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. Glenda Baez

Offering therapy in California
License: PsyD, LMFT
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesFamily conflictsCareer difficultiesDepression
19 years of experience

My name is Glenda Baez and I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in San Diego, California. I have a Masters degree in Counseling Psychology and have a doctoral degree in Marriage and Family Therapy. I am bilingual as Spanish is my second language and frequently conduct therapy in this language. I currently own a online teletherapy private practice and work with primarily individuals and couples. I have 19 years of experience working as a therapist. I have worked as an outpatient therapist in clinics, non-profit settings, doing therapy in a preschool setting, I have also done extensive utilization management and quality management work. I have extensive experience working with very young children, school age children and adolescents, adults, couples, and families. I believe in being empathetic, warm, supportive, as well as empowering my clients in finding solutions. I approach issues from a solution-focused approach and also use cognitive-behavioral techniques to help address issues and improve self-esteem, self-awareness, improve mood, and work towards moving forward with life.

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Tina Phillips

Offering therapy in California
License: BA, MA, LMFT
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsRelationship issuesTrauma and abuseDepression
31 years of experience

Welcome to learning a little bit more about me. I attended undergraduate school at UCLA in Communication Studies and graduate school at Pepperdine University in Malibu California. I have been licensed for over 30 years and love helping people through life's challenges. I know how difficult it can be and you give your self a gift to reach out and seek help. I have worked with many different problems including self esteem issues, anxiety, depression and loneliness. I have helped people through divorce and child custody issues. I have 10 years of expertise working with seniors, 10 years of expertise working with children and families and 10 years of expertise working with young adults with Autism. I have worked in a Psychiatric facility and worked with dual diagnosis clients. I have a lot of experience with addiction. I believe we can find solutions. Thank you for taking time to take care of yourself, it's important.

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Jack Gershfeld

Offering therapy in California
License: MA,LMFT
Relationship issuesFamily conflictsIntimacy-related issuesAnger managementCoaching
8 years of experience

My name is Jack Gershfeld, and I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. I am also the Clinical Director of a non-profit community mental health clinic in Fullerton, California. I work with individuals who experience anxiety, depression, or relationship distress and yearn to feel better and feel close to the people they love. I teach at Pepperdine University and supervise associates and trainees at a community mental health clinic. My approach is rooted in research-based Emotionally Focused Therapy, which focuses on recovering individuals from emotional distress. This approach is grounded in client care, support, and empowerment. This nonjudgmental approach ensures safety and support and offers a safe and secure environment to heal emotional wounds. I know that it is not easy to decide to start therapy. After all, we are expected to know how to solve personal problems! Many people try for years to feel better but seldom get relief. No matter how hard you try, the discomfort and struggles persist. Take the first step toward personal growth, discoveries, and insights that remove anxiety, anger, and frustration and replace them with care, support, love, and understanding. Journey to where you are understood, valued, cared for, and respected. I know it isn't easy to take the first step and schedule a session with a licensed marriage and family therapist. Yet, the alternative is a continued struggle and disappointments. Let's work together to reclaim your strength and build a trusting future.

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Lisa Lucius

Offering therapy in California
License: LMFT
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesTrauma and abuseSelf esteemDepression
10 years of experience

I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist since 2009 in the state of California. I have experience working with many different populations and cultures. I have worked with moderate to severely mentally ill individuals as well as those who enter therapy to work on personal growth issues. I practice non judgement in life and it shows in my sessions. I rely on my experience and various techniques that are evidenced based and have been shown to work including CBT, DBT, and Motivational Interviewing Techniques. I like to educate and work with people on mindfulness techniques, inner child work, and assertive communication when it is useful. This is a passion of mine.

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Lesley Schwam

Offering therapy in California
License: LMFT
Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseGriefSelf esteemDepression
12 years of experience

My name is Lesley Schwam, I am from Los Angeles, California. I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist LMFT since 2015. I began graduate school in 2009 and started earning my counseling hours toward licensure during graduate school. My work experience varies from working with adolescents prior to licensing, to now working with adults 18 years of age and older. My treatment approach is from a Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Solution Focused Therapy and Narrative Therapy perspective. I believe individuals have the ability to change behaviors daily and I also believe in helping individuals find solutions to help move forward with life goals. I have experience working with Trauma, PTSD, Depression, Anxiety, Panic Attacks, Grief and Loss, as well as Adjustment Disorders and phase of life transitions including finding a new job, a new career, entering retirement, or adjusting to a new role in life. I focus first on self care, coping skills, setting short and long term goals, and learning boundary setting skills, as well as positive communication skills. By setting and reaching goals we learn what we are capable of, and I know each individual person is capable of more than they believe.

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Gina Gonzalezreyna

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesTrauma and abuseParenting issuesDepression
24 years of experience

Hello! My name is Gina Gonzalezreyna, a doctoral candidate with a California MFT license and over 20 years of professional experience. With a kind and steady hand, I utilize interventions that are engaging, meaningful, and sometimes even humorous. My focus is to increase my clients' sense of self-awareness, inner-wisdom, and well-being. Whether in English or/ and Spanish, I can help you deal with issues related to relationships, parenting, motivation, self-esteem/ confidence, grief & loss, depression, and Autism. I believe that you are the expert in your story and that, even if you don't know it yet, you have many strengths that will assist you in overcoming what seems currently challenging . Taking the first step to sign up for therapy can take courage, I am here to support your efforts in this wonderful process of personal discovery. To this purpose, keeping a weekly standing appointment is important, whether on live chat, phone call, or video session. I keep to the times on my schedule and please allow 24hours for text and other replies. In case of emergency please dial 988. As per Better Help’s contract, this platform is not for extreme cases in mental health or where your safety or that of others’ may be at stake. I look forward to meeting you and starting this adventure leading to emotional growth and stability.

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Karen Hanson-Meganck

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesFamily conflictsTrauma and abuseDepression
35 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 35 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, & trauma and abuse. 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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Kery Silva

Offering therapy in California
LGBTCareer difficultiesCoping with life changesCoachingCompassion fatigue
5 years of experience

I am Licensed Clinical Social Worker in California and a Licensed Independent Mental Health Independent Practitioner/Clinical Social Worker in Nebraska. I have experience in helping clients with LGBTQ+ related issues, career difficulties, coping with life changes, & executive and professional coaching. 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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Adrian Simmons

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesFamily conflictsSelf esteemDepression
5 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 25 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 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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Bailey Campbell

Offering therapy in California
License: LCSW
Stress, AnxietyFamily conflictsTrauma and abuseDepressionCoping with life changes
5 years of experience

I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with five years of experience working as a psychotherapist, with extensive experience in crisis work. I have worked with clients with a wide range of challenges, including depression, self harm, suicidal ideation, anxiety, auditory and visual hallucinations, relationship issues, parenting problems, Autism Spectrum Disorder and ADHD. I also helped many people who have experienced physical and sexual trauma or emotional abuse. I have spent the last 5 years working with adults, children and adolescents. My counseling style is relaxed, inviting and always transparent. I understand that making the decision to come to therapy can sometimes feel scary and overwhelming, I will always start where you are at, and never assume what you need. I want our time together to feel like team work, as we both work together to get you where you want to be. I come from a psychodynamic background, while pulling in different interventions from techniques ranging from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavioral Therapist (DBT), Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART)/Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), Person-Centered Therapy, Brief Goal Directed Therapy, Short Term Psychodynamic Therapy, and Trauma Focused-CBT. I will work with you to find the best technique or techniques which fit your needs best! The fact that you are here, means you have done the hardest part, which is asking for support and finally taking the leap into therapy. I am so excited to have the opportunity to work with you and work together to make changes, one step at a time!

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Kathane Coleman

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

I am licensed in California with 13 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 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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Brianne Duran

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesSelf esteemCoping with life changesCompassion fatigue
10 years of experience

I am a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor with over 10 years of experience in the field of counseling in California. I have a strong background in both education and clinical counseling. I offer a client-centered therapeutic approach that incorporates a variety of therapy modalities. My experience includes successfully supporting individuals, couples, and families through challenges such as life transitions, relationship issues, anxiety, depression, and other issues that may have a negative life impact. In my practice, I collaborate with clients to create personalized therapy plans, set achievable goals, and determine the most effective therapeutic approaches to help them reach those goals. I am deeply committed to providing a safe, nurturing, and compassionate environment where clients can engage in meaningful work toward personal growth and well-being. I look forward to working with you!

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Whitney Paine

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietyFamily conflictsTrauma and abuseAnger managementDepression
6 years of experience

Do you ever feel overwhelmed with stress, hopelessness for the future or are struggling to cope with difficult emotions? As a therapist specializing in PTSD, depression and anxiety, I work with both adolescents and adults to help them process painful experiences and move toward a life of balance and resilience. Whether you’ve experienced a recent event or you’re navigating the long-term effects of past trauma, I offer a safe, compassionate space where you can explore your emotions, build coping skills, and reclaim your sense of self. Having family members with severe mental illness and personal experience with trauma myself, I am no stranger to PTSD, depression and family stress. I am comfortable and confident helping clients with a range of barriers to living a healthy and fulfilling life. I have been described as warm, relatable and a strong advocate for my clients. Beginning therapy is a vulnerable process and I am here to help support you along your journey.

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Christian Garcia Maravillas

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseParenting issuesAnger managementSelf esteem
11 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 11 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, trauma and abuse, parenting issues, & anger management. I believe in treating everyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion. I will tailor our dialogue 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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Kristian Orphey

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietyFamily conflictsGriefSelf esteemDepression
11 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 11 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress, anxiety, family conflicts, coping with grief, coping with loss, 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 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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