that will assist you in overcoming what you are going through. I look forward to tailoring my approach to meet your specific needs. Taking the first step to seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I practice through a lens of cultural humility and strive to create a welcoming therapeutic space. My hope is for clients to leave session feeling more grounded than when they arrived. I am here to support you in that process of becoming the best version of yourself.

Samantha Tatum
I am licensed in California with 9 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, coping with grief and loss, motivation, self esteem, and confidence, & 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.

Celina Fajardo
I am licensed in California with 5 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, coping with grief and loss, motivation, self esteem, and confidence, & depression. 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.

Adekunle Ilori
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!

Megan Kirby
I am licensed in California with 5 years of professional work experience. I have a broad spectrum of experience working with a variety of different mental health needs and diagnoses including; stress and anxiety, relationship issues, motivation, self esteem, confidence and depression. I work under the belief that all individuals require different levels of support and interventions and it is my job to do my best to fit those needs. I work to ensure that clients feel as though their experiences, goals, and therapeutic needs are valued and addressed. I believe therapy can be beneficial to anyone who wants change, clarity, or understanding and am excited to help you on that journey.

Stephanie LaMarr
I am licensed in California with 3 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with relationship issues, trauma, abuse, intimacy related issues, career difficulties, & concentration, memory. I also have experience working with focus (adhd). 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.

Jessica Haywood
I am licensed in California with 20 years of professional work experience. I have helped clients coping with grief and loss, motivation, self esteem, confidence, career difficulties, & 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. 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. I am available to see clients on Saturdays and Sundays only at this time.
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.
Popular cities in California
- Los Angeles, CA
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- Anaheim, CA
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- Riverside, CA
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