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.

Soni Dani-Cox
I am a licensed marriage and family therapist who has been working in the mental health field since 2006. Through compassionate exploration, I help you understand and resolve the root cause of your issue and help you cultivate practices that are sustaining to life-long emotional health. Specifically, I provide psychotherapy services which combine the healing power of insight- oriented psychotherapy with cognitive-behavioral, humanistic, psychodynamic and rational-emotive counseling. I will tailor our dialog and treatment plan to meet your unique and specific needs. My counseling style is warm and interactive. I believe in treating anyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion, and I don't believe in stigmatizing labels. I have worked with clients with a wide range of concerns including depression, anxiety, relationship issues, career challenges, OCD and ADHD. I also helped many people who have experienced physical trauma or emotional abuse. It takes courage to seek a more fulfilling and happier life and to take the first steps towards a change. If you are ready to take that step I am here to support and empower you. I look forward to working with you!

Michelle Magee-Lopez
I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with a background in Theatre Arts. I believe psychotherapy is a very important component of an individual’s overall wellbeing. As a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, I continue to strive to become the embodiment of reliability, dedication and an understanding of the importance of creating a nonthreatening, safe environment for clients. In 2005 I received a Bachelor of Arts degree in Theater Arts from California State University Long Beach. In 2016 I received my Master of Science degree in Marriage and Family Therapy from California State University Dominquez Hills. I have experience with working with adolescents, adults and children in a variety of settings. I often merge theatrical and theoretical techniques as a means of positively impacting the client's overall therapeutic experience. I strive to create an environment that allows the client to grow emotionally and expand their overall understanding of themselves.

Dennis Forfa
When you feel like you're spinning your wheels, therapy can provide traction you need to get your life moving forward. Therapy can help you learn how to stop struggling with creative stagnation, worry, self-doubt, lack of motivation, loneliness, homesickness, or the pain of loss. Therapy can help get you unstuck from repeated struggles with yourself and difficulties with others. In our meetings, you and I will work together to identify roadblocks that keep holding you back. I will assist you in creating permanent strategies for getting past those roadblocks, empowering you to: * Navigate life's transitions with clarity and intention * Strengthen relationships, improve communication, and cultivate more meaningful connections * Process grief and come to peace with losses * Foster resilience and mental toughness to face challenges with determination * Tap into creative problem-solving and deep artistry * Embody your core values and show up for life with integrity and purpose Together, we will work on unlocking your potential to build a more complete, fulfilling, dynamic, and purposeful life. I am available for live sessions (video or phone) from early morning through afternoon on weekdays. Early risers, take note! Depending on the day, I may have morning appointments available as early as 4:00 AM Pacific/5:00 AM Mountain/6:00 AM Central/7:00 AM Eastern, and sometimes earlier. I am licensed to provide therapy when you are physically located in California, Nevada, Idaho, Montana, Wyoming, Utah, Arizona, Colorado, Wisconsin, Michigan, Indiana, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Vermont, or Maine.

Keith Chilton
I am a family and marriage therapist licensed in California with over 25 years of experience as a caring witness working with youth, adults, couples, and families to help them increase their ability to balance personal motivations with social and relationship challenges. As a passionate and curious learner, I embrace a "each one teach one" and "it takes a village" counseling style. I have had the honor and blessing of a few caring witnesses in my life. I pledge my life's work to pass on the attentive sense of care that was instilled in me. It takes courage to seek a more fulfilling and happier life. If you are ready to take that step toward change, I am ready to support and empower you. I look forward to working with you.

Tracy Cameron
I am licensed in California with 26 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, & trauma and abuse. 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.

Susan T Lindau
I am licensed in California with more than 20 years of professional experience. I have experience in helping clients with a number of issues including trauma and life stressors. I honor each client and treat with respect, sensitivity, and compassion. I tailor our dialog and treatment plan to meet your own unique goals. It takes courage to take steps towards a happier, fulfilling life. I am here to support & empower you in that journey.

Vitus Onusuru
I am licensed in California with 7 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, trauma and abuse, motivation, self esteem, and confidence, & 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.

Paula Mierzejewski
I am licensed in California with 10 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, motivation, self esteem, and confidence, career difficulties, & 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.

NaTonya Scott
Welcome to Your Therapeutic Journey! Hello and welcome! I'm NaTonya Scott, a Licensed Professional Counselor and Mind Renewal Coach. I have a passion for guiding individuals towards their most effective selves. As a person-centered therapist, I believe in tailoring our therapeutic journey to suit your unique needs. My therapeutic approach is integrative and individualized, blending the empathetic principles of person-centered therapy with a goal-directed focus. I understand that seeking therapy is a personal and courageous step. Rest assured, our sessions are a safe and confidential space where you can express yourself without fear of judgment. I adhere to the highest ethical standards and Christian integrity, ensuring that your concerns are met with respect, sensitivity, and professionalism. I've assisted individuals in working through a variety of challenges, including relationship issues, faith-related, depression, anxiety, and trauma. Clinical Experience I have experience in providing therapy services to individuals and couples across various settings, including agency environments, telehealth, and private practice. This diversity in practice has equipped me with the skills to offer therapy to a wide range of clients. I specialize in employing person-centered, Rational Emotive Behavioral therapy and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) modalities. My approach is versatile, allowing me to tailor interventions according to the unique and evolving needs of each client. If you're ready to embark on this journey of self-discovery and growth, I'm here to support you every step of the way. Remember, You are not alone! Take the first step—reach out, and let's begin this transformative journey together.

Rosa Ramirez
I am licensed in California with 7 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress, anxiety, family conflicts, motivation, self esteem, confidence, & depression. I am a firm believer that people can change; therefore, my approach is first and foremost client-centered and strength-based. I also utilize Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) to assist you in identifying and re-defining your core beliefs that are keeping you from reaching your treatment goals. I believe coping skills are very important in order to overcome life stressors; therefore, I also utilize Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) in my practice. As a first-generation Latina, I understand the impact upbringing and family dynamics have on our development and our way of managing relationships. 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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