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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Marsha (Marcie) Eriksen Hanna

Offering therapy in California
License: MSW,LCSW
GriefSelf esteemCareer difficultiesCoping with life changesCompassion fatigue
21 years of experience

Welcome and congratulations on reaching out for support! It takes great strength to make the decision to take that first step. We will be showcasing and enhancing your many strengths by utilizing a Strengths-Based, Solution Focused, and Cognitive Behavioral model in our time together to achieve your fullest potential and happiness in life. I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with almost 20 years of experience in working with individual adults and families in the following practice areas: Depression, Stress and Anxiety, Relationship issues, Family Conflicts, Coping with grief and loss, Parenting issues, Motivation/Self esteem/Confidence, Career difficulties, Coping with life changes, Compassion fatigue, and Memory Loss. My Master’s degree in Social Work is from San Diego State University. I also completed an Intergenerational Specialist certificate program from the University of Pittsburgh’s graduate school of social work. You will find my counseling style to be compassionate, warm, genuine, direct, and respectful. I create a space for you that is safe, non-judgmental, encouraging and positive. I am an empathetic and active listener, and we will use proven approaches and strategies that are tailored to the uniqueness of your needs and life path. I am looking forward to working with you!

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Esther Kennedy

Offering therapy in California
License: MSW,LCSW
Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseSelf esteemDepressionCoping with life changes
35 years of experience

Hello and welcome to taking the first steps to changing your life situation. My name is Esther Kennedy and I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, LCSW. I have been in the field of behavior health for over 30 years. My direct services have been providing support to adults, children and adolescents. My expertise is in the areas of; outpatient therapy, individual, family, group, psycho-social assessments, social-emotional development, crisis intervention, case management services, substance misuse/abuse, adaptive life skills and client advocating. Additionally, I have worked with clients on a wide range of concerns such as anxiety, depression, ADHD, parenting concerns, relationship problems, family conflicts, domestic violence, coping with life changes, poor social skills, anger management and trauma induced issues to name a few. My counseling approach combines Client Center Therapy, Mindfulness, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Solution Focused Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, and a Faith-Based Counseling approach. I take pride in my style of a non-judgmental attitude, cultural sensitivity, being warm and caring, being an empathetic listener and responding empathetically can help you work through challenges and life’s issues. If you want to experience more effective ways of coping with life stressors please consider partnering with me to achieve your desired goals.

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Dr. Jerri Curry

Offering therapy in California
License: PhD
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsRelationship issuesSelf esteemDepression
30 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 35 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, coping with addictions, relationship issues, & motivation, self esteem, and confidence. I believe in treating everyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion. I will tailor our sessions to meet your unique and specific needs. As you think so you are. Change your thoughts and change your life. It takes courage to engage in counseling to become more aware and responsible for one's own choices and the dysfunctional patterns we often get stuck in. Change is an internal process and not external. Every experience is an opportunity to learn. You have every right to seek out a more fulfilling and happier life and to take the first steps towards change. I am here to support & empower you in that journey.

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Chelsea Davis

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietySelf esteemDepressionCoping with life changes
8 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 8 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, eating disorders, motivation, self esteem, & depression. 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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Luke Meier

Offering therapy in California
License: LCPC
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesSelf esteemDepressionCoping with life changes
10 years of experience

Hello, my name is Luke. I am a 38-year-old father and husband who has been counseling since 2013. I was in the military from 2003-2010 and previously worked at a veterans hospital. Along with my counseling education and experience with various individuals, I have a Master's Degree in Theological Studies. Studying theology helps me incorporate these beliefs into sessions. I have experience in substance abuse disorders, including pornography addiction and eating disorders. I have experience with depression management, anxiety, mindfulness techniques, practical coping skills, and providing a listening ear. My areas of employment include substance abuse and mental health in treatment centers, private practice, and contract work. I have a TEDxLincoln talk titled Avoiding the Quick Fix from my experience as a nutritional counselor and have a few published pieces in those areas as well. Though I am formally trained in MI, MET, DBT, CBT, ACT, EMDR, and many other acronyms, my approach is to be constantly curious about your life. I like to ask difficult questions getting you to reflect on your thinking. I like to address behaviors both of us notice that interfere with what you want in life. You are the expert in your life. Therapy is not a teaching moment where I am right, and you listen, but rather something we explore together. Overall, therapy is a relationship. You should feel comfortable sharing whatever is on your mind with your therapist. Please, choose someone you connect with rather quickly. I look forward to meeting with you and viewing old, stagnant beliefs in your life differently.

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Theresa Heyes

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesGriefSelf esteemDepression
16 years of experience

I am licensed in California as a Marriage Family Therapist with 16 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, coping with grief and loss, divorce issues & motivation, self esteem, and confidence. 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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Araseli Hernandez

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietyGriefSelf esteemDepressionCoping 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, coping with grief, coping with loss, motivation, self esteem, confidence, & depression. I also have experience working with coping with life changes. 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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Marisela Calvillo Espinoza

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietySelf esteemCoping with life changesCompassion fatigue
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, motivation, self esteem, & confidence. I also have experience working with coping with life changes. 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. I am a first generation Latina with some knowledge on cultural challenges we come across ! I bring not only professional experience but personal . I am a very empathetic person and provide my patients with support.

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Aleida Murcia

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseAnger managementSelf 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, trauma, abuse, anger management, 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.

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Miranda Dinkins

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietyGriefSelf esteemDepressionCoping with life changes
6 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 6 years of professional work experience. I have experience in supporting women of color with taking on the challenge of significant life transitions to achieve a life of love, acceptance, and confidence for self and others. 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 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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