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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Charlotte Gibbons

Offering therapy in California
License: LCSW,MA
Relationship issuesFamily conflictsTrauma and abuseParenting issuesSelf esteem
20 years of experience

I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker licensed in Utah with over 20 years of experience working with trauma/abuse, family/relational, and cultural/diversity issues. I have worked with clients with a wide range of concerns including depression, anxiety, self-esteem, relationship issues, parenting problems and career challenges. I also help people who have experienced physical trauma or emotional abuse. My counseling style is warm and interactive. I believe in treating anyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion, and I don't believe in stigmatizing labels. My approach combines cognitive-behavioral, psychodynamic, dialectic interventions and family-parent counseling. I will tailor our dialog and treatment plan to meet your unique and specific needs. It takes insight and courage to be willing to ask for help. I will honor and support your efforts toward a more fulfilling life. If you are ready to take that step I am here to support and empower you. I look forward to working with you!

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Tyler Cole

Offering therapy in California
License: LPC,LPCC,LMHC
Stress, AnxietyFamily conflictsTrauma and abuseParenting issuesDepression
6 years of experience

Hi, welcome to the BetterHelp community. I want to commend you for the courage it took to take the first steps in seeking support at this time. My name is Tyler Cole and I am a Licensed Professional Mental Health Counselor in the states of California, Colorado, and Washington. I am also a Nationally Certified Counselor and bring with me 7+ years of experience working in a wide variety of settings. I have experience providing counseling across a spectrum of diverse individual and family needs in community clinics, schools, residential care, and private practice. Throughout my experience I have had the opportunity to support individuals and families in working toward and meeting their goals in a wide array of considerations including: managing depression and anxiety, overcoming situational stress, finding opportune work-life balance, enhancing and improving communication and relationship fulfillment, and fostering overall improved inter and intrapersonal wellbeing. Additionally, I have advanced training and experience in addressing concerns related to trauma and abuse, parenting and family concerns, and attachment dynamics. I am a firm believer in the research that indicates that the counseling experience will only be as helpful as the strength of the therapeutic alliance. As such, I take pride in working to create an accepting, non-judgmental, supportive, and safe space in which we can work together. It is my goal to fully understand your story, values, goals, and relationships that are of the most importance to you in order assist you in reaching your goals. Most often, individuals and families tend to know, intuitively, what they want and need and then tend to move in that direction when barriers can be navigated around. My role is to compassionately assist in navigating any potential areas where things are feeling stuck and unhelpful. Some of my approaches to our shared work include the use of techniques derived from Motivational Interviewing, Solution-Focused Brief Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, and EMDR. However, each of these evidence-based interventions are grounded in a firm commitment to a client-centered and strengths-based approach that highlights the individual and family as the expert on your life and needs. Reaching out for support is not always an easy or clear decision to make. Again, I commend you for taking this step. Whether I have the opportunity to work with you or not, I wish you all the best in your endeavors to improve your overall wellbeing.

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Nicholas Malenka

Offering therapy in California
License: LCSW
Stress, AnxietyParenting issuesSelf esteemDepressionCoping with life changes
3 years of experience

I am an experienced Mental Health Clinician with a background in Social Work, Counseling, and Therapy. I enjoy working with young adults who need support with: mental health issues, life changes, and career guidance. I received my Bachelor of Arts in Sociology from the University of Redlands in 2010, my Master of Social Work from California State University: Northridge in 2017, and am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker I utilize a variety of therapeutic techniques and modalities including: Cognitive Behavioral, Solution Focused, Client-Centered, Motivational Interviewing, and Psychodynamic. I have experience working directly with young adult populations across multiple environments, including: office settings, family homes, and schools. While I do not specialize in working with the LGBTQ+ community, I do have experience providing therapy/counseling to this population. I am always open to expanding my practice with this population.

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Miriam DeBerry

Offering therapy in California
License: LMFT-CA 123881,LMFT-MO 2014006569
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesSelf esteemDepressionCoping with life changes
13 years of experience

I am a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in California and Missouri. I’ve empathetically cared for those I served for over 17 years in assisting individuals, parents, families, couples from various phases of their lives to gain clarity, perspective, and resolution. My integrative therapeutic approaches of solution-focus, motivational interviewing, cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), trauma-focused CBT, systemic, client-centered, and acceptance & commitment interventions helped my clients create healthier life choices for a positive present and future. With an open heart, mind, and soul, I will support you into the next stages of your life. Currently, I'm accepting clients who are able to meet mornings and afternoons, Tuesday - Thursday. Evening and Saturday appointments are based on my weekly availability, and upon requests.

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Melinda Clark

Offering therapy in California
Anger managementCoping with life changes
7 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 5 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with anger management & 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.

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Jerome Hoffman

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesTrauma and abuseSelf esteemDepression
20 years of experience

As a therapist whose been seeing clients for over 20 years in a variety of settings, I feel that I can be helpful in the majority of circumstances you might find yourself in. I tend to work from a Cognitive Behavioral Framework (which basically means to bring one's thoughts, actions and feelings together to challenge problem areas). I believe that providing a place of trust, safety and support is key to doing the hard work. I am also a person of Faith and if this is important to you please let me know. Otherwise, our work together will focus on the problem areas we identify. Trouble areas may include anxiety issues, sadness, loneliness, family dynamics, past traumas and/or abuse, or any other roadblocks preventing you from achieving your goals. I look forward to meeting you and assisting you in finding the solutions that will create a new future.

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Nanci Jacobs

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietyLGBTTrauma and abuseGriefBipolar disorder
10 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 10 years of professional work experience. 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.

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Julie Wakeman

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesTrauma and abuse
8 years of experience

I am a licensed professional counselor in Tennessee with over 5 years of professional work experience. I have worked with clients with a range of concerns including depression, anxiety, relationship issues, grief and loss, parenting problems, and trauma and abuse. I have treated many people who have experienced physical, emotional, and sexual trauma. I approach therapy from a trauma-informed and empowerment lens. 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. My approach is person-centered and combines cognitive-behavioral, solutions focused, dialectic-behavioral, and acceptance and commitment therapy. In our work together, you should expect to never receive a "one size fits all" approach to therapy from me. Instead we will work together to identify your goals in all aspects of your life (personal, professional, relational, etc.) and how we can help you achieve them. I am here to support & empower you in that journey.

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Rebecca Hyatt

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesSelf esteemDepressionCoping with life changes
40 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 40 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, 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. 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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Margaret "Margi" Wild-McKinney

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesParenting issuesAnger managementCoping with life changes
15 years of experience

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, & anger management. 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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Laura Mares

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesTrauma and abuseSelf esteemDepression
40 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 40 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, trauma and abuse, & 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. Taking the first step to sign up for therapy can take courage and I am sure you are proud of yourself for getting started!

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Rachel Connelly

Offering therapy in California
AddictionsFamily conflictsTrauma and abuseGriefCoping with life changes
15 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 15 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with coping with addictions, family conflicts, trauma and abuse, & coping with grief and loss. 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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Steven Jones

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietyLGBTRelationship issuesTrauma and abuseDepression
28 years of experience

I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in California with 28 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, lgbtq+ related issues, relationship issues, & trauma and abuse. 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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Marisela Calvillo Espinoza

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

I am licensed in California with 5 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress, anxiety, relationship issues, motivation, self esteem, & confidence. 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 seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process. I am a first generation Latina with some knowledge on cultural challenges we come across ! I bring not only professional experience but personal . I am a very empathetic person and provide my patients with support.

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Angela Williams

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesSelf esteemDepressionCoping with life changes
39 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 39 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress, anxiety, depression, chronic illness, cancer diagnoses, and relationship issues. I also have experience working with 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 happy to help you meet your goals!

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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