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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Amber Jones-Moore

Offering therapy in California
License: LCSW
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesFamily conflictsSelf esteemDepression
11 years of experience

I am excited to connect with you! I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and I have over 10 years of experience working with individuals who may be struggling with a variety of issues and life situations. I have a flexible schedule and can accommodate your scheduling needs. I would like you to know that our sessions provide you with a safe space in which to talk about anything you wish and to express yourself openly with no judgement or criticism. Our time together is specifically to provide you with this safe space and for me to support you and your needs. My goal is for you to feel comfortable, supported, validated, and heard. I have a very open, collaborative approach to therapy and I am invested in supporting you to achieve your identified goals. Again, I am excited to get to know you better and to begin working with you more. I look forward to connecting with you real soon. I would like to leave you with the following quote: “Embrace uncertainty. Some of the most beautiful chapters in our lives won’t have a title until much later.” –Bob Goff

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Vani Burnette

Offering therapy in California
License: LMFT
Stress, AnxietySelf esteemCareer difficultiesDepressionCoping with life changes
18 years of experience

I am a marriage and family therapist licensed in California with over 10 years of experience and also hold an undergraduate degree in nutrition and dietetics. I have worked with clients experiencing a wide range of concerns including depression, anxiety, relationship issues, career challenges, and stress management. I have also helped many people who have experienced physical trauma or emotional abuse. My counseling style is warm and interactive. I believe in treating everyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion, and I don't believe in stigmatizing labels. My approach combines cognitive-behavioral, solution-focused, and a variety of other client centered modalities. 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 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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Christina Weyer

Offering therapy in California
License: LMFT
Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseParenting issuesDepression
13 years of experience

Hello! My name is Christina Weyer, and I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in California. I have 10 years of experience working with a variety of clients (individuals, families, and groups) in a community mental health clinic in the Southern California area. I have had the opportunity to help clients of all ages in working through trauma, depression and anxiety by utilizing evidence-based practices of Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Seeking Safety, and Motivational Interviewing, as well as traditional therapy interventions. I attained my Bachelor's degree in Psychology at California State University, Channel Islands in 2007, and went on to complete my Master's degree in Psychology at Phillips Graduate Institute in 2009. I understand that asking for help can be overwhelming, and my therapeutic style is eclectic to match the diverse needs of my clients. I use modalities of client-centered, cognitive-behavioral, solution-focused, and strength-based therapy in order to help my clients reach their greatest potential. I don't focus on labels, but rather want to know you as an individual, and strive to understand where you are at in your life, and what experiences you have had that contribute to who you are. My hope is to be able to assist and support you with working through whatever emotional and relational challenges you are having in your life, so you can feel your best! I look forward to working with you!

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Howard Acosta

Offering therapy in California
License: LCSW
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsLGBTParenting issuesAnger management
24 years of experience

HELLO! Feeling stuck? We live in challenging times and relief doesn't seem fast enough these days. I've been there, I've been counseling 24+ years and I know what works and what works fast. My job as a licensed psychotherapist is to get you in-and-out as soon as possible and to ensure you learn what works by teaching you up-front, rapid, science-based coping methods and strategies that work to quickly move you towards more relaxation, self-control and/or joy as fast as possible. In fact I've written books about it titled "UCoping" and "UCoping: Interactive Edition" available on Amazon. The methods in UCoping are the methods I use in treatment. They CUT TO THE CHASE, without all the PSYCHOBABBLE and instead teach you how to RAPIDLY use science-based coping correctly. Then I teach how to CRYSTALIZE the methods for life in as short of an amount of sessions as possible—usually 2-5 sessions. After then we can triage for transition to long-term therapy if needed! This is how I practice in treatment. It all comes through an active faith, being a licensed therapist and through the academics of clinical psychotherapy. I treat anxiety, depression, sexual identity distress (not sex addiction) with co-occurring drug/alcohol issues, as applicable. I also treat symptoms of anger management and psychosis (not personality disorders) and provide parenting psychoeducation. I teach clients how to turn evidence-based coping methods into habits for life! I add faith, spiritual and/or religious discussions as needed in a style that is calm, warm and compassionate. I mostly use Cognitive/Behavioral Therapy (CBT), some Motivational Interviewing (MI) and Solution-Focused Treatment (SFT) to name a few. Let's get started working together to get you unstuck fast for life!

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Lacy Utterback

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

Hi! My name is Lacy and welcome to BetterHelp and taking an important step in meeting the challenges life can present. I would be happy to help you do this at your own pace and tailored to your specific needs. I am a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in the state of Colorado and California with over 10 years of experience. I have had the opportunity to provide empathy and support to individuals and couples that have struggled with a wide range of challenges such as stress, anxiety, depression, self-esteem and relationship issues such as communication and conflict resolution plus many others. My therapy style is to provide warm, compassionate, empathetic and positive support. Like most of us I have experienced my own share of life's challenges. I believe what sets me apart is my ability to be down to earth which makes it easier to develop a connection. My clients have expressed reasons they feel most comfortable with me is because of my positive approach and sense of humor. Cultivating a therapeutic relationship and building trust is imperative to the helping process. Feeling supported, heard, validated and understood with no judgement is essential. Making the decision to seek support through a qualified counselor is a courageous step in making your health and well-being a priority and I commend you. I look forward to discussing what brought you to this site and individualize a plan that works best for you. If you are ready to take that step, I am here to support and empower you!

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Dr. Alisa Bash

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsRelationship issuesSelf esteemDepression
18 years of experience

Are you going through a challenging period in your life? Do you struggle with anxiety, relationship issues, addiction, creative blocks, or insecurities? Do you wonder if there is more to life and how to find lasting peace and happiness, or just balance in your life? I like to work with my clients through a mind, body, spirit approach and believe in health and holistic wellness. I am a certified kundalini yoga instructor and sound healer, as well as a licensed therapist. I am licensed in California with 18 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, coping with addictions, relationship issues, & 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 sign up for therapy can take courage and I am proud of you for getting started!

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Janet Plankenhorn

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesFamily conflictsGriefCoping with life changes
12 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 12 years of professional work experience. My areas of interest include, family or relational conflict, young adults, grief, life transitions, anxiety, depression and women's issues. I would love to help you start the process of healing. I can help you identify patterns in your life that may not be helpful anymore. 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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Judy Davis-Farash

Offering therapy in California
AddictionsRelationship issuesGriefSelf esteemCoping with life changes
30 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 30 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with coping with addictions, relationship issues, coping with grief and loss, & 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. 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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Anthony Parham

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesTrauma and abuseParenting issuesAnger management
14 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 14 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, trauma and abuse, & parenting issues. 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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Erika Mastrobuono

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesParenting issuesDepressionCoping with life changes
14 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, parenting issues, & depression. 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.

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Rachel Gordon-Eldred

Offering therapy in California
Family conflictsGriefParenting issuesCoping with life changesCompassion fatigue
18 years of experience

I am a licensed therapist with 18 years of experience working with clients. My style is to help you feel more regulated and centered so that you can connect to yourself and others. I can help you think through difficult situations and be a sounding board to support you to live your Big Beautiful Life! My commitment is to always trust what you tell me. We all need connection to be our best selves. This is a judgement free space for you to bring fears, sadness, and even ambivalence, to develop your wise-mind and cultivate a deep appreciation for what makes you uniquely you. I consider myself an advocate for the neurodiverse. My background has focused on working with parents of vulnerable children who have experienced loss, trauma, or are coping with ADHD and Autism Spectrum. I also have expertise in navigating the parenting needs of those with a Pathologically Demanding Avoidant (PDA) child. I do not advocate for behavioral modification like ABA. I have additional training and experience working with clients around death and dying and loved ones coping with grief and loss. Reach out to connect. If you do not see a time on my schedule that meets your needs, let me know. I may be able to accommodate another time.

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Garysha Youngblood

Offering therapy in California
AddictionsLGBTTrauma and abuseSelf esteemCoping with life changes
6 years of experience

Hello! I am Garysha Youngblood, a Licensed Marriage and Family therapist in California. Through my 6 years of experience I've served people within locked, legal and recovery settings. My primary work is to empower clients to achieve the life they want and deserve. Within that work, I have supported people through the following issues: coping with addictions, lgbtq+ related issues, trauma and abuse, motivation, self esteem, and confidence. Let's explore these things with curiosity and compassion.

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Roslyn Trahan

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 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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Lindy Johnson

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesFamily conflictsCoachingCompassion fatigue
4 years of experience

As a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, I care deeply about helping individuals find healing and restoration within relationships. With experience addressing stress, anxiety, relationship challenges, family conflicts, compassion fatigue, and professional growth through executive coaching, I am committed to supporting your well-being. I believe in the incredible potential for mental, emotional, and relational health when we engage in the heart work and hard work necessary for growth. My approach is to meet you exactly where you are, walking alongside you to create a path forward that honors your unique journey and needs. Reaching out for support is a courageous step, and I am grateful for the opportunity to provide a safe, empathetic space where you can process, reflect, and grow. Together, we can explore how past experiences shape your present, empowering you to move toward freedom, restoration, and wellbeing. It would be a privilege to support you on this journey.

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Alicia Racine Fink

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesEating disordersCoping with life changesADHD
15 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 15 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress, anxiety, relationship issues, eating disorders, coping with life changes, & concentration, memory. I also have experience working with focus (adhd). 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!

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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