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.
Katherine Lubahn
I believe that we all deserve a chance to experience happiness and enjoy our lives even when they are imperfect. I have experience with a diverse range of diagnosis and have worked with people from a varieties of backgrounds. I will work with you to uncover key insights and personal growth in a safe, trusting and compassionate atmosphere. I believe that working with a caring, knowledgeable professional can be pivotal in helping you to achieve greater clarity and peace. Emphasis is placed on improving relationships with self, family, significant others, and friends in a therapeutic setting. This integrative, collaborative approach promotes understanding in your immediate context and facilitates healthy engagement, interdependence, and social support. When working with children and teens, I believe in building a strong therapeutic alliance so that they feel safe and supported in their expression and exploration of self. Kate Lubahn (MFTI) holds an M.A. from Antioch University. Professional experience encompasses schools, community clinics, outpatient programs, and residential treatment facilities. She treats adolescents and adults facing diverse challenges such as depression, anxiety, bi-polar disorder, self-harm, and substance abuse.She is a certified meditation instructor and incorporates elements of mindfulness into treatment. History of working as a sober companion in both 12-step, SMART recovery and harm reduction.
Dr. Shano Palovich Rodgers
I believe that the success of therapy is largely dependent on the relationship I have with my clients. CS Lewis once said, "To love at all is to be vulnerable." I think that vulnerability is a precious gift that is not to be taken lightly. It's very important that my clients feel safe to express that vulnerability in a non-judgmental environment that inspires trust. I work with clients according to their self-identified, strengths, needs and goals. Together we craft a path toward insight with compassion and motivation at your pace. I have over 20 years of experience working in the field of child welfare including foster and adoptive care. I also worked in private practice and helped clients with depression, anxiety, childhood trauma, secondary trauma, parenting challenges, and workplace pressure. I have a MA in Clinical Psychology and a PhD in Organizational Psychology. I use a variety of modalities including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Narrative and Solution-Focused therapies, Psychodynamic Therapy, Client Centered Therapy, and Motivational Interviewing. I am a certified trainer in the Nurtured Heart Approach (for parenting intense children and youth) and am also a certified life coach. I look forward to partnering with you on your journey.
Lisa Smith
I am licensed in California with 15 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with family conflicts, trauma and abuse, coping with grief and loss, & depression. 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.
Jessica Whittington
I am licensed in North Carolina with 10 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, family conflicts, coping with grief and loss, & 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 seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process.
Dr. Stephen Scherer
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.
Angela Phillips
I’m a licensed California therapist with over a decade of practice experience. I have helped clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, trauma and abuse, & 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. Taking the first step to sign up for therapy can take courage and I am proud of you for getting started!
Leah Szemborski
Each of us was reverently and wonderfully made! But over the course of life many of us have been wounded with injuries that eyes can't see--soul wounds. Those wounds may come from absent or unloving caregivers, bullying, abuse, trauma, neglect, hateful words, injuries or illness, substance abuse, lack of safety, abandonment, rejection, etc. There are many ways a person can be wounded. Those wounds don't just go away, and over time they cause problems in our behavior, thinking, feelings, relationships, families and workplaces. We wonder why this anxiety just won't go away, or why we've sabotaged yet another relationship. We get ugly with the people we love, or feel so out-of-control we don't know what to do. We have unexplained illness and ailments, and the treatments (physical and mental) seem never ending. Yes, these are all symptoms of soul wounds. You are amazing because you have found incredible ways to cope with the difficult and even terrible circumstances you've faced in life! And the good news is that you don't have to live with those wounds forever. Hi. I'm Leah, and I would love to embark on a journey of healing with you. Together we will engage in creative and life-changing interventions, activities and encounters that will help you heal the wounds in your soul, and discover (or rediscover!) the unique and amazing purpose for which you were created! You were meant for so much more, and I would be honored to help you unlock your potential and finally live life to the fullest. I'm going to be honest with you, this is hard work; maybe the hardest work you've ever had to do, but in the end it will all be worth it. What are you waiting for? Let's get started! I am a spiritually integrated therapist and adhere to the American Association of Christian Counseling Code of Ethics, which can be found here: https://www.aacc.net/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/AACC-Code-of-Ethics-Master-Document.pdf
Erika Mastrobuono
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.
Dr. Cynthia Curnan
About Dr Cynthia Before I went to school to become a psychotherapist, I was a teacher of Inner Guidance. I also taught the curriculum to become a teacher of Inner Guidance. We all have powerful internal senses that we tend to neglect: intuition, insight, instinct, imagination and deeper intelligence that grows sharper the more we use it. Too often, our personal growth becomes confined at the surface of ourselves by the effects of childhood trauma and how we’re raised. Sometimes we don’t know there is so much more to us. Once we develop accurate self-knowledge and learn what part of us is doing our thinking and making our decisions, then self mastery is within reach. I help people unravel their personal predicaments and develop self mastery. Once we become more greatly empowered - we are equipped to know what we want in life and how to manifest it. I received my CA license (lmft2980) in 1992, received my PhD in psychology in 1996. I wrote/published a book, “The Care and Feeding of Perfectionists “, 1998. Often we spot perfectionism in others but cannot recognize it ourselves. Many of us believe the Perfectionist is the best part of us, when really, it prevents us from liking ourselves. Each of us have at least 2 types of perfectionism (9 types in my book). If not neutralized, it blocks our growth by convincing us that we are not good enough. I help people replace perfectionism with a free internal Gift. The inner drive toward Excellence- which springs from the Self - is a beautiful world away from the pain of perfectionism- which is a push from a wounded ego. Once we connect to our Inner Self, we see ourselves and our world as it really is. Then life, healing and accomplishments can become wondrous easy. Methods I use besides talk therapy: Identifying and healing trauma Conscious breathing Dream analysis Focused meditation Inner Guidance Inner Child work The necessity for humor. EMDR (eye movement desensitization and reprogramming.) FLASH (offshoot of EMDR) Interactive hypnotherapy Developing self knowledge Dismantling perfectionism Becoming present and living in the moment Accepting personal power Goal setting Couples Counseling
Lisa Bove
I am licensed in California with 29 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, lgbtq+ related issues, coping with grief and loss, low 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.
Kristina "Kris" Yates
I am licensed in California with 20 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, lgbtq+ related issues, trauma and abuse, & coping with life changes. 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.
Lindsey Eggers
I am licensed in California with 3 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, motivation, self esteem, and confidence, & coping with life changes. 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!
Daniel Leone
I am licensed in California with 7 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, & 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!
Dr. Ciro Visone
I am a licensed Clinical Neuropsychologist, Health Psychologist, and Military Psychologist with 10 years of experience and a Doctorate of Clinical (Health) Psychology, who takes a neuroscience approach to behavior. I specialize in severe mental illness, including depression, anxiety, trauma, medical illness adjustment, and eating disorders and related issues (i.e. behavioral management of diabetes and weight-loss). I also specialize in neurocognitive disorders, including ADHD, traumatic and acquired brain injuries, and memory disorders of advancing age, dementia, and other neurodegenerative diseases. I work from a biopsychosocial orientation and believe in identifying purpose and meaning in life in order to overcome personal challenges, while helping you address biological causes to your behaviors and emotions. I adjust treatment based on individual differences, with a respect for personal needs and culture, and value your ability to become autonomous and independent in life enroute to your own personal definition of self-actualization. Doing so requires acknowledging your past psychological influences and decisions, their impact on your present state, and an appreciation of how these factors can influence your physical and psychological health in the future.
Amanda Roman
I am licensed in California with 6 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress, anxiety, motivation, self esteem, & confidence. I also have experience working with 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 seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process.
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:
- 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 featur
- 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 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.
Popular cities in California
- Los Angeles, CA
- San Diego, CA
- San Jose, CA
- San Francisco, CA
- Fresno, CA
- Sacramento, CA
- Long Beach, CA
- Oakland, CA
- Bakersfield, CA
- Anaheim, CA
- Santa Ana, CA
- Riverside, CA
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