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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Connie Won

Offering therapy in California
Relationship issuesFamily conflictsTrauma and abuseGriefDepression
10 years of experience

Hello, and welcome to BetterHelp! My approach to therapy is psychodynamic, with a particular interest in relationships/codependency, childhood trauma, attachment issues, and loss/grief. I would be honored to hear your story and be a part of your journey.

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Jennifer Haskett

Offering therapy in California
License: M.A.,MFT
AddictionsRelationship issuesFamily conflictsDepression
5 years of experience

The definition of insanity is doing the same thing again expecting a different result. Do you tell yourself: “This time it will work. This time it will go my way”? Are you ready to try things differently? Are you ready to stop the insanity? Of course you are! You’re here. And that’s the first step. Let’s work together toward the next step..... A little about me: I’m a Marriage Family Therapist in California licensed since 2008. I’ve worked with various populations but mainly with youth and their families focusing on parenting skills, relationships, addictions, and trauma issues to name a few. Therapeutically, I draw upon different counseling modalities (such as cognitive behavioral techniques and Bowenian family systems) while addressing you, the client, as a whole being— not solely the presenting situation and/or problem. Personally, I’ve been married for 16 years and we have an eleven-year-old. We love camping and going to the beach when we can.

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Lina Vielma

Offering therapy in California
License: MA, LMFT
Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseParenting issuesAnger managementSelf esteem
20 years of experience

Welcome! My counseling style is caring, supportive and intentional. I treat everyone with compassion. Self-esteem, trauma, anxiety, depression, feeling of hopelessness, past trauma, emotional difficulties, and relational issues are my specialties. Being both Navajo Native American Indian and Filipino, I am compassionate toward cultural issues and concerns. I am compassionate and provide a calm, therapeutic space where you will be understood. You can explore your feelings, at a comfortable pace away from confusion. I will challenge you so that you can move toward a more productive life. Your journey is unique and I look forward to working with you.

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Patricia Temple

Offering therapy in California
License: LMFT
Relationship issuesFamily conflictsIntimacy-related issuesParenting issues
40 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 25years and more of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with relationship issues, family conflicts, & intimacy related issues. I also have experience working with parenting issues. Working with each individual within the family brings in their unique personality and characteristics which makes this particular group also unique and exciting to work with. 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!

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Steven Goe

Offering therapy in California
LGBTGriefCareer difficultiesCoping with life changes
30 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 48 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with coping with grief and loss, career difficulties, men's issues including sexuality, & coping with aging and life changes, including fertility and adoption issues. I also have experience working with executive and professional coaching, as well as spiritual and personal development. 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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Leah Szemborski

Offering therapy in California
License: LPC
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesFamily conflictsTrauma and abuseAnger management
13 years of experience

Each of us was reverently and wonderfully made! But over the course of life many of us have been wounded with injuries that eyes can't see--soul wounds. Those wounds may come from absent or unloving caregivers, bullying, abuse, trauma, neglect, hateful words, injuries or illness, substance abuse, lack of safety, abandonment, rejection, etc. There are many ways a person can be wounded. Those wounds don't just go away, and over time they cause problems in our behavior, thinking, feelings, relationships, families and workplaces. We wonder why this anxiety just won't go away, or why we've sabotaged yet another relationship. We get ugly with the people we love, or feel so out-of-control we don't know what to do. We have unexplained illness and ailments, and the treatments (physical and mental) seem never ending. Yes, these are all symptoms of soul wounds. You are amazing because you have found incredible ways to cope with the difficult and even terrible circumstances you've faced in life! And the good news is that you don't have to live with those wounds forever. Hi. I'm Leah, and I would love to embark on a journey of healing with you. Together we will engage in creative and life-changing interventions, activities and encounters that will help you heal the wounds in your soul, and discover (or rediscover!) the unique and amazing purpose for which you were created! You were meant for so much more, and I would be honored to help you unlock your potential and finally live life to the fullest. I'm going to be honest with you, this is hard work; maybe the hardest work you've ever had to do, but in the end it will all be worth it. What are you waiting for? Let's get started! I am a spiritually integrated therapist and adhere to the American Association of Christian Counseling Code of Ethics, which can be found here: https://www.aacc.net/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/AACC-Code-of-Ethics-Master-Document.pdf

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Eileen Banados

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesTrauma and abuseDepressionCoping with life changes
16 years of experience

I am licensed in California, Nevada, and Maryland with 16 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, trauma and abuse, & 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.

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Paul Wilson

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsTrauma and abuseSleeping disordersDepression
33 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 33 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, depression, coping with addictions, trauma and abuse, sleep disorders and psychological approaches to chronic health problems. 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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Evie Harris-Fitzsimons

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesSelf esteemDepressionCoping with life changes
7 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 7 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress, anxiety, relationship issues, motivation, self esteem, confidence, & depression. 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. 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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Pamela Roberts

Offering therapy in California
Relationship issuesFamily conflictsTrauma and abuseIntimacy-related issuesCoping with life changes
20 years of experience

With over 20 years of professional experience, I am a licensed therapist in both Idaho and California, dedicated to helping individuals navigate life’s challenges. I specialize in supporting clients dealing with stress and anxiety, relationship dynamics, family conflicts, and the lasting effects of trauma and abuse. My approach is rooted in the belief that you are the expert of your own story. Together, we’ll uncover and build upon your strengths to face difficulties and create meaningful change. Seeking support takes courage, and I commend you for taking the first step toward a more fulfilling and happier life. I am here to provide a safe and supportive space where you can explore your thoughts, feelings, and goals. Let’s work together to help you thrive, grow, and achieve the life you deserve. Ready to begin your journey? Let’s connect today!

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:

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.

In today's fast-paced society, mental well-being has become a cornerstone of a fulfilling life. Amid the daily challenges and stressors that can overwhelm even the most resilient individuals, seeking professional guidance often offers a path to clarity and balance. The journey toward improved emotional health involves understanding personal triggers, embracing self-compassion, and developing effective coping strategies. While self-help books and online resources provide valuable information, nothing compares to the personalized support offered by a qualified mental health professional. One-on-one sessions with experienced experts can help uncover the underlying issues contributing to anxiety, depression, or other emotional hurdles. With a careful and empathetic approach, these professionals tailor their advice to suit individual needs, ensuring that each person receives strategies that work best for their unique circumstances. Whether through cognitive behavioral techniques, mindfulness practices, or other innovative methods, the aim is to foster resilience and empower individuals to take control of their inner lives. For those living in bustling urban centers, engaging in face-to-face sessions in a welcoming environment can be particularly beneficial. Access to a caring clinician provides not only a safe space to explore difficult emotions but also builds a support network essential for long-term recovery. The process encourages self-reflection and greater insight into behavioral patterns that might otherwise go unnoticed. While the journey can be challenging at times, the rewards include enhanced emotional stability, improved interpersonal relationships, and a renewed sense of self-worth. In one notable case, the guidance provided by a highly trained therapist proved instrumental in navigating a tumultuous period. Through structured sessions and tailored interventions, the individual learned to identify stressors and develop healthier responses to adversity. This experience underscored the transformative impact that dedicated support can have on one's overall quality of life. In a region like Texas, community-based initiatives and accessible mental health programs further reinforce the value of professional help. These efforts emphasize early intervention, preventive care, and continuous support, ensuring that more people are equipped to face life's inevitable challenges. Ultimately, investing in mental well-being is an act of self-care that yields lifelong benefits. By embracing professional support, individuals can unlock new levels of emotional resilience and discover pathways to a brighter, more balanced future. Each step taken toward healing represents a commitment to personal growth, enabling a life filled with renewed optimism and strength. Embracing this transformative journey consistently paves the way for deeper understanding, lasting peace, and meaningful personal progress.
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