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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Brigette Girardey

Offering therapy in California
License: MA,LMFT
Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseGriefSelf esteem
13 years of experience

Hello! My name is Brigette and I am a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in East Bay, California. I have 10 years experience working with clients, providing therapeutic counseling services. I have worked with a diverse population of clients ranging from children, teens, adults, and elders. I provide services for individuals and families assisting with issues such as depression, isolation, anxiety, self esteem, trauma, loss, relationship issues, parenting issues, and more. I enjoy working with individuals from all walks of life and backgrounds and I value genuineness and collaboration with my clients. I provide a safe and supportive holding environment that is authentic and nonjudgmental in nature. I tailor my specific approach depending on client situation, needs, and goals for therapy. As well as draw from theories such as CBT, Solution Focused, Family Systems, and Client Centered modalities. Growth and change are encouraged through self reflection and finding practical solutions to problems. Making a change can feel overwhelming and scary, but if you are ready to take the first step and begin the road to a new way of life, I am here to help uplift and support you! I appreciate your courage and I look froward to hearing from you!

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Mitch Artman

Offering therapy in California
License: LCSW,MA
Relationship issuesFamily conflictsTrauma and abuseCoping with life changes
14 years of experience

I became a therapist to help people suffer less and grow more. I believe that therapy is a journey and that just as you wish to move past your pain, your pain has a meaning. Our goal is not to get you back to who you were before your issues began, but to integrate the lessons life is offering you through this challenging time. I've worked in private practice, a mental health jail, a high-needs public clinic and in people's homes; I've exposed myself to a variety of human challenges and triumphs. Over a decade of practice, I've learned to have space for people's processes, to be a safe space as a container, to remain grounded in my listening and to be authentic in my practice. I often use a spiritual approach in treatment -- not of any religion, but in the sense that a deeper, more meaningful and integrated you seeks to come forth. This approach has been fruitful for people of all beliefs, including atheists. I believe your life has a meaning, and that you are it. I only do teletherapy via video - no messaging or phone calls. I also need to know the basics of your case and your needs before agreeing to beginning treatment, even if the algorithm matches us. This is to ensure I am a good clinical fit for you, and can responsibly and compassionately support you in therapy. Finally, I write about therapy at https://medium.com/@myartman and https://medium.com/@myartman/membership Thank you. Mitch

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Bethany Maroney-Peterson

Offering therapy in California
License: LMFT,MA Psychology,BA Social Work
Trauma and abuseParenting issuesAnger managementDepressionCompassion fatigue
16 years of experience

I am a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with 14 years of experience working with individuals, couples and families. I hold a Masters Degree in Psychology, A Bachelors Degree in Social Work and have advanced training in trauma, PTSD, Anxiety Disorders and Depression, Human Development and other things. I am also certified in Combat Mental Health and have experience working with Veterans and their families. I utilize a variety of approaches including; Solution Focused, Cognitive Behavioral, Trauma Focused and Dialectical Behavioral therapies with a Strength based approach. I believe in working collaboratively with clients and that while we may not have all of the answers, together we can work towards building the skills clients need to have healthy and long lasting relationships and lives. I have a warm, relaxed and open style of working with clients and strive to cater treatment modalities and interventions to meet the individual needs of my clients.

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Kelly Hackney

Offering therapy in California
License: LMFT
Stress, AnxietyFamily conflictsParenting issuesAnger managementSelf esteem
10 years of experience

I have worked with children and families over my career as a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist including children in restrictive academic settings, children in public and private schools. Family therapy is often a component of working with a child/youth and can be beneficial on many levels, as well as part of the therapeutic process. I also work with young children as well.

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Dr. Susan Michael

Offering therapy in California
AddictionsRelationship issuesTrauma and abuseIntimacy-related issuesDepression
25 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 25 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with coping with addictions, relationship issues, trauma and abuse, & intimacy related issues. I believe in treating everyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion. I will tailor our dialogue 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 on that journey.

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Amber Ito

Offering therapy in California
Family conflictsParenting issues
15 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 7 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with family conflicts & parenting issues. I have experience in helping neurologically diverse clients, including but not limited to those on the Autism spectrum, Down's Syndrome, and ADHD/ADD. 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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Yvonne McNeal

Offering therapy in California
Relationship issuesTrauma and abuseGriefDepressionCoping with life changes
20 years of experience

I am licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in California with 20 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with relationship issues, trauma and abuse, & coping with grief and loss. I also have experience working with coping with life changes. I have extensive experience working with teens and couples. I believe in treating everyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion. While I use the Dialectical Behavior Technique, 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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Gia Castiglia Schwarzer

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesGriefParenting issuesSelf esteem
7 years of experience

I am a California licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) with 7 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress, anxiety, relationship and parenting issues. I believe that you are the expert of your story and that you already have many of the strengths that will assist you in overcoming the challenges in your life. I obtained my undergraduate degrees, a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in Psychology and Political Science from U.C. Irvine and I earned my Master of Arts (M.A.) in Psychology from Chapman University in Orange, CA. After getting my license and working in the field of psychotherapy, I took time off to have a family before returning to counseling. I have worked in private practice and in schools. I am also dually certified in Equine Assisted Growth and Learning Association (EAGALA) as both a Mental Health Practitioner and an Equine Specialist. My therapeutic approach is based in working with the client to help guide them in finding, within themselves, the solutions that best meet their needs. As mentioned above, I believe you are the expert on you and uncovering solutions that you will most naturally and comfortably use is the goal. Becoming aware of and tapping into those hidden resources and then connecting them to your life situations will be part of our work together. I do use some Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy as well as Interpersonal Therapy resources to assist in recognizing and uncovering solutions. Taking that first step to sign up for therapy can take courage and shows your willingness to tackle some areas of your life that just aren't working the way you would like. I am proud of you for getting started!

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Faith Mitchell

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsTrauma and abuseGriefDepression
30 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 32 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with coping with addictions, relationship 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. 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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Adrian Quintero

Offering therapy in California
LGBTGriefSelf esteemCoping with life changesADHD
3 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 3 years of professional work experience. I specialize in providing compassionate and collaborative support to individuals navigating the complexities of LGBTQ+ identities, grief and loss, self esteem, ADHD management, and caregiver stress. My practice is rooted in creating a safe, nonjudgmental, and affirming space where clients can explore their experiences and emotions freely. It takes courage to seek support and be open to new ways of looking at ourselves and our struggles. I am here to support and collaborate with you on your journey.

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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!

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Shannon Shaffer Peterson

Offering therapy in California
Self esteemBipolar disorderDepressionCoping with life changesCompassion fatigue
35 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 40 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with motivation, self esteem, and confidence, bipolar disorder, depression, & 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. 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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Lizette Garcia

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietyEating disordersSelf esteemDepressionCoping with life changes
4 years of experience

I truly hold a passion for connecting with others in finding their identities, overcome their struggles, and process their experiences. Do you currently have a goal to increase self-awareness for better understanding of yourself? Do you experience intense emotions that feel difficult to manage on your own? Does it feel like you have lost control and want to learn how to regain control again? If you answered yes to any of these questions, I would love to speak with you and process how I can help. My areas of experience/interest include eating disorders, anxiety, depression, self-esteem, and trauma. As I have explored various therapeutic techniques, I have come to find I work best through the psychodynamic lens. I am a very curious therapist and like to explore where behaviors & struggles stem from for true understanding and healing of each unique individual. You do not have to have a mental diagnosis to be a client for psychotherapy. Therapy is for anyone who is willing to explore and has the motivation for change. You deserve the opportunity to invest in yourself for your overall wellbeing and improvement in the quality of your life. I would to speak with you to determine if I am the right fit for you.

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Kendal Lardie

Offering therapy in California
AddictionsRelationship issuesSelf esteemBipolar disorderDepression
9 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 9 years of professional work experience. I have experience in multiple areas, including addiction, relationship issues, self-esteem building, anxiety, depression, and bipolar disorder. I believe the most important part of therapy is the relationship you have with your therapist, which should be one of respect and understanding. I believe in treating all people with care an compassion. Our sessions will be focused on what you believe the most important concern is at that time, as well as how that ties into your ultimate goal for treatment. I commend you for seeking out help and taking the time to better yourself, and I am excited to be a part of the process.

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Corlie Presswood

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseBipolar disorderDepression
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, trauma and abuse, & bipolar disorder. I also have experience working with 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. 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 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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