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.

Dr. Ron Muchnick
For the past twenty five years, I have been a licensed marriage and family therapist, a professor and consultant, serving in many professional arenas including director of a counseling center, clinical supervisor, and therapist for individuals, couples, and families. Working from a Systemic perspective, I treat problems such as relationship issues, family conflicts, depression, ADHD, parenting issues, anxiety/stress, depression, and substance abuse keeping in mind how these stressors impact relationships. My additional expertise is in assisting couples and families to improve their relationships, learn positive coping skills and find the flexibility needed to adapt to family life cycle changes including divorce and blended families. My therapy style is warm, comfortable and inviting providing a safe place to air problems and restore healthy mental and emotional functioning. My personal challenge is to connect with people in collaborative relationships which inspire and support my clients to access their strengths, create possibilities, and attain their goals. This commitment transcends my work as a therapist, educator, and consultant. I am also the founder of Parent University, a grant program created for school districts to help parents and their children resolve educational and relationship challenges. I have strong beliefs in the importance of constructive and productive parenting skills and believe that parents provide the leadership for all family members to grow and thrive. I have been a professor at several Universities and a core faulty member at Capella University since 2001, first serving as the Clinical Director of the Counselor Education Program for several years. I have earned several degrees including both a MS and PhD in Marriage and Family Therapy from Nova Southeastern University as well as a MA in Marketing. As a licensed MFT in California, I have been active in the profession for over 25 years in private practice working with individuals, couples and families. My numerous publications and presentations have focused on clinical practice issues and personal coaching. My book Self Coaching, How to S.O.L.V.E. personal and professional problems, reflects my interest in the Solution Focus Brief Therapy model and its use in working with clients. My most recent book At the End of the Day helps the reader connect with their existing strengths and abilities that have become lost in the midst of being problem drenched. By using a Solution focused approach in their problem solving efforts, my clients become able to “remember” their past successes and how to best use their existing abilities and skills to attain their personal goals. In addition to being a Marriage and Family Therapist, I also have over thirty years of sales, marketing, managerial and motivational experience. My career represents both a clinical and business background working in executive positions of major corporations, owning my own beverage distribution company, and growing a large clinical practice (Counseling Solutions). The blending of these various perspectives and talents has allowed me to become an innovator in developing creative organizational environments. I am also the founder of Solution Focus Consulting which specializes in executive coaching, achieving personal excellence, team building and sales and marketing innovations. I look forward to working with you in resolving your existing problem issues and helping facilitate the successful attainment of your goals. SPECIALTIES • Relationship issues • Family conflicts • Depression • ADHD • Parenting issues • Career difficulties • Stress, Anxiety Clinical approaches: Solution-Focused Therapy, Narrative Therapy, Family Systems, Client Centered Years of Experience: 25 ________________________________________

Veronica Cruz-Martinez
I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in California and New Jersey with over 18 years of experience working with the LGBTQIA+ community, children and adults with trauma history along with those struggling with suicidal ideation and self-harm, parenting issues, anxiety and depression. I have seen firsthand the difference a caring, empathetic, and attentive adult can make in a person’s life and feel honored when that can be me. For the last 8 years I have worked as a "crisis counselor" and clinician, seeing clients on a regular basis as well as supporting those in and through a crisis. I am able to think quick on my feet and can stay calm in high intensity situations. Throughout this time, I have assessed for safety and danger to self and others due to mental illness and have made determinations as to whether or not someone is in need of psychiatric hospitalization and am certified to make the decision that one needs to enter into a hospital for treatment. On the other side, I have also safety planned with many and have been able to connect people to supports that they need whether it be referrals that fit their current situation, assisting in making a plan to keep them safe and connecting the person to someone whom they feel comfortable with should they be in crisis again. I believe in treating the mind, body, and soul and understand as well as acknowledge, the importance of a healthy lifestyle and why it is important to utilize all the tools we have (or have yet to find) because we all have the power within us to heal, sometimes we just need some help getting there. I believe in the importance of coping skills and can help you find them or strengthen the ones you already have. This can include meditation, exercise, utilizing crystals or essential oils to help heal and calm oneself, and will seek outside supports when needed. I am a firm believer in working within my limits as a therapeutic clinician and have no problem offering referrals when necessary. My overall goal is to continue providing the support, offering guidance, and making a difference in the lives of others, using my expertise in trauma informed treatment and having an open mind.

Jonathan Kabat
You have questions. They are in your heart; and therefore, weigh heavily on your heart. They may appear to be unanswerable. Perhaps they are. They may arise in your thoughts or they may not. These questions come in feelings, images, sensations, dreams, and most importantly longings. We very often attempt to satisfy these longings through insufficient means. Our longings go unmet as we do the same things, try the same strategies, without success. You might be asking, "how do I change these patterns?" As a systems therapist I explore with you the vast territory of life in fine detail so you may better recognize the impacts of experience on you and realize your impacts on life. We collaborate on ways to change and I support your practice of developing new approaches to achieve what your heart truly longs for. Therapy is quite like a quest to find the ways you can be the best 'you.' It's a guided quest for navigating challenges, often catastrophes, and finding a way forward towards your heart's calling. I draw from many approaches to integration and revealing wholeness. Because I have found that integrating one's whole being requires approaching life's challenges from many perspectives and trying different methods to facilitate change. I have studied transpersonal and systems approaches to understanding the causes and conditions which arise in our human experience. I have trained in somatic, emotional, and cognitive therapies; which often, integrates the way we sense, feel, and think about our experience. Much of my approach is informed by applied ecopsychology, eco-therapy, and climate psychology. I am particularly interested in working with individual experiencing strong emotional reactions to the changes we are experiencing in the ecological systems and society at this time. I support individuals who are experiencing eco-rage, eco-despair, eco anxiety, all arising from eco-empathy and ultimately returning to a deep care and concern for Earth. The entire world around us; and therefore we as individuals, are going through tremendous changes. Integrating this experience and finding compassion, resilience, and purposeful action is my passion. I will seek to assist you in finding your personal way towards your own clarity and purpose. Jonathan Kabat LMFT 129217

Traci Williams
Welcome to Betterhelp. I am pleased you are taking this time in your life to seek self care and support. I am a licensed professional clinical counselor in California with over 20 years of experience working as a counselor in both nonprofit and public school settings. I have worked with clients with a wide range of concerns including depression, anxiety, relationship issues, parenting problems, life transition and career challenges. My primary objective in therapy is to develop a trusting and warm connection. Once that foundation of trust and respect is established, the likelihood and potential for you to overcome your barriers toward stability and well-being is high. I believe in treating everyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion. My approach combines cognitive-behavioral, humanistic, client-centered and psychodynamic. I will tailor our dialog and treatment plan to meet your unique and specific needs. It takes courage to seek 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!

James Smith
I am licensed in California with 5 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety & 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. 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.

Dr. Virgina Hernandez
I am licensed clinical social worker and have over 40 years of professional social work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, motivation, self esteem, confidence and career difficulties. I also am an executive and leadership coach. 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!

Abria Hoskins
I am licensed in California with 14 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, coping with addictions, relationship issues, & 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. 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.

DeAnn Bilotta Clark
I am a licensed therapist in California with over 20 years of professional work experience. My experience includes helping clients with stress and anxiety; motivation, self esteem & confidence; and work around coping with life changes and grief/loss. 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!I

Patrick Jones
I am licensed in California and North Carolina with 16 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, coping with addictions, trauma and abuse, & 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.

Carmen Mercado
I am licensed in California with 8 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress, anxiety, & trauma. I also have experience working with childhood trauma. 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!
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:
- National Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-799-SAFE (7233)
- National Suicide Prevention Lifeline:1-800-273-TALK (8255)
- Crisis Text Line:Text HOME to 741741
- Veterans Crisis Line<:Call 1-800-273-8255 (and press 1) or text 838255. For support for the deaf and hard of hearing community, please use your preferred relay service or dial 711 then 1-800-273-8255.
- Trevor Lifeline(LGBTQ Lifeline): (866)488-7386
- SAMHSA National Helpline: (Substance Use): (800)662-4357
- National Eating Disorder Association Helpline:1-800-931-2237 (M-Th: 9 AM-9 PM EST, Fri 9 AM - 5 PM EST
- Child Help Hotline Call 1-800-422-4453 or use the online chat feature
- National Anti-Hazing Hotline: 1-888-NOT-HAZE (1-888-668-4293)
- Physician Crisis Support Line: Call 1-888-409-0141 if you are a first responder or medical provider experiencing crises related to Covid-1
- Sexual Assault Hotline: Call RAINN at 1-800-656-4673
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.
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