Finding a therapist in California can be challenging. Even in some of the biggest California cities, concerns about cost or a lack of available providers can make finding an in-person therapist 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. From young adults needing help managing ADHD to seniors struggling to heal from past events, therapists can help adults of any age navigate the challenges in their lives and learn 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.

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Jesse Moon

Offering therapy in California
License: CA LMFT 53155
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsRelationship issuesTrauma and abuseParenting issues
11 years of experience

I am a licensed Marriage Family Therapist in California. This includes the treatment of individuals. I have experience as a practicing psychotherapist and Life Coach. I treat anxiety, depression,post traumatic stress, sexuality, marriage/ relationship issues, stress, addictions, self esteem, career issues and a desire to increase your sense of happiness,well being and personal growth. I have expertise in Anger Management.. My approach is a combination of a humanistic strength based approach as well as cognitive behavioral therapy. In addition I am particularly sensitive to the needs of partners and families of those suffering with addictions and Adult Children of Addicts., ACA's. Treating adults whose parents or partners have significant personality disorders Such as narcissism or borderlines I believe that counseling is an interactive process and needs to be tailored to your particular needs.. I provide a warm, safe space for you to talk about your life and receive support and validation You respond at your own timing and schedule. It takes courage to reach out and take the first steps toward change and inner fullfillment. I am here to support and empower you. I will also provide practical suggestions that can aid you in bettering your circumstances . I look forward to working with you!

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Martha Padilla

Offering therapy in California
License: CA LMFT 94036, TX LMFT 203010
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesFamily conflictsDepressionCoping with life changes
10 years of experience

Hi there! I'm glad you're here. I know that life can get tough leaving us feeling stuck, confused or overwhelmed. Counseling can certainly help, so I am glad you're considering this option. I'm a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. I'm also bilingual, and offer services in both English and Spanish. My approach to therapy has been described by previous clients as "insightful and practical". My counseling style is client-centered - this means that you are the focus of therapy, and I consider you to be the ultimate expert on yourself. That being said, our work together will involve drawing out your strengths, building upon them, and helping you move forward in a warm and supportive environment. I have been working with families, individuals, children and teens in a mental health capacity for 8 years now. I have worked with a diverse range of populations and with various mental health issues. More specifically, it has been my privilege to help people heal from and work through issues such as chronic depression, grief, social anxiety, generalized anxiety disorder, multigenerational issues including sibling and parenting issues, boundary setting in relationships, and history of trauma or abuse. If you decide to work with me, I'm hopeful that together we can find a way to help you move forward, and feel in control of your life once again.

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Christine Block

Offering therapy in California
License: FL LMHC Mh16966, CA LMFT 42751
Stress, AnxietyLGBTRelationship issuesCareer difficultiesCoping with life changes
20 years of experience

I am licensed in California and Florida with 20 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, coping with addictions, trauma and abuse, & 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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Phyllis Crow

Offering therapy in California
License: CA LMFT 11751
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsTrauma and abuseSelf esteemCoaching
40 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 40 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, coping with addictions, motivation, self esteem, and confidence, & career difficulties. 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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Freddie Williams

Offering therapy in California
License: CA LMFT 106687, AZ LMFT LMFT-15693
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsRelationship issuesDepressionCoping with life changes
12 years of experience

I'm an Arizona and California Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with 12 years of professional work experience. Also, I'm a Licensed Independent Substance Abuse Counselor, specializing in addictions. I AM EXPERIENCED IN HELPING MALE ADULTS ONLY (18 -75 YEARS OLD) who are struggling with Substance Abuse and Co-Occurring Disorders, Stress, Anxiety, Depression, Mood Disorder and Anger Management. I work with my clients to create an open and safe environment where thoughts and feelings can be shared without fear of judgment. My approach includes highly effective Cognitive Behavioral (CBT), Dialectical behavioral (DBT), and Solution Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT). With my extensive experience and knowledge, I am confident in my ability to help you overcome your challenges and achieve your goals. 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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Raquel Gaston

Offering therapy in California
License: CA LMFT 145964
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesGriefDepressionCoping with life changes
5 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 5 years of professional work experience. 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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Debra Brittain

Offering therapy in California
License: CA LCSW 22301
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesTrauma and abuseSelf esteemDepression
30 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 30 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, trauma and abuse, & motivation, self esteem, and confidence. 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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Xiaoying 'Sharon' Qi

Offering therapy in California
License: CA LPCC 16837
Stress, AnxietyParenting issuesSelf esteemCareer difficultiesADHD
6 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 6 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, parenting issues, motivation, self esteem, and confidence, & career difficulties. 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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Pamela Roberts

Offering therapy in California
License: CA LMFT 47555, ID LMFT LMFT-7812
Relationship issuesFamily conflictsTrauma and abuseIntimacy-related issuesCoping with life changes
20 years of experience

With over 20 years of professional experience, I am a licensed therapist in both Idaho and California, dedicated to helping individuals navigate life’s challenges. I specialize in supporting clients dealing with stress and anxiety, relationship dynamics, family conflicts, and the lasting effects of trauma and abuse. My approach is rooted in the belief that you are the expert of your own story. Together, we’ll uncover and build upon your strengths to face difficulties and create meaningful change. Seeking support takes courage, and I commend you for taking the first step toward a more fulfilling and happier life. I am here to provide a safe and supportive space where you can explore your thoughts, feelings, and goals. Let’s work together to help you thrive, grow, and achieve the life you deserve. Ready to begin your journey? Let’s connect today!

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Ronena Summers

Offering therapy in California
License: CA LMFT 108740
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesFamily conflictsTrauma and abuseDepression
15 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 15 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress, anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, trauma, & abuse. 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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Lotanna Nwobu

Offering therapy in California
License: CA LCSW 122430
Stress, AnxietyFamily conflictsAnger managementSelf esteemDepression
6 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 6 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress, anxiety, family conflicts, trauma, abuse, & anger management. 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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Kevin Cameron

Offering therapy in California
License: CA LMFT 127139, NV LMFT 4674-R
Relationship issuesTrauma and abuseIntimacy-related issuesCareer difficultiesCoaching
7 years of experience

I’m a licensed therapist in California and Nevada with over 30 years of combined experience in military service, leadership development, and clinical mental health. As a combat veteran and former military working dog handler turned clinician, I understand the value of grit, clarity, and getting results—not just talking about them. I specialize in working with Veterans, first responders, high-stress professionals, and couples facing issues related to trauma, performance, communication, intimacy, and identity. Whether you're navigating a personal crisis, trying to lead effectively under pressure, or just ready to stop feeling stuck, I bring a no-nonsense approach rooted in respect, cultural competence, and practical solutions. Therapy with me is not about labels or long-winded diagnoses—it's about developing the tools, mindset, and momentum you need to move forward. I’ll meet you where you are, and together we’ll create a plan that works in the real world. If you're ready to reclaim your strength and lead your life with purpose, I’m here to walk that path with you.

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Lily Martinez Lomeli

Offering therapy in California
License: CA LCSW 130815
Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseAnger managementDepressionCoping 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, & depression. I also have experience working with coping with life changes. 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 seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process.

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Gary Greene

Offering therapy in California
License: CA LMFT 111668
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsCareer difficultiesCoping with life changesCoaching
14 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 14 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress, anxiety, coping with addictions, career difficulties, coping with life changes, & executive coaching. I also have experience working with 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 seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process.

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 BetterHelp therapists in California does not offer diagnostic or medication management services in therapy.

Why do people choose to work with a licensed counselor or therapists?

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, working with:

  • Challenging situations or life stressors
  • Eating disorders requiring therapy
  • Anxiety disorders in need of therapeutic support
  • Depression or depressive mental health conditions
  • Adjustment issues in need of therapeutic support
  • Emotional support for a terminal illness
  • Chronic pain emotional support
  • Grief therapy
  • Personality disorders
  • Trauma therapy
  • Relationship conflicts and mental health concerns

Finding a therapist in California 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 therapy site. If you are in life-threatening danger, call 911. If you require support for a crisis, reach out to the therapy 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 therapy with a licensed therapist cost?

Mental health professionals can differ in price. Forbes found that the average cost of in-person California therapy in the US is around $100 to $200 per hour. Pricing can also vary based on your location. 

BetterHelp offers payment plans of $65 to $100 per week. 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.

Is it possible to find a therapist, counselor, or psychology practitioner that offers affordable therapy?

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.

What can a psychologist help me with in therapy?

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 in-person or online therapy with a therapist in California?

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.

Are online therapy sessions 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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