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 Rosemary Flores's avatar and link to their profile

Rosemary Flores

Offering therapy in California
License: MA, LMFT
Stress, AnxietyFamily conflictsTrauma and abuseAnger managementDepression
12 years of experience

Hi All! I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in the state of California with 11 years of experience providing services to children, youth, adults, and families. I have great experience providing mental health therapy/services to clients enduring anxiety, depression, relationship challenges, change of life circumstances, and various forms of trauma. I earned my stripes with providing community based mental health services to low income families and the coordination of a residential facility's mental health treatment program for adolescent males on probation. Currently, I am supervising the next generation of mental health professionals as they embark within this career. When working with individuals and families I strive to assist each member with developing personal awareness of triggers and applying healthy coping skills to manage their reactions to triggers. I promote self-expression and self-esteem to guide each individual to find their desired balance and coordinate through the many obstacles of life. In therapy session, I often utilize Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Solution Focused Therapy concepts, however, I do consider my style as eclectic as I tailor my services to fit the individual's needs. I strive to assist others with their personal growth and and gaining of self-confidence to navigate through the everyday and out of ordinary life circumstances. Now that you know about me, lets get started. Looking forward to meeting and getting to know you!

This is Cynthia Roe's avatar and link to their profile

Cynthia Roe

Offering therapy in California
License: LCSW
Stress, AnxietyLGBTTrauma and abuseDepression
30 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 30 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, LGBTQI+ -related issues, & trauma and abuse. I also have experience working with depression and mood dysregulation. I also have a passion for working with individual and families impacted by cancer. 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 John Rego's avatar and link to their profile

John Rego

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesGriefCoping with life changesCoaching
20 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 20 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, coping with grief and loss, & 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 Sheldon Chase's avatar and link to their profile

Sheldon Chase

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsTrauma and abuseSelf esteemDepression
22 years of experience

I am licensed in California and Nevada with 20 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with anxiety and stress, depression, coping with compulsive behaviors, trauma and abuse, & low 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. 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. Change can begin today.

This is Kim Paylor's avatar and link to their profile

Kim Paylor

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesTrauma and abuseDepressionADHD
4 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, & 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!

This is Kathleen Lynch's avatar and link to their profile

Kathleen Lynch

Offering therapy in California
Trauma and abuseGriefAnger managementCoping with life changesCompassion fatigue
30 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 29 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with trauma and abuse, coping with grief and loss, anger management, & 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 seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process.

This is Wendy Aguirre's avatar and link to their profile

Wendy Aguirre

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietyFamily conflictsTrauma and abuseDepression
14 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 14 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress, anxiety, family conflicts, trauma, & abuse. 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 Melinda Elson's avatar and link to their profile

Melinda Elson

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesTrauma and abuseGriefDepression
30 years of experience

I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, LCSW, and am a dedicated mental health professional licensed in California with thirty years of valuable work experience. I specialize in assisting clients with a wide range of challenges, including stress and anxiety, trauma and abuse, coping with grief and loss, motivation, self-esteem, confidence, and depression. I am committed to providing compassionate and effective support to individuals seeking healing and personal growth. I have dedicated over 30 years to the field of mental health and therapy, specializing in individual, couple, and family therapy. With expertise in a range of therapy modalities, including psychodynamic, cognitive-behavioral, motivational interviewing, meditation practices, narrative therapy, and trauma-focused therapy, I offer a comprehensive and personalized approach to healing and growth. As a trained yoga practitioner with a Yoga Teacher 500-hour certification, I seamlessly integrate mindfulness and meditation techniques into therapy sessions to help alleviate symptoms of depression and anxiety. By focusing on increasing self-love, acceptance, and self-esteem, my goal is to guide clients through life changes, past traumas, and personal challenges with compassion and understanding. My approach is rooted in trauma-informed care, providing a safe, non-judgmental, and supportive space for clients to explore their emotions and experiences. With a wealth of experience and a commitment to holistic healing, I empower individuals to navigate their mental health journey and cultivate resilience in the face of adversity. With a client-centered approach, I work collaboratively with clients to establish an open and safe therapeutic environment where thoughts and feelings can be shared without fear of judgment. By fostering a space of trust and empathy, I focus on empowering clients to explore their emotions, confront challenges, and embark on a journey towards improved mental well-being. Recognizing the courage it takes to seek help and make positive changes in one's life, I am dedicated to guiding and supporting clients through this transformative process. Whether you are facing stress, trauma, self-esteem issues, or depression, I am here to provide the guidance, tools, and encouragement needed to navigate challenges and cultivate a more fulfilling and happier life. By choosing to work with me, you can expect a compassionate and dedicated therapist who is committed to your well-being and growth. Together, we can embark on a journey of self-discovery, healing, and empowerment, paving the way for a brighter and more fulfilling future.

This is Aracely Iniguez's avatar and link to their profile

Aracely Iniguez

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietyGriefParenting issuesDepressionCoping with life changes
12 years of experience

I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) in California with over 10 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress, anxiety, coping with grief, coping with loss, parenting issues, & depression. I have acquired additional professional experience working in the medical setting providing counseling support regarding coping with life changes to ill patients. In my work with clients my intention is 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 Sarah Davidson-Amici's avatar and link to their profile

Sarah Davidson-Amici

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietyGriefSelf esteemDepressionCoping with life changes
4 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 4 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress, anxiety, coping with grief, coping with loss, 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. 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.
Find the right therapist for your needs
Match with a qualified therapist