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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Elizabeth Stark

Offering therapy in California
License: LMFT
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesFamily conflictsSelf esteemDepression
25 years of experience

I am a Licensed Marriage Family Therapist and I have been providing psychotherapy for the last 20 years. I received my bachelor degree in Liberal Studies at Chapman University in 1996 and became a bilingual peer counselor at a counseling center for victims of Domestic Violence. Then in 2003 I acquired my Masters degree in Counseling Psychology at National University . My experience includes individual therapy, group therapy and family therapy in various settings. I have worked with all ages and I have a lot of experience helping clients with different types of concerns, including depression, anxiety, relationship issues, parenting problems, career challenges and many people who have experienced physical trauma or emotional abuse. I utilize many different types of models such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Solution Focused and Motivational Interviewing to name a few; however, regardless of what approach I use I am always warm, empathetic, collaborative and encouraging.It takes courage to seek for a more fulfilling and happier life and to take the first steps towards a change. If you are ready to take that step I am here to support and empower you. I look forward to working with you!

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Erika Haines

Offering therapy in California
License: MA,LMFT
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsRelationship issuesAnger managementDepression
13 years of experience

I am a licensed Marriage and Family therapist in the state of California. I can only provide therapy to clients that reside in the state of California. I have been working for about 10 years with clients that have a vast range of issues and concerns, such as anxiety, depression, obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD), ADHD, relationship issues, domestic violence, abuse (physical and emotional), anger management, chemical dependency/coping, stress management, parenting problems, and teen issues. I enjoy working with the elderly and with all my clients. My counseling style is compassionate and understanding. I like to use humor when it is appropriate. I try to create a warm and inviting atmosphere so it is easier to talk about issues and concerns. My approach is Cognitive Behavioral therapy, because it is helpful to understand the relationship between yours thoughts and feelings and your behavior. I use Client Centered therapy as well, providing an empathetic understanding of what is going on. Solution Focused therapy is very effective for brief counseling, finding solutions in the present to help better your future. I am happy to accompany you in your journey to feel better and stronger to have a happier and fulfilled life. I hope to work with you soon.

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Dr. Matthew Meyers

Offering therapy in California
License: Ed.D,LPCC,NCC
Relationship issuesFamily conflictsSelf esteemCareer difficultiesCoping with life changes
20 years of experience

My experience is working with individuals/ couples, children, and families. I look forward to supporting your journey. I am a Licensed Profesional Clinical Counselor in the states of California, Nevada, Florida, New Mexico, Arizona, Utah, Indiana, Idaho, and a Nationally Board Certified Counselor. My doctorate is in counseling psychology. I have 20 years of counseling experience. My practice focuses on working with individuals, and couples with relationship issues as well as work-related challenges. I work with my clients to create an open and safe environment where issues, thoughts, and feelings can be shared. My goal is to build upon what is working in the client's life and collaborate with my clients to address the needs that they feel should be addressed in a way that they feel comfortable with. I do ask thought-provoking questions during sessions to help engage the client. Scheduling Availability is usually on weekdays evenings or weekends. I am in the West Coast time zone I look forward to working with you!

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John Rego

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesGriefCoping with life changesCoaching
20 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 20 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, coping with grief and loss, & 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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Kendra Theroith

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietyGriefSelf esteemDepressionCoping with life changes
13 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 13 years of professional work experience. I'm a down to earth therapist that will meet my clients where they're at. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, coping with grief and loss, motivation, self esteem, and confidence, & depression. More importantly, I have experience working with teenagers and LGBTQ population. 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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Tim Masters

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseSelf esteemBipolar disorderDepression
5 years of experience

I am licensed as a clinical social worker in Wyoming , Maine, and Ohio with 6 years of clinical work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, depression, trauma and abuse, motivation, self-esteem and confidence, bipolar disorder, OCD, and psychotic disorders. I believe in treating everyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion. Your treatment plan will be personalized to meet your unique and specific needs. Therapy takes commitment and hard work, and I am excited that you have chosen to start down the path to recovery. I look forward to working together!

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Dorothy Rocha

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesTrauma and abuseGriefCompassion fatigue
43 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, & coping with grief and loss. 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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Dr. Joni Carrasco

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseParenting issuesAnger managementCompassion fatigue
17 years of experience

I am licensed in California and Utah with 17 years of professional work experience. 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. To be transparent, I have a neurological disorder that sometimes impacts my speech patterns, however it does not impact me cognitively. Because of my speech impediment I completely understand if you ask me to repeat myself or just need to work with another therapist. I use worksheets and help to find support group suggestions on the Better Help platform for almost everyone. I love those resources, they really work!

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Leticia Moreno

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesSelf esteemDepressionCoping 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, anxiety, relationship issues, motivation, self esteem, confidence, & depression. I also have experience working with 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. 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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Jonathan Edwards

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseAnger managementSelf esteemCoping with life changes
4 years of experience

I am licensed in Texas with 3 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, anger management, & motivation, self esteem, and 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 a counselor support you?

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

Why do people choose to work 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, BetterHelp can match you with a licensed professional tailored to your preferences noted when you sign up.

The mental health therapists in California support clients with varying issues through therapy, such as:

  • 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 to contact in a crisis

If you are experiencing a crisis or emergency, don't use the BetterHelp site. 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 of the most commonly asked questions about therapy can be found in the section 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.

When should I get a therapist in California?

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

Does insurance cover the cost of 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 the safe option?

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.

In today's fast-paced society, mental well-being has become a cornerstone of a fulfilling life. Amid the daily challenges and stressors that can overwhelm even the most resilient individuals, seeking professional guidance often offers a path to clarity and balance. The journey toward improved emotional health involves understanding personal triggers, embracing self-compassion, and developing effective coping strategies. While self-help books and online resources provide valuable information, nothing compares to the personalized support offered by a qualified mental health professional. One-on-one sessions with experienced experts can help uncover the underlying issues contributing to anxiety, depression, or other emotional hurdles. With a careful and empathetic approach, these professionals tailor their advice to suit individual needs, ensuring that each person receives strategies that work best for their unique circumstances. Whether through cognitive behavioral techniques, mindfulness practices, or other innovative methods, the aim is to foster resilience and empower individuals to take control of their inner lives. For those living in bustling urban centers, engaging in face-to-face sessions in a welcoming environment can be particularly beneficial. Access to a caring clinician provides not only a safe space to explore difficult emotions but also builds a support network essential for long-term recovery. The process encourages self-reflection and greater insight into behavioral patterns that might otherwise go unnoticed. While the journey can be challenging at times, the rewards include enhanced emotional stability, improved interpersonal relationships, and a renewed sense of self-worth. In one notable case, the guidance provided by a highly trained therapist proved instrumental in navigating a tumultuous period. Through structured sessions and tailored interventions, the individual learned to identify stressors and develop healthier responses to adversity. This experience underscored the transformative impact that dedicated support can have on one's overall quality of life. In a region like Texas, community-based initiatives and accessible mental health programs further reinforce the value of professional help. These efforts emphasize early intervention, preventive care, and continuous support, ensuring that more people are equipped to face life's inevitable challenges. Ultimately, investing in mental well-being is an act of self-care that yields lifelong benefits. By embracing professional support, individuals can unlock new levels of emotional resilience and discover pathways to a brighter, more balanced future. Each step taken toward healing represents a commitment to personal growth, enabling a life filled with renewed optimism and strength. Embracing this transformative journey consistently paves the way for deeper understanding, lasting peace, and meaningful personal progress.
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