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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Camilla Ford

Offering therapy in California
License: MA, LMFT
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesGriefParenting issuesCoping with life changes
25 years of experience

Hi there! I applaud your courage in reaching out. I am a Licenced Marriage and Family Therapist with 25 years experience working with individuals, children, couples and families. I am a Stanford graduate with a Master's in Psychology from California Institute of Integral Studies. I offer compassionate listening, presence and guidance for people in crisis, transition, or who are seeking healing, growth, clarity, and connection. All communications are confidential. My experience covers a spectrum of clients and settings. I have provided therapy in day treatment facilities, schools, hospitals, and in private practice. I take a Humanistic/person centered approach to therapy and strongly believe that you have the tools you need to heal and achieve your goals, and that I can help support you in this process. I focus on your strengths and am a supportive and empathetic listener. My therapy style is collaborative in which you and I work together to discover creative solutions to presenting problems. My work draws from the counseling theories and styles of Carl Rogers, Virginia Satir and Murray Bowen. Seeking help takes courage. I honor this and will treat you with the respect and warmth you deserve. I am here to help you "live well and be happy"!

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Julia Davis

Offering therapy in California
License: LMFT,MA
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesGriefIntimacy-related issuesDepression
13 years of experience

Welcome to my page! I am a licensed marriage and family therapist in Michigan, California, Florida and Washington with a decade of experience assisting others to relieve distress and promote and restore positive relationships. I have worked with adults and children helping them overcome anxious thoughts and behaviors, process past experiences, and support healthy living. Being supportive of healthy choices and remaining true to oneself is a process therapy can nurture. Creating meaningful connections and a more satisfying life experience can be achieved with healthy conversation that gives you permission to be yourself and connect with others authentically. With an open mind and a non-judgmental treatment approach, we create the space to collaboratively meet your goals. I am passionate about secure attachment, nonviolent communication, the connection between boundaries and anxiety, speaking up and reducing emotional paralysis and communication skills to reduce anxiety. Life in all its processes and nuances is unique for each of us. I am here to help, guide, listen and support you in meeting your goals. Together we can identify these and explore ways to meet them.

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Dr. Benedicte Last

Offering therapy in California
License: PsyD
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesFamily conflictsTrauma and abuseGrief
9 years of experience

In my long career as a parent, a therapeutic horseback riding instructor, a school counselor and a psychologist, I have learned the following truths: We are all on our path, always striving to heal ourselves. Emotion is the language of the body, communication to our soul. We can recognize where we need to go, by following our enthusiasm. It is okay to ask for what you need and receive help and encouragement. We learn and heal best through play, making mistakes, and trying again. All situations can be turned therapeutic. You may feel you have lost your way, or that your feelings and emotions are running away with you. You may not know what to do with yourself, or with your child. You may have lost your enthusiasm for life, or don’t know how to ask for what you need. Or maybe you are so afraid of making a mistake. I understand, I have been there, too. And you can find your enthusiasm as well, as a human being, as a parent, as child, a partner, a friend or a co-worker. I can help you find the building blocks you need to build your better life. Let’s talk and play this out together.

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Brandt Noey

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

I am licensed in California with 16 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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Bethany Kelley

Offering therapy in California
License: LCSW
Stress, AnxietyLGBTRelationship issuesTrauma and abuseDepression
20 years of experience

Hey there and welcome! I am a Clinical Social Worker with over 20 years of experience working in the Mental Health and Addiction fields. I have worked with clients with a wide range of concerns including depression, anxiety, parenting problems, career/life change, military adjustment concerns, LGBTQ+ and relationship issues. I believe each person is unique and so I use a person centered approach with a very warm, non-judgemental and compassionate style. I believe in treating others with the highest level of respect and dignity. I will meet you where you are and move with you at your pace. I don't believe in stigmatizing labels--the world does enough of that. I acknowledge the courage it takes to seek out answers and create a more rewarding life! I also commend you for your choice in owning the goal to be a healthier YOU! I look forward to joining you on your journey to an improved, happier YOU!

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Ian Holloway

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietyLGBTIntimacy-related issuesParenting issuesDepression
20 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 20 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, lgbtq+ related issues, intimacy related issues, & 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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Dr. Andrea Shirley

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietyLGBTRelationship issuesFamily conflictsSelf esteem
27 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 27 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, lgbtq+ related issues, relationship issues, & family conflicts. 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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Laura Pennelle

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesSelf esteemDepressionCoping with life changes
10 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 10 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, coping with addictions, depression, & 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. 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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Ricardo Xuya Bautista

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietyLGBTSelf esteemCareer difficultiesDepression
9 years of experience

I am a LMFT providing therapy for 8 years. I enjoy empowering patients to reach their goals by building rapport, providing psychoeducation, and providing feedback to make changes in behavior. I meet with the patient but challenge them when needed. I use different modalities to help the patient to accomplish their goals. Providing coping skills to manage symptoms. I also like to use patients' stories to reflect on themselves and to focus on the present to move forward, I have a lot of experience with Gender Clinic, college students and life transitions working with different ages.I enjoy helping college students develop coping skills to thrive

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Helena Morrison

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietyGriefDepressionCoping with life changes
16 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 16 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 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.

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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