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.

This is Julia Davis's avatar and link to their profile

Julia Davis

Offering therapy in California
License: LMFT,MA
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesGriefIntimacy-related issuesDepression
13 years of experience

Welcome to my page! I am a licensed marriage and family therapist in Michigan, California, Florida and Washington with a decade of experience assisting others to relieve distress and promote and restore positive relationships. I have worked with adults and children helping them overcome anxious thoughts and behaviors, process past experiences, and support healthy living. Being supportive of healthy choices and remaining true to oneself is a process therapy can nurture. Creating meaningful connections and a more satisfying life experience can be achieved with healthy conversation that gives you permission to be yourself and connect with others authentically. With an open mind and a non-judgmental treatment approach, we create the space to collaboratively meet your goals. I am passionate about secure attachment, nonviolent communication, the connection between boundaries and anxiety, speaking up and reducing emotional paralysis and communication skills to reduce anxiety. Life in all its processes and nuances is unique for each of us. I am here to help, guide, listen and support you in meeting your goals. Together we can identify these and explore ways to meet them.

This is Stuart Riskin's avatar and link to their profile

Stuart Riskin

Offering therapy in California
License: LCSW, CA #22300
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsLGBTRelationship issuesDepression
28 years of experience

Hi, I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker who has been in the helping profession for over 25 years. This has been a second career for me and the journey has been both personally and professionally rewarding! I have taken a nontraditional career path to become a social worker. I started my first career in the entertainment business and then went on a path of personal introspection and growth to become a social worker. My myriad of professional experiences in both the public and private sectors have equipped me with a unique set of skills, a wealth of knowledge, and clinical expertise to aid others in developing life-long wellness. As a seasoned professional, I try not to take myself too seriously. I see every client as a colleague bringing their personal knowledge to our working relationship. Clients are always their own personal expert. Therefore, my approach to therapy is always supportive and respectful and strength-based. Growth and behavioral health can only be achieved by working together from a positive position and the client making a conscious decision to want to change. This will bring about personal growth. I look forward to hearing from you soon!

This is Rebecca Stallworth's avatar and link to their profile

Rebecca Stallworth

Offering therapy in California
License: LCSW RS
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesTrauma and abuseDepressionCoping with life changes
38 years of experience

I have an extensive working experiences and training in the field of mental health such as depression, anxiety disorder and post-traumatic distress disorder. I also have a lot of working experiences in trauma recovery as a result of physical, emotional and emotional abuse. I have a lot of training and experiences in mindfulness therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, motivational interview approach, Stair trauma recovery services, seeking safety trauma therapy, emotion freedom tapping therapy and dialectic behaviors therapy as well. I have extensive experiences in individual and group psychotherapy. Furthermore, I am experienced in providing grief counseling and helping clients to deal with life challenges in different life phases. I have been providing counseling services for Veterans for years especially women veterans and their family at VA medical facility such as military sexual trauma and transitional issues into civilian world. I emphasize on person-centered approach, holistic whole care approach, and strength-oriented approach to help clients build up their strengths to make positive changes in their life. I believe in the strengths of clients as foundation for rebuilding their life, and help them change their life based on life goals and changes that they want to work on.

This is Jessica Erickson's avatar and link to their profile

Jessica Erickson

Offering therapy in California
Self esteemCareer difficultiesCoping with life changesCoachingADHD
4 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 4 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with motivation, self esteem, and confidence, career difficulties, coping with life changes, & executive and professional coaching. 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!

This is Courtney Brown's avatar and link to their profile

Courtney Brown

Offering therapy in California
Trauma and abuseAnger managementDepressionCoping with life changesCompassion fatigue
17 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 17 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with trauma and abuse, anger management, 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 seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process.

This is Katherine Hughes's avatar and link to their profile

Katherine Hughes

Offering therapy in California
License: LCPC
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsGriefSelf esteemDepression
9 years of experience

My focus is working with individuals. I am an experienced Baby Boomer having endured multiple losses and difficult life transitions. I have tremendous empathy for those trying to maneuver life's valleys. My style is attentive, respectful, and non-judgmental. I have earned two Masters degrees and four Post-Masters, all to better help clients. If you desire to change aspects of your life, you can start a journey in therapy and explore the answers you may already hold. Clients often have the answers, but they just need to process them. I was taught to listen 80 percent and reflect 20 percent during a session. This is because a therapy session is all about you. It is your time to explore your fears and dreams and how you hold the key to make meaningful changes. Let's be honest, though, it is not easy to open up to a stranger. But, once you start walking, a new you will be waiting to soar.

This is Christine Paulsen's avatar and link to their profile

Christine Paulsen

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietyLGBTRelationship issuesIntimacy-related issuesCoping with life changes
4 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 4 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, lgbtq+ related issues, relationship issues, & intimacy related 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.

This is Susan Berg's avatar and link to their profile

Susan Berg

Offering therapy in California
Relationship issuesTrauma and abuseGriefParenting issuesCompassion fatigue
40 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 40 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with relationship issues, trauma and abuse, coping with grief and loss, & parenting issues. 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.

This is Christina Santamaria's avatar and link to their profile

Christina Santamaria

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietyParenting issuesSelf esteemCoping with life changes
9 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 9 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress, anxiety, parenting issues, 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. Taking the first step to sign up for therapy can take courage and I am proud of you for getting started!

This is Daniela Gonzalez Perez's avatar and link to their profile

Daniela Gonzalez Perez

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesFamily conflictsSelf 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, relationship issues, family conflicts, 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 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.
Find the right therapist for your needs
Match with a qualified therapist