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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Claudia Boles

Offering therapy in California
License: LCSW
Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseGriefParenting issuesDepression
20 years of experience

Thank you for being here and for visiting my profile. I'm a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) in the state of California. I earned my Master of Social Work (MSW) degree from the University of Southern California where I also completed my undergraduate studies in social sciences and Spanish language. I have 20 years of experience in hospitals/healthcare and mental health settings. I'm particularly knowledgeable about assisting those who struggle with challenging health conditions and illness, grief and loss, bereavement, trauma, abuse, depression and anxiety. One special interest of mine is supporting those who have lost loved ones to suicide. I enjoy working with clients from diverse cultural and socioeconomic backgrounds. I incorporate a holistic, integrative approach meaning that I draw from multiple modalities including cognitive behavioral, trauma-informed and strengths-based. I also incorporate mindfulness and motivational interviewing techniques into my practice. From my viewpoint as a clinician, human functioning and behavior stem from many life experiences and aspects of our lives: psychological, cognitive, biological/physical/medical, genetic, developmental, familial, social, educational/employment/career, spiritual, cultural and societal. It's important that we search for optimal ways together to maximize individual adaptive coping skills, to broaden insight, and to make positive, practical steps towards change. In addition to my employment, I've volunteered for several community organizations and non-profits that support health, mental health and/or education. One of my favorite volunteer positions has been serving as a Crisis Counselor for Crisis Text Line. I also have great appreciation for nature and the arts. My colleagues describe me as compassionate, empathetic and invested in my clients' well-being. I'm dedicated to making the most of any therapeutic experience.

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Paula Bishop

Offering therapy in California
License: MS Counseling,LMFT,Certified Yoga Instructor-CYT-200
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesTrauma and abuseSelf esteemCompassion fatigue
26 years of experience

I have a Masters Degree in Counseling and I have been a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist for over 15 years. My experience involves 18 + years working with children and families involved in the child welfare system. I helped families address a range of concerns that revolved around child abuse, child neglect, domestic violence, substance abuse, child custody, self-esteem, depression, anxiety and more. I have also worked with adult and adolescent psychiatric patients in acute and residential settings, advocating for patients’ rights. I work from a Solution Focused (SF) theoretical approach and focus on what people CAN do rather than what people CANNOT do to help their situation. I help clients capitalize on their strengths and reframe “weakness” into strengths. I assist clients in identifying constructive behaviors they are already utilizing. I also believe that exploring family history is important in understanding a person’s values and belief system Though your situation may seem insurmountable, I believe you will learn the tools to achieve your goals.

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Kristina Meyer

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesGriefDepressionCoping with life changes
3 years of experience

I am licensed in California, Oregon and Texas with 3 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, coping with grief and loss, & 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 seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process.

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Jean Juarez

Offering therapy in California
AddictionsRelationship issuesFamily conflictsTrauma and abuseIntimacy-related issues
11 years of experience

I am licensed in Illinois with 10 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients cope with addictions, relationship issues, family conflicts, & trauma and abuse. 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 ask for and seek help is a courageous one, and I recognize you for this.

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Bruce "Bryce" Thompson

Offering therapy in California
LGBTRelationship issuesIntimacy-related issuesParenting issuesCoping with life changes
23 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 22 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with LGBTQ+ related issues, relationship issues, intimacy related issues, & parenting issues. I believe that you are the expert of your story and that you have many strengths that will assist you in overcoming issues and concerns 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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Kyong Choi

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesTrauma and abuseGriefDepression
15 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 15 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, trauma and abuse, & coping with grief and loss. 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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James Barger

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietyLGBTTrauma and abuseGriefDepression
15 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 14 years of professional work experience in psychotherapy. I also have an additional 17 years of experience in the mental health field. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, lgbtq+ related issues, trauma and abuse, & coping with grief and loss. 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. I look forward to working together as a team to address issues that may be holding you back and developing skills and strategies to help you succeed.

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Alexis Morris

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesIntimacy-related issuesDepressionCoaching
5 years of experience

Hello there. My name is Alexis and I go by Lexi. I am Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor in California with over 5 years of experience providing therapeutic services to those in need . I am a therapist that focus on genuine interactions that are person centered. I believe in treating all people with compassion, empathy, and respect. My therapeutic approach is rooted in acceptance and commitment, cognitive-behavioral, existential, humanistic, and rational-emotive therapy. As your partner in the journey, we will work together to develop a treatment plan that meets you specific needs. Reaching out for help and/or support can be difficult. It takes courage to operate outside of the norm and take that step. I am here to show you unconditional positive regard and to support and empower you.

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Leroy Thompson

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesTrauma and abuseAnger managementSelf esteem
21 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 21 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, trauma and abuse, & anger management. 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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Delashawn Kemp

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

I am licensed in California with 12 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, motivation, self esteem, and confidence, & depression. 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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Janna Chin

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesGriefSelf esteemDepression
10 years of experience

Welcome. I'm glad you are here. I know it's not easy reaching out for support. My name is Janna and I'm a licensed marriage and family therapist. I'm a graduate of John F. Kennedy University. If you're struggling and unhappy with your life and relationships... there is hope. Sometimes we just need someone to talk to and listen without judgement. Sometimes we just need to be accepted for who we are. Sometimes we just need support from a caring, professional to help us figure out what is getting in the way so we can heal from past hurts, heartbreak, trauma, and disappointments. I've worked with individuals, couples, and families in a variety of mental health settings including, schools, non-profits, outpatient, and inpatient facilities. It is possible to create the life, career, and relationships you want. I'm here to help you be the best person you can be and feel the best you can feel. Here is one of my favorite quotes... "People will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel." ~ Maya Angelou Together, lets get you feeling better.

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Guadalupe Gonzalez

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietyGriefAnger managementSelf esteemDepression
3 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 3 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, coping with grief and loss, 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.

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Monique Hicks

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseGriefDepressionCoping with life changes
12 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 12 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, 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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Lacey Rodriguez

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

I am licensed in California with 5 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, motivation, self esteem, and confidence, & depression. 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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Sharon Carroll

Offering therapy in California
License: LPC,MA,MBA
Relationship issuesFamily conflictsGriefSelf esteemCoping with life changes
18 years of experience

You look at your life and find it’s not what you hoped for and dreamed of. The do anything and be anyone attitude you once had has either diminished or disappeared altogether. The relationship you believed would enrich your life and even complete you hasn’t been what you expected. At least a part of you has disappeared and you want to get the lost parts back. You long to be seen, heard, understood and valued. I have helped individuals and couples reimagine their lives and create a more authentic and full life. That can be you, too. I will create a safe, nonjudgemental space where you can share, explore and heal. I want to get to know you; help you discover and clarify your goals for counseling; and collaborate with you to heal hurts, reveal strengths, and find a more meaningful life. I will vary my approach to meet your needs, what resonates with you, and what will help you reach your unique goals. I work with male and female clients both individually and as couples. My clients are of varying ages, sexual orientations, and religious backgrounds. I have also facilitated a number of groups with varied focuses, including grief, careers-in-transition groups, and the Daring Way™. (The Daring Way™ is based on the work of Brene Brown, PhD, in the areas of wholehearted living, vulnerability and shame resilience.) My greatest joy comes from helping clients work through or overcome relationship difficulties, walk through grief and loss in its varying forms, move through various life transitions, and build the resilience that will aid them in meeting future challenges. My formal education includes an MA in Psychology from Houston Christian University, an MBA from Rice University, and a BS in Business Administration from the University of Southern California. In addition to the various counselor trainings that are listed in my profile, I am also a Certified Life Coach. I look forward to having the opportunity of getting to know you and sharing a piece of life’s journey!

How can therapists in California support you?

Therapists in California 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 California, and one out of five Americans has a mental health condition. Searching for licensed professionals in California 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 BetterHelp does not offer diagnostic or medication management services.

Why are many residents in the state of California working 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 in California, BetterHelp can match you with a licensed professional tailored to your preferences noted when you sign up.

Mental health counselors in California support clients with varying issues, which can include:

  • 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

If you are experiencing a crisis or emergency, don't use this site's online services. 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 commonly asked questions can be found 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.

How do I know if I should get a therapist?

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 in California can allow clients seeking therapy to experience professional help through video, phone, or live chat sessions without commuting to an office.

Does insurance cover 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 safe?

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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