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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Sharlese Jones
I've been doing therapy for over 10 years, helping various needs. I'm a licensed LMFT that has assisted children, teens and families in learning new skills to manage, anger, depression, anxiety, stress, build confidence, self esteem building, transgender issues, and various other situations. It's a joy to walk help people within their search for healing, insight, and empowerment. Sometimes it is hard to access the inner guide we have due to outside influences, fear, doubt, or from being out of alignment. Asking for help is one of the hardest things you can do, but can be very rewarding. As a therapist, I strive to help you connect to your authentic self in order to help you have more for filling experiences on your life journey. I applaud your courage for taking the first steps towards positive change through therapy. If you are ready to take that step I am here to support and empower you. I look forward to working with you!
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Peter Jastermsky
Hello! I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and hold active licenses in California, Pennsylvania, and North Dakota. I have more than 30 years of experience helping people in a variety of settings, from Employee Assistance (EAP) to Outpatient Mental Health and Drug and Alcohol. In addition to my counseling experience, I have been a clinical supervisor and trainer of therapists. I am also a Certified Grief Counseling Specialist. Congratulations for taking this brave first step to find support, and to make positive changes in your life! I offer individual counseling for adults, 21 and up, who live in California, Pennsylvania, or North Dakota. I have a supportive, conversational style. We will start wherever you “are” in your life. I see my role as a guide who will help you consider your choices, to examine the consequences of changing versus not changing behaviors or circumstances, to set meaningful goals, and to support your decisions. In uncertain, stressful times, it is easy to get overwhelmed and “stuck,” but I believe there is always “the one thing” a person can do to take meaningful action. While I agree that knowing “why” we behave in certain ways can be useful, I do feel that people seek out counseling to “move beyond.” I believe that YOU are the expert on you, and I will encourage you to take the next steps to improve your life.
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Zachary Martin
Thank you for your consideration. I come by my profession honestly. I have always been known as a calming individual in my social circle. This led me to a helping profession early on. I worked in adult residential facilities for persons with development disabilities while I pursued my education. In 2008, I graduated with a bachelor’s degree in philosophy and a minor in psychology. My philosophy degree is uncommon for a therapist. However, I believe that greatly assists my work. This is especially relevant with CBT and existential crisis work. I graduated with my master’s degree in Social Work in 2013. My post graduate experience includes foster/adoption work, child welfare investigations, inpatient hospitalization, interdisciplinary teams, and outpatient therapy. My diverse experience gives me a strong perspective of the contributing factors that lead to mental illness. I have been practicing outpatient therapy for the last four years. My therapeutic approach draws upon cognitive behavioral, narrative, mindfulness, solution focused, motivational interviewing, and psychodynamic theories. My primary goal is to create a comfortable environment for patients in which they are able to freely express themselves. From there, I work closely with patients to find interventions that will produce results for them.

Javier Zuniga
I am licensed in California with 26 years of professional work experience. I am fluently bilingual in Spanish and English. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, trauma and abuse, parenting issues, & anger management. I have worked with many clients in various stages of life and have helped them get through some tough situations. I believe you are the expert of your story and you have many strengths that will assist you in overcoming obstacles that challenge you. Seeking help takes courage so I commend you for your courage. I am glad you are making a choice to live a more fulfilling life and I am here to support you in that process.
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Kasandra Bellamy
I am licensed in California with 5 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, coping with grief and loss, motivation, self esteem, and confidence, & 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 seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process.
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Esmeralda Garcia
I am licensed in California with 6 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with relationship issues, family conflicts, & parenting issues. I also have experience working with career difficulties. 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.

Tara Davidson
I am licensed in California with 19 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with relationship issues, family conflicts, intimacy related issues, & 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. Taking the first step to sign up for therapy can take courage and I am proud of you for getting started!

Valinda Petschl
I am licensed in California with over 20 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with relationship issues, parenting issues, motivation, self esteem, confidence & coping with life changes. I believe 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.

Esmeralda Chavez
I am licensed in California with 5 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, family conflicts, trauma and abuse, & 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.

Sasha Khalili
I am licensed in California with 4 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, trauma and abuse, substance abuse, existentialism, & depression. I work with my clients to create an open and safe environment where thoughts and feelings can be shared without fear of judgment, while also taking ownership of one's life. It takes courage to seek out a more fulfilling and happier life and to take the first steps towards a change or understanding yourself on a more intimate level. I am here to support, empower, and walk alongside you in your 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:
- 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 feature
- 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 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.
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
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