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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Amber Jones-Moore

Offering therapy in California
License: LCSW
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesFamily conflictsSelf esteemDepression
11 years of experience

I am excited to connect with you! I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and I have over 10 years of experience working with individuals who may be struggling with a variety of issues and life situations. I have a flexible schedule and can accommodate your scheduling needs. I would like you to know that our sessions provide you with a safe space in which to talk about anything you wish and to express yourself openly with no judgement or criticism. Our time together is specifically to provide you with this safe space and for me to support you and your needs. My goal is for you to feel comfortable, supported, validated, and heard. I have a very open, collaborative approach to therapy and I am invested in supporting you to achieve your identified goals. Again, I am excited to get to know you better and to begin working with you more. I look forward to connecting with you real soon. I would like to leave you with the following quote: “Embrace uncertainty. Some of the most beautiful chapters in our lives won’t have a title until much later.” –Bob Goff

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Dr. Swanzetta Sheriff-Saunders

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesGriefParenting issuesSelf esteem
25 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, 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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Jamie Pereira

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsGriefBipolar disorderDepression
5 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 20 years of professional work experience in the mental health field, medical field and 5 years as a Clinical social worker. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, coping with addictions, coping with grief and loss, mood disorders, trauma, & PTSD. I also specialize in post partum depression, coping and adapting to complex medical diagnosis and co-occurring disorders. 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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Leslie Patricia Acoca

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseGriefIntimacy-related issuesParenting issues
20 years of experience

I am a licensed California Marriage and Family Therapist with 20 years of experience providing therapy to individuals, couples and families. I work with clients to create a warm and trusting environment where they can explore and find solutions for stress and anxiety, trauma and abuse, grief and loss, as well as intimacy and relationship issues. I have extensive experience working clients and families who have lost loved ones to suicide. Taking the first step to creating a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process.

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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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Megan Quinn

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietyParenting issuesDepressionCoping 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 and anxiety, parenting issues, depression, & 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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Shannan Faust

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

I am licensed in California with 4 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, coping with addictions, trauma and abuse, & 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 sign up for therapy can take courage and I am proud of you for getting started!

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Landon Hallbrooks

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseIntimacy-related issuesSleeping disordersDepression
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 and abuse, intimacy related issues, & sleeping disorders. 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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Debra Dupree

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. Through the years, I've seen what works and what doesn't. I went back to get my Doctorate degree 2012-2014 and gained a profound framework for using the neuroscience of our brain to help clients gain mindshift insights, skills and strategies in relatively short timeframes. This mindshift approach is powerful for helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, & coping with grief and loss. Together we create a psychologically safe space where thoughts and feelings can be shared without fear of judgment, shifting adversity into opportunity. It takes courage (and curiosity) to seek out ways for a more fulfilling and happier life. Congratulations on taking the first steps towards a new future! I am here to support & empower you in that journey and make it a reality! Dr. Debra Dupree, The MINDSET Doc

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Kathey Wilborn

Offering therapy in California
Relationship issuesFamily conflictsTrauma and abuseSelf esteemCoping with life changes
34 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 34 years of professional work experience in various areas including Christian counseling. I have experience in helping clients with relationship issues, family conflicts, trauma and abuse, 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 growth. I am here to support & empower you in that journey.

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William Herkelrath

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietyCareer difficulties
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 & career difficulties. 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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Nelson Rosario

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseGriefSelf 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, anxiety, relationship issues, trauma and abuse, & 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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Leah Jackson

Offering therapy in California
Relationship issuesFamily conflictsGriefDepressionCoping with life changes
5 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 5 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with relationship issues, family & work conflicts, coping with grief and loss, & 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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Leon Hopkins

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietyFamily conflictsTrauma and abuseAnger managementDepression
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, family conflicts, trauma, abuse, & anger management. I also have experience working with 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. 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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Angela Cruz

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietyIntimacy-related issuesAnger managementSelf esteemDepression
11 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 11 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress, anxiety, intimacy related issues, anger management, 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. It takes courage to address your issues, seek out a more fulfilling and happier life and take the first steps towards a change. I am here to support you while keeping you accountable so that we can ultimately reach your goals.

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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