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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Jennifer Roche-Sheets

Offering therapy in California
License: LPCC
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesSelf esteemDepressionCompassion fatigue
13 years of experience

I am a Licensed Professional Counselor in California with almost 20 years of experience working in the mental health field. I have worked with clients with a wide range of concerns including depression, anxiety, stress, relationship issues, parenting problems, and career challenges. My counseling style is client-centered and supportive. I believe in treating everyone with respect, sensitivity, compassion, and I honor those that choose to trust me with the details of their mental health journey. My job is to work with you to develop a treatment plan that best suits your needs and concerns. I have been described as passionate and direct. I applaud you for taking these necessary first steps towards a more positive life. I am honored to be part of your journey and forward to working with you! Should you feel in need of urgent help or that you are in crisis at any time during our work together; please call 1-800-273-TALK 24 hours a day; or 911. This forum does not provide any type of emergency services, so I want to be sure you know who to contact if you need immediate help.

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Dr. Gary Jordan

Offering therapy in California
License: PhD
Stress, AnxietyGriefDepressionCoping with life changesCoaching
46 years of experience

Life is often difficult and challenging in the best of times. When you face anxiety, stress, depression, and feelings of inadequacy, the pain can be overwhelming. Life changes, relationship issues, family stress, and career challenges can activate deep feelings of confusion, failure, and unloveableness. If life has become too difficult to manage on your own, and you need assistance and support to sort things out, make necessary changes, and discover your innate talents and value, I can help. I have been working with people to confront and grow from the pain in their lives for 42 years. I earned my Ph.D. in clinical psychology from the California School of Professional Psychology – Berkeley and am a licensed psychologist in Texas and California. During my career I have worked in community mental health, private practice, inpatient facilities, business corporations, and nursing homes. The settings change and the content of people’s problems vary, but the underlying conflicts that cause psychological and emotional pain do not. Everyone wants to be heard, their issues understood, and to feel valuable and loved. I use a therapeutic approach that integrates Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, psychodynamic principles, and positive emotional support to create a safe space to explore and heal the childhood wounds that make you feel alone and misunderstood by friends, family, spouses, significant others, and the world. Together we will challenge negative self-talk, destructive behaviors, and repetitive patterns that end poorly, cause pain, and reinforce feelings of self-doubt and worthlessness. We will discover new and constructive ways for you to re-frame ingrained beliefs, change painful and self-negating thoughts, and free you from old dysfunctional decisions made long ago that are still impacting your daily life. Therapy is a journey. Sometimes we need a tune-up and sometimes an overhaul. Either way, our work together will help you to discover new strengths and skills you never knew you had, develop constructive and healthy ways to face life’s challenges, and free you to move forward in life with freedom and joy.

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Yuki Sugisaki

Offering therapy in California
License: LMFT ,LAADC,LPT
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsRelationship issuesFamily conflictsEating disorders
14 years of experience

I am a License Marriage and Family Therapist since 2012. I am also certified drug counselor since 2005. I have working with individuals and their families who struggle with addiction, severe mental health, and co-occurring disorder. My reward to be therapist is to be a witness of people's turn around. If you are struggling with your addiction and feeling to walk in dark, I would like to be your candle to lighten your pass for recovery. If you are struggling with your loved one's addiction, let's talk and figure out how we can help your loved one. It is also painful for you to see your loved one is struggling. Along with my extended experiences with addiction counseling, I have helping people with depression, anxiety, severe mental health, co-dependency and family conflict. If you are feeling to be stuck with your life and need someone to talk to you, I am here to support you.

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Melissa Macgown

Offering therapy in California
License: LMFT
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsRelationship issuesFamily conflictsDepression
14 years of experience

Hello! My name is Melissa and I love what I do! Counseling people is my life's work and I've been doing it 14 years. Whatever it is you are going through, I can assure you, I have worked with someone who has dealt with something similar. I specialize in treating addiction issues, as I've worked in 5 different in-patient drug and alcohol treatment centers/rehabs in my career. Though I have years of professional experience working with an array of all kinds of issues and different populations. I greatly enjoy working with individuals and families. I also have several years experience working with teens, including those who have grown up in the system, been abused, and at high-risk, or with behavioral or learning problems. Clients feedback is often reported to me as: I am "easy to talk to," "friendly," and "down to earth." I've also been told I am helpful and a "good listener;" that is important to me. I am mostly solution-focused, meaning...I want to understand the problem, but then want to get into the tough work of finding solutions as soon as possible. As a therapist, I have a lot of empathy, am caring, and invested in improving your life circumstances. I am non-judgmental and believe that no matter how similar or different we may be, we can work together and develop a rapport. We can start right away, opening lines of communication so I can understand where you are coming from and help in anyway I can. My hope is to develop a warm, and trusting relationship in which you feel comfortable, and heard. One of my favorite things to hear as a therapist from a client is, "exactly," because I know we are on the same page, and I smile when a client says after session, " I feel much better." That is my aspiration, to help, and get to know you. Please understand that this is not just a job for me. I am genuinely here for you! Thank you for taking the time to read my profile and learn more about me as a professional.

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Rochelle Van Driel

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietyGriefDepressionCoping with life changesCompassion fatigue
10 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 11 years of professional work experience. I have worked in the school systems with children of all ages, and extensively with caregivers and seniors. I am not currently working with children at this time. I have experience in helping clients with stress, anxiety, grief and loss, depression, life transitions, senior life transitions and caregiving issues. I work with my clients to create an open and safe environment where thoughts and feelings can be shared without fear of judgment. I want to help connect you with your unique strengths to support you through your personal transitions and challenges. Taking the first step to sign up for therapy can take courage. Let's work together to instill hope during your journey toward successful resolution, life satisfaction, and healing. "If we don't change the direction we are going, we will arrive at the same place, always." - Chinese Proverb

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Jonathan Fonseca

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietyFamily conflictsTrauma and abuseGriefDepression
7 years of experience

I am licensed clinical social worker in California, with 6 years of counseling experience and over 10 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, family conflicts, trauma and abuse, work burnout, & coping with grief and loss. As your licensed therapist, I am here to support you on your journey of self-discovery, healing, and personal transformation. Together, we will explore your thoughts, emotions, and experiences, and work towards fostering resilience, finding clarity, and cultivating a sense of inner peace. 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. Your story matters, and I am honored to walk alongside you as you navigate the complexities of life. Preference of phone/ video sessions.

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Sheldon Chase

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsTrauma and abuseSelf esteemDepression
22 years of experience

I am licensed in California and Nevada with 20 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with anxiety and stress, depression, coping with compulsive behaviors, trauma and abuse, & low motivation, self esteem, and confidence. 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. Change can begin today.

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Dr. Holly Seaton

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesParenting issuesCoping with life changesCoaching
31 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 31 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, parenting issues, & coping with life changes and transitions. I am also a certified executive coach and can help you with workplace goals and 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. 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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Veronica Gibson

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesTrauma and abuseParenting issuesSelf esteem
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, & parenting issues. 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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Ursula Antonik-Buxton

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesFamily conflictsTrauma and abuseSelf esteem
40 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 40 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress, anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, trauma, abuse, motivation, & self esteem. I also have experience working with 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 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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