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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Ellie Trotta

Offering therapy in California
License: MA, LPCC
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesGriefSelf esteemDepression
7 years of experience

I am a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor with six years of experience helping clients with a variety of issues, including depression, anxiety, OCD, self-esteem issues, addictions, trauma, geriatric issues, career challenges, and chronic mental illness. I also have experience helping clients with trauma due to physical, emotional, or sexual abuse, as well as individuals who "feel stuck" due to emotional turmoil or relationship issues resulting from childhood abuse or abandonment. I graduated with my Master of Arts degree in psychology in 2016 and am currently a PsyD candidate in clinical psychology. I view the therapist-client relationship as something that is highly sacred and treat my clients with respect, sensitivity, and unconditional positive regard. I believe validation and empathy are necessary parts of the therapeutic process and I treat clients with a warm and compassionate approach. My therapeutic approach also includes DBT, CBT, ACT, experiential, client-centered psychodynamic, mindfulness, narrative, inner child work, solution-focused, and humanistic techniques, specifically tailored to the needs of my client. I also help empower my clients to be experts of their own lives; I am the tour guide but this is your therapeutic journey and I will be respectful of working at a pace that is comfortable for you. It takes courage to take these first steps in your therapeutic journey and I want to congratulate you for your decision to prioritize yourself in order to obtain a happier and more fulfilled life. I look forward to working with you. LPCC license 6558 listed as Elishka Trotta

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Marla Monk

Offering therapy in California
License: LCSW
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesTrauma and abuseSelf esteemCoping with life changes
5 years of experience

Marla Monk, MA, MSW, LCSW, LISWCP Clinician I have over 16 years of experience in the social work and mental health field. I also have experience working with the active duty military population and their families as well as veterans. Previously, I worked in Marine and Family Programs within Marine Corps Community Services as a Prevention and Education Specialist and as a Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Victim Advocate. Additionally, I have volunteered as a Command Ombudsman with the Navy and a Key Volunteer with the Marine Corps in San Diego and Hawaii. In 2013, I earned my MSW from the University of Southern California with a concentration in mental health and sub-concentration in military and veteran services. In 2011 I earned MA in Human Services with a specialization in marriage and families from Liberty University and in 2001 earned my B.A. in Criminology from the University of New Mexico. I am experienced in working with those impacted by trauma, grief and loss and domestic violence as well as couples and families. I am trained in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Trauma Focused CBT, Cognitive Processing Therapy and Motivational Interviewing. Additionally, I am trained in Gottman Method Couples Therapy.

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Yvette Lanausse

Offering therapy in California
License: LCSW
Stress, AnxietyLGBTGriefDepressionCoping with life changes
3 years of experience

Yvette Lanausse , LCSW has a Masters of Social Work degree from the University of Southern California, School of Social Work. She follows the ethics of the National Association of Social Workers (NASW). Yvette Lanausse Vega, LCSW is also a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in the state of California. This means that she has completed a Master’s Degree in Social Work, provided 3500 supervised hours of clinical therapy and related professional activities and passed two licensing exams. Licensed Clinical Social Workers are licensed and regulated in the state of California by the Board of Behavioral Sciences. Yvette has significant experience in working with individuals with chronic pain, adjustment to new medical diagnosis, trauma, and anxiety, depression and life transitions. Yvette uses the “mind body connection” in her work. She believes that the mind has influence on our behavior and the good news is that addressing and challenging your thoughts can have lasting positive effects on your well-being. Specialty Areas Trauma Women’s Health Issues (endometriosis, postpartum depression, etc.) LGBTQIA (Gender and Sexual Minorities) Transgender Health Issues Chronic Pain Management Theoretical Approach Mindfulness Based Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Trauma-Informed Care Strategic Intervention Languages Spoken English Spanish

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Marlo Lewis

Offering therapy in California
License: LCSW
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesSelf esteemCareer difficultiesCoping with life changes
7 years of experience

I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker/Psychotherapist. I received a Bachelor of Science degree in Industrial Psychology from California State University, Hayward in 2002 and a Master's of Social Work from California State University, East Bay in 2008. I offer a supportive environment where we can work together to increase your happiness and emotional wellness. It takes strength and courage to facilitate change. My passion is helping clients overcome obstacles and barriers so they can enjoy their best selves. Together, we will work to uncover and resolve underlying issues that are causing negative feelings and develop new thought patterns and behaviors to help enhance your mental and emotional wellbeing. We will also focus on establishing your personal goals, make adjustments as needed and develop a plan to achieve them together. Let's plant and nurture the seed of hope as a part of your journey. I am currently offering video and phone chats only.

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Marcia Howard

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

I am licensed in California with 25 years of professional work experience. I have delivered counseling and therapy to clients who presented with an array of life challenges, from stress and anxiety, relationship issues, trauma and abuse, self esteem, and lack of self-confidence. 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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Autry Jamison

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesTrauma and abuseGriefDepression
8 years of experience

I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) with a Masters degree in Clinical Psychology. I have worked with individuals, couples, families, and groups for over 8 years, in person and telehealth. I am currently licensed in California and Texas. I was the Executive Director at Discovery Counseling Center for several years and transitioned to Director-at-Large in 2022 when I relocated to San Antonio, TX to focus on my nonprofit, Isaiah D. Jamison Community Wellness Center. We are a community and faith-based organization that offers multiple programs and services that is fluid and designed to provide a continuity of care for the population we serve. I am currently providing consultation, training, and clinical supervision to staff and colleagues at Discovery Counseling Center in Morgan Hill, CA. Due to my journey and rich exposure to multicultural, diversity, and intersectional experiences: I can effectively serve culturally diverse populations from all SES. I also appreciate the beautiful diversity in God's creations, and am open to assisting/supporting clients from the Queer Community. My clinical experience includes helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, trauma and abuse, & coping with grief and loss. 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. I am here to help you heal, explore, and discover a full healthier you. I enjoy working from an integrative approach that is uniquely tailored to help meet the needs of clients based on their individual experiences. I also have a compassion for teaching individuals how to connect, communicate, utilize resources, and build and restore relationships. Taking the first step to sign up for therapy can take courage and I am proud of you for getting started! You can find additional information about me by visiting my website or on Psychology Today at: https://idjcommunitywc.org/ or https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/therapists/autry-jamison-san-antonio-tx/347822

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Matthew Lehman

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsAnger managementDepression
10 years of experience

I am licensed in California and Illinois with 10 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, anger management, & 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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Melissa Ebneter

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietyGriefSelf esteemCoping with life changesCompassion fatigue
6 years of experience

I am licensed in California and Georgia with 6 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress, anxiety, coping with grief, coping with loss, motivation, self esteem, confidence, & coping with life changes. I also have experience working with compassion fatigue. 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.

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TreNise Anderson

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesAnger managementSelf 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, anxiety, relationship 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. 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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Linda Nguyen

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseSelf esteemDepressionCoping with life changes
5 years of experience

I am licensed in California with over 10 years of professional work experience in the behavioral health and human services sector. 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 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.

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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