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.

Meghan Todd
Hello there! My name is Meghan Todd and I am a licensed marriage and family therapist with experience working with children, teens, individuals, and families. I use a strengths-based, warm but direct approach. I pull from different models depending on each client's individual needs. I especially focus on motivational interviewing, solution-focused therapy, narrative therapy, drama therapy, and strategic family therapy. With special training in drama therapy, I bring a uniquely creative lens to all of my work, whether or not you wish to engage with drama therapy in particular. Through it all, I believe in being client-centered and meeting the client where they currently are on their journey. I have familiarity with many areas, including depression, stress and anxiety, coping with grief and loss, and life changes. In the past, I have focused on treating parenting issues, family conflicts, trauma and abuse, and motivation and self-esteem. Please ask me if I can help with whatever you are currently needing! Life is constantly unstable, changing at every moment. I am here to support and guide you through it all. I work to empower you and highlight your strengths, to build up the resiliency that already exists inside you to help you face whatever may challenge you. I will be happy to walk in front of you as a guide, beside you as a companion, or behind you as a supportive follower on your path of healing. Thank you so much for sharing your time and energy with me! I look forward to getting to know you and helping in whatever therapeutic ways I can.

Stephanie Moss
I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in California with over 15 years of experience working as a social worker and mental health clinician. My experience includes working with clients managing a wide range of concerns including depression, anxiety, relationship issues, parenting problems, career challenges, life transitions, loss and grief, and attention difficulties (ADHD). I also have experience working with people coping with trauma or adverse childhood experiences in their lives. My counseling approach is warm, kind, and interactive. I believe in the power of the therapeutic relationship to support change, and treat my clients with respect, sensitivity, and compassion. We are each unique in our life experiences, and finding value and compassion for ourselves is an underlying current of my approach. In addition, I utilize cognitive-behavioral, humanistic, and solution focused approaches. I will tailor our dialog and treatment plan to meet your unique and specific needs. I believe we are all capable of change when we have the support, tools, and vulnerability to do so. I'm here to help you when you're ready to take those steps toward living the life you envision for yourself. I look forward to working with you!

Alaina Bigger
I am a nationally licensed Clinical Social Worker, but practice on the Board of Behavioral Science for California (LCSW) & Ohio (LISW) with 16 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, & coping with grief and loss. My therapeutic orientation/expertise lies within the modalities of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Psychodynamic, and Systemic Therapy. I enjoy working with the family, as well as with the individual client to provide a holistic approach to care. 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!

Alexander Gordon
I am a licensed psychotherapist in California with 3 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, coping with addictions, depression, & coping with life changes. With a background in developmental psychology, I utilize client-centered care to provide a safe, supportive and nonjudgmental space for clients to explore their emotions, thoughts, and behaviors. During our initial sessions, I use careful listening to gain a holistic understanding of a client's life experience. From there, we will collaborate to set specific goals for your therapy. As an integrated psychotherapist, I draw from various therapeutic modalities (including cognitive-behavioral, solution-focused models, Gestalt and mindfulness-based models), tailoring my methods to meet your unique needs and challenges. I look forward to working with you!

Veronica Rizalla
I am licensed in California with 10 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, trauma and abuse, motivation, self esteem, and confidence, & depression. 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!

Ida Pirali
I am licensed in California with 13 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, motivation, self esteem, and confidence, & depression. 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!

Bertha Ruvalcaba
I am licensed in California with over 20 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, trauma and abuse, & 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!

Soraya Avalos
I am licensed in California with 15 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, motivation, self esteem, and confidence, & 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.

Dr. Elisabeth Robbins
I am licensed in California and have a PhD in Marriage and Family Therapy with over 20 years of professional work experience. This includes helping clients with depression, stress and anxiety, relationship issues, women's issues, dependency and self esteem. I have special interest in the relationships of mental health to shame, climate change, and spirituality issues. My schedule is somewhat flexible and I am open to scheduling sessions outside my stated office hours.

Brandie Ajisefinni
I am licensed in California and New Mexico with 7 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress, anxiety, coping with grief, coping with loss, & depression. 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. 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 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:
- National Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-799-SAFE (7233)
- National Suicide Prevention Lifeline:1-800-273-TALK (8255)
- Crisis Text Line:Text HOME to 741741
- Veterans Crisis Line<:Call 1-800-273-8255 (and press 1) or text 838255. For support for the deaf and hard of hearing community, please use your preferred relay service or dial 711 then 1-800-273-8255.
- Trevor Lifeline(LGBTQ Lifeline): (866)488-7386
- SAMHSA National Helpline: (Substance Use): (800)662-4357
- National Eating Disorder Association Helpline:1-800-931-2237 (M-Th: 9 AM-9 PM EST, Fri 9 AM - 5 PM EST
- Child Help Hotline Call 1-800-422-4453 or use the online chat feature
- National Anti-Hazing Hotline: 1-888-NOT-HAZE (1-888-668-4293)
- Physician Crisis Support Line: Call 1-888-409-0141 if you are a first responder or medical provider experiencing crises related to Covid-1
- Sexual Assault Hotline: Call RAINN at 1-800-656-4673
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.
Popular cities in California
- Los Angeles, CA
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- Anaheim, CA
- Santa Ana, CA
- Riverside, CA
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