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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Anika Garcia

Offering therapy in California
License: MA,LPCC
Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseSelf esteemDepressionCoping with life changes
6 years of experience

"I couldn't heal because I couldn't admit that I was hurt." This is a statement that I personally relate to, and find that it speaks to many first time clients. If you are someone (like me) who values strength, resiliency and a positive attitude you too might be finding it hard to admit the emotional pain of past traumas and their impact upon your daily functioning and relationships. Trusted relationships are the foundation for achieving personal goals and experiencing lasting emotional healing. The client-therapist relationship provides the privacy, objectivity, and intimacy to safely uncover the deepest parts of our being. Together we can explore ways to be more connected to ourselves and others as we seek to live life to the fullest.

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Christi Fields

Offering therapy in California
License: LCSW
Stress, AnxietyParenting issuesSelf esteemDepression
10 years of experience

Hi! My name is Christi and I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with 10+ years’ experience providing counseling, clinical case management, and parenting psycho-education. My professional practice areas have included working with individuals and families, often with court- related, criminal justice and/or child welfare involvement. I have experience working with folks who are navigating thoughts and feelings of depression, anxiety, shame, anger, and grief. I also have experience with trauma, domestic violence, substance use, homelessness, divorce/separation, family, parenting, and employment issues, among others. My practice philosophy is rooted in client self-determination and empowerment. I believe in providing services though a non-judgmental, harm-reduction lens, where we are not always striving for perfection but rather finding what works for us individually and our own valuation of “good enough”. Through a Person-In-Environment approach, with a short-term, integrated use of Client Centered, Solution Focused, Cognitive Behavioral, and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy modalities, let's work together in creating that path to the life experience you want and deserve. I look forward to working with you! Christi Fields, LCSW she/her/hers https://christi-fields.clientsecure.me/

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Scott Underwood

Offering therapy in California
License: MSW,LCSW
Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseParenting issuesAnger managementDepression
23 years of experience

I'm an older, more conservative therapist. My first experience in the field was with the Army as a Behavioral Science Specialist in 1984. I have worked in Community Mental Health, Psychiatric Hospitals, private practice, and most recently service mostly active duty Air Force at Nellis and Creech Air Force base. I'm well trained and experienced working with trauma, depression, and anxiety. I can help with problem solving, anger management, and other issues. I am experienced treating people with very serious conditions, and, highly functional people that have hit a rough spot. Counseling does not have to be heavy, serious and intimidating. Under the right circumstances, we can both find humor in a situation and release tension with laughter instead of tears. For the new client, you may have a better experience and have your expectations met if you have an idea what you want out of therapy. With my experience on this site, I have some observations. Some of you very much enjoy the convenience of this platform. And, however you choose to receive counseling, teleconference, phone, or chat, that is what you will get. There are some that enjoy the almost complete anonymity of the internet platform. There are some that are interested in an assessment, diagnosis, and consultation or treatment recommendations based on the diagnosis. There are some that very much want a good listener. If you let me know what you want, I'll lock in. If you change your mind about what you want, I'll be flexible. If you want short-term counseling, let me know the number of sessions, and we'll get as much done as we can. If therapy is going to be a part of your long-term growth, let me know that as well. Of course, there is the possibility that you just want to sample therapy to see what it's all about. I think that's great!

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Andrea Watson

Offering therapy in California
License: LMFT 106692,LMFT 1717
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesFamily conflictsParenting issuesDepression
5 years of experience

Hello, let me introduce myself. I have been working in the mental health field for over 10 years. I have been a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist since 2018, and I have licenses in Tennessee and California. My therapy style would be described as warm, with acceptance and understanding. Treating all clients with the respect, compassion, empathy, and positive regard. Incorporating a clients life experiences, personal beliefs and values, and their perspective into treatment and assisting in building insight and skills to handle any concern or opportunity. My theoretical orientation would be described as eclectic (leaning on Cognitive behavioral therapy, but also incorporating solution focused therapy, psychodynamic, narrative, existential, structural family therapy, to name a few.) because I believe that there are benefits from having the ability to offer different techniques that work for my client’s needs. I have worked with clients with a wide range of individual concerns and opportunities. Which I feel make me uniquely suited to help with depression, anxiety, dual diagnosis, addictions, relationship and parenting concerns, life, and career transitions. I also helped many people who have experienced physical trauma or emotional abuse move forward in their lives by reshaping certain patterns of interaction into healthier ones. I look forward to working with you!

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Samantha Nelums

Offering therapy in California
LGBTFamily conflictsSelf esteemCoping with life changes
4 years of experience

I am licensed in California and New Mexico with over 12 years of professional social work experience (5 years in the clinical setting). I have experience in helping clients with LGBTQ+ related issues specifically around family acceptance and coming out. I also work with the general population on general family-related conflicts, boundary-setting, self-esteem, and self-empowerment. While I am an ally to gender diverse communities, I do not specialize in gender dysphoria and or writing letters for gender affirming surgery. Although I am a supporter for the cause, I feel that medical communities should not have authority in decisions related to how one's body, rather I believe that the individual themselves should have that autonomy. I think that you are the expert of your story and that you have many strengths that will assist you in overcoming things that challenge you.

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Chula Tran

Offering therapy in California
Family conflictsTrauma and abuseParenting issuesBipolar disorderDepression
11 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 11 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with family conflicts, trauma and abuse, parenting issues, & bipolar disorder. 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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Kimberly Suzanne Caspar

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

I am licensed in California with 9 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. 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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Melissa Moon

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietyGriefParenting issuesAnger managementDepression
5 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 5 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress, anxiety, coping with grief, coping with loss, parenting issues, & anger management. 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!

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Michael Kington

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsRelationship issuesDepressionCoping with life changes
30 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 30 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress, anxiety, coping with addictions, relationship issues, & depression. I have experience working with clients with serious mental illness in both inpatient and outpatient settings. In addition, I've worked with a variety of clients coping with life changes situational adjustments. 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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Alina Turpin

Offering therapy in California
LGBTRelationship issuesTrauma and abuseGriefCoping with life changes
11 years of experience

Hello, I am a marriage and family therapist with 11 years of experience. It is my intention to support you by drawing on my personal and professional wisdom to help you identify your feelings, cultivate clarity, and to build upon your inherent strengths. I encourage the release of emotional resistance by asking questions, extending empathy, and offering feedback to help you gradually calibrate yourself into alignment with your creative potential for intrapersonal and interpersonal harmony. I specialize in working with individuals and couples who identify as highly sensitive, intuitive, and/or empathic. Many of my clients identify as BIPOC, NBPOC, and/or POC allies who may also identify as LGBTQIA+, non-monogamous, non-heteronormative, and/or non-binary. I strive to create an inclusive and safe space to honor shadow integration and consensual deviation from dominant social norms. I believe that it is the practice of prioritizing personal emotional safety and the authentic integration of all aspects of the wholistic self that forms the foundation of all healing relationships. I specialize in sexual abuse trauma, relational trauma, spiritual emergency trauma, PTSD, depression, anxiety, anger, grief, shame, guilt, infidelity, codependency, childhood abuse, and prior domestic abuse (verbal, emotional, and physical). I deliver straightforward insight with warmth, empathy, and unconditional positive regard to offer solid guidance. It is my intention to activate my clients to expand into a more intimate knowing of themselves and the language of their intuition which deepens intimacy with oneself and with others.

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:

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.

In today's fast-paced society, mental well-being has become a cornerstone of a fulfilling life. Amid the daily challenges and stressors that can overwhelm even the most resilient individuals, seeking professional guidance often offers a path to clarity and balance. The journey toward improved emotional health involves understanding personal triggers, embracing self-compassion, and developing effective coping strategies. While self-help books and online resources provide valuable information, nothing compares to the personalized support offered by a qualified mental health professional. One-on-one sessions with experienced experts can help uncover the underlying issues contributing to anxiety, depression, or other emotional hurdles. With a careful and empathetic approach, these professionals tailor their advice to suit individual needs, ensuring that each person receives strategies that work best for their unique circumstances. Whether through cognitive behavioral techniques, mindfulness practices, or other innovative methods, the aim is to foster resilience and empower individuals to take control of their inner lives. For those living in bustling urban centers, engaging in face-to-face sessions in a welcoming environment can be particularly beneficial. Access to a caring clinician provides not only a safe space to explore difficult emotions but also builds a support network essential for long-term recovery. The process encourages self-reflection and greater insight into behavioral patterns that might otherwise go unnoticed. While the journey can be challenging at times, the rewards include enhanced emotional stability, improved interpersonal relationships, and a renewed sense of self-worth. In one notable case, the guidance provided by a highly trained therapist proved instrumental in navigating a tumultuous period. Through structured sessions and tailored interventions, the individual learned to identify stressors and develop healthier responses to adversity. This experience underscored the transformative impact that dedicated support can have on one's overall quality of life. In a region like Texas, community-based initiatives and accessible mental health programs further reinforce the value of professional help. These efforts emphasize early intervention, preventive care, and continuous support, ensuring that more people are equipped to face life's inevitable challenges. Ultimately, investing in mental well-being is an act of self-care that yields lifelong benefits. By embracing professional support, individuals can unlock new levels of emotional resilience and discover pathways to a brighter, more balanced future. Each step taken toward healing represents a commitment to personal growth, enabling a life filled with renewed optimism and strength. Embracing this transformative journey consistently paves the way for deeper understanding, lasting peace, and meaningful personal progress.
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