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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Dr. Trina Hamas
Welcome! My name is Dr. Trina Hamas and I am a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in the state of California. I have over ten years of experience providing therapeutic services for individuals, couples, and families. My expertise lies in alleviating symptoms related to depression, anxiety, abuse, trauma, grief and loss, family dysfunction, relationship issues, chronic pain, as well as issues related to motivation, self-esteem, and confidence. My style of therapy is collaborative, integrative, and considerate of cultural influences. I believe the most effective treatment is one that encourages the active participation of my clients so that my understanding of their needs is thorough and accurate, and therapeutic goals are meaningful and realistic. I want my clients to feel welcomed, listened to, and empowered. I strive to understand their cultural and personal backgrounds so they feel the changes they are working towards are consistent with their values and beliefs. I am trained extensively in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, which means I tend to focus on the connection between thoughts and behaviors. I find the use of CBT is effective in helping clients understand their dysfunction in practical ways and allows them to gain a sense of authority and agency over their lives. I am also an expert in Family Systems Theory and am partial to Virginia Satir's work, specifically her theories related to communication and human validation. I use CBT and Satir approaches together to create a safe and effective place for clients to feel comfortable while working through their issues in a practical way. I may also draw from other interventions, such as mindfulness practices and relaxation techniques. I also “practice what I preach.” I believe in the importance of self-care and healthy relationships. I do not ask of my clients that which I am unwilling to ask myself. If you are ready to begin your journey, I am here to support you along the way.
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Steven Weber
I am a Marriage and Family therapist licensed in California for 15 years. As a Psychotherapist, I work with a variety of clients covering many of the personal and relationship issues we all struggle to cope with at one time or another in our lives. Depression, anxiety, stress related problems, relationship concerns, feelings of guilt or shame and even one’s life purpose are all areas that can contribute to temporary or longer periods of difficulties in need of understanding, acceptance and restoration. One’s healing can come from different sources and often talking with a therapist can lead to subtle movements or deep shifts in the way we experience ourselves, our loved ones and in the world. I am a firm believer that there is magic in the telling and I am here to help you create a safe space to explore your thoughts and feelings. I take a holistic approach to my work and will incorporate several different modalities of treatment depending on the client and the issues presented. I also have expertise in interpretive Dreamwork and the Enneagram. Thank you.
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Patricia Riley
I am licensed in California with 25 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, & parenting issues. 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.
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Cherri Castellon
I am licensed in California and South Carolina. I have 20 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, anger management, & motivation, self esteem, and confidence. 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.
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Eva Marcelli
My License is in Marriage and Family Therapy and have about 20 yrs. experience working with a diverse range of clients, primarily in the public system. I have particularly worked in the field of trauma, abuse, conflict due to race or religion, change of life events, situational depression, and adjustment difficulties. I volunteered abroad to be available for those impacted by war trauma, whether they were civilians, veterans, or first responders. Having been part of several volunteer engagements in the community and abroad has also provided me with several years of experience working with displaced families representing many different cultures and ethnic groups. I hope you will take your first step in beginning this journey of healing towards a more fulfilling life. It is understandable if at the beginning the whole process may feel a bit uncomfortable, but I can assure you a safe space for you to share your feelings. You will not be alone. We will work together on leading you out of that place of pain. To help you make the right choice, you may need to know that I am an "old-fashioned" Therapist, so if your therapy preference is chatting and messaging over live video sessions, perhaps I am not the best choice. My approach is tailored according to each client's needs. The psychodynamic model has been my preference, but I will incorporate any of the many other tools and treatments that have proved effective according to best practices. My greatest reward is to see you through the end of the therapeutic relationship with an increased ability to function comfortably, having acquired some tools to give you the confidence that you can manage yourself and thus move forward in your life.
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Jessica Hanson
Hello and welcome! As a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, I believe in a strength based approach to personal healing and growth. As a therapist, I respect the opportunity to work with individuals and families struggling with grief and loss by providing a safe place to share, learn and heal. I foster empathy and acceptance as patients and families address life changing diagnoses and care needs. With over ten years of experience providing support to individuals and caregivers struggling with dementia and mood related issues, I utilize an integrated approach including, but not limited to, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Solution Focused Therapy, and Psychotherapy. I seek to empower individuals and families with the knowledge and tools they need to promote dignity and wellness. Finally, my background in grief and loss counseling has also prepared me to address the unrecognized and often untreated issues associated with pet loss, specifically the complicated and overwhelming emotions associated with chronic and terminal care of a pet, related end of life issues, and the emotionally challenging process of pet surrender. Thank you for taking the time to read my profile. Your insight and willingness to seek support is the first step toward healing and growth. I wish you the best on your journey!
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Jennifer Merva
Hello! My name is Jennifer Merva and I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) in Long Beach, California. I have 5 years of experience providing direct therapy to children, youth and families with a variety of presenting issues including stress, anxiety and depression, low motivation and self-esteem, grief and loss and relationship and family issues. We live in such a fast-paced society it can be difficult to prioritize our mental health. It’s easy to distract ourselves and bury our issues instead of facing them head-on. I will provide a safe, empathic space for you. I believe relationships and attachments are crucial for healing. Our connections matter. Your environment and relationships are interconnected and can have a huge impact on your thoughts and behaviors. My therapeutic approach is strengths-based. You are already coming in with so many strengths! I am here to help you identify them and use them as skills. You will develop a more positive outlook and improve your resiliency. I am here to help you work though conflict in healthier ways. You will learn skills and strategies to manage the stressors of life. We can work on strengthening your relationships; both with yourself and others. Together we can help you find the joy and happiness of life again. Our therapeutic relationship will be a collaborative one. I will work with you to help reach your goals. I want to thank you for taking the time to tend to your needs. I look forward to meeting you and helping you along this journey. Education • The University of Southern California Los Angeles, CA Master of Social Work May 2019 • The University of San Francisco San Francisco, CA Bachelor of Arts, Psychology; Department: Children, Youth & Families Minor: Child & Youth Studies May 2012 Certificates • Understanding Male's Psychology in Community Mental Health November 2023 • Changing the ADHD Brain: Moving Beyond Medication October 2023 • Art and Play in Therapy February 2023 • The Faraway-Nearby of Loss: How We Mourn October 2022 • Trauma Informed Strategies: Working with Individuals with ID/DD/ASD for Clinical Staff April 2022 • Autism Spectrum Disorder: A Clinical Guide for General Practitioners April 2021 • Providing Clinical Services to African American Men/Youth Experiencing Trauma Grief April 2021 • Providing Care for Clients who Identify as Trans, Nonbinary and/or Gender Nonconforming March 2021 • Domestic Violence in the Lives of Children March 2021 Trainings • Motivational Interviewing (MI) • Problem Solving Therapy (PST) • Compassion Focused Therapy • Trauma-Focused CBT, Bullying • Eating Disorders 101 • Effective Parenting Strategies • Grief and Loss • Suicide Risk Management and Assessment NASW (National Association of Social Workers) Member ID: 886753466
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Justin Hartford
I am licensed in California with 4 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, coping with addictions, relationship issues, & coping with grief and loss. 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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Robyn Ramsay
I am a California Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor with 20 years of professional work experience. I have experience in successfully helping Teens, Couples, and Adults of all ages with stress and anxiety, obsessive thinking (OCD), relationship issues, family conflicts, abandonment issues, depression & trauma and abuse. I treat all my clients with respect, sensitivity, and compassion. It takes courage to take that first step toward seeking a more fulfilling and happier life . I am here to support you in that process. I will meet you on your journey toward better mental health and tailor our sessions and treatment plan to meet your unique and specific need by drawing from my eclectic variety of sources : • Attachment theory • Cognitive Behavioral (CBT) • Developmental Model for Couples • EMDR • Emotionally-Focused Therapy • Exposure Response Prevention (OCD) • Family Systems • Gottman Relationship Method for Couples • Internal Family Systems (IFS) • Positive Psychology • Strength-Based Therapy
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Matthew McNutt
I am licensed in California with 10 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, trauma and abuse, motivation, self esteem, and confidence, & 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:
- 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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