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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Manisha Chulani

Offering therapy in California
License: MS, LMFT, PPS
Stress, AnxietyGriefParenting issuesSelf esteem
4 years of experience

Hi, My name is Manisha and I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist based out of California. My style of counseling is empathetic, non-judgmental, and patient. I feel our lives have patterns starting from childhood and I hope to uncover some of those patterns in your life. Also, we tend to live in a very fast past world and with a lot of images of how we should be. I try to help you uncover your true essence and for you to gain self compassion and love. It is to help you gain that secure sense of self. As a teenager, I used to like to go online and chat and I feel that virtual communication helps sometimes create that sense of safety which maybe harder when your meeting someone face to face and your anxiety might kick in. I utilize many modalities but I feel in a virtual platform, empathy, cognitive behavioral therapy, guided meditations, and solution focused is most applicable.

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Alison Murphy

Offering therapy in California
License: LCSW
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsRelationship issuesTrauma and abuseDepression
7 years of experience

Hi, my name is Alison. If you're here, that means you're looking for something, and I'd love to help. Congratulations on taking a huge step in thinking about asking for support. Over the years, I've helped lots of people at many different stages of their life work to have more control, more safety and more stability. Whether you are dealing with something new, a long term challenge, or if you just know something's not right and you can't put a finger on it, we should talk. I'm a Licensed Clinical Social Worker from California and my work with individuals and couples has been to support people in cultivating tools to improve how they manage the challenges they are facing. I'm an experienced therapist who has worked with diverse individuals around issues of trauma, depression, grief & loss, anxiety, substance abuse and interpersonal difficulties. My work with individuals is centered around the goals we develop together to improve their relationships, coping skills and emotional experiences. I approach the work with an open mind, an open heart and without judgement. You are the expert in your experience and I am here to help you identify where we can focus your energy to maximize your use of therapy. Together, we can use my clinical experience and training to personalize interventions that make the most sense for your individual goals. You should know that I attended San Francisco State University for my bachelors in Social Work (2005) as well as my for Masters in Social Work (2007) which provided a strong foundation in the value of Social Justice which is integrated into all my clinical work. My approach to this work is also guided by the ethical guidelines of the National Association of Social Workers and promotes self-determination, respect for others and the importance of human relationships. Since my work is based in these principles, if we work together, I promise you will feel seen, you will feel safe and you will feel better. Thank you for reading, I look forward to hearing from you.

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Dr. James Chavers

Offering therapy in California
License: PsyD,MACP
Stress, AnxietyLGBTRelationship issuesDepressionCoping with life changes
9 years of experience

It is by suffering that human beings become angels. – Victor Hugo Hello, my name is James Chavers. Thank you for taking the time to read my counselor profile. I am a clinical psychologist licensed and living in California. I earned my masters and doctorate in clinical psychology at Antioch University Santa Barbara. I have worked and trained in locked settings (jails and prisons), community health clinics, and colleges and universities for 9 years. I have worked with older adults living with HIV, addiction, and life course diseases, inmates of all genders preparing to transition out of locked settings, and students from 18-50+ navigating the difficulties of college life. Collaborating with my patients, we have worked through relationship, substance abuse, family, gender, sexuality, sexual assault, mood, and trauma issues, to name a few. My clients and I have worked together using a variety of modalities including Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Solution-Focused Therapy (SFT), Motivational Interviewing, and Client-centered Therapy. Incorporating Humanistic philosophies in my work, I believe that every person is deserving of love and respect. Each person is the expert of their own life. My purpose as a therapist is to support, suggest, and succor as needed. Finding the right counselor is akin to meeting a great friend. You want someone in your life who accepts you unconditionally, but is not afraid to call you out when you do something stupid. This friend takes the time to listen carefully to what’s going on, and then if you like, shares some insight. This friend is solidly in your corner and makes you feel like you are the most important person in the room. This friend stands by you and walks by your side as you work through your challenges. I have been blessed to have people like that in my life. If you give me the privilege, I would like to pay those experiences forward…to you. James Chavers PSY32025 Pronouns: He, him, his

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Dr. kathy cox

Offering therapy in California
License: LCSW, Ph.D.
Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseGriefDepressionCompassion fatigue
30 years of experience

Hello, my name is Kathy (Kathleen). I am a licensed clinical social worker with 25 years of counseling experience. If you decide to work with me, my goals will be to establish a trusting relationship and fully understand your needs, concerns. and aims for counseling. I am skilled at connecting with the strengths in my clients that, with support, allow them to overcome their challenges. I have ample experience working with young, middle-aged, and older adults who struggle with depressed/anxious moods, anger, grief and loss, relationship issues, compassion fatigue or secondary traumatic stress. I am also trained in trauma focused cognitive behavioral therapy. In addition to being a therapist, I am a semi-retired social work professor. I have published 2 books; one is focused on social work practice and the other on self-care for professional counselors. In my spare time, I enjoy yoga, swimming, and playing with my dogs. I am widowed and have 3 adult children. I look forward to working with you and participating in your healing and growth!

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Helen Hovsepian

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseGriefDepressionCoping with life changes
25 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 25 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with trauma and abuse, coping with grief and loss, anxiety, depression & adjusting to life changes and challenges. . I work with my clients to create trust in 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! If you are feeling stuck and want a change then you may be ready to start this journey of exploration and discovery. There may be areas where you may be needing healing which we will address only when you feel you're ready. It would be my goal and honor to assist you with your current issues and in finding and meeting your fundamental needs in order to grow and thrive. If you have any questions please feel free to contact me.

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Rachael Topel

Offering therapy in California
Relationship issuesFamily conflictsParenting issuesSelf esteemDepression
10 years of experience

I am licensed in California, District of Columbia, and Florida with 10 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with relationship issues, family conflicts, 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 sign up for therapy can take courage and I am proud of you for getting started!

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Lucille Estrada

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietySelf esteemDepressionCoping with life changesADHD
19 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 19 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, motivation, self esteem, and confidence, depression, & 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!

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Andrew Jones

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesParenting issuesAnger managementDepression
25 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 25 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, moods, relationship issues, parenting issues, anger management & personality disorders. 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. At this time I am only accepting clients who are willing to do video sessions.

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Jack Bowman

Offering therapy in California
LGBTTrauma and abuseGriefAnger managementSelf esteem
28 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 18 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with lgbtq+ related issues, trauma and abuse, coping with grief and loss, & anger management. 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!

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Rebecca Hyatt

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

I am licensed in California with 40 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!

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Jennifer Getchell

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

I am licensed in California and Minnesota with 15 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, trauma and abuse, coping with grief and loss, & 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. 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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Amanda Stoner

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesFamily conflictsParenting issuesSelf esteem
8 years of experience

I am a Licensed MFT with over 7 years of experience working with teens and parents. In working with my clients, I use a variety of theories and techniques predominantly solution focused and CBT to assist both the needs and goals of the client. I strongly believe in meeting my clients where they are at and partnering together to explore, brainstorm and reach goals. I work to create a safe and supportive environment where my clients feel comfortable sharing their challenges, thoughts and feelings without fear of judgment.

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Sarah Mireles

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesSelf esteemCoping with life changesADHD
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, motivation, self esteem, and confidence, & 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.

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Jendayi Ford

Offering therapy in California
License: LCSW
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesFamily conflictsDepressionCoping with life changes
11 years of experience

Listen; life happens and in this life there will be ups and downs. My job as an LCSW with over 10 years of practical experience is to help share strategies and tools to help you cope with life and find more ways to identify and celebrate you; your journey, your spirit, your resilience

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Nicole Ferrari

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietyGriefCareer difficultiesDepressionCoping with life changes
14 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 14 years of professional therapy practice. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, coping with grief and loss, career difficulties, & 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 seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process.

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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