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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Ruben Martinez

Offering therapy in California
License: MS, LMFT
LGBTSelf esteemCoping with life changesCoaching
15 years of experience

Ruben Martinez Jr. is an experienced Bicultural and Bilingual Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist. Ruben is skilled in behavioral and mindfulness therapies and highly experienced conducting individual, family, group, and life-skills counseling. Ruben is also trained and experienced in early childhood services and has experience working with youth, adolescents and adults adjusting to important life domains including self-care, home living, academic, health, self-direction, leisure, spirituality, social/interpersonal skills, use of community resources, and vocation. Ruben is also an experienced Clinical Trainer on various overall wellness topics, including early childhood, trauma, and resilience at the university level. Ruben has worked with many individuals and families, seeking support in building resilience, positive coping, and managing challenging symptoms in his training and practice. Ruben helps his clients build awareness around what they are thinking, feeling, and doing while supporting the coping tools necessary to create change and build resilience. If you feel ready to connect with a professional who can provide specialized services tailored to your needs, reach out to Ruben for support. Ruben has a love for sports, travel, music, art, and animals.

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Cynthia Luellen

Offering therapy in California
License: LCSW
Stress, AnxietyFamily conflictsTrauma and abuseSelf esteemDepression
20 years of experience

I’m Here to Help ! My goal is to create a safe space for you to share your pain. I strongly believe working together in a strong supportive, professional relationship is an important key to a great outcome. For 20 plus years, I have had the joy of helping individuals, groups and families to resolve a wide range of problems and reduce emotional distress. With compassion and empathy, I will help to restore your equilibrium in distressing times, so you can become functional again. If you have unresolved issues from childhood, I am exceptionally trained to handle that as well. We can go as deep as you desire—It’s up to you. Working in partnership, we will identify your strengths, then use them as a springboard to gain a more enjoyable life. We will work to help you gain important insight into issues which have become stumbling blocks, then devise strategies to help reduce the pain, along with acquiring skills to cope more effectively. SPECIALITIES Depression/Anxiety Family Conflicts Trauma and abuse Motivation, self esteem and confidence Unresolved issues from children Co-Dependency Other Specialities Losses and grief, coping with life changes, work stress, self- sabotage

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Joshua Siskin

Offering therapy in California
License: LMFT,BA,MS
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsRelationship issuesFamily conflictsDepression
17 years of experience

I have been working as a mental health professional for 14 years. My approach is solution focused. I am not primarily concerned with how or why your present challenge developed, but rather will assist you in finding a way forward. I hope to elicit and reinforce your positive attributes and competencies and help you to access your inner strength. My goal is that you should feel better about yourself and life in general with the completion of our session together. Your ability to change or improve your situation depends on your desire to do so. My job is to awaken that desire within you.

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Alyssa Vida

Offering therapy in California
License: MA, ,LMFT
Stress, AnxietyFamily conflictsTrauma and abuseAnger managementSelf esteem
7 years of experience

My name is Alyssa Vida and I'm a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT#96704). I’m so glad you’ve made the decision to start personal therapy through BetterHelp. Not only is therapy a wonderful opportunity for problem solving, but it can also serve as a catalyst for personal growth and improved quality of life. I strongly believe most problems have solutions and sometimes all it takes is a fresh perspective. I also believe that you are the “expert of you,” meaning you know yourself best. My approach is collaborative, so I will let you set the agenda for each session. As we work together we will discuss your current challenges as well as barriers to your goals, and we will use this increased insight to develop attainable solutions that work for you. I most often utilize a "client-centered approach" but draw heavily from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Solution Focused, and Family Systems frameworks. My ultimate goal will be for you to leave each session feeling more capable, confident, and empowered to make changes. My main job will be to assist you with setting goals for yourself and identifying any unhelpful thoughts/ patterns of behavior which are getting in the way of you leading the life you’d like to lead. I will also help you to identify more personal strengths and teach you coping skills for stressors as they arise. As a Licensed Marriage Family Therapist, I'm trained to work with individuals, couples, family units, and children. I have vast experience in the field of counseling and have been fortunate to work in a variety of settings ranging from community mental health, to private practice, to school-based, and most recently, for the military. I hold a Masters degree in Clinical Psychology from Azusa Pacific University and a special certification in Trauma Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT). I'm passionate about empowering individuals with tools for self advocacy, problem solving, increased self awareness, and resiliency, and look forward to working with you! Specialties: Anger Management Anxiety, Stress, and Depression Autism Spectrum Disorders Crisis Intervention Domestic Violence Family Systems Special Needs/ Social Skills Trauma Treatment Approach/ Orientation: Trauma Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT) Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) Solution Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT) Strength Based

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Shannon Bettencourt

Offering therapy in California
Relationship issuesTrauma and abuseGriefSelf esteemCoping with life changes
22 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 22 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with relationship issues, trauma and abuse, coping with grief and loss, & motivation, self esteem, and confidence. 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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RICHARD GARCIA

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesIntimacy-related issuesAnger managementDepression
16 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 15 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, intimacy related issues, & anger management. 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.

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Nicole Stalker

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesSelf esteemCompassion fatigueADHD
14 years of experience

I am a licensed clinical social worker licensed in Colorado and California with 14 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, motivation, self esteem and confidence, child behavior, grief and loss, & compassion fatigue. My therapy approach is warm and interactive. I believe in treating everyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion. My approach is client-centered and solution-focused. 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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Mersedeh Kaviany

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesTrauma and abuseSelf esteemDepression
6 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, relationship issues, trauma and abuse, & 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. 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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Dr. Susan Fleming

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsRelationship issuesFamily conflictsDepression
18 years of experience

I have worked with families and children for 18 years. I work with children from 3 years old to 22 years old in educational settings stuggling with social skills in educational settings. My specialized area is in high functioning autism and coping skills. I work with adults that have a difficult time with coping skills and anger management. Areas of a high anxiety, depression and grieving issues are areas of expertise as well. I am licensed in California with 18 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, coping with addictions, relationship issues, & family conflicts. 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.

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Jason Stringer

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsRelationship issuesSelf esteemDepression
6 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 6 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 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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Maribeth Capen

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsSelf esteemDepressionCoping with life changes
12 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 12 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, coping with addictions, motivation, self esteem, and confidence, & depression. 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.

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Mario Herrera

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesTrauma and abuseSelf esteemDepression
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, relationship issues, trauma and abuse, & motivation, self esteem, and confidence. 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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Patrick Borch

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietyLGBTGriefSelf esteemCoping with life changes
14 years of experience

I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker based in the Bay Area, California. My experience comes from providing clinical and behavioral change counseling to adults with a variety of presenting concerns, including stress/anxiety, depression, coping with life changes, grief/loss, smoking cessation and other health-related behavior change, family relationships, and LGBT-related issues. I approach the therapeutic relationship with an acute sensitivity and respect for multi/cross cultural factors. I have clinical experience working with adults of all ages, socioeconomic backgrounds, genders, sexual orientations, ethnicities, and religious traditions. I have provided clinical and behavioral change counseling primarily in the health care setting, including acute care hospitals, research centers, and medical clinics. I believe we are all products of our closest relationships, environment, family systems, cultural background, and society. Every previous moment has led to the present one. I strive to treat the therapeutic relationship and you with compassion, respect, and warmth. My therapy style and approach draw influences from Mindfulness Therapy, Client-Centered Therapy, Strength-Based Therapy, Nonviolent Communication, and Motivational Interviewing. My top priority is to meet you where you are and to adjust my approach to what will work best for you as we work together to meet your goals. Whether you are working toward personal growth and insight or symptom-relief and improved functioning, my hope is that we can work collaboratively together to achieve it! It takes a lot of strength and courage to work towards a more fulfilling and happier life. If you are ready to take that step, I am here to support and empower you.

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Marina Dormer

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesEating disordersParenting issuesSelf esteem
12 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 12 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, eating disorders, & parenting 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. 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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Elena Wash

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietySelf esteemCareer difficultiesCoping with life changesCompassion fatigue
8 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 8 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress, anxiety, motivation, self esteem, confidence, career difficulties, & coping with life changes. I also have experience working with compassion fatigue. 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!

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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