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

Offering therapy in California
License: LCSW
Stress, AnxietySelf esteemCareer difficultiesDepressionCoping with life changes
5 years of experience

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

Offering therapy in California
License: MFT
Stress, AnxietyFamily conflictsGriefParenting issuesCoping with life changes
11 years of experience

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

Offering therapy in California
License: LCSW,LEP
Relationship issuesFamily conflictsGriefParenting issuesSelf esteem
30 years of experience

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

Offering therapy in California
License: Psy D.,LMFT
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesFamily conflictsTrauma and abuseDepression
14 years of experience

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

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietyGrief
5 years of experience

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

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

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

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseSelf esteemDepressionCoping with life changes
16 years of experience

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

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesFamily conflictsParenting issuesCoping with life changes
28 years of experience

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

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesGriefSelf esteemCoping with life changes
14 years of experience

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

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

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:

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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