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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Anna Major

Offering therapy in California
License: MA,LMFT
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesFamily conflictsTrauma and abuseDepression
8 years of experience

I am a licensed marriage and family therapist in the state of California with over 12 years experience working in both a private practice and a community mental health setting. I have worked with a wide variety of clients with issues ranging from ADHD, PTSD, depression anxiety and personality disorders. I have also helped children and families cope with domestic and sexual abuse as well as parenting difficulties. The greatest athletes have coaches that help them to overcome little challenges that are holding them back from greatness and therapy works similarly. As your therapist, I will accompany you on your journey to provide you the support and resources you either know you need help with or that are revealed by our work together. Focusing on results can be important, but success can be just as much about the journey as the destination. Therefore I seek to accompany my clients for as long as they need me to, with dedication and unconditional positive regard. I am trained in a variety of treatment modalities including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Family Systems, Humanistic Existential and Dialectic Behavioral Therapy, however I consider myself and eclectic therapist who uses a combination of treatment techniques to best meet my client's needs.

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Victoria Durant

Offering therapy in California
License: MA,LMFT
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsRelationship issuesFamily conflictsIntimacy-related issues
25 years of experience

I am a licensed marriage and family therapist in California. I received my Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science, History, and Psychology and my Master of Arts degree in Clinical Psychology. I have been providing individual, family, and couples therapy for almost two decades. I have experience with a variety of age and ethnic groups. I utilize various theoretical orientations including Solution-Focused, Narrative, and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. I have worked in elementary and high school settings, residential drug treatment, and mental health partial hospitalization programs. Additionally, I am well-versed in 12-Step addiction models. My therapeutic approach focuses on helping clients separate who they think they "should" be from who they actually are. I aim to identify clients’ needs and further develop their communication skills. We collaborate to cultivate an integrated acceptance of self, while promoting a rich environment for change to occur. I seek to find strategies for clients to cultivate more meaningful connections, which require vulnerability and intimacy. Great therapy is built on a relationship of warmth, empathy, and curiosity, where all parties learn from one another. I pay attention to the moment-to-moment experiences of the mind and body, and aspire to integrate them for overall well-being. Our therapy sessions are 50 minutes in length, so please don’t be confused by the 30-minute time slots when you schedule. I do ask for a minimum 24-hour cancellation notice prior to any scheduled sessions. More than one late-notice or no-show, will result in a referral to another therapist on the BetterHelp platform.

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William Fenton

Offering therapy in California
License: LMFT,MA
Relationship issuesFamily conflictsGriefParenting issuesDepression
35 years of experience

I am Marriage and Family Therapist with over 30 years experience. I have worked with individuals, couples and families in crisis and those wanting to improve their relationships. I have worked with military families and service members as well as vets. I have extensive experience with PTSD and Combat Stress. I have experience working with Depression, Anxiety and sexual abuse issues. I have extensive experience working with families with special needs children (mostly Autism). I have conducted workshops on Couples Communication and work with couples and families to improve their communication. I have experience working with Men's issues. I work on teaching men how to avoid domestic violence issues to parenting as a man. I also work to help men co-parent in divorce and separation. I work from a rational behavioral approach believing that everyone has the ability and can resolve their issues and problems. I believe that a good therapist will not only listen to their clients but will be active in teaching and improving the skills needed to improve your live and happiness. I look forward to working with you to improve your relationships with yourself, your family and everyone in your life.

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Shannon Fanucchi

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietyFamily conflictsParenting issuesAnger managementDepression
12 years of experience

My belief as a therapist and as a person is that all people, no matter where they are in life, are equipped with the innate ability to experience mental health. I do not see people as “broken”, rather, at some point in life, all people will find themselves “stuck” for one reason or another. My focus is to create a safe environment to educate and support clients while assisting them in meeting and exceeding their stated life goals.

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Lisa Tran

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesParenting issuesSelf esteemDepression
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, relationship issues, parenting issues, & 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 seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process.

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Sheretta 'Sheretha' Lee

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietyGriefSelf esteemCareer difficultiesDepression
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, coping with grief and loss, motivation, self esteem, and confidence, & career difficulties. 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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Janna Chin

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

Welcome. I'm glad you are here. I know it's not easy reaching out for support. My name is Janna and I'm a licensed marriage and family therapist. I'm a graduate of John F. Kennedy University. If you're struggling and unhappy with your life and relationships... there is hope. Sometimes we just need someone to talk to and listen without judgement. Sometimes we just need to be accepted for who we are. Sometimes we just need support from a caring, professional to help us figure out what is getting in the way so we can heal from past hurts, heartbreak, trauma, and disappointments. I've worked with individuals, couples, and families in a variety of mental health settings including, schools, non-profits, outpatient, and inpatient facilities. It is possible to create the life, career, and relationships you want. I'm here to help you be the best person you can be and feel the best you can feel. Here is one of my favorite quotes... "People will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel." ~ Maya Angelou Together, lets get you feeling better.

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Dr. Ann 'Annie' Vance

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesTrauma and abuseSelf esteemCoping with life changes
26 years of experience

I am licensed in California and Hawaii with 26 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, trauma, and abuse, as well as, helping with 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 seek a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. You've started the journey, I am here to support you in that process. I continue to grow and learn through Continuing Education Courses. I have a Doctorate in Christian Counseling Psychology to support Faith-based clients who want that, and respect those who only want secular psychology.

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Patricia Artieda

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseGriefParenting issuesDepression
5 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 3 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress, anxiety, trauma, abuse, coping with grief, coping with loss, & parenting issues. 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. 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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Laura Hackman

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietySelf esteemDepression
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, motivation, self esteem, & 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. 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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