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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Lindsey Wehn

Offering therapy in California
License: MA,LMFT
Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseParenting issuesSelf esteemDepression
19 years of experience

Hello! My name is Lindsey Wehn and I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in the State of California. I am so happy to be here to support others as they go through difficult times in their lives, for those who want to make changes, or for those who just want someone for a little extra emotional support. I'm thrilled that the BetterHelp platform is here to open up therapy to so many more people. We are not limited by location and time anymore, and we have the added benefit of messaging in between sessions. (Please note that my license restricts me to only seeing clients who are physically in California. I unfortunately cannot see you if you are traveling out of state.) In my work, one of the biggest issues I see with others is a lack of self confidence. This lack of confidence can lead to many different other issues, such as depression, anxiety, low self esteem, and problems in social, family and work environments. When one is willing and able to address where these self confidence issues are coming from and how they are manifesting in one’s life now, we can work together to bring on more self acceptance and internal peace. I’m a big believer in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) combined with Mindfulness approaches. While CBT challenges your thoughts in order to change how you are feeling, mindfulness begs for you to stay in the present without changing anything. How can these two concepts make sense together? Mindfulness teaches us how to get in touch with what the feeling is without judgment and with acceptance. CBT teaches us to observe, evaluate, understand, and change our thoughts if they are maladaptive. There is so much here we can delve into as we work together. I always employ a Person Centered approach, which means I bring in non-judgment and non- bias, and work hard to understand your issue and where you are coming from. I also think it’s really important that you feel comfortable with me. I believe that the therapeutic relationship is the most important part of therapy in order for you to reach your goals. If you can trust me and feel comfortable expressing things to me, you will be much more likely to benefit from this experience. If you are a parent: One of my passions is working with individuals on parenting issues and helping them build strong connections with their families. I’ve learned a lot through my work, through research, and through personal experience as a parent that our old views on discipline just don’t work and do not help to build emotionally healthy and successful children. Not only do I help others learn new ways of interacting with their children to build happier, healthier homes, but I help you uncover why parenting can be so difficult at times. How we were raised and what’s going on for us in our lives play a big role in how we parent our children in the present. If you are a parent and you feel like things could improve, I would love to help with this. Therapy is what you make of it, and the more you are engaged in the process, the more you will benefit. My suggestion is that you utilize both the ability to message me at any time, and schedule sessions with me (video, chat or phone) as they fit your schedule. On a more personal level, I live in Northern California with my husband and two young daughters. I have 2 dogs and 4 cats. I love hiking and being outdoors. I have been Licensed as a Marriage and Family Therapist since 2012, though have been working in this field since 2005 in various settings. I have experience in family therapy, working with children, in particular those dealing with trauma, individual and group therapy with children, adolescents and adults; case management working with adults with severe mental illnesses in a supported living environment; and emancipated foster youth (ages 16-24). I earned my BA in Psychology from UC Santa Barbara in 2004, and my MA in Psychology from Chapman University College in 2007. I am happy to be here to build relationships with others, and hopefully help them feel more content and happy in their lives. I look forward to meeting you! -Lindsey Wehn, Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist

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Randolph (Randy) Beasley

Offering therapy in California
License: M.A., M.A. LMFT 120092
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesBipolar disorderDepressionCoaching
5 years of experience

Hello! Welcome to the BetterHelp community! My name is Randy Beasley I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist here in California. I have been providing psychotherapy and emotional growth services for a wide variety of issues within a number of roles for the past 10+ years. A little bit about me, I graduated with my Bachelor of Science Degree in Business from Biola University and completed a Masters Degree in Theology from Liberty University. I was pursuing a Doctoral Degree in Theology when I felt therapy was a better way for me to help people. I completed my Master of Arts Degree from Touro University in Marriage and Family Therapy. Previously I worked as a pastor and Christian camp director developing curriculum and teaching. I have experience working with addiction, foster services, wraparound, competency restoration, and couples/family therapy having worked within community-based clinics, substance use treatment facilities, a state hospital, and jail. I have received training in trauma-focused cognitive behavioral therapy, managing adaptive practices, interpersonal therapy, The Gottman Method, as well as being a certified Mandt trainer (crisis intervention) and strength deployment inventory (motivational values psychometric) facilitator. I would describe my approach as goal-oriented and client-centered. I use solution-focused therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, and an existential therapy approach to foster awareness while developing pragmatic solutions to problems. Goals are developed together and focused on changing patterns of thinking or behaviors driven by unmet needs, when these change we frequently change how we feel. I believe healing hinges on the relationships you develop and progress ultimately follows an individual conquest of fear and acceptance of responsibility. I hope to make that journey with you.

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Montserrath Calderon

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietyParenting issuesADHD
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, parenting issues, & concentration, memory and focus (adhd). 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!

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Alaina Bigger

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesFamily conflictsGriefDepression
14 years of experience

I am a nationally licensed Clinical Social Worker, but practice on the Board of Behavioral Science for California (LCSW) & Ohio (LISW) with 16 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, & coping with grief and loss. My therapeutic orientation/expertise lies within the modalities of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Psychodynamic, and Systemic Therapy. I enjoy working with the family, as well as with the individual client to provide a holistic approach to care. 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!

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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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Ronald Rockenbach

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseAnger managementDepression
32 years of experience

I believe people can change and prosper when life challenging circumstances occur. Change can be tough when an individual holds on to old distorted views of themselves, situations and/or behaviors that keep them stuck. When someone is experiencing a mental health problem or crisis, it may be difficult for them to take the necessary steps to put things into perspective by themselves. My strength is creating an environment that allows clients to feel comfortable, supported, and engaged. This helps people to open up and talk about themselves, behaviors and experiences they may otherwise keep secret or suffer with silently in shame. The support provides a safe place to help them challenge their irrational thoughts and be open to new ways of thinking. My preferred therapy modalities are cognitive behavioral and family systems, but will use other approaches to meet the need of the client. I am licensed in California with 32 years of professional work experience. I have treated clients for depression, anxiety, anger management and trauma. I have worked in multiple, diverse mental health treatment settings, including private practice, treating such issues as drug/alcohol abuse, victimization, suicide prevention, anger management, family conflict and reunification, juvenile sex offending and conduct disorder. As a Mental Health Clinic Director and Supervisor (combined 20 years) I managed teams of clinical staff including psychiatrists, therapists, and substance abuse counselors. In addition, as a mental health master trainer, I provided ongoing mental health training to clinical, medical and program staff. I am a Licensed Marriage Family Therapist with a Master of Arts degree in Social Science with an emphasis in Marriage and Family Therapy . On a personal note, I am married to the woman I met in college. Together, we have raised three children who are now establishing their own families. In my free time, I lead an active life and have been an avid mountain biker for 20 years. Time spent outdoors and with my family bring me great happiness and a sense of balance. I believe 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 begin therapy can take courage and I am proud of you for getting started.

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Dr. Brian Green

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseSelf esteemDepressionCompassion fatigue
5 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 30 years of professional social work/mental health experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, trauma and abuse, 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. 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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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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Laura Pennelle

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

I am licensed in California with 10 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, coping with addictions, depression, & coping with life changes. 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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Jaqueline Martin

Offering therapy in California
Relationship issuesParenting issuesSelf esteemCoping with life changesCompassion fatigue
5 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 9 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with relationship issues, parenting issues, motivation, self esteem, and confidence, & 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. 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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Cheryl Gully

Offering therapy in California
Relationship issuesFamily conflictsParenting issuesAnger managementCoping with life changes
20 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 20 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with relationship issues, family conflicts, parenting issues, & anger management. 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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Donna Miles Asare

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietySelf esteemDepression
4 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 3 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, motivation, self esteem, and confidence, & 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. 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. Amy Wytiaz

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsRelationship issuesTrauma and abuseDepression
11 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 11 years of professional work experience as a Clinical Psychologist, as well as 6 years of experience treating adolescents and adults with addictions. I have expertise in helping clients with stress and anxiety, depression, coping with addictions, family and other relationship issues, attachment difficulties, personality disorders, & trauma and abuse. I have also diagnosed and treated clients with a broad range of mental health conditions, and will help you clarify and understand any prior and/or current clinical conditions. I believe in treating everyone with respect, sensitivity and compassion. I also strongly believe the relationship and trust between client and therapist is essential in creating a safe and comfortable atmosphere! I will tailor our dialog and treatment plan to meet your unique and specific needs, taking into account your worldview, background & cultural experiences. 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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Patricia Artieda

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseGriefParenting issuesDepression
5 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 3 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress, anxiety, trauma, abuse, coping with grief, coping with loss, & parenting issues. 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. 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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Aleida Murcia

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseAnger managementSelf esteemCoping with life changes
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, trauma, abuse, anger management, motivation, self esteem, & confidence. I also have experience working with coping with life changes. 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.

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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