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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Ann Leonard

Offering therapy in California
License: LCSW
Trauma and abuseGriefSelf esteemCareer difficultiesCoping with life changes
18 years of experience

I have been helping individuals to develop healthy relationships with themselves and others for over 18 years and I look forward to helping you work toward your goals. My education and training are from the University of Southern California School of Social Work. My style integrates an individually selected group of professional skills targeted to meet your specific needs. I am direct and interactive and enjoy working with individuals who may be challenged by a background of trauma; wrestling with career or personal relationship difficulties; or are wanting to explore their unique path in life. I work to create a respectful and emotionally supportive relationship with you in order to promote your understanding of yourself and your place in the world. This collaborative effort facilitates identification and clarification of your personal goals in a safe, dependable environment. The work involves skill-building, setting objectives and monitoring progress toward your goals. Throughout the process we honor and celebrate who you are and what you bring to the world.

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Chrissy Fraser

Offering therapy in California
License: MA,PPS-SC,LMFT
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesFamily conflictsSelf esteemDepression
9 years of experience

Hello my name is Chrissy and I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in the state of California. I earned my MA in Counseling in 2014 and a BA in Psychology in 2002. I have been providing therapy to clients of all ages for six years and I enjoy working with clients from all walks of life. My primary goal as your therapy provider is to help you through the challenges you're facing while ensuring that you feel seen, heard, respected, and empowered. Asking for help does not come easy for everyone so I commend you for having the courage to seek support. I believe every client shows up with a set of strengths that we can build upon together. Your strengths will pave the way to solutions that will get you feeling better and more fully enjoying your life.

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Dr. Alexa Wasserman

Offering therapy in California
License: PsyD,MA
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesFamily conflictsSelf esteemDepression
20 years of experience

Welcome to your journey toward healing and wholeness. ✨ Whether you feel completely overwhelmed by life or are just looking for some support, I hope you recognize that by reaching out you have already overcome one of the most difficult parts of the journey. What gives me the authority to make such a claim? I stand by this belief as a product of my 20 years of clinical experience practicing as a psychologist but more profoundly based on my own personal journey toward healing and wholeness. It is my goal to ensure a positive, trusting therapeutic relationship so that we can create a safe place to work through whatever difficulties you may be facing. I believe in setting collaborative goals with my clients to help them with their areas of need, while also empowering them to use their strengths to overcome difficulties. To reach this end, I utilize a variety of therapeutic approaches that incorporate cognitive-behavioral, client-centered and solution focused techniques. I also value the use of mindfulness techniques when my clients feel comfortable doing so. It would be an honor and pleasure to accompany you on your personal journey! ✨

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Kimberly Brooks

Offering therapy in California
License: MSW,LCSW
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesFamily conflictsSelf esteemDepression
15 years of experience

I am a licensed clinical social worker with over 15 years of experience counseling and life coaching. I have worked with clients with a wide range of concerns including depression, anxiety, relationship issues, stress, anger issues, career challenges, grief, and many other challenging issues. I have also helped many people who have experienced diverse types of traumas. My therapy style is warm and compassionate, but direct and honest. I provide a holistic perspective, am interactive and empathetic. I will give you an opportunity to be transparent while providing safety and sensitivity. My approach combines cognitive-behavioral, strengths-based, and solution-focused approaches. I will tailor our dialog and treatment plan to meet your unique and specific needs. It takes great courage to seek a more fulfilling and purpose-driven life and to take the first steps towards change. If you are ready to take that step, I am here to support and encourage you. I look forward to working with you!

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Betania Hardman

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesSelf esteemCoping with life changesCompassion fatigue
14 years of experience

I am licensed in California and Wisconsin. I have 14 years of experience in the mental health field. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, self esteem and confidence issues, difficulties coping with life changes, adjustment issues. 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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Shannae Hart

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesTrauma and abuseIntimacy-related issuesCareer difficulties
6 years of experience

I am an associate clinical social worker in California with 5 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 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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Christina Fitch

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsTrauma and abuseSelf esteemADHD
3 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 4 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, coping with addictions, motivation, self esteem, and confidence, & executive and professional coaching. I also have a lifetime of experience with ADHD and Autism. 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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Tiffany Griffin

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietyGriefParenting issuesSelf esteemCoping with life changes
10 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 10 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, coping with grief and loss, parenting issues, & 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. 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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Zulema Moore

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseCoping with life changes
10 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 10 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, trauma and abuse, & 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. 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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Dr. Kristine Quallich

Offering therapy in California
License: PhD
LGBTFamily conflictsParenting issuesCoachingADHD
22 years of experience

Welcome, I am a licensed psychologist in the states of Ohio and California. I am also a Certified School Psychologist who has worked for over 25 years in the field of education helping families and students with academic, behavioral, and social-emotional issues. I have also worked in a community-based therapy setting helping adults with anger management, employment matters that can be managed, and family concerns. I provide primarily cognitive-behavioral services with a focus on client-centered practices. I have extensive training in a range of modalities including family-therapy as well. I also teach at Kent State University. I enjoy meditation and exercise and truly believe that we can all find our purpose and meaning in life.

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Celina Hernandez- Ramirez

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietyParenting issuesSelf 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 and anxiety, relationship issues, parenting issues, 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 limiting beliefs and other challenges hindering your personal growth. Taking the first step to seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process of being the best version of yourself.

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Joe "Joseph" Raphael

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietySelf esteemCareer difficultiesCoping with life changesCoaching
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, motivation, self esteem, and confidence, career difficulties, & 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. 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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Victoria Brown

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesTrauma and abuseSelf esteemDepression
40 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 40 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, trauma and abuse, & 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. 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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Ayanna Sidle

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesSelf esteemCareer difficultiesDepression
10 years of experience

I am a faith-based licensed clinician in Texas and Arizona with 10 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, motivation, self esteem, and confidence, & career difficulties. 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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Tiffany Peiro Ochoa

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietyFamily conflictsSelf esteemCoping with life changesCompassion fatigue
10 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 10 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress, anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, motivation, self esteem, & confidence. 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. Taking the first step to seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process.

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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