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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Serafina Moushel

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

I am a licensed in both California and Texas, with over 10 years of experience. Throughout my career, I have helped clients navigate challenges such as stress, anxiety, relationship struggles, career obstacles, and life transitions. I also specialize in supporting individuals as they cope with significant life changes. I firmly believe that you are the expert of your own story, and that you possess unique strengths to overcome any challenges you face. Seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage, and taking that first step towards change is a powerful move. I’m here to support and empower you on that journey.

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Katherine Weller

Offering therapy in California
License: LMFT
Stress, AnxietyFamily conflictsParenting issuesSelf esteemCareer difficulties
30 years of experience

I’d like to introduce myself. I am a practicing psychotherapist licensed in both Washington and California. My licensure is as a Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) since 1989. My training working with individuals and families is informed by an educational and experiential foundation in human systems, so my perspective is through the lens of our human experience in context, both historic and present day. Early family experiences, present day relationships, work and school environments and community surroundings all impact our view of ourselves, others, and our relationship to the world. I am excited to work with each of you to discover what can create for you a sense of hope, promise, self-regard, and general increased emotional health. Together we will look to those positive possibilities to inspire action to address and change what holds you back and stands in the way of a true sense of wellbeing and personal agency. I have worked in the field for a long time in multiple settings from hospitals and public health to military bases, agencies, and small practice offices in rural and urban communities; from these varied experiences I have developed so much respect for the diversity of human experience and the personal and unique nature of each individual’s set of challenges. I am trained in many approaches and find that the core of effective work is the quality relationship with you, the client, and the level of understanding and trust that grows out of listening, challenging, and encouraging positive action. I will draw from a number of proven effective models of therapy as appropriate to help you find your way, and our work will be dedicated to moving you towards your personal goals. I truly look forward to our time together.

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Jeffrey Robertson

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietyBipolar disorderDepression
9 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 9 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, trauma, autism/ learning disabilities, bipolar disorder, & depression. My most valuable lessons as a therapist have come from people like you, who have a different experience and background to offer than my own. 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. I look forward to getting to know you.

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Patricia Riley

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesFamily conflictsParenting issuesDepression
20 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 25 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, & parenting issues. 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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Sylvia Reed-Drake

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesFamily conflictsParenting issuesSelf esteem
6 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 13 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, & parenting issues. 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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Dianne Martin

Offering therapy in California
Relationship issuesGriefAnger managementCareer difficultiesDepression
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, confidence and motivation, depression and anxiety & career difficulties. Healing occurs in relationships, and 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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Robert Duda

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesFamily conflictsTrauma and abuseDepression
9 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 9 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, & 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. 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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Dr. Elena Michaels

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesSelf esteemCoping with life changesCoaching
31 years of experience

I am a licensed psychotherapist in with over 31 years of experience and currently have my private practice in Santa Clarita, California. A few areas I work with are stress and anxiety, relationship issues, enhancing clear communication, motivation, self esteem and confidence, coping with life changes and more. 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...even if you feel you have "lost your way" temporarily. It takes courage to reach out, be vulnerable and find someone that may be able to help you create a more fulfilling and happy life and it takes courage and support to take the first steps towards making changes. I hope to help you become more of a master of your life, instead of a victim of circumstances. I am here to support & empower you, as well as guide you in that journey. I have a background in the entertainment business, am non-religious but have a spiritual approach. I am also a meditation teacher and life coach. I tend to be solution-focused, helping clients move forward to greater self empowerment. My sessions are phone sessions (no video). You can find out more about me at DrElena.com I look forward to working with you! Warm regards, Dr. Elena :)

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Esmeralda Alcala Okendo

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseGriefSelf esteemDepression
5 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 5 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 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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Rona Zamani

Offering therapy in California
Intimacy-related issuesSelf esteemCareer difficultiesCoping with life changesCoaching
19 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 19 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with intimacy related issues, motivation, self esteem, confidence, career difficulties, coping with life changes, & executive coaching. I also have experience working with professional coaching. 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!

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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