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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Paula Corano

Offering therapy in California
License: MA,LMFT
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesFamily conflictsDepressionCoping with life changes
14 years of experience

Hello, my name is Paula Corano and I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT # 83322) in the state of California. I graduated from Pepperdine University with a Master's degree in Clinical Psychology. I am also a certified to provide Parent-Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT) by the University of California, Davis. For the past 10 years, my focus has been to provide a strength-based approach to promote change and growth in individuals, children, couples and families experiencing functional impairment. I like to approach therapy in a holistic manner, supporting my clients in solving problems by defining goals and changing unhelpful thinking patterns, while also providing empathy and practical feedback. My awareness and appreciation of cross-cultural understanding grows continually and I highly respect and value individuals who come from different cultural backgrounds. In addition to my specialty in the treatment of children with behavioral and emotional problems through PCIT, I also have extensive experience in helping individuals, families, and couples cope with a diverse range of issues, including stress management, relationship issues, difficulties in adjusting to major life changes, trauma, coping with loss, depression, anxiety, and panic attacks. My therapeutic approach is centered on what matters most to the client. My style is both empathetic and goal-oriented. I respect clients for their perseverance in navigating through obstacles of life, and feel privileged to take part in their journey of making positive changes and finding more personal fulfillment. You have already made the first step, and I would welcome the opportunity to help you in that journey.

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Vani Burnette

Offering therapy in California
License: LMFT
Stress, AnxietySelf esteemCareer difficultiesDepressionCoping with life changes
18 years of experience

I am a marriage and family therapist licensed in California with over 10 years of experience and also hold an undergraduate degree in nutrition and dietetics. I have worked with clients experiencing a wide range of concerns including depression, anxiety, relationship issues, career challenges, and stress management. I have also helped many people who have experienced physical trauma or emotional abuse. My counseling style is warm and interactive. I believe in treating everyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion, and I don't believe in stigmatizing labels. My approach combines cognitive-behavioral, solution-focused, and a variety of other client centered modalities. I will tailor our dialog and treatment plan to meet your unique and specific needs. It takes courage to seek for a more fulfilling and happier life and to take the first steps towards change. If you are ready to take that step I am here to support and empower you. I look forward to working with you!

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Aparna Bell

Offering therapy in California
License: MS ,LPC
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsAnger managementSelf esteemDepression
13 years of experience

Welcome! I am a Licensed Professional Counselor in California with over 10 years of experience in mental health and substance use treatment. I work with individuals who struggle with depression, anxiety, low self-esteem, addiction, stress, and relationship issues. My experience includes providing therapy in outpatient and residential dual diagnosis programs and recovery programs in San Francisco. I earned my master’s degree in rehabilitation counseling from San Francisco State University in 2009. My passion is helping others to achieve greater health and happiness in life, by letting go of negative thoughts and patterns and creating new insights and self-understanding. As a counselor I am engaged, supportive, intuitive, empathetic and a good listener. I enjoy working with people from diverse cultures and backgrounds and welcome people from all walks of life. I offer a safe, non-judgmental space to talk about your thoughts and feelings and can help guide you on your journey of self-discovery. My theoretical approach to counseling is person-centered, strength-based, and eclectic, incorporating psychodynamic theory into treatment. I tailor my interventions to the individual and utilize cognitive-behavioral techniques to help identify and change negative thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. I use reflective listening and look for patterns and underlying issues that may be the cause of distress, and work with clients on their goals. I would describe my counseling style as authentic and caring, with a friendly and warm approach. I support my clients in developing healthier coping skills, and new ways of thinking and feeling. Learning how to communicate more effectively, practicing healthy boundaries and self-care can be helpful tools. When working with addictions and recovery there are many underlying issues to be worked through and resolved, such as depression, anxiety, and trauma. I help people to understand and cope with these feelings, which often have been buried for a long time. I support my clients with harm reduction or abstinence related goals and together we work through resistance and ambivalence. I understand that addiction and recovery are a process that takes time and that compassion is necessary. There is a lot of stigma, shame and fear associated with addiction and I provide a safe place to address your concerns. Many of us have faulty beliefs that hold us back from having the life we want. I believe that we all have the potential to change and we all need support at times. Often, we feel stuck in old patterns and behaviors and it takes time to change. Sometimes we need to let go of old resentments or painful memories. By letting go of dysfunctional thinking and behavior patterns, we can create a healthier, happier life. I look forward to working with you and helping you through this process of healing. Thank you, Aparna

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Nanci Jacobs

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietyLGBTTrauma and abuseGriefBipolar disorder
10 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 10 years of professional work experience. 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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Dr. Justin Lutz

Offering therapy in California
AddictionsLGBTAnger managementSelf esteemCoping with life changes
23 years of experience

I am a firm believer that therapy is a process and starting therapy can be overwhelming and anxiety provoking. From finding a good fit between yourself and a clinician to being open and vulnerable with another person – the prospect is at times a lot to take in and can feel monumental. Regardless of what it is that brings you to therapy, reaching out is the first step and I wanted to congratulate you on the courage it took to take those steps. I approach my work with warmth, compassion and empathy to build a safe environment where clients can feel secure and free to engage with all aspects of their emotional lives that may not otherwise be accessible. In this judgement free zone, my goal is to provide clients with the opportunity to re-author personal narratives, create space for healing and to generate the potential shift of emotional, occupational and interpersonal patterns. My extensive clinical training includes working with system impacted teenagers involved in juvenile justice. I work with teens and adults dealing with substance abuse, anxiety, depression, and family/childhood trauma. In addition, I support, assist and advocate for clients whose personal identity lies on the LGBTQIA2S+ spectrum while they explore, investigate, or plan the rest of their life journey as their authentic self. Contact me to schedule a phone consultation so I can hear more about what is bringing you to therapy and answer any questions you might have about the process!

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Cecilia Samartin

Offering therapy in California
Relationship issuesGriefParenting issuesSelf esteemCoping with life changes
20 years of experience

I am a licensed mental health professional (LMFT) with over twenty-five years of clinical experience working with people from diverse backgrounds, facing a wide spectrum of issues, and life challenges. Over the years, I've learned that pain is not only unavoidable, but necessary for growth and healing to occur. Our "mistakes" become our best friends if we're willing to learn from them. Utilizing a client centered narrative approach , I assist my clients in finding meaning in the midst of their suffering (a critical step in alleviating pain) so they can move on confidently with their relationships, their work, their dreams and aspirations. It is an honor and a privilege to walk alongside my clients during this highly creative process. And it is my greatest joy to witness their growth and healing.

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Dr. Denise Nguyen

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietySleeping disordersSelf esteemDepressionCoping with life changes
15 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 15 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, coping with grief and loss, sleeping disorders, & motivation, self esteem, and confidence. 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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Dr. Jessica Winn

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesFamily conflictsSelf esteemCoping with life changes
18 years of experience

Dr. Winn is a clinical psychologist and licensed marriage and family therapist with 18+ years of clinical experience in the field. She also has 3 years of experience as a clinical supervisor and has spent 6 years teaching full-time at the university level as a professor to bachelor's, master's, and doctoral students in the field of behavioral sciences. Dr. Winn's experience includes working with toddlers, children, and teens individually and in groups, as well as families, adults, and couples in a diverse range of treatment milieux. Her practice has included clinical work in schools, group homes, substance use rehabilitation clinics, psychological assessment offices and case management programs, home-based programs, and partial hospitalization clinics treating post-psychiatrically institutionalized populations. Dr. Winn is currently accepting clients needing therapeutic support for reducing stress and anxiety, coping with addictions, working through trauma and abuse, and increasing motivation, self-esteem, and confidence. *** If you are seeking couples therapy, I can be requested at BetterHelp's couples service through Regain: https://www.regain.us/jessica-winn/.

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William Zahn

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietyGriefSelf esteemDepressionADHD
20 years of experience

I am a licensed psychologist 20 years of experience working in a variety of settings. I received my bachelor’s degree from Princeton University in 1999 and my PsyD from CSPP-San Diego in 2008. I have experience in helping people with anxiety, depression, addiction, psychotic disorders, chronic pain, transgender issues, intellectual giftedness, and men’s issues. I have expertise in mindfulness and mind-body practices. I believe compassion and respect are essential to healing. I strive to help people find ways to make their own individual style serve their personal goals, rather than trying to force people to be something they are not. I hope to support and empower you in that journey.

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Tara Egemo

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietyEating disordersCoping with life changes
12 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 12 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, eating disorders, & 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.

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Shawn Moore

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietySelf esteemDepressionCoping with life changesCompassion fatigue
7 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 7 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, motivation, self esteem, and confidence, 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. 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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Darlene Melendez

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesFamily conflictsSelf esteemDepression
10 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 10 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress, anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, motivation, self esteem, & confidence. I also have experience working with 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!

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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