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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Elisabeth Welch
My name is Elisabeth and I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist from California. I’ve done therapy in Los Angeles, Philadelphia and New York City but was educated at the University of Southern California. I am eager to hear about how you are doing. I have worked with clients for over seven years, specializing in relationship issues, parenting, and managing stress, anxiety and depression. Life challenges can really knock us down and make it hard to move forward. I am here to be your support. With compassion and empowering conversation, we can work together to help you live your best life. I can help you make important, impactful decisions in your life, or be there to listen when you just need someone to talk to. Numerous people suffer from anxiety and depression but did you know that they are very treatable health issues? Research shows that there are many concrete techniques that can really make a difference in helping you deal with those feelings. My combination of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Person-Centered Therapy and Attachment Science can help you live a fulfilling and happy life on your terms. A notable client I’ve worked with was a single mother who suffered from extreme sadness and feelings of being overwhelmed in social situations. After determining she suffered from depression, we worked on behavioral techniques to alleviate the symptoms of depression such as helping her to learn to reframe negative thoughts, utilize calming techniques and engage in endorphin-boosting behavior. The next layer was helping to identify the type of situations that would trigger her depression or social anxiety. After identifying some previous life events that caused her great distress and trauma, we were able to help her understand and identify why she became unhealthily depressed and anxious. This lead to a more fulfilling social life and a more emotionally stable outlook on life. She has a new life partner and a much more optimistic view on life. I hope I can help you to find the balance and happiness that you deserve. I look forward to working with you!
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Therese Schmoll
With over thirty years experience working in the mental health/human services field, and as a graduate of Pepperdine University School of Education and Psychology specializing in Clinical Psychology with an Emphasis in Marriage and Family Therapy , I am currently serving as private practitioner working with a broad spectrum of clients. Among my areas of expertise are depression, anxiety, addictions, eating disorders, grief and loss, trauma, relationship, pre-marital, divorce, family and couples issues.
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Lisa Smith
I am licensed in California with 15 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with family conflicts, trauma and abuse, coping with grief and loss, & 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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Maria Littleton
I am licensed in California with 13 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, motivation, self esteem, and confidence, & 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. 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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Kathy Valencia
I am licensed in California with 8 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, perinatal and postpartum mood disorders, relationship issues, family conflicts, self-esteem, and 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. 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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Margaret Miller
I am licensed in California with over 15 years of experience supporting clients managing stress and anxiety, relational conflicts, depression and lack of motivation, self worth and confidence. I believe in the immense power of our thoughts and our incredible capacity as human beings to change them through awareness, intention and implementation. Together we will work to create the life you want to live, despite the hardships you have had to overcome and any future struggles that may lay ahead. 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 takes courage and I am proud of you for getting started!
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Elizabeth Shartle
I am a licensed clinical counselor in Ohio, and I am also licensed in California. For over fifteen years, I have worked with adults with addiction, anxiety, grief and depression. Many of my clients have experienced past trauma, family conflicts, and issues with motivation and self-esteem. My vision of counseling is to come along side the person who is hurting to offer understanding and encouragement as you share your story so that together we can figure out a plan for moving forward. My counseling techniques emphasize behavioral strategies and interpersonal skills, while drawing on the tenets of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT). ACT emphasizes living and engaging in life according to your values so that you make intentional choices and feel better with the choices you make. My overall approach is person-centered, and our interaction will always be underscored by respect and genuine care. We want our lives to matter, and we want to be important to those we love. Being seen and heard is crucial, and sometimes, just feeling understood for a moment is priceless. I am very grateful to have the opportunity to work with you here in this forum!

Yvonne Estrada
I am licensed in California with 7 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with coping with addictions, lgbtq+ related issues, trauma and abuse, & anger management. 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!

Nicholas Nunez
I am licensed in California with 8 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress, anxiety, anger management, motivation, self esteem, confidence, & depression. I also have experience working with 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!

Dr. David Sommers
I am licensed in California with 40 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress, anxiety, coping with addictions, relationship issues, & career difficulties. 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. 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.
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.
Popular cities in California
- Los Angeles, CA
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- Anaheim, CA
- Santa Ana, CA
- Riverside, CA
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