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.

Negin Safarmehdi
Hello! My name is Negin and I am a Licensed Marriage Family Therapist (LMFT). I have over eight years of experience in working with mental health and substance use concerns. I have worked in a wide range of therapeutic settings including: crisis facilities, residential facilities, non-profit organizations, correctional facilities and outpatient behavioral health centers. I work with clients to address their specific needs and identified goals. I understand that each client's personal journey is unique, therefore, my approach is tailored to fit each individual’s particular needs. I have a passion for emotional healing that improves relationships and the overall quality of daily experiences for each individual and family. My therapy style is person centered and supportive yet direct. I do my best to guide my clients into gaining insight into the causes of their problems. I am adept in working with a wide range of issues such as anxiety, depression, adjustment issues, dual- diagnosis, self-esteem, couples counseling, family therapy, and acute mental health disorders. My approach to therapy is to give clients the tools and skills they need to achieve their goals, personal growth, and find purpose and meaning. In my clinical work, I utilize a variety of interventions from a few different evidence based modalities to best address your needs. I particularly enjoy utilizing interventions from cognitive behavioral therapy, mindfulness, solution focused therapy, and motivational interviewing. I look forward to working with you!

Amber Ito
I am licensed in California with 7 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with family conflicts & parenting issues. I have experience in helping neurologically diverse clients, including but not limited to those on the Autism spectrum, Down's Syndrome, and ADHD/ADD. 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!

Melissa Willard
I am licensed in California with 13 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, motivation, self esteem, and confidence, & depression. I also have experience working with law enforcement, first responders and military. 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!

saundrea young
I am licensed in California (LCSW) with over 40 years of professional clinical knowledge and practice. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety related to Phase-of-Life issues, medical diagnosis and treatment issues, and grief and loss. I also work have expertise in the areas of aging, caregiving. I am committed to treating everyone with unbiased respect, sensitivity, and compassion. I tailor the dialog and treatment plan to meet your unique and specific needs. I recognize that taking the first step to sign up for therapy requires courage, insight, and strength. It is my privilege to help you investigate and nurture those inner strengths.

Brennan Fitzgerald
I am licensed in California with 11 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, trauma and abuse, career difficulties, & executive and professional coaching. 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 Bivens
As a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in California, my mission is to educate and empower individuals and families. My approach emphasizes advocacy, communication, and personal engagement, recognizing the unique genetic and cultural differences of each family, couple, child, and individual. My aim is to build enduring relationships within the community, families, couples, caregivers, parents, children, and on a personal level. I seize every chance to leverage my expertise for a positive social impact. My objective is to support families, couples, children, and individuals in overcoming their challenges, empowering them to enact lasting changes, and contributing to a thriving, productive, safe, and healthy community through one-on-one engagement. I am a firm advocate of holistic self-improvement, believing in the necessity of intentional daily life and self-betterment. My role involves equipping and empowering communities, families, couples, parents, caregivers, children, and individuals with the knowledge and skills to strengthen interpersonal relationships and pursue self-actualization in their personal lives, within the community, their families, as caregivers, parents, and children, using an educational, preventive, and strength-based approach. With over a decade of experience aiding clients with relationship issues, family conflicts, trauma and abuse, and parenting concerns, I hold the conviction that you are the master of your narrative and possess numerous strengths that will aid you in surmounting your challenges. Initiating therapy requires bravery, and I commend you for taking that first step. Personally, I identify primarily as an African American woman with deep spiritual beliefs, a mother of nine, and a Ya-Ya (grandmother) of seven. My life experiences, professional background, and education have equipped me to actively engage in advocacy, empowerment, and self-sufficiency for communities, families, caregivers, parents, and children, perpetuating a cycle of change to make a difference in the world.

Kila Dames
I am licensed in 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, & depression. 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!

April Adams Edwards
I am licensed in California with 20 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with relationship issues, motivation, self esteem, confidence, career difficulties, & depression. 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. Taking the first step to sign up for therapy can take courage and I am proud of you for getting started!

Rachel Fan
Hello, My name is Rachel Fan. I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in California with 4 years of therapeutic experience and almost 10 years total of professional exposure to various people groups and needs. I have helped others with stress, anxiety, motivation, self-esteem, confidence, depression, & coping with life changes among others. I believe that you have been equipped with what is necessary so that you can overcome the challenges in this life. It takes courage to acknowledge the difficulties in this world and humility to take the first steps towards change. I am here to support & encourage you in that journey. In our time together, I will provide support through a biblical Christian worldview. It's important that your values and beliefs are in a safe place. My use of a client-centered approach desires to meet you where you are at while also providing (hopefully) helpful truths to point you in the right direction. I enjoy using components from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, Solution-Focused therapy, among others and I want you to get the best therapist fit. Feel free to schedule a session with me if you are interested in further discussing where you're at and what you'd like help with. Please reach out if you have any questions or concerns. What matters most is that you get the care you need. I hope the best for you whichever you choose. All the best, Rachel

Lori Franklin
I am licensed in California with 20 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with trauma, abuse, coping with grief, coping with loss, parenting issues, & anger management. I also have experience working with depression. 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!
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.
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