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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Patrick O'Leary

Offering therapy in California
License: LMFT
AddictionsRelationship issuesFamily conflictsGriefDepression
39 years of experience

I am a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in the golden state of California with 39 years of experience in the field of psychology and active practice. My background covers a very wide range of life issues and concerns including anxiety, depression, life cycle issues, parenting problems, chronic mental health problems, ADHD, addictions, psychosis, trauma and abuse, grief and loss. (I work with a very wide range of issues and concerns across the life spectrum). My personal counseling style is engaging, warm, and interactive. I don't believe a diagnosis identifies who a person is. As Mr. Rogers quoted across the last fifty years, you are "OK", just the way you are! Regarding my counseling style my approach includes and combines client centered and a cognitive behavioral approach during a session. I am not limited to these two modalities, as most counselors today use interventions that are from a multiple of modalities of therapy that are acceptable and appropriate and with researched and evidenced based practices. I will adjust our interactions and treatment plan to meet your unique and specific needs. I truly look forward to working with you.

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Vanessa Schneider

Offering therapy in California
License: LMFT
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesTrauma and abuseDepressionCoping with life changes
10 years of experience

I am a Bilingual Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with 10 years of experience. I have worked with children, adolescents, adults, couples and families. I particularly enjoy working with adults, couples and families. Throughout my career I have supported clients as they dealt with and overcame issues with depression, anxiety, trauma, relationship conflicts, co-occurring disorders, bereavement and anger problems. My counseling approach and theoretical orientation is person-centered. I believe that providing my clients with a safe, supportive and encouraging environment will assist them in their life journey and in accomplishing their goals. As all individuals are different and require various ways of being supported, I utilize Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Solution Focused Therapy and Dialectical Behavioral Therapy as needed. My role as a therapist is to meet you where you are, support and guide you through your journey in life. Together, in a supportive environment, we can work towards creating a healthier and happier life for you!

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Rachel Konecki

Offering therapy in California
License: MA,LMFT
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesGriefDepressionCoping with life changes
10 years of experience

Hi there, and welcome! I am a Marriage and Family Therapist licensed in California. I have 10 years experience in counseling individuals, families, couples, and facilitating group therapy. My experience covers a variety of issues including depression and anxiety, relationship issues, parenting problems, loneliness and isolation, grief and loss, issues of aging and older adulthood, and I have helped many people struggling with acute mental illness. I approach each of my clients with sincere curiosity about their life experiences and I have compassion and respect for the courage it takes to be vulnerable in seeking help and personal growth. Building a relationship of trust is important to me and I believe it’s crucial to my clients’ progress. While I tailor my methods to the needs of each unique client, I draw from my experience and training in cognitive-behavioral, client-centered and solution-focused therapies. Taking that first step toward personal growth, improving relationships, and seeking help can be difficult but so rewarding. I would be honored to walk along side you and help in your journey. I look forward to working with you!

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Nataly Perez

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

I am a family and marriage counselor licensed in California. I have worked with victims of crime, such as domestic violence, including depression, anxiety, relationship issues, and trauma. My counseling style is a person-centered approach. I like to focus on your strengths and work with improving your daily functioning. My goal is to help you meet your goals and heal toward positive change.

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Devorah Knaff

Offering therapy in California
License: MA, LMFT
LGBTRelationship issuesFamily conflictsTrauma and abuseGrief
11 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 11 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with lgbtq+ related issues, relationship issues, family conflicts, & trauma and abuse. 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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Dr. Torrie Piasecki

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseGriefBipolar disorderDepression
4 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, trauma and abuse, coping with grief and loss, & bipolar disorder. 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. Maisha Haywood Smith

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietySelf esteemCareer difficultiesADHD
11 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, motivation, self esteem, and confidence, & career difficulties. 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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Natalie Eden

Offering therapy in California
License: MBA, MA, LCPC
Stress, AnxietyGriefAnger managementDepressionCoping with life changes
13 years of experience

I am dedicated to providing you with confidential, compassionate & personalized treatment to meet your individual needs & goals. Focus is on empowering you to make better decisions, gain more insight, and embrace the challenges of life. Focus is on restoring and developing a person’s dignity, strengths, and God-given talents for problem-solving, personal growth, and achievement. I am a fully licensed counselor with two advanced degrees. I have been in private practice for 10 years treating clients who present with a wide range of challenges. Prior to that I worked as a counselor at an outpatient behavioral health clinic at a major hospital in downtown Chicago, Illinois providing individual and group therapy to persons of all ages diagnosed with a wide variety of emotional challenges. My studies have also included extensive coursework in addictions and motivational interviewing. I have experience and training in treating anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorders and grief. As a fully licensed clinical professional in the states of Illinois and Pennsylvania, I have a Masters of Arts in Clinical Psychology from The Chicago School of Professional Psychology with a 4.0 GPA. Other degrees include a Master’s degree in Business Administration from James Madison University in Harrisonburg, VA as well as a Bachelor’s degree in English /Communications summa cum laude from Campbell University. I am married with two adult children. My hobbies include travel, writing, genealogy and art.

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Danyel Robinson

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseSelf esteemCareer difficultiesDepression
10 years of experience

I am a Board Certified Diplomate, Licensed Clinical Social Worker in New York, California, and Florida with over ten years of professional work experience. I can provide an emotionally supportive, safe, judgment-free zone while helping you to navigate life events such as divorce, loss, depression, anxiety, work-related stressors, and childhood traumatic events. Through our work together, you will develop coping skills and present the opportunity to practice new coping skills to manage better stress, feelings of sadness, anxiety, or confusion. Therapy can include learning new techniques such as mindfulness, cognitive-behavioral tools, and relaxation techniques. During our work together, you will develop insights and self-awareness by developing a greater understanding of your thoughts, behaviors, and emotions and how they relate to others. Learning about oneself can increase self-reflection and improve self-esteem, self-worth, and relationships. My approach to therapy is rooted in warmth, empathy, and respect. Everyone's journey is unique, and I strive to provide a personalized experience tailored to your individual needs and goals. We will devise a plan to work together by building a roadmap to help you navigate life's challenges and find inner peace and fulfillment. The decision to seek therapy can be a difficult one. However, it's also a brave and empowering step towards self-growth and healing. Know that you do not have to face mental health concerns alone. I can help you with evidence-based techniques to alleviate emotional distress and begin to build a brighter future. So what are you waiting for? Please book your appointment now, and let's begin this part of your journey. I am excited to meet you!

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Belen Barragan

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesFamily conflictsTrauma and abuseDepression
13 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, family conflicts, & trauma and abuse. 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.

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Ryan Taylor

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesTrauma and abuseSelf 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, 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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Francesca Biffi

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

I am licensed in California with 24 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, trauma and abuse, motivation, self esteem and confidence, life transitions and depression. 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 happy to assist you in this process.

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Dynesha Crooks

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietyGriefSelf esteemCareer difficultiesCoping with life changes
18 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 18 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, coping with grief and loss, motivation, self esteem, and confidence, & career difficulties. 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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Jeremy Simpkin

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietyLGBTTrauma and abuseSelf esteemCoping with life changes
13 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 13 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress, anxiety, lgbtq+ related issues, trauma, abuse, motivation, self esteem, & confidence. 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 seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process.

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Rachel Taylor

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietyFamily conflictsTrauma and abuseCareer difficultiesDepression
9 years of experience

Life can be tough sometimes, and it can be a vulnerable act to reach out for support. I do my best to provide a person centered approach to help you reach your goals and resolve stuck beliefs that may be holding you back. I integrate various modalities, and tailor my approach to fit your needs. My approach was built from my experiences working in a trauma facility, community mental health care, and a managed care setting. If you think we may be a fit, please reach out and we can work together to create a plan that works for you.

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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