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. Carol Schmidt
Do you feel isolated and alone, trying to cope with the ramifications of Covid19? Are you struggling, worrying about your family, your job, and the future? Do you have feelings and thoughts that trouble you? Emotional stress has known effects on physical health, so maybe now is the time to take care of yourself and sort things out. I am an energetic, approachable, and compassionate Licensed Clinical Social Worker in California with an MSW from UCLA and a Ph.D. in Counseling Psychology from USC. I have 10+ years of experience providing integrative psychological therapy, treating anxiety, depression, relationship, and family conflict, as well as grief. I utilize CBT, Psychodynamic, Positive Psychology, and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy. Psychotherapy improves awareness of needs, appreciation of strengths, and a deeper understanding of stressors. I look forward to helping you feel better and I feel confident that you will meet your personal therapeutic goals. We will work together as a collaborative team to improve your overall life satisfaction.
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Tammy Foster
I am a licensed mental health therapist serving in California as Licensed Clinical Social Worker with a wealth of knowledge both as a clinical therapist and also as a coach and counselor. In the beginning of my private practice venture, I have served as an addiction specialist, interventionist and counselor for about 6.5 years. At that time, I was also the administrator for an adolescent treatment center in Northern California. I bring to the table over 20 years of experience in assisting persons with a wide range of challenges including: depression, anxiety, suicidal ideation, career related issues, relationship issues, parenting and marital problems. I have also helped many people going through adversities related to major transitions, adult life goals, social skills, grief and loss, substance abuse and sex addiction. I have a wealth of knowledge in codependency and attachment theory that have been reported as life challenge liberating for hundreds of people. My counseling style is warm and interactive. My approach combines a variety of theoretical approaches including, but not limited to: person-centered and strength-based approach, while integrating motivational interviewing, cognitive-behavioral therapy, family systems and mindfulness based counseling. I believe that every step in this journey called life is important and that we are all here to help one another to experience more joy, peace and harmony. I know it is my calling and with great joy and deep gratitude, I dedicate my career to helping others create a happier and healthier version of self. I have helped hundreds of people walk through the tunnel of darkness. I am honored to support my clients in nurturing the light within self in order to reach inner freedom and harmony. Looking forward to walking through with you! With Light, Tammy Tammy Foster, LCSW
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Mary Stein
Welcome, My name is Mary Stein and I am a Licensed Marriage and Family therapist in California. I earned my Master's degree in Counseling at Phillips Graduate Institute and became licensed in 1999. Throughout my career of over twenty years, I have enjoyed working with individuals, couples and families. In particular, my work includes helping clients who are experiencing symptoms of anxiety, depression, trauma, abuse, addictions, grief and life challenges. In my wide range of experience , I have worked with clients in private practice; in addition, as clinical supervisor in adolescent residential programs, and in a domestic violence agency. HOW I WORK My counseling style is warm, accepting and interactive. I believe in being respectful, kind and providing a safe environment and positive feedback for each client. Together, we will explore what has brought you to the point of seeking treatment. Then, from there we will determine the most effective methods and tools to help bring you to a better place in life. It is important in approaching each therapy with compassion and make every effort to assist clients improve their ability to have healthy and fulfilling lives. I believe it is always a privilege to be a part of another's emotional journey striving towards self-awareness, learning and healing. As a therapist, the fulfillment comes not only in the growth of clients but also in the ripple effect on others in their lives. THERAPY APPROACHES * Humanistic (person centered) approach where a therapeutic relationship is maintained that is accepting, collaborative, authentic and that gives consideration to where an individual is in their life and takes into accounts goals, expectations, and strengths. * Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) usually involves efforts to recognize one's distortions in thinking that are creating problems, gain better understanding of the behavior, learning adaptive ways to manage their feelings and using problem solving skills to cope in more functional ways. * Existential therapy assists clients to find meaning and purpose in their lives. It is designed to help overcome essential issues and embrace one's choices and empowerment. Taking small steps will lend to larger changes and progress. Thank you for the opportunity to work together, Mary Stein
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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.
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Aureen Knauls
Hello, I am licensed in California with 9 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, motivation, self esteem, and confidence, & 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 and I look forward to meeting with you.
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William Pellegrini
When my clients come to see me, they are looking to find a way out of the negative thoughts that plague them and cause them to derail their lives. Everyone deserves peace in their lives and to believe in themselves without being brought down. When they enter my office, they are totally accepted as who they are. The purpose of counseling will be to help them improve themselves and their lives in areas they are seeing deficits. I will understand and accept you as you are. I do not believe my clients will be nor ever should be like anyone else. I don't believe in 'normal' and want you to see yourself as I see you, an individual that has value and purpose. I will be here to help you accept yourself and see your worth. I want to help you be rid of the negative thoughts that plague you and the self-esteem crushing events that keep you down. I am not happy until you are. Come find me and let's chat.
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Sharon Carroll
You look at your life and find it’s not what you hoped for and dreamed of. The do anything and be anyone attitude you once had has either diminished or disappeared altogether. The relationship you believed would enrich your life and even complete you hasn’t been what you expected. At least a part of you has disappeared and you want to get the lost parts back. You long to be seen, heard, understood and valued. I have helped individuals and couples reimagine their lives and create a more authentic and full life. That can be you, too. I will create a safe, nonjudgemental space where you can share, explore and heal. I want to get to know you; help you discover and clarify your goals for counseling; and collaborate with you to heal hurts, reveal strengths, and find a more meaningful life. I will vary my approach to meet your needs, what resonates with you, and what will help you reach your unique goals. I work with male and female clients both individually and as couples. My clients are of varying ages, sexual orientations, and religious backgrounds. I have also facilitated a number of groups with varied focuses, including grief, careers-in-transition groups, and the Daring Way™. (The Daring Way™ is based on the work of Brene Brown, PhD, in the areas of wholehearted living, vulnerability and shame resilience.) My greatest joy comes from helping clients work through or overcome relationship difficulties, walk through grief and loss in its varying forms, move through various life transitions, and build the resilience that will aid them in meeting future challenges. My formal education includes an MA in Psychology from Houston Christian University, an MBA from Rice University, and a BS in Business Administration from the University of Southern California. In addition to the various counselor trainings that are listed in my profile, I am also a Certified Life Coach. I look forward to having the opportunity of getting to know you and sharing a piece of life’s journey!
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Andrew Davis
I am licensed in California, Florida and Oregon with 8 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with lgbtq+ related issues, relationship 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 sign up for therapy can take courage and I am proud of you for getting started!

Eva Galvan
I am licensed in California with 25 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress, anxiety, motivation, self esteem, confidence, career difficulties, & coping with life changes. I also have experience working with compassion fatigue. 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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Cena Hoban
I am licensed in California with 20 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress, anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, coping with grief, & coping with loss. 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 sign up for therapy can take courage and I am proud of you for getting started!
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:
- 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 feature
- 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 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.
Popular cities in California
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- Anaheim, CA
- Santa Ana, CA
- Riverside, CA
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