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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Douglas Mitchell

Offering therapy in California
License: LMFT
Stress, AnxietyLGBTSelf esteemCoping with life changesADHD
8 years of experience

Welcome! I would be honored to work with you! I am a psychotherapist (LMFT) licensed in California with my graduate degree in Expressive Arts Therapy from CIIS in San Francisco. I have many years of experience working as a counselor and I'm a Coach U graduate. I have worked with clients using cognitive approaches to work with depression, anxiety, relationship issues, sexuality, and ADHD. I'm a Certified Cognitive Behavioral Therapist by the Academy of Cognitive and Behavioral Therapies. I'm sensitive to those who have suffered or experienced physical trauma or emotional abuse. I'm LGBTQ sensitive, and culturally aware. I also work with those in kink and alternative relationships. Adjectives that might describe my style are: engaged, respectful, down to earth, relaxed, practical, mindful, insight-oriented, and solution focused. I lean more towards a collaborative, engaging and interactive approach so that feel you are not doing all the talking. I do my best to go at your pace and have a youthful, somewhat playful demeanor. I honor your innate intelligence and know that when you look within, you gain confidence in yourself and your choices. My goal is to support maintaining a big picture perspective, while you are processing through your thoughts and emotions. At times I might recommend reading a book, or give you a handout, or have your complete a creative assignment to deepen your process between sessions. If you believe in balancing mind, body, and spirit, then we might be a good fit for each other, as each is essential to the healing process. Because your history and experiences are unique, I will do my best to meet you where you are. I want what is best for you just as much as you do! "When you can't control what's happening, challenge yourself to control the way you respond to what's happening. That is where your power is." - author unknown. I look forward to connecting with you!

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Krista Zabor

Offering therapy in California
License: LCSW
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsSelf esteemDepression
11 years of experience

Hi, I’m Krista. I’m a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in the state of California with over 11 years of experience providing counseling and mental health care. I received my Masters in Social Work from the University of Southern California. In my personal life, I enjoy swimming, yoga, podcasts and time with my kids. In my professional life, I have worked with a broad range of adults in outpatient settings experiencing a wide variety of life challenges including substance abuse, anxiety, depression, trauma and stress. My counseling style is centered on compassion and non-judgement. It would be my privilege to work to build a therapeutic rapport with you and listen deeply to your life concerns. When we confide in a trusted outlet, we can reflect and learn more about ourselves and our relationships and choices-- and hopefully, we can work to improve and adopt new and healthier ones by breaking negative patterns. I tend to favor person-centered and cognitive behavioral approaches to therapy, but I am also open to tailoring my approach to you based on your unique needs and preferences. I also have a lot of experience and training with motivational interviewing. I am also a huge fan of mindfulness exercises and would love to incorporate that into our sessions if you are open to it. I strongly believe everyone could benefit from counseling. We all deserve to live abundant lives and embody our best selves. It shows true courage to reach out and be willing to access our vulnerability. I’m happy you have taken the first step toward new possibilities. I look forward to working with you!

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Trisha Taylor

Offering therapy in California
License: LMFT
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsTrauma and abuseAnger managementDepression
13 years of experience

Hello! Having over 13. years of experience, I enjoy being a safe, non-judgmental place for you to work through what is going through your head and your heart in your life. I have been on my psychotherapist, life coach journey for years graduating with my Master’s in Counseling in 2011. As a California licensed Marriage, Family and Child therapist (MFT), I guide and coach on assisting, learning, and growing with financial stress, family & relationships, ANY addiction, trauma, depression, anxiety, grief and loss, abandonment, sexual identity; every person involved in an adoption, surrogacy, and physical illnesses. Through solution focused, CBT, person centered and other approaches I guide, assist, and help decrease, manage and in some cases put to rest issues. Helping is my passion. I can help. I am safe.

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Tina Logan

Offering therapy in California
License: LMFT
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesFamily conflictsAnger managementADHD
12 years of experience

Tina A Logan Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT Verified by Psychology Today I provide video and phone sessions. Worries, nervousness and anxiety can be over-whelming. Uncertainty, during unknown times can make us anxious and depressed. I’m here to help. I am blessed to have the opportunity to help many of you during these unprecedented times. I am interactive, giving you suggestions, options, tools and hope for your future. My style is relaxed, supportive, encouraging, compassionate, caring and positive. I am non-judgmental and culturally diverse. I have experience working with children, families, adults and couples. I specialize with trauma, grief & loss, relationship issues & personal, work, parenting, family and friends. Most recently, I am working with a mom that is challenged in working from home while caring for children and home. I’ve worked with several different diagnosis and issues. I utilize the cognitive- behavioral, evidence based therapeutic approach to manage & teach behaviors and new skills. I speak, write and understand some Spanish. I would like the opportunity to meet with you and begin to understand your needs. I look forward to our first session, in your journey to a new chapter that we will write together. T

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Clifton Davis

Offering therapy in California
License: LMFT
Stress, AnxietyFamily conflictsParenting issuesAnger managementDepression
12 years of experience

Hello My name is Clifton Davis. I am a Licensed Married and Family therapist in California. Life can be overwhelming with the changes, demands, and expectations that we face. It can be difficult to find someone who’ll listen and not be judgmental. My goal is to be that person. I have a passion to work with those who struggle to navigate emotions, or may not have someone to talk to. I believe that we can change the way we feel & act by changing the way we think. With me, you can expect timely responses and a friendly, safe environment to discuss and process all of life’s challenges. I have worked in the mental health field for over 15 years. I am experienced with working with people ranging from early childhood to late adulthood. I have over 10 years of experience working with depression, anxiety, trauma, conduct related issues, ADHD, adjustment issues, relationship and family issues. My therapeutic approach is a combination of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Humanistic. I also like to incorporate Solution Focused interventions when appropriate. If you feel like I’m a good match, I’d be honored to be your therapist, and assist you on your journey to happiness.

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Linda Granadino

Offering therapy in California
License: LCSW
Family conflictsTrauma and abuseGriefParenting issuesSelf esteem
12 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 11 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with family conflicts, trauma and abuse, coping with grief and loss, & parenting 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 sign up for therapy can take courage and I am proud of you for getting started!

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Esmeralda Garcia

Offering therapy in California
Relationship issuesFamily conflictsParenting issuesCareer difficulties
6 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 6 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with relationship issues, family conflicts, & parenting issues. I also have experience working with 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. 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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Patrick Fernandez-Hernaiz

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

I am licensed in California with 4 years of professional work experience including 9 years of complementary work experience in the mental health industry working in the criminal justice system, high-acuity psychiatric units, applied behavioral analysis, geriatrics, and substance abuse settings. I commit to current and future clients by providing the highest level of service I can and have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, depression, relationship issues, trauma and abuse, & self-esteem issues. I believe that you are the expert on your story and have many strengths that will assist you in overcoming whatever challenges you. Taking the first step to sign up for therapy takes courage and I am proud of you for getting started!

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Chris (Christopher) McKillop

Offering therapy in California
License: LCMHC,NCC
Stress, AnxietyAnger managementDepression
11 years of experience

Hi, my name is Chris McKillop and I am a licensed counselor in California, Maine and North Carolina. I currently reside in California. I have been involved in the area of mental health and developmental disabilities since 1993. I received my Masters in Counseling in 2004 from the University of North Carolina in Charlotte. I have worked in community-based settings, group homes and transitional housing settings, as well as working as a school counselor for 2 years and a Juvenile Court Counselor for 6 years. I strive to promote an atmosphere of trust and acceptance where clients feel safe, supported and validated. That trust and security will facilitate challenging thoughts, assumptions and beliefs that can be self-defeating and counterproductive to growth and having a life worth living. I believe the therapeutic relationship is the most important aspect of therapy, as it is the foundation upon which all other specific skills and techniques are based. Without that open and trusting relationship, the specific skills and techniques will be far less effective. I primarily use a Cognitive Behavioral Therapy focus, with elements of Behavioral Activation, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and Motivational Interviewing (MI). I strive to be adaptive and flexible in approach, working with the client’s strengths to best address the client’s concerns.

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Karla Garcia-Cordova

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

Hello My Name is Karla and I am a Licensed Marriage and Family therapist. I am of Mexican and Salvadorian descent and grew up in Highland Park. I am a passionate about providing support and guidance in people's journey of healing. I believe every individual has the ability to search within and find healing through therapy. I consider myself to be eclectic I take from different approaches to fit each individual. I have experience working with CBT, narrative, and family systems to name a few. I am open to working with all individuals, couples and families. I have vast experience in working with depression and anxiety as well as grief work. I provide a safe and open space for clients to feel comfortable processing their emotions and experiences. Throughout my life I knew that I had a mission to be of service and help people in some capacity. That mission lead me to become a therapist and help people heal through therapy.

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Dr. Maude Nazaire

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietyCareer difficultiesDepressionCoping with life changesADHD
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, career difficulties, depression, coping with life changes, & concentration, memory. I also have experience working with focus (adhd). 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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jennifer Holland

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

I am licensed in California with 27 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress, anxiety, relationship issues, motivation, self esteem, confidence, & depression. I also have experience working with coping with life changes and LGBTQ related 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.

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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