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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Dr. Judy Kelly
I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in California with over 10 years of experience. I have worked with clients with a wide range of concerns including depression, anxiety, anger management, relationship issues, parenting problems, trauma, abuse and grief. My professional and life experience have given me the ability to understand your needs while helping you prioritize and process the challenges you are facing. As an experienced professional, I will meet you wherever you may be in life and offer a comprehensive, individualized approach to treatment. I will help you identify and accomplish your own individual goals that move you toward recovery. My therapy approach draws on your already present strengths and skills to create a method of treatment that expands upon your current positive attributes so that they may better serve you in the future. I will help you learn new coping skills and behaviors that will benefit your current situation. I will provide guidance, compassion, support and insight to help you tackle whatever you are facing and help you respond more clearly and effectively so you can be successful long after treatment. I look forward to working with you.
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Dr. Carol Antosh
Hello: My name is Dr. Carol Antosh and I am licensed in the state of California as an Educational Psychologist as well as Marriage and Family Psychotherapist. I am also board certified as a School Neuropsychologist and have have significant experience with neuro-diversity and autism . My educational background includes receiving a Ph.D. in Psychology; and I enjoy enhancing my knowledge and treatment approaches with continuing education. I maintain over 30 years of professional work experience. Most recently, I have focused on helping clients to best cope with grief and loss, relationship issues, family conflicts. and motivational issues related to depression and loneliness. I maintain the position that the therapeutic setting must be 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!
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Alana Jones
I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in California with 8+ years of experience in the field. I graduated with my Master's of Science in Counseling/Marriage, Family, and Child Therapy degree from University of Phoenix in 2014. I have provided services and support to a wide range of populations, from early childhood, adolescents, teenagers, adults, couples, and families within many differing family systems. I have worked with varying clients who have previously had involvement in multiple systems (mental health organizations, non-public school settings, social services/foster care, and juvenile justice/probation). Also, I have worked with clients presenting with a wide range of concerns, such as depression, stress, anxiety, family conflicts, trauma/abuse, parenting issues, PTSD, and ADHD. Through my years of experience, I have provided individual, group, family, and dyadic therapy, along with crisis stabilization, intensive care coordination, case management, intensive home based support services, and individual rehabilitation services. I typically consider my style of treatment to take a client centered approach where the client is ultimately in control of the metaphoric, "steering wheel" in their lives. I have a strong skill set to see and bring forward the positives and strengths in people at an individual level and within varying relational systems while instilling hope. I feel strongly that sometimes we all could use a little extra support or acknowledgement of the humanistic parts within ourselves while navigating all the barriers life throws our way. I also consider myself to understand and acknowledge in treatment that one of the most powerful things a person can do is to build an ally ship with someone who they can trust. I would love to be that ally, to listen, validate, and support you in making the best decisions for yourself while working to achieve the best quality of life you can have. I will take on an eclectic approach, meaning I typically will use varying parts of several treatment approaches in order to address all areas of concern. I use additional treatment approaches, such as CBT, Narrative Therapy, Play Therapy, Solution Focused Therapy, and Trauma Focused Therapy. I will tailor our interactions, treatment, and subsequent goals/plan to meet your specific and unique needs. Therapy is a very interactive and collaborative process, which also means that treatment may need to be adjusted as progress is made. I'm looking forward to working with you!
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Elysa Thangchaipinyokul
Hello! My name is Elysa Thangchaipinyokul and I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) based in Southern California. I attended the University of Southern California and graduated in 2010 with my Master of Social Work (MSW) Degree. I've worked in mental health for over 10 years providing psychotherapy primarily to adults and older adults. I always make it a priority to provide a safe space where my clients will feel supported and validated to speak freely and express their emotions without judgment. I particularly specialize in utilizing Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT), Mindfulness, and Motivational Interviewing. I truly believe that I can work with my clients, facilitate positive change, and support inner healing.
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Brandie Blount-Turner
I am licensed in California with 12 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, anger management, & motivation, 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.

Dana Thomart
I am licensed in California with 17 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, parenting issues, motivation, self esteem, confidence and 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!
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Donte Witherspoon
I am licensed in California with 15 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. 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.

Elaine Floyer
I am licensed in California with 10 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress, anxiety, lgbtq+ related issues, relationship issues, & intimacy related issues. 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 sign up for therapy can take courage and I am proud of you for getting started!
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Kassaundra Gutierrez-Thompson
I am a licensed therapist in California with six years of direct therapy experience and over 4 years of diverse professional expertise spanning education, human resources, and social work. My passion lies in helping individuals, from adolescents to mature adults, navigate life’s complexities with greater confidence and resilience. I specialize in supporting clients facing challenges such as stress, anxiety, depression, motivation struggles, self-esteem issues, career transitions, and life changes. In my work, I integrate evidence-based approaches within a psychodynamic therapeutic model with personalized strategies to empower you in achieving your goals. Additionally, I draw upon personality development frameworks, such as the Enneagram, to provide deeper insight into your core strengths and unique potential. My approach is grounded in the belief that you are the expert of your own story and possess innate strengths that can guide you through life’s challenges. Taking the first step of starting Therapy to create a more fulfilling life takes courage, and I am here to walk alongside you in that journey. Whether you're facing uncertainty, seeking personal growth, healthier relationships, or striving for greater emotional well-being, my goal is to provide a supportive and empowering space where you can explore your potential and create meaningful change. Let’s work together to help you build the life you deserve—one step at a time.
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Barbara Uhl
I am licensed in California with 7 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 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!
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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- Long Beach, CA
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- Anaheim, CA
- Santa Ana, CA
- Riverside, CA
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