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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Menachem Stulberger
I am a marriage and family therapist with 9 years of experience counseling a wide range of clients. I have worked with clients on grief and loss, depression and anxiety as well as substance abuse concerns. I take a warm approach with clients and use a client centered approach to therapy. I have been trained in cognitive behavioral therapy and dialectical behavioral therapy and approach the sessions in a collaborative manner always working together with people I am working with. I respect that you took this step to seek out a listening ear and I look forward to working together with you on this journey. I was born in New York and as a young child my family moved out to Los Angeles and I have been here ever since. Growing up I was always fascinated by the field of psychology and when I was going for my Bachelors Degree I therefore choose to major in psychology. I attended Touro College Los Angeles for my Bachelors degree and then pursued my Masters in Marriage and Family Therapy through Touro University Worldwide. When working with clients I take a warm and empathetic approach and really try to hear what the client is saying. Therapy can be very rewarding but it is often challenging to talk about the difficulties that we face. In session I strive to create a supportive and safe space where we can work together mindfully and without judgement to increase wellness. Thank you for taking the time to look over my profile. I look forward to working together!
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Melinda Meyers
Hello, my name is Melinda Meyers and I am a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in Thousand Oaks, CA. I have been licensed and in private practice for over 10 years. I earned my master degree in Clinical Psychology from Antioch University in Los Angeles. Seeking out help from a clinician is always the hardest step to take and finding the right clinician for you makes that step easier. I believe we all have the power to find the tools within ourselves to guide us toward a happy and fulfilling life, and I love to help my clients take their first steps toward their goals. I work with my clients from a Humanistic Approach. Your personal worth, your value, creativity, and ability to overcome hardship, pain, and crisis in your life, is the center and most important aspect of my work. As a therapist I am there to help you find that value, creativity, and your ability to overcome issues in your life with guidance that works for you and in your life. I look forward to working with you.
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Theresa Leal
I am licensed in California with 20 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with family conflicts, parenting 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. 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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Jennifer Getchell
I am licensed in California and Minnesota with 15 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, trauma and abuse, coping with grief and loss, & parenting issues. 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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Elaine Ellers
I am licensed in California with 15 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, family conflicts, & 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!
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Thomas May
I am a licensed Clinical Social Worker in California with over 40 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with health and disability changes as well as coping with grief and loss. My experience also includes working with clients with relationship and family changes and conflicts. I have enjoyed helping my clients with employment issues and work changes along with finding what motivates you. 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. Making changes or looking at yourself 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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Andy Le
I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker based in California with over 5 years of experience serving in various capacities such as colleges, non-profits, hospitals, and government. I take a person-centered and systems approach to therapy in a holistic manner to provide opportunities to discover self-determination: voice and choice. I have worked with clients with a wide range of concerns including depression, anxiety, relationship issues, parenting problems, career, and school challenges. I also helped many people who have experienced trauma such as physical abuse or neglect. In my sessions, I provide a non-judgmental environment that comes from a place of calm, compassion, and empathy. I provide an environment that will allow opportunities to increase self-direction and collaboration in exploring different solutions to your issues and goals. 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 joining you on this journey!

Clair Figueroa
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, trauma, abuse, motivation, & self esteem. I also have experience working with confidence issues and motivation. I am certified in EMDR and CPT. therapeutic modalities. 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!

Debbie Rehman Lux
I am licensed in California with 25 years of clinical work experience. I help clients who may struggle with relationship issues, stress, anxiety, eating disorders, motivation, self-esteem & 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 seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process.

Veronica Fender
I am licensed in California with 25 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress, anxiety, relationship issues, trauma, abuse, 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.
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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- Fresno, CA
- Sacramento, CA
- Long Beach, CA
- Oakland, CA
- Bakersfield, CA
- Anaheim, CA
- Santa Ana, CA
- Riverside, CA
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