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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Lauren Miller
Hello! Asking for help during a difficult time is not easy, so I want to make sure you feel comfortable, heard, respected, and cared for as you process whatever you need help with. I hope to help by creating a safe place to let you explore what you need to feel better now and in the future. I have my Master's in Social Work and am licensed in California and Texas. In a family treatment center, I worked with children, adolescents, and adults struggling with depression, anxiety, suicidal ideation, self-harm, and trauma/abuse. I've also helped adults struggling with developmental disabilities, substance abuse addictions, adjustment disorder, and other mental health challenges discover and reach long and short term personal, emotional, and professional goals. I am a client-centered counselor focused on helping you reach your personal therapeutic goals during our time together. I believe in the power of the therapeutic relationship to help individuals and couples become more self aware and work through challenges they struggle with independently. I am trained in cognitive behavioral therapy, solution focused therapy, mindfulness, and motivational interviewing techniques. These tools help many individuals understand what they want from therapy, and help us work together to get you where you want to be. We go at the pace that you are ready for and I will check in to ensure that you are feeling comfortable with the pace and progress all along this journey. You've taken a great step towards enhancing your emotional and mental health. I look forward to working on the next steps with you.
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Karen Graber
I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in the state of California (#91262). I received my Master’s Degree in Marriage & Family Therapy in May 2010 from California State University, Northridge, and my Bachelor’s Degree in Special Education and Psychology from New York University. I have worked at a number of clinics throughout Los Angeles, including Beit T'shuvah (an inpatient and outpatient addiction clinic), The Maple Counseling Center (where I treated adolescents at Beverly Hills High School and Moreno High School, as well as their families), and Jewish Family Service. I combine my education, training and experience to support and guide you to find the balance you are searching for in your life. Working together, you can attain your personal capacity for growth and change. I tailor therapy to your individual circumstances, so that you can find joy, fulfillment and self-compassion in your everyday life. I will help you to learn healthy coping strategies for long term use. I work from a client-centered, strengths-based approach, focusing on uncovering client's strengths and resources to move through their current struggles. I use a number of different modalities in my practice, catering to the client and their present circumstances. I also utilize psychodynamic techniques to uncover possible past strains that are recurring in the client's life and help to stop these dysfunctional patterns. I will incorporate mindfulness techniques and EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing) when appropriate in anxiety, phobia and trauma situations. (I am in the process of receiving EMDR certification.)
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Krista Arrington
Welcome! I am Krista Arrington, Licensed Clinical Social Worker. I have over 30 years of experience as a mental health professional in community-based, out-patient treatment programs and most recently, in public school settings. I work with clients seeking change through collaborative goal setting, problem solving, and progress monitoring in a validating, respectful therapeutic relationship. I am available to work with clients experiencing immediate challenges, as well as those exploring personal growth. I believe in the transformational power of relationship, as a way to deepen the understanding of patterns that you find no longer serve you. I have worked with clients with a variety of concerns including life transitions, relationship challenges, ineffective behavioral patterns, family conflicts, grief & loss, peri-menopause, menopause, and sleep difficulties. I have special knowledge in the areas of learning disabilities, neuro-diverse learners, and special education, working with clients who want to explore related parenting dynamics. My counseling approach is empathic, thoughtful, straight forward, and authentic. My approach combines mindfulness-based practices, cognitive behavioral, family systems, and positive behavioral support strategies. I tailor techniques to meet clients’ unique needs and treatment goals, as they share their story and we get to know each other. Including bits of humor along the way, my goal is to help clients address immediate concerns, explore unhelpful response patterns, and learn uncomplicated practices that support emotional wellbeing. If this sounds right for you, contact me and let’s move forward together.
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Dr. Irma Obregon
I am a licensed family and marriage therapist in California with over 15 years of experience working as a psychotherapist and parent training programs. I have worked with clients with various concerns, including Grief/loss, depression, anxiety, relationship issues, parenting issues, OCD, and PTSD. I also helped many people who have experienced physical trauma, foster care, or emotional abuse. I also have a theology education for those who need some understanding of their faith. My therapy style is warm and interactive. I believe in treating anyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion, and I don't believe in stigmatizing labels. My approach combines cognitive-behavioral, humanistic, psychodynamic, solution-centered, and rational-emotive therapy. I will tailor our dialogue and treatment plan to meet your unique and specific needs. It takes courage to seek help, accept, desire a fuller and happier life, and take the first steps toward change. If you are ready to take that step, I support you and help you develop/awaken your power. I look forward to working with you soon!
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James Smith
I am licensed in California with 5 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety & coping with grief and loss. 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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Kristy Verma
My name is Kristy Verma, LPCC #13286, and I am a doctoral student working towards an Ed.D in Educational Leadership. I have a goal to increase mental health services at our educational institutions to better support student’s educational journeys. I am a highly motivated mental health professional and genuinely passionate about helping others heal and improve their mental health. I believe all therapists have their unique approach to therapy. My therapeutic approach starts with building a therapeutic bond and continues through various techniques I utilize, from CBT, DBT, Person-Centered, Trauma-Focused, Reality therapy, Gestalt, etc., modalities. My goal is to support my clients with the best therapeutic approach that adapts with their current mental health symptoms and interpersonal or intrapersonal problems they are struggling with. My experiences as an Indian female, have led me to believe the importance of being culturally competent is not only essential in my career, but in my social, academic, and personal life. I have and continue to seek skills and education to support children and families who come from various cultures, socioeconomic status, family support systems, age, gender, and national origin. I understand the collectivist and individual societies client’s identify with. I support clients who are struggling with various mental health disorders ranging from mood, personality, and trauma disorders. I invite you to a safe space to discuss any problems impacting your emotional well-being. I want you to be heard, and understand therapy is a non-judgement zone for you to share triggers impacting your mental health.
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Anim Aweh
I am licensed in Georgia with 16 years of professional work experience. I have experience helping clients with stress and anxiety, trauma and abuse, motivation, self-esteem, and confidence, & depression. I am passionate about holding space for the BIPOC community. 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 a more fulfilling and happier life and to take the first steps toward change. I am here to support & empower you in that journey.
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Catherine Garvey
I am licensed in California with 28 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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Mari Fullmer
I specialize in helping adults, young adults and sensitive persons who experience stress, anxiety, depression, relationship issues, coping with grief and loss, or improving motivation, self esteem, and confidence to feel more grounded, peaceful, & powerful in their relationships and their life. I help clients find harmony inside and out and harness their sensitivity into one of their greatest strengths. 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. Our job is to help you reconnect to or uncover your strengths so that you have more resources to overcome your challenges. Taking the first step to sign up for therapy can take courage and I am happy you're taking this step. You deserve to feel good! I'm ready to be your ally in your journey toward greater wellbeing. Therapy with me combines both insight & understanding with action. I will offer you skills to address areas of your life and wellbeing that you'd like to improve. Our work is a collaboration. There is no one-size fits all approach and your active engagement is essential to see change. Clients describe me as warm, compassionate, playful, and relatable. I am a licensed Marriage & Family Therapist in California and Michigan with 14 years of professional work experience. I incorporate many modalities including CBT, ACT, Mindfulness and more. As a holistic therapist I focus on the whole person, not just the problems or symptoms you are facing. This may also include exploring the mind-body-spirit connection, which can help bring new insight into challenges as well as link to our deeper life purpose. I look forward to meeting you and supporting you on your journey.
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Precious Owens
I am licensed in California with 7 years of professional work experience but over 15 years of experience working with adolescents adults, elders and families. I have experience in helping clients with stress, anxiety, motivation, self esteem, & confidence. I also have experience working with depression. I am a client- centered, solution focused therapist who subscribes to Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and 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.
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.
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