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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Collin McShirley

Offering therapy in California
License: MA,LMFT
Stress, AnxietySelf esteemCoping with life changesCoachingCompassion fatigue
9 years of experience

It is my intention to meet you where you are, with my full presence and experience, honoring your inherent wisdom and all that has brought you to this place. Taking steps to create a more fulfilling life may be one of the most profound actions one can undertake. I have over 10 years or counseling experience and specialize in working with anxiety. I use CBT, and client centered therapy to help you reach your goals. I have a Masters in Clinical Psychology from Antioch University. I believe that walking this path requires developing a curious and accepting relationship with oneself as well as being witnessed and supported by another - be they a therapist, partner, friend or family member. I am committed to value your strengths, be a companion in your struggles, and support you in deepening your relationship to yourself and others.

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Mateus Porter

Offering therapy in California
License: MA,LMFT
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesFamily conflictsSelf esteemDepression
10 years of experience

Hello, my name is Mateus Porter, MA, LMFT. I’m a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in California. I work in a non-profit setting as well as enjoying my private practice where I see a variety of clients ranging in age and struggling with depression, anxiety, school/work stress, self-esteem issues, life transitions, relationship issues, and parenting concerns. My specialty is working with student-athletes struggling with a variety of issues, but you definitely do not have to be an athlete to see me! Therapy can vary depending on the individual therapist that you work with. My style is a strength-based eclectic approach that combines elements of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Solution-Focused, Mindfulness, and Internal Family Systems. I love being able to meet my clients where they’re at and go at their pace while applying the therapeutic approach that best fits their specific needs. Life can be hard and it takes courage to reach out for help. You’re taking the first step right now which is amazing! It would be an honor to be by your side while we figure things out and make life a little better for you.

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Melissa Coulson

Offering therapy in California
License: LCSW,Certified Grief Counseling Specialist (CGCS)
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesGriefSelf esteemCoping with life changes
3 years of experience

I am a social worker licensed in California with 4 years of experience working as a medical social worker and clinician. I have assisted clients with concerns including depression, anxiety, grief, chronic pain, and chronic illness among others. I have also worked with clients who just need someone to support them through challenging experiences, emotions, and life changes. My style is direct, positive, and warm with a focus on supporting clients but holding them accountable to their goals for treatment. You are coming here to gain the tools and understanding to deal with something in your life and I would love to be your partner in that! I believe in helping clients to build their mental toolbox to address current issues and be better prepared to meet new challenges with confidence throughout the rest of their lives. My holistic approach includes techniques and components of cognitive-behavioral, client-centered, and humanistic therapies combined with motivational interviewing, mindfulness, and other interventions as needed to address each client's concerns individually . I also have additional training in grief and bereavement, cognitive-behavioral, solution focused, and acceptance and commitment therapies. I will structure our sessions and treatment plan to meet your needs and goals so we can address what brings you to this platform together. My clients say I am easy to open up to, genuine, and a good listener. I would love to connect with you to help you through your current season of life and whatever challenges you are currently facing.

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Natalya Kuzmicheva

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesTrauma and abuseParenting issuesDepression
20 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 14 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, trauma, abuse, & parenting issues. 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 seeking 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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Dr. Billie Ivra

Offering therapy in California
Relationship issuesFamily conflictsSelf esteemCareer difficultiesCoping with life changes
30 years of experience

I am a licensed psychologist in California with over 30 years of professional work experience. I have helped clients with a variety of concerns, including relationship issues, family conflicts, childhood trauma, problems with motivation, self-esteem/confidence and career difficulties. My experience has come from a wide variety of settings, including private practice, community mental health-outpatient and inpatient, school administration, and prison populations. I have provided individual, couple, family and group therapy to adolescents and adults. In terms of my personal approach to therapy, I understand that when people are seeking therapy, they ultimately want to live a happier and more gratifying life. I provide a safe place for you to feel unjudged, listened to and supported. We work together to help you gain clarity and insight into your current personal issues and when appropriate, insight into childhood influences. You will set obtainable goals and learn skills to help you to accomplish them and move forward in your life. I believe you are the expert of your story, and you have many strengths that will assist you in identifying and overcoming things that challenge you. Taking the first step in seeking a happier life takes courage and I am here to support you in that process.

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Marianna Birdsong

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietySelf esteemCareer difficultiesDepressionCoping with life changes
8 years of experience

Greetings, I'm Marianna Birdsong, an LCSW situated in Southern California, offering telehealth services statewide. My practice specializes in aiding adults facing anxiety, stress, and life transitions through Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Client-Centered Therapy, tailored to meet individual needs. I believe therapy should be customized for each client. I primarily employ CBT and Client-Centered Therapy but remain flexible to adapt techniques as required. My path to becoming a therapist has been diverse, encompassing roles such as an Emergency Medical Technician, and peer counselor. Through these experiences, I've developed a deep appreciation for helping others achieve personal growth and self-awareness.

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Jennifer Macias

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietyLGBTRelationship issuesIntimacy-related issuesSelf esteem
8 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 8 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, lgbtq+ related issues, relationship issues, & intimacy related issues. 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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Mary Amanda Alls

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietyLGBTDepressionCoping with life changesCompassion fatigue
4 years of experience

I am licensed in Arkansas and California with 4 years of professional work experience. I have been working with children experiencing mental health crises for the past two years and adults with depression and anxiety for the past several years. I have expertise in mindfulness, yoga, crisis de-escalation and compassionate listening. I believe in treating everyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion. Thank you for considering me on your healing journey.

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Debra Brittain

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

I am licensed in California with 30 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 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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Tien Gerrodette

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsTrauma and abuseAnger managementDepression
20 years of experience

I am licensed in California (LMFT) with 15 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, coping with addictions, trauma and abuse, & anger management. 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 seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process.

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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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Nayeli Ordonez

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesCareer difficultiesDepressionCoping with life changes
6 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 6 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress, anxiety, relationship issues, 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.

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yajaira lopez

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietySelf esteem
12 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 12 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients manage stress, anxiety, motivation and self esteem. I have found that my style and approach are a good fit for those who are navigating life transitions and challenges as first-gen adults, young professionals, and millennials. 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.

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Evie Harris-Fitzsimons

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesSelf esteemDepressionCoping 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, anxiety, relationship issues, motivation, self esteem, confidence, & depression. 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. 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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Randall Ramirez

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseGriefParenting issuesDepression
40 years of experience

I am dual-licensed in California as a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) and Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist (LMFT) and have over 40 years of experience treating youth, adults, seniors and families impacted by a wide range of emotional disorders, health-related illnesses and environmental stress. I have worked in all levels of management and direct services within the behavioral health, social services, residential and health care industry. My special areas of interest are early attachment, complex trauma, relational issues, and transcultural sensitivity. I was the founder and chair of the South County Roundtable on Attachment (SCRoA), an interdisciplinary professional and parent group studying the spectrum of attachment disorders and identifying research-based models of practice, in the south county of Santa Clara County since 2010. Finally, I am an adoptive father of children with special needs and provide parent-to-parent support through the faith-based Parent-Child Connection support group of Help One Child.

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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