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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Jeanette Salinas
I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and a Certified Thanatologist (specialist in grief and loss). I received my master’s degree and LCSW in Sacramento, California over 30 years ago. I have extensive experience working with all types of clients. My specialty is in grief and loss including pet loss, transitions, PTSD and trauma. In addition, I have experience counseling individuals with Bi-Polar Disorder, Major Depressive Disorder, OCD and Borderline Personality Disorder. I have worked with children, adolescents, adults and the elderly. I also provide support and counsel to individuals ones who are caring for their elderly parents or a family member who is terminally ill or chronically ill. I have established stages for moving forward after major life changes that have proven to be successful. I believe that trust and the development of a working relationship with you is the first step in the therapy process. The therapy session will be at your pace. I utilize a variety of approaches including CBT, DBT, Narrative and Solution Focused Therapy. I also supervise ACSW and MFTI's for licensure. I look forward to working with you. Beginning the therapy process can be a leap of faith and feel scary at times. I hope with support I can make this journey a positive one.
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Mary Baez
Hi my name is Mary Baez. I am a Marriage and Family Therapist registered in the state of California. I have been working in the mental health field for fifteen years in a varieties of settings, giving me a wealth of knowledge on human behavior. Beyond my educational qualifications I have learned and continue to learn from the clients I have had the pleasure and honor of serving throughout my years of clinical practice. The learning never stops and the resiliency of the human spirit is amazing. I also am a clinical supervisor of up and coming therapists. It is of upmost importance to me to build a trusting therapist/client relationship in the beginning of the therapeutic process. This is done by listening with my whole heart in a non-judgmental stance to allow for soulful sharing and feeling heard and understood. My basic approach to therapy is Person Centered, which purports unconditional positive regard. The interventions I use are eclectic and tailored to the unique and individual needs of each client. I work from a holistic and strength based philosophy to assist clients in going within to find their truth and act upon it by living a life worth living based on self-discovery. Clinical Approaches: Trauma Focused Therapy EMDR Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Dialectical Behavioral Therapy Solution Focused Therapy
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Sylvia Chamberlain
My name is Sylvia Fernandez Chamberlain. I have been a licensed Marriage, Family Therapist for the past 30 years. I have a B.A. in Theatre Arts from Humboldt State University. I graduated in 1982. I majored in dance and Native American Studies. I have a Master’s Degree from Antioch University in Clinical Psychology. I graduated in 1989. I supervised Graduate Trainees to be licensed as Marriage, Family Therapist through Antioch University from October 2020-December 2021 For years I struggled with my own early childhood trauma. After years of movement and studies in Native American Philosophy and Culture that addressed my personal identification, I felt more in control of my personal traumas. I was able to heal myself through movement and years of yoga meditation. All of which led me to believe that I could benefit others in their journey to heal. I use Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Somatic Theory, Narrative Therapy, Mindfulness, Trauma-Focused Therapy and Attachment Therapy to assist clients in recognizing their challenges and healing their hurt and pain. I am hopeful that I may do the same for you. I check my messages several times a day and will respond to your request within 24 hours.
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Jill Katell
I am licensed in California with 25 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with trauma and abuse, motivation, self esteem, and confidence, career difficulties, & coping with life changes. 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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Michelle Ferrante
I am licensed in California with 17 years of professional experience. My previous clients have struggled with a variety of difficulties including stress and anxiety, trauma and abuse, substance use, and 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. 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 and empower you in that journey. I’m a psychotherapist that pulls from different theoretical orientations. I have also been trained in two evidenced based practices that focus on trauma. I enjoy working with my clients by partnering with them and providing them compassion and acceptance. Everyone struggles and everyone can reach great happiness. I have a strength-based approach and hold hope for your resilience and mental well-being. A couple of initial approaches to therapy: We can do a deep dive into your early childhood and relational experiences, as often times our current struggles are impacted unconsciously by these prior events. AND/OR Equally important is the present, and I do a lot of focus on the “here & now.” The groundwork will be creating a safe environment, so you are able to be vulnerable. An essential component to therapy is your sense of trust so that you can look at patterns, process emotions, and find clarity. As your therapist, I will assist you in working through the issues that have you struggling. I work collaboratively with you to explore and clear away the emotional blockages that can create tension and conflict in your life, negatively affecting you and your relationships with others. I believe each person has an innate ability to get unstuck and heal emotional wounds and it is my role to facilitate that process.
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Terumi Pettas
The following contains important information about my professional services and policies. Please read the entire document carefully and ask me any questions you have regarding its contents. Introduction I, Terumi Pettas, am a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (lic.# LMFT48914) registered with the State of California Board of Behavioral Sciences. I earned my Master's Degree in Clinical Psychology with a specialization in Addiction Studies from John F. Kennedy University in 2005. I am a member of the California Association for Marriage and Family Therapists. Please feel free to ask questions at any time about my background, experience and professional orientation. About the Therapy Process It is my intention to provide services that will assist you in reaching your goals. We are partners in the therapeutic process. As partners, we will work together to develop a plan for your treatment. Based on the information you provide to me and the specifics of your situation, I will offer feedback and recommendations regarding your treatment and progress. Over the course of therapy, I will attempt to evaluate whether the therapy provided is beneficial to you. While I hope our work together will be effective, the amount and length of treatment varies from patient to patient. I am unable to predict how long you will be in therapy or guarantee a specific outcome or result of our work together. The length of therapy sessions are determined based on each individual’s needs but are generally 45 minutes a session. Typically, sessions are scheduled once per week, at the same day and time each week. Consistent attendance contributes greatly to a successful outcome. Questions Regarding Fees All inquiries regarding fees and subscription should be made directly with BetterHelp. I do not have access to or knowledge about client subscription or fee structure. Your Right to Confidentiality As a psychotherapy patient, you have a right to confidentiality with respect to information related to our work together. Accordingly, information shared between us will generally remain confidential. Exceptions to Confidentiality In certain, limited instances, the law requires me to disclose information pertaining to my work with you. For example, as a therapist I am required to report suspected child, elder, and dependent adult abuse. Similarly, in the event that I believe you present a serious and imminent danger to yourself, another person, or the public, I may be required to disclose information to emergency medical services, law enforcement, and/or another third party that can help to reduce or prevent that danger. Confidentiality and Treatment of Minors If a minor’s parent(s) or guardian(s) give consent for me to treat the minor, I typically provide the parent(s) or guardian(s) with general updates about the minor’s treatment. These updates may include the minor’s diagnosis, treatment plan, progress in therapy, session attendance, or similar information. However, I generally do not share specific details about the minor’s treatment or what the minor has shared with me during sessions unless: 1) the minor gives me permission to disclose such information and I believe the disclosure would be clinically appropriate; or 2) the minor is experiencing a crisis or other emergency circumstance that would authorize me to break confidentiality. If the minor consents to their own treatment, the law generally prohibits me from communicating with their parent(s) or guardian(s) without written authorization from the minor unless the minor is experiencing a crisis or other emergency circumstance that would authorize me to break confidentiality. Please feel free to reach out to me if you have questions about these policies or if you would like to discuss them further. Confidentiality and Couples / Family Therapy If you are participating in couples or family therapy, please be aware that, in most circumstances, the law prohibits me from disclosing confidential information and records regarding the unit of treatment’s services unless all identified patients provide written authorization to release the information. Urgent / Emergency Communications I am unable to provide 24-hour crisis service. If you are ever experiencing a medical or psychiatric emergency or if you are facing an emergency involving a threat to your safety or the safety of someone else, please call 911 to request emergency assistance. In the event of a mental health crisis, you may also call the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline by dialing “988.” Termination of Therapy The length of your treatment and the timing of the eventual termination of your treatment depend on your clinical needs, the specifics of your treatment plan, and the progress you make towards achieving your treatment goals. While I hope you will find our time together beneficial and meaningful, I cannot guarantee the specific outcome(s) or result(s) your treatment will yield. You may discontinue therapy at any time. If one of us determines you are not benefiting from treatment, we can discuss treatment alternatives. These alternatives may include, among other possibilities, changes to your treatment plan, referrals to other therapists, and/or termination of treatment. Social Media Policy: I do not accept or initiate invitations to connect or communicate on any social media site with any current or former client. Questions About My Policies Please let me know if you have any questions about my policies or if you would like to discuss them further. NOTICE TO CLIENTS The Board of Behavioral Sciences receives and responds to complaints regarding services provided within the scope of practice of marriage and family therapists. You may contact the board online at www.bbs.ca.gov, or by calling (916) 574-7830.
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Suzanne Tuzzi
I am licensed in California with 4 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, coping with grief and loss, motivation, self esteem, and confidence, & career difficulties. 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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Corlie Presswood
I am licensed in California with 5 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, trauma and abuse, & bipolar disorder. I also have experience working with depression. 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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Jennifer Marcelli
I am licensed in California with 10 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 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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John Fielder
I am licensed in California with 40 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress, anxiety, relationship issues, trauma, abuse, coping with grief, & coping with loss. I also have experience working with depression. 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.
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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