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.
Jennifer Shtrum
Throughout my short time on the platform, I see that goal oriented, solution focused and directive therapy work best due to client's short time on the app. If this approach works for you, please book a time. Below is my more detailed credentials but again- for the purposes of the app, I will work in a more direct and coaching manner. I am a Marriage and Family therapist licensed in California with over 20 years of experience working with a client base ranging from children to the elderly. I have worked with clients trying to understand their emotions causing various symptoms. Key areas that my work focuses on are significant life changes, relationship troubles, problematic family dynamics causing distress, and self esteem issues. I am also practice within a Trauma Focused Cognitive Behavioral Framework when necessary although I do not work with complex trauma in an online format and will refer out. My therapeutic framework is centered on unconditional positive regard and you being heard and validated. I will meet you where you are and encourage growth throughout the therapeutic experience. I work from a strength based approach with a focus on being solution focused. I strive to uncover triggers in your environment that impact daily functioning. Looking at your history and dynamics in your family of origin will also be a focal point of treatment. Ultimately, I will work with you to fulfill your needs using a combination of multiple therapeutic modalities tailored to your needs. You have taken the first step in getting support. I look forward to working with you and hearing your story.
William Martinez
I bring 20 years of experience of working with adults, youth and their families when in crises and experiencing pain. I have worked with individuals who have experienced trauma, depression and anxiety. I work alongside you to better understand your situation or your feelings, so that we can develop a care plan which will help alleviate any anguish or suffering. My passion lies in helping families and couples with their communication, utilizing practical and realistic interventions that will strengthen their bond and help them achieve their goals. I also work with couples who are experiencing miscommunication issues and are striving to better understand their partners. My expertise's also lie in working with families that are struggling and who have children who are excessively fearful, angry or sad. I work alongside them to help them overcome difficult transitions in life (death, unexpected changes, family crises). I have a sensitivity to youth who identify as gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender or with special needs. I use evidenced based practices such as the Gottman Method for couples, Trauma Focused Cognitive Behavior Therapy, Dialectical Behavior Therapy, and Cognitive Behavior Therapy as a framework for progress. However, I find that my life experiences of working with kids/teenagers as a Big Brother, Boys Scouts and youth support groups have allowed me to better understand youth.
Jennifer Elkins
I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in the state of California with over 11 years of experience working with children, families and individuals. I have worked with clients on a wide range of concerns including depression, anxiety, relationship issues, parenting struggles and trauma. My therapy style is warm, interactive and empowering. I will work alongside you to develop insight into the concerns that brought you to therapy and develop coping skills and strategies to better move through your current struggles and life! Based on the individual’s needs and where they are at, I utilize EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing), motivational interviewing, cognitive behavioral therapy, mindfulness, and solution focused therapy to develop skills to help my client move through the situation at hand. Life can be complex and challenging for all of us at one time or another. It can require extra support and interventions to help move through the struggles we may be experiencing. I commend you on taking the first and sometimes most difficult step of seeking help and I look forward to supporting you along this journey. Should you feel in need of urgent help or that you are in crisis at any time during our work together; please call 1-800-273-TALK 24 hours a day; or 911. This forum does not provide any type of emergency services, so it is important for you to have resources available to you if you need immediate help.
Amanda Mills
I am a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist experienced in cognitive behavioral therapy, motivational interviewing, solution-focused and play therapy. I am a gender affirming therapist who uses a humanistic approach and empathy to provide a safe space free of shame or judgement for clients. Since 2014, I have worked with children, adolescents, and adults in various settings including non-profit organizations and education settings. 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 and empower you in that journey.
Nancy Montes
I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in California with 22 years of professional work experience. I am Bilingual (English & Spanish), Bi-Cultural and believe in being cultural sensitive. I have helped individuals from diverse socio-economic backgrounds, including Hispanic populations, at-risk children, adolescents, adults, families, couples. I am skilled in assisting clients work through and resolve issues with grief/loss, trauma, depression, anxiety, ADHD, OCD, ODD, substance and alcohol abuse, chronic pain, truancy, life and social skills, anger, parenting, domestic violence, divorce, and other life issues. 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. I believe in treating everyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion.
Michael Feer
I am licensed in California with 12 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. Taking the first step to sign up for therapy can take courage and I am proud of you for getting started!
Cynthia Solomon
I am licensed in California with 15 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, coping with addictions, coping with grief and loss, & 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.
Zoya Raysberg-Bellman
I am licensed in California with 22 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, anger management, & 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.
Rachel Valencia
I am licensed in California with 10 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, motivation, self esteem, and confidence, career difficulties, & 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!
Suzanne Etheridge
I am licensed in California with 20 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with coping with addictions, eating disorders, parenting issues, coping with life changes, & concentration, memory. I also have experience working with focus (adhd). 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.
Jennifer Landivar
I am licensed in California with 12 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress, anxiety, coping with addictions, relationship issues, & 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. 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.
yajaira lopez
I am licensed in California with 12 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients manage stress, anxiety, motivation and self esteem. I have found that my style and approach are a good fit for those who are navigating life transitions and challenges as first-gen adults, young professionals, and millennials. 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.
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:
- National Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-799-SAFE (7233)
- National Suicide Prevention Lifeline:1-800-273-TALK (8255)
- Crisis Text Line:Text HOME to 741741
- Veterans Crisis Line<:Call 1-800-273-8255 (and press 1) or text 838255. For support for the deaf and hard of hearing community, please use your preferred relay service or dial 711 then 1-800-273-8255.
- Trevor Lifeline(LGBTQ Lifeline): (866)488-7386
- SAMHSA National Helpline: (Substance Use): (800)662-4357
- National Eating Disorder Association Helpline:1-800-931-2237 (M-Th: 9 AM-9 PM EST, Fri 9 AM - 5 PM EST
- Child Help Hotline Call 1-800-422-4453 or use the online chat featur
- National Anti-Hazing Hotline: 1-888-NOT-HAZE (1-888-668-4293)
- Physician Crisis Support Line: Call 1-888-409-0141 if you are a first responder or medical provider experiencing crises related to Covid-1
- Sexual Assault Hotline: Call RAINN at 1-800-656-4673
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.
Popular cities in California
- Los Angeles, CA
- San Diego, CA
- San Jose, CA
- San Francisco, CA
- Fresno, CA
- Sacramento, CA
- Long Beach, CA
- Oakland, CA
- Bakersfield, CA
- Anaheim, CA
- Santa Ana, CA
- Riverside, CA
Find your state
- Alabama
- Alaska
- Arizona
- Arkansas
- California
- Colorado
- Connecticut
- Delaware
- District of Columbia
- Florida
- Georgia
- Hawaii
- Idaho
- Illinois
- Indiana
- Iowa
- Kansas
- Kentucky
- Louisiana
- Maine
- Maryland
- Massachusetts
- Michigan
- Minnesota
- Mississippi
- Missouri
- Montana
- Nebraska
- Nevada
- New Hampshire
- New Jersey
- New Mexico
- New York
- North Carolina
- North Dakota
- Ohio
- Oklahoma
- Oregon
- Pennsylvania
- Rhode Island
- South Carolina
- South Dakota
- Tennessee
- Texas
- Utah
- Vermont
- Virginia
- Washington
- West Virginia
- Wisconsin
- Wyoming