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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Manisha Chulani

Offering therapy in California
License: MS, LMFT, PPS
Stress, AnxietyGriefParenting issuesSelf esteem
4 years of experience

Hi, My name is Manisha and I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist based out of California. My style of counseling is empathetic, non-judgmental, and patient. I feel our lives have patterns starting from childhood and I hope to uncover some of those patterns in your life. Also, we tend to live in a very fast past world and with a lot of images of how we should be. I try to help you uncover your true essence and for you to gain self compassion and love. It is to help you gain that secure sense of self. As a teenager, I used to like to go online and chat and I feel that virtual communication helps sometimes create that sense of safety which maybe harder when your meeting someone face to face and your anxiety might kick in. I utilize many modalities but I feel in a virtual platform, empathy, cognitive behavioral therapy, guided meditations, and solution focused is most applicable.

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Andre Maxie

Offering therapy in California
License: LMFT
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesParenting issuesDepressionADHD
12 years of experience

Greetings! Thank you for taking the time to view my profile. My Name is Andre and I am a Marriage and Family Therapist licensed in the state of California, I have over 12 years of experience working with a wide variety of clients with a range of concerns including depression, anxiety, relationship issues, substance abuse, parenting problems, career challenges, OCD and ADHD. My counseling style is accepting and engaging. I believe that building a therapeutic alliance is essential. I’m also a firm believer in treating everyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion, and I don't believe in stigmatizing labels. My approach combines cognitive-behavioral, humanistic, psychodynamic and rational-emotive counseling. I will customize our dialog and treatment plan to meet your unique and specific needs. It takes a tremendous amount of courage to seek a more fulfilling and happier life and to take the first steps towards a change. I am here to support and empower you. My goal is to meet you where you are and help you get where you want to go. I look forward to our journey.

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Steven Weber

Offering therapy in California
License: LMFT
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesIntimacy-related issuesSelf esteemCoping with life changes
18 years of experience

I am a Marriage and Family therapist licensed in California for 15 years. As a Psychotherapist, I work with a variety of clients covering many of the personal and relationship issues we all struggle to cope with at one time or another in our lives. Depression, anxiety, stress related problems, relationship concerns, feelings of guilt or shame and even one’s life purpose are all areas that can contribute to temporary or longer periods of difficulties in need of understanding, acceptance and restoration. One’s healing can come from different sources and often talking with a therapist can lead to subtle movements or deep shifts in the way we experience ourselves, our loved ones and in the world. I am a firm believer that there is magic in the telling and I am here to help you create a safe space to explore your thoughts and feelings. I take a holistic approach to my work and will incorporate several different modalities of treatment depending on the client and the issues presented. I also have expertise in interpretive Dreamwork and the Enneagram. Thank you.

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Tony Lee

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietyLGBTGriefDepressionCompassion fatigue
3 years of experience

Hello. My name is Tony Lee. I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with over 20 years of professional work experience, including suicide prevention service, crisis intervention, and general counseling. I received a master’s degree in Social Work from the University of South Florida. I have worked with individuals of all ages dealing with chronic medical conditions, end-stage illnesses, and physical disabilities. Also, I have experience helping clients with general stress, anxiety, self-esteem/self-confidence, motivation, coping with loss/grief, and LGBT-related issues. I use Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy with Client-Centered and Solution-Focused approach. If you're interested in mindfulness techniques, I can guide your practice. I believe in treating everyone with respect, empathy, and compassion. I will tailor the treatment plan to meet your unique and specific needs while being mindful of cultural values. 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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Dr. Mark Charles

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseGriefSelf esteemDepression
8 years of experience

I am licensed psychologist in California with 8 years of professional experience. I have assisted clients with managing or overcoming a variety of mental wellness challenges, including stress and anxiety & depression. My clients and I collaborate to create an open and safe environment where thoughts and feelings can be shared without fear of judgment. Some of my own personal heroes have been former clients who through courage, resilience, and therapeutic support pulled themselves out of an unsatisfactory situation and in 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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Cindy Cothran

Offering therapy in California
License: LPC-MHSP
Stress, AnxietyLGBTRelationship issuesTrauma and abuseDepression
18 years of experience

Hello, starting therapy can be tough and I hope to make the first steps easier if possible. It is my belief that therapy can be a place of emotional refuge and I work hard to let each person know that their best interest comes first. I hope that through understanding and gentle humor, we can find connection and work on the challenges that brought you to seek a therapist. Whether you are experiencing anxiety, depression, a loss, life changes, trauma or some other circumstance, I hope to support and help you through the situation. I have been a therapist for more than 15 years and in that time I have honed a flexible set of therapy skills that I adapt to match your personal life goals. No matter which therapeutic approach I am utilizing, my style is always sincere and wholehearted. I believe in the goodness of all people and that we are all worthy of respect. I do lean toward evidenced-based therapeutic approaches and I am trained in a variety of models/ techniques. If I had to describe my therapeutic style in a few words, I would say that I am an attachment-based therapist with an eclectic therapy style as I draw from such approaches as mindfulness, solution based therapy, cognitive behavioral approaches, Hakomi, somatic approaches and EMDR. I look forward to working with you as you take the next step to living the life you want to live!

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Seán Harrington

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietyFamily conflictsTrauma and abuseParenting issuesSelf esteem
25 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 26 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with family conflicts, 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 sign up for therapy can take courage and I am proud of you for getting started!

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Monique Ambrester

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesFamily conflictsParenting issuesDepression
17 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 17 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, & parenting issues. 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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Enros Manaligod

Offering therapy in California
License: MA,MFT,IMFT
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesTrauma and abuse
8 years of experience

Currently, my availability on BetterHelp is Mondays only. If more availability is required, another provider may better fit your needs. Welcome! My name is Enros, and I am a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (MFT). I work with individuals (children, adolescents, and adults), families, and couples. I welcome all families, traditional and non-traditional. I am fully licensed in Arizona, California, Colorado, Idaho, Florida, Nevada, Ohio, and Vermont. My specialties include relationships, families, grief, and trauma. Additionally, as a military veteran, I have a unique perspective of veterans: separation, deployment, and the rigors of military life. I approach therapy as a collaborator, not an expert. I find the most joy in learning about you directly from you. Relationships are complicated, especially the relationships that are most important to us. Many of us feel the need for connection, security, and love. However, sometimes we end up hurt and alone. Relational pain can show up as anxiety, fear, depression, or grief, among other things. I firmly believe that relationships, empathy, and humor are the most powerful tools for helping clients experience lasting change. My most significant reward as a professional helper is watching my clients go from despair to possibility. I look forward to working with you!

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Christie Carol Spahr

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesSelf esteemDepressionCoping with life changes
26 years of experience

I am a LMFT in California with 26 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with getting to know Who You are, practicing self compassion, tolerance, trust & confidence to better manage painful life experience, stress, sadness, melancholy, depression anxiety, relationship issues, existential angst, and refocusing on knowing & believing in Your Self. I work in Humanistic, Existential, Person centered, Motivational, Narrative, spoken word approaches with my clients to create an open hearted ~ open minded safe environment where thoughts, emotions & 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 with respect to support you on that Journey. I graduated from the University of Oregon, have a BA in Religious Studies ~ emphasis on Cultural, Sociological, Indigenous, and Philosophical world view.s Went back to graduate school after being in sports marketing, studying Indigenous cultures in Australia, and U.S. and received my graduate degree ~ MA in Psychology with a speciality in Marriage & Family Therapy. I have been a runner my whole life, have run Marathons around the world, I am grateful for my "lifestyle, as it taught me to Never Give Up, who I Am, realized it's amazing whats thought impossible until it's done, and simply you just can't lie to yourself through the marathon of life or 26 miles 385 yds. I love my work as a therapist & look forward to meeting you.

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Michelle Bonner

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietyFamily conflictsParenting issuesSelf esteemCoping with life changes
17 years of experience

Hi There! Thank you for considering me as you future therapist. I am licensed in California with 17 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, trauma, family conflicts, parenting issues, child and adolescent issues & 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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Gary White

Offering therapy in California
LGBTRelationship issuesTrauma and abuseGriefCareer difficulties
36 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 36 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with lgbtq+ related issues, relationship issues, trauma and abuse, & coping with grief and loss. 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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Nikki Thomas-Rhoden

Offering therapy in California
Relationship issuesSelf esteemCareer difficultiesCoachingCompassion fatigue
4 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 4 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with relationship issues, motivation, self esteem, and confidence, career difficulties, & 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. 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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Connie Wax

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietyParenting issuesSelf esteemDepression
20 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 20 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, parenting issues, & motivation, self esteem, and confidence. I also have experience working with 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 sign up for therapy can take courage and I am proud of you for getting started!

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Matthew Gilford

Offering therapy in California
AddictionsRelationship issuesSelf esteemCareer difficultiesDepression
10 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 10 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with coping with addictions, relationship issues, motivation, self esteem, confidence, & career difficulties. I also have experience working with 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 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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