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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Dr. Katherine Walker

Offering therapy in California
License: PhD
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsTrauma and abuseBipolar disorderDepression
32 years of experience

Hello! I am a newly retired middle-aged female who worked for a large health care organization for over 30 years both as a therapist and a manager. During my career there I had a chance to work with a wide variety of clients ranging from those with serious mental illness (Bipolar, Schizophrenic) to those that were coping with life issues such as divorce, loss, or job stress. I completed my undergraduate degree at UC Berkeley and then (after a brief hiatus working as a respiratory therapist) attended graduate school at the California School of Professional Psychology. I enjoy working with a wide range of clients and use an approach that is based in my very strong belief that there is goodness and strength in all people and that all progress in therapy is directly attributable to the efforts that are put in by the client, with my guidance.

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Elissa Padilla

Offering therapy in California
License: LMFT
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesTrauma and abuseBipolar disorderDepression
3 years of experience

I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with nearly 10 years of experience in various capacities within the Behavioral Health field as a counselor, a case manager, and a social worker. I enjoy working with everyone from teens to military, and those in between. I also have ample experience working with those impacted by substance use disorders, parenting concerns, past emotional trauma, and anxiety. My therapeutic approach depends on each individual's needs! However, I enjoy using Cognitive Behavioral, Solution-Focused, and Psychodynamic therapies to help clients reach their goals. I strive to create a safe, compassionate environment that is free from judgement, yet also fosters change, acceptance, and growth for all clients. These past couple of years have been difficult for many. Please allow me to commend this first crucial step towards creating a healthier, happier next chapter! I look forward to being a part of your journey.

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Deana Porter

Offering therapy in California
Relationship issuesTrauma and abuseIntimacy-related issuesSelf esteem
15 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 15 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with relationship issues, trauma and abuse, & intimacy related issues. I also have experience working with 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 seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process.

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Loretta Abbott

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsLGBTTrauma and abuseDepression
14 years of experience

I am licensed in Montana and California with 14 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, those coping with addictions, lgbt-related 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 seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process. I fully believe in each individual's inner wisdom and work with clients to help them better access that wisdom through the use of compassionate interviewing and listening. I primarily employ therapeutic tools from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Rational Emotive Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, and Mindfulness. I have completed the first weekend training for EMDR, working with a EMDR consultant and registered for the second weekend in March 2024 in order to apply for EMDR certification.

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Boyang"Eric" Zhang

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesFamily conflictsSelf esteemCoaching
7 years of experience

I am licensed Professional Clinical Counselor in California with 7 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, & 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. 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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Lynn Rogers

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesFamily conflictsGriefCoping 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, family conflicts, & coping with grief and loss. Working with patients and families living with a life altering illness is a particular passion.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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Dennis Le

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietyFamily conflictsTrauma and abuseDepressionCoping with life changes
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, family conflicts, trauma and abuse, & 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. 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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Janette Brown

Offering therapy in California
Relationship issuesSelf esteemCoping with life changesCoachingCompassion fatigue
40 years of experience

Licensed in both California & Washington, I have been 50 years in the field of counseling & supervisory education. So in semi-retirement, I have a limited number of spaces. Still, I love working with people actively engaged in improving their relationships, building more confidence & self esteem, and meeting whatever recurring challenges that life brings. I have some executive & professional coaching experience as well. So whatever is on your mind, ours will be an open, safe environment, not without humor, for sharing your thoughts & feelings. I do not keep notes, so what is said can be shared with complete confidentiality. Certainly your beginning sessions are the biggest step forward in the change process; I look forward to meeting you soon!

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Katherine Barlow

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseSelf esteem
12 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 12 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress, anxiety, trauma, abuse, motivation, & self esteem. I also have experience working with 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 seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process.

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Sandra Martha

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietyAnger managementSelf esteemDepressionCoaching
3 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 3 years of clinical experience, and over 10 years of professional work experience. I was born and raised in Mexico, and I moved to the United States when I was 20 years old. I have experience in helping clients with stress, anxiety, anger management, motivation, self esteem, confidence, depression, & executive coaching. 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. Taking the first step to seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process.

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:

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.

In today's fast-paced society, mental well-being has become a cornerstone of a fulfilling life. Amid the daily challenges and stressors that can overwhelm even the most resilient individuals, seeking professional guidance often offers a path to clarity and balance. The journey toward improved emotional health involves understanding personal triggers, embracing self-compassion, and developing effective coping strategies. While self-help books and online resources provide valuable information, nothing compares to the personalized support offered by a qualified mental health professional. One-on-one sessions with experienced experts can help uncover the underlying issues contributing to anxiety, depression, or other emotional hurdles. With a careful and empathetic approach, these professionals tailor their advice to suit individual needs, ensuring that each person receives strategies that work best for their unique circumstances. Whether through cognitive behavioral techniques, mindfulness practices, or other innovative methods, the aim is to foster resilience and empower individuals to take control of their inner lives. For those living in bustling urban centers, engaging in face-to-face sessions in a welcoming environment can be particularly beneficial. Access to a caring clinician provides not only a safe space to explore difficult emotions but also builds a support network essential for long-term recovery. The process encourages self-reflection and greater insight into behavioral patterns that might otherwise go unnoticed. While the journey can be challenging at times, the rewards include enhanced emotional stability, improved interpersonal relationships, and a renewed sense of self-worth. In one notable case, the guidance provided by a highly trained therapist proved instrumental in navigating a tumultuous period. Through structured sessions and tailored interventions, the individual learned to identify stressors and develop healthier responses to adversity. This experience underscored the transformative impact that dedicated support can have on one's overall quality of life. In a region like Texas, community-based initiatives and accessible mental health programs further reinforce the value of professional help. These efforts emphasize early intervention, preventive care, and continuous support, ensuring that more people are equipped to face life's inevitable challenges. Ultimately, investing in mental well-being is an act of self-care that yields lifelong benefits. By embracing professional support, individuals can unlock new levels of emotional resilience and discover pathways to a brighter, more balanced future. Each step taken toward healing represents a commitment to personal growth, enabling a life filled with renewed optimism and strength. Embracing this transformative journey consistently paves the way for deeper understanding, lasting peace, and meaningful personal progress.
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