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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Alyssa Eisman

Offering therapy in California
License: LCSW
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesFamily conflictsSelf esteemCoping with life changes
13 years of experience

Welcome and thank you for visiting my BetterHelp profile! Seeking therapy takes a great deal of courage and I commend you for exploring therapy as a tool for self-exploration and growth. Many people find that building a supportive and collaborative relationship with their therapist contributes to the overall effectiveness and success of therapy. I strive to offer a safe and non-judgmental environment with a commitment to placing the highest priority on your care. We will work together to identify and address your concerns in order to foster meaningful change in your life. I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) in the state of California with over 12 years of clinical experience in both the mental health and addiction fields. I specialize in working with adolescents and adults struggling with issues and symptoms related to depression, anxiety, body image, self-esteem, social obstacles, substance abuse, and family conflict. ​I earned my undergraduate degree from University of California San Diego where I majored in Music Humanities and minored in Sociology. I continued my education at University of Southern California and earned my master's degree in Social Work. I have experience providing treatment in a variety of settings, including school-based individual and group therapy services for elementary, middle and high school students, domestic violence shelter services, outpatient substance abuse services, and in-home services for families of children with special needs. I utilize a cognitive-behavioral approach with a strengths-based and solution-focused perspective and am certified in motivational interviewing (MI) and problem solving therapy (PST). That being said, I recognize that not all therapeutic styles work for every individual. I strive to find a style and approach that best fits each person I work with. I am also a practicing musician and some people find utilizing music to be an effective therapeutic approach. Music provides avenues for communication that can be helpful to those who find it difficult expressing themselves in words and can provide a safe outlet for expression of feelings. I find it incredibly fulfilling to help support individuals who are looking to be the best version of themselves and would love to connect with you to start working together! Please read below regarding my current availability for live sessions and messaging and feel free to contact me to set up an appointment that works best with your schedule. I look forward to hearing from you! Live sessions (video, phone, chat): Live sessions are up to 45 minutes and can be held through video, phone, or live chat. I always try to keep my calendar up to date with availability for live sessions. To schedule an appointment, please go to my scheduling tab and you can book the time slot that fits best for you. There are certain weeks where I will have more or less availability, depending on client needs. Feel free to message me to see if additional time slots are available. I will always do my best to accommodate scheduling. ** Please note: live sessions are not required! I offer live sessions for clients that would like to utilize different modalities. However, clients are free to message me through the chatroom feature 24/7. The chatroom is completely confidential and secure. I generally check messages between 8:00am-5:00pm, Monday through Friday, and always do my best to respond to messages within 24 hours. However, I do take weekends and holidays off, so please expect slower responses during that time.

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Ann Legierski

Offering therapy in California
License: LCSW
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsLGBTTrauma and abuseAnger management
13 years of experience

Hello, my name is Ann Legierski and I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with a Masters Degree in Social Work from University of Southern California and a Bachelor of Science in Psychology from University of Phoenix. I have been in practice as a therapist for the past 13 years working with people of all ages, cultural backgrounds and ethnicities, including individuals, couples, families, and the LGBTQIA community. My therapeutic approach is collaborative and integrates several therapeutic modalities such as evidenced based treatment modalities that include: cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT), motivational interviewing (MI), psychoeducation and more holistic approaches such as humanistic and existential psychotherapies. I meet each client from a client centered approach in order to establish a therapeutic relationship based on empathy, unconditional compassion and regard, respect, understanding, and acceptance and providing a safe, non-judgmental and nurturing therapeutic environment. Treatment plans are specifically designed to each clients own personal uniqueness and personal goals and objectives. Ultimately I try to teach each one of my clients to embrace change to help them understand that change is an ever present constant but that it is vitally important and necessary for factor for growth and to thrive. My role as therapist is to provide education, encouragement, insight, and feedback that will motivate and fortify their courage to stay the course to navigate their personal journey called life! “Everybody has a life purpose. Whatever is seeking you, that’s what you seek. That what’s calling you. That’s your life purpose.” -Sabine Bulhmann I look forward to working with you!

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Russell Pippin

Offering therapy in California
License: LMFT
Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseSelf esteemDepression
27 years of experience

Welcome. My name is Russell Pippin. I am living and working in California as a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. I have over 25 years of clinical experience in a variety of settings from Private Practice to working at a County Behavioral Health Agency to working as a clinical Supervisor for an agency that provides school systems with mental health services. I have a deep abiding faith in God that has grown over the past 48 years. That faith has led me to my calling to help empower, heal, and discover what is best in each person and commission each to live their best life. It is my belief that by providing a safe authentic and compassionate clinical setting we can work together to achieve your goals. Please contact me at your earliest convenience. I look forward to hearing from you. Russell Pippin LMFT EDUCATION Bachelor’s degree Simpson Bible College San Francisco Graduated in 1982 Major in Christian Education Master’s degree Fresno State University Fresno Graduated in 1994 Major in Counseling-Marriage,Family and Child Counseling SPECIALTIES: Stress, Anxiety Self esteem Depression Coping with Life Changes Anger Management Communication problems- Imago therapy certificatied Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. EMDR level II trained since 2007 CLINICAL APPROACHES Client-Centered Therapy Cognitive Behavioral Therapy EMDR Therapy Solution Focused Therapy Imago-Couples Therapy Years of Experience 23 LANGUAGE English LICENSING LMFT40133

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Jamie Buongiorno

Offering therapy in California
License: LCWS
Coping with life changes
3 years of experience

Hello and welcome to Better Help! My name is Jamie Buongiorno and I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) based in California. I have ten years of experience working with people making changes in their lives and three years of experience as a licensed clinician. My therapy style is collaborative, non-judgmental and strengths based. When working with clients I strive to make the therapy experience genuine, supportive and specific to your concerns and goals. You are the expert of your life and my job is to assist and empower you as you make positive changes in your life. In my practice I draw from a variety of therapeutic techniques and therapy modalities, including cognitive behavioral therapy, solution focused therapy, internal family systems therapy, mindfulness and attachment theory. Seeking therapy can feel scary and I admire your courage in taking this first step! I would welcome the opportunity to work with you and look forward to connecting with you.

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Randy Farhi

Offering therapy in California
AddictionsRelationship issuesTrauma and abuseIntimacy-related issuesDepression
25 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 25 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with coping with addictions, relationship issues, trauma and abuse, & 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.

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Matthew Poje

Offering therapy in California
Trauma and abuse
14 years of experience

Trauma Survivors and those in addiction recovery, if you are ready to work to the height of what's possible for your mental health, I am licensed in California and Wisconsin with 23 years of professional work experience. I have helped clients with trauma and abuse, coping with grief and loss. I have had the privilege of working with our military members, as a Department of Defense contractor as well as our veterans, providing thousands of Service Members the resources language to make the most of the care available to them. 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. I can teach you the steps of the Instinctual Trauma Response method that will help you become more resilient and resolve many, if not all, of your past traumas. Obviously there is work involved, and if you are ready, let's get to work.

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Peter Hilliard

Offering therapy in California
Relationship issuesFamily conflictsTrauma and abuseAnger managementCoping with life changes
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, relationship issues, family conflicts, & 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. 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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Angelica Curiel-Torres

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesAnger managementCoping with life changesADHD
8 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, relationship issues, anger management, & 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 sign up for therapy can take courage and I am proud of you for getting started!

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Rachael Sanders

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesFamily conflictsCoping 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, relationship issues, family conflicts, & 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.

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Kim Sainten

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

I am licensed in California with 11 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, trauma and abuse, & motivation, self esteem, and confidence. 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. 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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Tiffany Peiro Ochoa

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietyFamily conflictsSelf esteemCoping with life changesCompassion fatigue
10 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 10 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 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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Gerald Marcus

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsDepressionCoping with life changesADHD
40 years of experience

I am licensed in California and Delaware with 40 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress, substance abuse issues, anxiety, motivation, self esteem, confidence, depression, coping with life changes, & concentration, memory. I also have experience working with 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 seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process.

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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