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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Jared Maloney
Hello and welcome. Allow me to share with you a little bit about my experience and how I approach therapy. I have five years of experience working as a therapist with teens, adults, couples and families. Helping people manage their thoughts and emotions in a healthy way that improves their experience in the world. I’ve worked with clients who were worried, anxious, grieving, feeling lost, sad, depressed, struggled with self worth, intrusive thoughts, addiction, relationships and anger management. I’ve also helped coach people on how to reach goals, find what direction they wanted to go in and create a deeper sense of meaning and purpose in their life. I’m always willing to find the style or technique that will be the most helpful for my clients but here are style I use the most: Client centered- letting you guide us to what you feel needs to be addressed and working on that together. Holistic - including all the parts that make you who you are, such as your thoughts, feelings, physical sensations, hopes, spirituality and relationships. Depth Psychology- explores what things mean for you, why you react to things the way you do, what is your unconscious may be saying to you. Psychosynthesis – working with all the parts of your personality healthy way, building personal recourses to improve your life. Solution focused – building self esteem by setting and achieving goals and knowing your self worth. CBT- becoming more aware of your thoughts and what you can do to change them. Some of the techniques I’ve incorporated in the past are journaling, art, guided meditations, dream analysis, mindfulness practices, somatic exercises (I don’t mean going to the gym, but that could be helpful) and role-play. My goal is to help you find your way through whatever it is you’re going through and to develop tools and skills that you can use for the rest of your life. If this sounds like something that would be helpful for you I look forward to hearing from you.
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Esmeralda Huizar Leon
I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in California with over 7 years of experience working as a counselor. I have worked with clients with a wide range of concerns including depression, anxiety, relationship issues, parenting problems, career challenges, domestic violence and substance use. I also helped many people who have experienced physical trauma or emotional abuse. My counseling style is friendly and solution focused. I believe in treating anyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion, and I don't believe in stigmatizing labels. My approach combines cognitive-behavioral, client centered, talk therapy and crisis intervention counseling. I will tailor our dialog and treatment plan to meet your unique and specific needs. 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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Dr. Floyd McGregor
Betterhelp Online Therapist All psychological counseling services are provided through Better.com Licensed Clinical Psychologist *Doctor of Philosophy in Clinical Psychology, with focus on diverse populations *Master in Psychology; focus on Cultural Diversity WHATEVER YOU THINK ABOUT YOU BRING ABOUT. This is the basis of positive psychology, where I use positive individual traits and experiences in your life coupled with exercises that will transform negative thoughts, feelings, ideas, and behaviors. My work with persons in prison produced profound effects while using this approach combined with Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Motivational Interviewing to change the thinking patterns of inmates. You have the power within you for change and growth...trust yourself. I have been a Licensed Clinical Psychologist for 15 years with an expertise in treating a wide range of psychological and psychiatric disorders such as: Anxiety, Depression, Bipolar, Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, Antisocial Personality Disorder, Explosive Anger Disorder, Schizophrenia, and Schizoaffective disorders My Counseling style is warn, comfortable, engaging and rapport building. I incorporate techniques from cognitive behavioral therapy, dialectical behavioral therapy and positive psychology into my sessions. My goal is to create a safe place where we can have difficult conversation, work on resolving issues, and collaborate on treatment plans that are tailored to your personal needs and experiences.
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Karen Graber
I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in the state of California (#91262). I received my Master’s Degree in Marriage & Family Therapy in May 2010 from California State University, Northridge, and my Bachelor’s Degree in Special Education and Psychology from New York University. I have worked at a number of clinics throughout Los Angeles, including Beit T'shuvah (an inpatient and outpatient addiction clinic), The Maple Counseling Center (where I treated adolescents at Beverly Hills High School and Moreno High School, as well as their families), and Jewish Family Service. I combine my education, training and experience to support and guide you to find the balance you are searching for in your life. Working together, you can attain your personal capacity for growth and change. I tailor therapy to your individual circumstances, so that you can find joy, fulfillment and self-compassion in your everyday life. I will help you to learn healthy coping strategies for long term use. I work from a client-centered, strengths-based approach, focusing on uncovering client's strengths and resources to move through their current struggles. I use a number of different modalities in my practice, catering to the client and their present circumstances. I also utilize psychodynamic techniques to uncover possible past strains that are recurring in the client's life and help to stop these dysfunctional patterns. I will incorporate mindfulness techniques and EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing) when appropriate in anxiety, phobia and trauma situations. (I am in the process of receiving EMDR certification.)
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Elizabeth (Beth) Fitzpatrick
I am licensed in California with 22 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, coping with grief and loss, career difficulties, & 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 seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I'm so glad you took the first step. I am here to support you in that process. Let's get started talking through things and getting a plan in place. I'm looking forward to meeting you.
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Autry Jamison
I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) with a Masters degree in Clinical Psychology. I have worked with individuals, couples, families, and groups for over 8 years, in person and telehealth. I am currently licensed in California and Texas. I was the Executive Director at Discovery Counseling Center for several years and transitioned to Director-at-Large in 2022 when I relocated to San Antonio, TX to focus on my nonprofit, Isaiah D. Jamison Community Wellness Center. We are a community and faith-based organization that offers multiple programs and services that is fluid and designed to provide a continuity of care for the population we serve. I am currently providing consultation, training, and clinical supervision to staff and colleagues at Discovery Counseling Center in Morgan Hill, CA. Due to my journey and rich exposure to multicultural, diversity, and intersectional experiences: I can effectively serve culturally diverse populations from all SES. I also appreciate the beautiful diversity in God's creations, and am open to assisting/supporting clients from the Queer Community. My clinical experience includes 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. I am here to help you heal, explore, and discover a full healthier you. I enjoy working from an integrative approach that is uniquely tailored to help meet the needs of clients based on their individual experiences. I also have a compassion for teaching individuals how to connect, communicate, utilize resources, and build and restore relationships. Taking the first step to sign up for therapy can take courage and I am proud of you for getting started! You can find additional information about me by visiting my website or on Psychology Today at: https://idjcommunitywc.org/ or https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/therapists/autry-jamison-san-antonio-tx/347822
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Tamika Blaisdell
I am a healer for those seeking enlightenment. I believe in treating everyone with respect and in accordance with the laws set forth by the Lord our God. I am licensed in California and Montana. I offer 15 years of clinical expertise along with my mission, which is to guide injured souls by assessing their wounds and mapping out unique healing paths that reunite them with their purpose in life. I have experience helping clients who battle interference caused by dark energies (stress, anxiety, depression), life lessons disguised as trauma (relationship issues), toxic parenting and narcissistic abuse (trauma, abuse, anger, emotion management). I also offer relationship guidance for those seeking healthy relationships. Healthy relationships reverberate light. Unhealthy relationships breed toxins like anger and contempt, which add darkness to the atmosphere. I help individuals and couples enhance communication, discover root causes of conflict, accept differences, let go, mediate and settle disputes. Working with me is suitable for those who are firm in their decision to heal and overcome obstacles. I work with beings who are motivated to heal and release the stagnant energy attached to old wounds and patterns, commonly referred to as "baggage." Each session is personalized. This means you are unique. Therefore, your journey and the path toward enlightenment will be unique. The guidance offered will assist you in working to achieve your desired outcome, should you follow it.
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Maria Luisa Rodriguez
I am licensed in California with 10 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, challenges related to parenting, & 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 sign up for therapy can take courage and I am proud of you for getting started!
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Tracy Ward
I am licensed in California with over 30 years of professional work experience. I have over 10 years of providing direct mental health services. My areas of focus are relationship issues, trauma, abuse, coping with grief and loss, general motivation, addressing self-esteem concerns, and building confidence. I believe in treating everyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion. I work with my clients to create an open and safe environment where thoughts and feelings can be shared without fear of judgment. 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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Carole Cassidy
I am licensed in California with 12 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 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:
- National Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-799-SAFE (7233)
- National Suicide Prevention Lifeline:1-800-273-TALK (8255)
- Crisis Text Line:Text HOME to 741741
- Veterans Crisis Line<:Call 1-800-273-8255 (and press 1) or text 838255. For support for the deaf and hard of hearing community, please use your preferred relay service or dial 711 then 1-800-273-8255.
- Trevor Lifeline(LGBTQ Lifeline): (866)488-7386
- SAMHSA National Helpline: (Substance Use): (800)662-4357
- National Eating Disorder Association Helpline:1-800-931-2237 (M-Th: 9 AM-9 PM EST, Fri 9 AM - 5 PM EST
- Child Help Hotline Call 1-800-422-4453 or use the online chat feature
- National Anti-Hazing Hotline: 1-888-NOT-HAZE (1-888-668-4293)
- Physician Crisis Support Line: Call 1-888-409-0141 if you are a first responder or medical provider experiencing crises related to Covid-1
- Sexual Assault Hotline: Call RAINN at 1-800-656-4673
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.
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