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.

This is Lisa Wyatt's avatar and link to their profile

Lisa Wyatt

Offering therapy in California
License: MS, LMFT
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesFamily conflictsTrauma and abuseCoping with life changes
19 years of experience

If you're here, it's likely because you're feeling confused or torn up about how to handle some part of your life, and it's affecting you in a way you wish it wasn't. I want to help you get past that, and get to a place where you're feeling more confident about your ability to manage the difficult situations you come across, whether it's with your family, in your relationships, or at work. I'm a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in California, and I've practiced therapy for over fifteen years. During that time, I've worked with people dealing with the stresses and anxieties of life, parents experiencing difficulties with their children, people struggling with addiction in either themselves or loved ones, survivors of trauma and abuse, and even fellow workers in the helping professions who are facing burnout. In working with clients, the number one thing I like to help them see is that it's normal to react to what is happening around you. It's human nature to have an emotional response to events in your life. What comes after that emotional response is often what people want to change, and where I come in. I can offer you a neutral opinion on the situation you are facing, and then work with you to find a solution that is realistic for your life. What works for you may not be what works for others, and that's okay. I use a Person-Centered approach overall, which means you set the tone for all of our interactions. I also like to use Strength-based techniques, which focuses on what you are doing well already and builds on it; Cognitive-Behavioral techniques, which looks at how our thoughts influence our behaviors; and Gestalt techniques, which allow us to look at your difficulties from different perspectives. I use an assortment of techniques from other approaches as well. I will always do my best to individualize my work to your specific needs, and empower you to make the changes you want to see in your life. You've already made one in reaching out for help, and I look forward to working with you.

This is Dr. Connie Zimmerman's avatar and link to their profile

Dr. Connie Zimmerman

Offering therapy in California
License: Ph.D.
Stress, AnxietySelf esteemDepressionCoping with life changes
10 years of experience

I am a licensed clinical psychologist in the state of California. I am also a married mother of two college age daughters. My areas of focus are anxiety, depression, stress management, women's issues and young adult issues. I use a client-centered and solution-focused approach to counseling and therapy, based on a cognitive-behavioral model of emotions and behavior. Client-centered means that I strive to provide a warm, compassionate and judgment-free environment. Solution-focused means that we will focus on specific problems or goals, and work toward developing skills and strategies to solve those problems and reach those goals. Cognitive-behavioral means that we will examine how your thoughts and beliefs affect your feelings and actions. Research shows that CBT is the best available drug-free approach for most psychological problems. It is my belief that everyone can benefit from examining how their thoughts affect how they feel about themselves and the world around them. Clients tell me that finding the right therapist and starting therapy can be a stressful and intimidating process. It takes a certain kind of intelligence to know how and when to reach out for help, and courage to follow-through. If you are struggling, but are ready to achieve your full potential and lead a life that is fulfilling and meaningful then I would be honored to work with you.

This is Elaine Gilmartin's avatar and link to their profile

Elaine Gilmartin

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietyFamily conflictsTrauma and abuseParenting issuesDepression
10 years of experience

I am licensed in Pennsylvania with 20 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, family conflicts, trauma and abuse, & parenting issues. 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!

This is Ingrid Vicencio's avatar and link to their profile

Ingrid Vicencio

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesTrauma and abuseEating disordersDepression
7 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 7 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, trauma and abuse, & eating disorders. 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.

This is Hobert Gabuat's avatar and link to their profile

Hobert Gabuat

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietyAnger managementCareer difficultiesDepression
6 years of experience

I am licensed clinical social worker (LCSW) in California with 6 years of professional work experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, anger management, depression & career difficulties. Additionally, I have 21 years of experience in the military with multiple deployments in Iraq and Afganistan. 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.

This is Arthur Brendze's avatar and link to their profile

Arthur Brendze

Offering therapy in California
LGBTRelationship issuesSelf esteemCoping with life changesCoaching
30 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 30 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with lgbtq+ related issues, relationship issues, motivation, self esteem, and confidence, & 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 seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process.

This is Nicholas Nunez's avatar and link to their profile

Nicholas Nunez

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietyAnger managementSelf esteemDepressionCoping with life changes
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, anger management, motivation, self esteem, confidence, & depression. I also have experience working with coping with life changes. 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!

This is Evie Harris-Fitzsimons's avatar and link to their profile

Evie Harris-Fitzsimons

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesSelf esteemDepressionCoping with life changes
7 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 7 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress, anxiety, relationship issues, motivation, self esteem, confidence, & 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. 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.

This is Dr. Sarah Jimenez's avatar and link to their profile

Dr. Sarah Jimenez

Offering therapy in California
AddictionsFamily conflictsTrauma and abuseGriefDepression
4 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 30+ years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with coping with addictions, family conflicts, trauma, abuse, coping with grief, & coping with loss. I also have experience working with 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.

This is Clara Flint's avatar and link to their profile

Clara Flint

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseSelf esteemDepressionCoping with life changes
20 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 20 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress, anxiety, trauma, abuse, motivation, self esteem, confidence, & 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.

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.
Find the right therapist for your needs
Match with a qualified therapist