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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Brigette Girardey

Offering therapy in California
License: MA,LMFT
Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseGriefSelf esteem
13 years of experience

Hello! My name is Brigette and I am a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in East Bay, California. I have 10 years experience working with clients, providing therapeutic counseling services. I have worked with a diverse population of clients ranging from children, teens, adults, and elders. I provide services for individuals and families assisting with issues such as depression, isolation, anxiety, self esteem, trauma, loss, relationship issues, parenting issues, and more. I enjoy working with individuals from all walks of life and backgrounds and I value genuineness and collaboration with my clients. I provide a safe and supportive holding environment that is authentic and nonjudgmental in nature. I tailor my specific approach depending on client situation, needs, and goals for therapy. As well as draw from theories such as CBT, Solution Focused, Family Systems, and Client Centered modalities. Growth and change are encouraged through self reflection and finding practical solutions to problems. Making a change can feel overwhelming and scary, but if you are ready to take the first step and begin the road to a new way of life, I am here to help uplift and support you! I appreciate your courage and I look froward to hearing from you!

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Shaakira McMillon

Offering therapy in California
License: LCSW
Stress, AnxietyGriefSelf esteemCoping with life changesCompassion fatigue
7 years of experience

Hello, Welcome! Thank you for choosing BetterHelp. You have taken an important step toward prioritizing your mental health and wellness. My name is Shaakira McMillon. I am a licensed therapist (LCSW) in the state of California. I have been a Social Worker for 7 years. I am passionate about helping others and creating a safe space for clients and families. Throughout my career, I have assisted clients coping with a wide variety of issues/concerns including but not limited to: Depression, Anxiety, caregiver fatigue, burnout, family conflict, grief, intimacy issues, addiction, and work-life balance concerns. I utilize Motivational Interviewing, CBT, Solution- Focused Techniques, Art, and other therapeutic tools to help clients identify meaningful and achievable goals. I enjoy helping others and would greatly appreciate the opportunity to assist you. It would be a privilege to walk alongside you in healing journey. Please feel free to reach out to me regarding any questions/concerns/inquiries.

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Susie Baker

Offering therapy in California
License: LCSW,ACHP-SW
Stress, AnxietyGriefSelf esteemDepressionCoping with life changes
10 years of experience

I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) with over 10 years of experience working with clients and patients identify and obtain their goals to help improve life experiences . I understand what you are feeling and I am ready to help you. Don’t give up! Change is always difficult, but it’s possible to achieve with the proper support. Together, let’s challenge the old belief systems and patterns that no longer serve you. Using thought-reframing and mindfulness techniques, we’ll work to identify your values and implement practical skills that help get you through each day with more ease. In order to be someone you’ve never been, you have to try something you’ve never tried. It’s time for a change. Quiet the negative self-talk and calm your swirling thoughts. Master coping skills to feel more grounded and self-assured. Free yourself from the anxiety holding you back from becoming the woman you want to be. I look forward to working with you!

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Adam Whyte

Offering therapy in California
License: LCSW
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsTrauma and abuseDepressionCompassion fatigue
30 years of experience

My name is Adam Whyte, I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) licensed in the State of California. I currently hold a position as a Senior Clinical Social Worker at the VA (Veterans Affairs) working with Veterans. Since obtaining my MSW in 2001, I have continued to deepen my clinical skills as a counselor focusing on treating trauma, addition, depression, anxiety, confidence issues, wellness and health. I am experienced in providing support to people of a variety of ages, genders, cultures and sexual orientations. The techniques I have utilized to help individuals with their self-growth have included mindfulness, journal writing, recognizing supports, and developing inner strengths. I am well versed in many different therapeutic tools. In particular; Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavior Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, Relapse Prevention and Strengths Based Therapy. I feel I can be an effective counselor to individuals who are striving to improve themselves and gain more self-fulfillment in life.

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Sherice Youngblood

Offering therapy in California
License: LCSW
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsTrauma and abuseSelf esteem
15 years of experience

Hello future clients! Please take a minute and appreciate yourself as this is the first step in your health journey. The initial step of recognizing the desire for change and acting on it, can be the most difficult for some. A little about myself, I’m a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with over 15 years of counseling/social work experience. I believe in partnering with each client to reach specified structured goals and I look forward to partnering with you. As a women of color, mother, wife, supervisor and employee I have experienced juggling multiple expectations at a time while navigating through the complexities this may bring. I consider myself an “Urban Therapist” as I derive from the low-income housing projects of San Francisco. My personal background includes experiences with crime, violence, trauma and other aspects of living in an under resourced environment. I’m proud to say as a native San Franciscan beginning my career in the city’s world famous Tenderloin District exposed me to a variety of counseling experiences with adults including work with historically under-represented groups such as LGBTQIA+, Persons of Color and those from a lower social economic status. Other aspects of my work have included work with adults experiencing depression, work conflicts and relationship stressors. These roots have lead me to provide supportive guidance to adults working through situations ranging from a stressful work environment, substance addiction to the effects of gun violence. My career including work with the homeless, child welfare, HIV/AIDS, medical social work and my personal experiences have prepared me for these challenges. My formal experiences provided knowledge and skill sets in Cognitive Behavior Therapy and Client Centered Therapy which are the frameworks I most often use. I again want to applaud you for taking the first step in your health journey. I’m looking forward to meeting you where we will work together to map put your journey!

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Marta Herrera-White

Offering therapy in California
License: MSW, LCSW
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsTrauma and abuseGriefDepression
18 years of experience

Hello and congratulations on making the first steps towards your healing and transformative journey! If you are ready to take that step, I am here to support and empower you. I am a licensed clinical social worker with 18+ years of clinical experience. I am also a certified Interpersonal Psychotherapist (IPT) and Maternal Mental Health Certified (MMH-C). My approach combines cognitive-behavioral, humanistic, psychodynamic and mindfulness therapy. My therapy style is warm and interactive. 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. I have worked in several clinical settings including nonprofits, hospitals, and schools. I have experience with counseling couples, individuals both adults and youth. I also have experience working with mothers with high-risk pregnancies and postpartum issues, as well as pregnancy loss and pregnancy termination. I have received specialized training in maternal and infant health, as well as women's health and reproductive issues. My goal is to help you on your journey by providing a safe, authentic, non-biased and compassionate healing space with an individualized therapy experience. I look forward to working with you! Marta

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Nancy Satterwhite

Offering therapy in California
Relationship issuesFamily conflictsTrauma and abuseGriefParenting issues
10 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 10 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with relationship issues, family conflicts, trauma and abuse, & coping with grief and loss. 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.

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Rochelle Van Driel

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietyGriefDepressionCoping with life changesCompassion fatigue
10 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 11 years of professional work experience. I have worked in the school systems with children of all ages, and extensively with caregivers and seniors. I am not currently working with children at this time. I have experience in helping clients with stress, anxiety, grief and loss, depression, life transitions, senior life transitions and caregiving issues. I work with my clients to create an open and safe environment where thoughts and feelings can be shared without fear of judgment. I want to help connect you with your unique strengths to support you through your personal transitions and challenges. Taking the first step to sign up for therapy can take courage. Let's work together to instill hope during your journey toward successful resolution, life satisfaction, and healing. "If we don't change the direction we are going, we will arrive at the same place, always." - Chinese Proverb

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Roya Haghighat

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesTrauma and abuseDepression
11 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 11 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, & trauma and abuse. 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. 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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Carly Makie-Bennett

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesSelf esteemCareer difficultiesCoping with life changes
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 dialogue 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.

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Miriam Guijarro

Offering therapy in California
Stress, Anxiety
6 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 6 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, trauma and abuse, coping with grief and loss, & 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. * Please note I do not provide any letters*

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Joanna Bifone

Offering therapy in California
License: LCSW,LICSW
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesGriefParenting issuesSelf esteem
25 years of experience

I am committed to providing a safe, supportive and non judgmental space for clients to explore what is causing distress or pain, what may be impeding life satisfaction, as well as ways to improve relationships, build self awareness, and enhance coping skills to navigate life challenges moving forward. Everyone needs assistance at times, and I believe that therapy can provide the space and foundation to better understand ourselves, to heal, and to move forward with a more grounded sense of self. My specialties include assisting individuals who are coping with depression, anxiety, difficulties with self worth, relationship/marital issues, pregnancy/parenthood, fertility/miscarriage, adoption, young adult and life transition issues, cancer, grief and loss, as well as the chaos, upheaval and isolation associated with world events during the past few years. In addition to my clinical experience, graduate work and licensure, I have additional training in couples/marital therapy through the Gottman Institute, and have completed their Bringing Baby Home program. I am also trained in Promoting First Relationships, and hold an Infant Mental Health Certificate through the University of Washington.

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Sydney Pranitis

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesTrauma and abuseDepressionCoping with life changes
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, depression, relationship issues, trauma and abuse. 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 sign up for therapy can take courage and I am proud of you for getting started!

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Andy Le

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

I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker based in California with over 5 years of experience serving in various capacities such as colleges, non-profits, hospitals, and government. I take a person-centered and systems approach to therapy in a holistic manner to provide opportunities to discover self-determination: voice and choice. I have worked with clients with a wide range of concerns including depression, anxiety, relationship issues, parenting problems, career, and school challenges. I also helped many people who have experienced trauma such as physical abuse or neglect. In my sessions, I provide a non-judgmental environment that comes from a place of calm, compassion, and empathy. I provide an environment that will allow opportunities to increase self-direction and collaboration in exploring different solutions to your issues and goals. It takes 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. I look forward to joining you on this journey!

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Gina Cavallini

Offering therapy in California
Relationship issuesFamily conflictsParenting issuesSelf esteemDepression
16 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 16 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with relationship issues, family conflicts, parenting issues, 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. 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.

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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