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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Katherine (Kate) Baker

Offering therapy in California
License: LCSW
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsGriefParenting issuesAnger management
16 years of experience

My area of concentration is supporting people who are managing any of the following: social issues (peer pressure, aggression, isolation, vitimization) anger, sadness & depression stress & anxiety learning differences & difficulties grief & loss divorce & separation substance use self-harm career & education decision making adjustment to a new life situation I use a combination of modalities, tailoring my approach to each individual. I use role-play, art projects, mindfulness and relaxation practice in my counseling practice, as well as traditional talk-therapy. I rely heavily on cognitive-behavioral therapy tools and hold a solution-oriented perspective. Together, with my client and their family, we begin by understanding present realities and then proceed to goal-setting. Above all, I respect a client's motivation to change and am deliberate about setting goals with their full-agreement and collaboration. At times these goals may be at odds with what a parent determines, and I work with the family towards a mutually-acceptable agreement. Systems therapy is also a critical part of my practice, meaning each young person is a part of a family system and does not operate in a vacuum . Behavioral patterns, living circumstances, unspoken rules and truths, family secrets and shared traumatic experiences have great impact on a young persons' functioning. It is my hope that the family members of my clients join our sessions as needed in order to maximize our therapeutic potential.

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Sherell Taylor-Page

Offering therapy in California
License: MA,LMFT
Stress, AnxietyDepression
11 years of experience

I am Sherell Taylor-Page, a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) in Inglewood, California. I earned my Master’s degree in Counseling Psychology from National University in 2006. My experience includes working with clients in an inpatient residential treatment facility that struggled with the affects of physical abuse, addiction, anxiety, depression, grief/loss, insomnia, and trauma. The journey has been both personally and professionally rewarding. I take an eclectic/integrative approach to therapy. It is important to meet clients where they are and I believe in blending elements of different therapeutic approaches and tailoring them to meet the client’s individual needs. The various treatment approaches I utilize include Client-Centered Therapy, Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), and Family Systems Therapy. I enjoy helping people reach their full potential in an empathetic, warm, and non-judgmental environment. I look forward to working with you and helping you meet your therapeutic goals. I look forward to hearing from you soon!

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Ramon Suarez

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietyFamily conflictsParenting issuesDepression
10 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 & 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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Dr. Maureen O'Shea

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseGriefCoping with life changesCompassion fatigue
30 years of experience

I am a licensed California psychologist with more than 30 years of professional experience. I work to help clients with stress and anxiety, trauma and abuse, coping with grief and loss, & coping with life changes. I attempt 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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Shahnaz Sadeghi

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietyParenting issuesDepressionCoping with life changesADHD
17 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 17 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, parenting issues, depression, & 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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Tamara "Tammy" Hardcastle Stickler

Offering therapy in California
Relationship issuesFamily conflictsGriefParenting issuesSelf esteem
20 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 20 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with relationship issues, family conflicts, coping with grief and loss, & 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. 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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Elizabeth Urena

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesSelf esteemCoping 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, motivation, self esteem, & confidence. 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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Mellissa Williams

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseSelf esteemDepressionCoping 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, trauma, abuse, motivation, self esteem, confidence, & 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. 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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Daniel Alpiger

Offering therapy in California
License: LCSW
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesFamily conflictsTrauma and abuseDepression
11 years of experience

Good day! My name is Daniel and I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with over 10 years of experience serving multiple populations including clients struggling through financial hardship, life changes, relationship issues, emotional/ physical abuse/trauma, diagnosis of a serious mental illness in the family, and depression/ anxiety. I graduated from the University of Texas A&M - Commerce and am currently licensed in California, Kentucky, and Texas. I believe the bravest and most fulfilling way to grow is to "do the work" and I look forward to assisting clients in that journey in every way that I can. I prefer an interactive style of therapy where the client is the expert in their care and the therapist's role is to assist them in reaching their objectives. A successful client/ therapist relationship will leave the client feeling heard, respected, and more confident in their daily life. My approach combines cognitive-behavioral, humanistic, psychodynamic and rational-emotive therapy. The client takes the lead in therapy and I will modify my approach to meet your needs. The bravest and most fulfilling way to grow is to "do the work" and I look forward to assisting you in that journey in every way that I can.

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Yolanda Lewis

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsTrauma and abuseSelf esteemDepression
20 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 20 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress, anxiety, coping with addictions, trauma, abuse, 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. 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 BetterHelp therapists in California does not offer diagnostic or medication management services in therapy.

Why do people choose to work with a licensed counselor or therapists?

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, working with:

  • Challenging situations or life stressors
  • Eating disorders requiring therapy
  • Anxiety disorders in need of therapeutic support
  • Depression or depressive mental health conditions
  • Adjustment issues in need of therapeutic support
  • Emotional support for a terminal illness
  • Chronic pain emotional support
  • Grief therapy
  • Personality disorders
  • Trauma therapy
  • Relationship conflicts and mental health concerns

Finding a therapist in California 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 therapy site. If you are in life-threatening danger, call 911. If you require support for a crisis, reach out to the therapy 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 therapy with a licensed therapist cost?

Mental health professionals can differ in price. Forbes found that the average cost of in-person California therapy in the US is around $100 to $200 per hour. Pricing can also vary based on your location. 

BetterHelp offers payment plans of $65 to $100 per week. 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.

Is it possible to find a therapist, counselor, or psychology practitioner that offers affordable therapy?

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.

What can a psychologist help me with in therapy?

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 in-person or online therapy with a therapist in California?

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.

Are online therapy sessions 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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