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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Dr. Jared Wilke

Offering therapy in California
License: PsyD
Stress, AnxietyFamily conflictsAnger managementDepression
7 years of experience

I am a licensed Clinical Psychologist in the state of California, with over 7 years of experience counseling individuals, couples and families. I completed my Doctor of Psychology degree from the California School of Professional Psychology at Alliant International University. I have worked with individuals, couples, and families in helping those overcoming difficulties in their lives. My experience also includes psychological evaluation and several years of inpatient work with those who have severe mental illness. Choosing someone who has the clinical expertise to deal with your specific concerns is an important decision. I combine this expertise with personal and caring treatment. My goal is to successfully assist in the adjustments and transitions that may be necessary for you, your significant other and your family. I specialize in individual, family, and couples therapy.

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Janet Lengsfelder

Offering therapy in California
License: LMFT,RN
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesGriefParenting issuesDepression
25 years of experience

I was a nurse first. As I worked in various settings with the goal of helping people recover from illness I realized that those who were motivated by a support team who knew them and helped them do the work of healing were the survivors. I decided I wanted to go on to learn more about how to help the whole person. My graduate degree followed by a three year training in Gestalt therapy gave me the tools to provide this deeper level of emotional first aid. As a fellow traveler along the road of life I know we all have challenges but I also have gained the wisdom to see that we have choices. I guide people to become aware of their life themes with the goal of strengthening their sense of self. Getting a handle on one’s self is very centering and stabilizing. It doesn’t eliminate anxiety or hard times, but it usually changes the perception of catastrophe and the feeling of panic into more manageable perceptions of disappointment and feelings of pain or sadness. I challenge you to risk living fully, to learn and grow from the challenges that life presents. Only then can you experience real joy. I am honored to be witness to your process.

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Lina Vielma

Offering therapy in California
License: MA, LMFT
Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseParenting issuesAnger managementSelf esteem
20 years of experience

Welcome! My counseling style is caring, supportive and intentional. I treat everyone with compassion. Self-esteem, trauma, anxiety, depression, feeling of hopelessness, past trauma, emotional difficulties, and relational issues are my specialties. Being both Navajo Native American Indian and Filipino, I am compassionate toward cultural issues and concerns. I am compassionate and provide a calm, therapeutic space where you will be understood. You can explore your feelings, at a comfortable pace away from confusion. I will challenge you so that you can move toward a more productive life. Your journey is unique and I look forward to working with you.

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Sandra Jones-Mendoza

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

I have been a licensed therapist for over 30 years . As such, I have worked with a variety of clients, many of whom present with feelings of depression, anxiety, and excessive worry secondary to painful life experiences. l work with my clients to create a trustful, open, and safe environment where thoughts and feelings can be shared without fear of judgment. I assist clients in working toward and/or attaining a personal life situation that is emotionally and physically comfortable. I commend you for taking the first step to sign up for therapy as this can take a tremendous amount of courage

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Cynthia Bracamontes

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesTrauma and abuseParenting issuesDepression
12 years of experience

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, & 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. 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. Stephen Scherer

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseSleeping disordersDepressionCoaching
17 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 18 years of experience as an individual practitioner. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, trauma and abuse, sleeping disorders, addictive behaviors, mood disorders, and problems with communication. I was a college-level instructor for ten years, and as such I have experience in communicating complex ideas in an understandable manner. My work is focused on Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT) and Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), techniques useful for significant behavioral challenges. I am also versed in Behavior Analysis, which is helpful to address problematic habits and the establishment of new, more productive behaviors. If you feel that I might be of help for you, please reach out and we can discuss your needs further.

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Dr. Barry Barmann

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietyIntimacy-related issuesParenting issuesDepressionADHD
30 years of experience

I am a licensed Clinical Psychologist in California and Nevada with 30 years of professional work experience. I help clients with stress and anxiety conditions, parenting issues, & depression. I provide short-term Cognitive-Behavior Therapy (CBT) skill training sessions, thus allowing you to acquire a new skill set immediately following our first session. This is far more than just "talk therapy".

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De-Ann Lott

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseSelf esteemCoping with life changes
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, trauma and abuse, & motivation, self esteem, and confidence. I also have experience working with coping with life changes. I also work with body image, bariatric patients for pre- and post surgery treatment. 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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Andreina Lozano

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

I am licensed in California with 8 years of professional work experience. I have experience helping clients cope with life stressors including, but not limited to symptoms of depression, anxiety, coping with grief and loss, issues with motivation, self esteem, and confidence. Most recently I have been working with women who are struggling with prenatal & post partum depression anxiety and work life balance. 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! PLEASE NOTE: If you have insurance with Kaiser Permanente insurance I am unable to provide services to you at this time.

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Penny Key

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesGriefAnger managementCoping with life changes
20 years of experience

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