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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Alvin Tan

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietyCareer difficultiesDepressionCoping with life changes
4 years of experience

Hi, I am a licensed clinical social worker in San Diego, California. My primary background experience is in helping clients to regain/increase control over their mental health, via developing increased insight/understanding of symptoms, identifying and utilizing coping skills, developing positive support systems, and increasing ability to problem-solve/navigate challenges. I have worked with adults in multiple settings, including those experiencing active crisis within acute locked psychiatric care, clients coming into an outpatient clinic for mental health services and counseling/groups, clients utilizing substance use disorder treatment individually and in groups, and adult clients with developmental disabilities in the group home setting. Professionally, I've worked both as direct care staff as well as in management and supervisor roles, and have also mentored undergrad and grad students. I'm looking forward to meeting you and offering you support.

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Noel O'Neil

Offering therapy in California
License: MA.
Self esteemCareer difficultiesCoping with life changesCoachingCompassion fatigue
25 years of experience

I am a Marriage Family Therapist licensed in the State of California since 1985. I have spent most of my career working in community behavioral health clinics, so I have treated a variety of different conditions and challenges. Currently I am interested in working with adults who may be experiencing a sense of loss of meaning in life and are looking for a renewed sense of purpose. Time spent in sessions could be helpful in seeking strategies to improve relationships with those people in your life that you are close to. I favor solution focused interventions that can bring about change. I can also supply support to persons seeking a spiritual path. I am trained in Person Centered Therapy, Strategic Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, and Jungian Archetypes with dream analysis as a guide to new directions. I have a daily yoga and meditation practice as a way to recharge my energy. I have been married for 43 years, and have three young grandsons. I enjoy working in my small apple orchard.

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Nancy Montes

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietySelf esteemDepressionCoping with life changes
22 years of experience

I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in California with 22 years of professional work experience. I am Bilingual (English & Spanish), Bi-Cultural and believe in being cultural sensitive. I have helped individuals from diverse socio-economic backgrounds, including Hispanic populations, at-risk children, adolescents, adults, families, couples. I am skilled in assisting clients work through and resolve issues with grief/loss, trauma, depression, anxiety, ADHD, OCD, ODD, substance and alcohol abuse, chronic pain, truancy, life and social skills, anger, parenting, domestic violence, divorce, and other life issues. 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. I believe in treating everyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion.

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Wendy Durkee

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseSelf esteemDepressionCoping with life changes
29 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 29 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 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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Mary Dallman

Offering therapy in California
AddictionsGriefEating disordersCareer difficultiesCoaching
10 years of experience

I am licensed in California, South Dakota and Washington with 30 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with coping with addictions, coping with grief and loss, eating disorders, & career difficulties. 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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Jennifer Gleizer

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsRelationship issuesFamily conflictsCoping with life changes
13 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 13 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, coping with addictions, relationship issues, & family conflicts. 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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Susan Graf-Cote

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesTrauma and abuseIntimacy-related issuesBipolar disorder
24 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 24 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, trauma and abuse, & intimacy related issues. 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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Hannah Karolewicz

Offering therapy in California
License: LMHC
Stress, AnxietySelf esteemDepressionADHD
9 years of experience

I am a Licensed Mental Health Counselor in Florida with over 6 years of experience. I have worked with clients with a wide range of concerns including depression, anxiety, parenting problems, communication disorders, ASD, and ADHD. I have worked with clients of all ages ranging from 3 to 95 and have done so in individual and group settings. My counseling style is warm, collaborative, empowering, and interactive. I treat all my clients with respect, sensitivity, and compassion and my clinical approach is cognitive-behavioral. I strongly believe that our mindset is very powerful and it is important to evaluate our thinking style as it greatly contributes to the way we feel and the actions we take. I tailor our dialog and treatment plan to meet your unique and specific needs and I will always challenge you to dive a little deeper and explore new opportunities. You are brave. I know that taking the first steps to living a more fulfilling and joyful life, takes courage and you have taken that first step towards change. You should feel proud of yourself! Once you are ready to take the next step, I am here to work with you to execute the change that you desire. You are powerful. You are able. You are valuable. You are lovable. And you deserve the life you dream of. I am here for you, I am ready to support you. I look forward to working with you!

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Isabel Ntekim

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietyParenting issuesAnger managementSelf esteemCoping 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, parenting issues, anger management, & motivation, self esteem, and confidence. 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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Corina Mendoza

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietySelf esteemCoping with life changesCompassion fatigue
7 years of experience

As a bilingual and bicultural mental health therapist, I bring a unique perspective to my work by blending cultural insights with evidence-based methods. My approach is rooted in cultural competence, which helps me connect with individuals in a genuine, respectful way. I offer short term therapeutic coaching and solution focused therapy that integrates each individual’s cultural identity, creating a space where they feel truly understood, supported, and empowered in their journey toward growth. I work with adults from diverse backgrounds and help them navigate a variety of challenges. Whether it’s anxiety, stress, life transitions, or women’s issues, I’m here to guide and empower individuals to overcome obstacles and reach their personal goals. I tailor my approach to meet each person’s needs, focusing on building resilience, fostering growth, and supporting overall well-being. I strive to create a warm, nonjudgmental environment where individuals feel heard, respected, and valued. Whether we’re working through tough times or celebrating milestones, I’m committed to offering a supportive and affirming space for personal transformation. Please note: I am currently unable to meet with individuals whose healthcare insurance is provided by Kaiser Permanente. I am also unable to provide services to anyone located outside of California. Thank you for your understanding.

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Lidia Gutierrez

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseGriefDepressionCoping 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, trauma, abuse, coping with grief, & coping with loss. I also have experience working with coping with life changes. 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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Tiffany Libby

Offering therapy in California
Relationship issuesFamily conflictsTrauma and abuseSelf esteemADHD
16 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 16 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with relationship issues, family conflicts, trauma, abuse, motivation, self esteem, confidence, & concentration/memory. I Specialize in Narcissistic Abuse Recovery as well as the unique experiences of those who are Neurodivergent(Adhd, Autism, Audhd). 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. I truly believe the therapeutic alliance is one of the most important aspects of therapy. With the use of unconditional positive regard and empathy, I hope to encourage a feeling of self-love and acceptance. I believe that growth happens in many different areas, and I aim to create a collaborative change that affects all aspects of a person’s life. By working together, we can help identify your natural strengths, and learn simple ways to enhance your life and relationships, for results that are sustainable and long-term.

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Roberta Reid

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsRelationship issuesBipolar disorderDepression
21 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 21 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress, anxiety, coping with addictions, relationship issues, & bipolar disorder. I also have experience working with depression. My expertise is within the drug and alcohol field. 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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Amanda Roman

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietySelf esteemDepression
6 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 6 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress, anxiety, 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. 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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Evan Thomas

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietyFamily conflictsTrauma and abuseParenting issuesAnger management
4 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 8 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress, anxiety, family conflicts, trauma, abuse, & parenting issues. I also have experience working with 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. 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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