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 Cheryl Leong's avatar and link to their profile

Cheryl Leong

Offering therapy in California
License: LMFT
LGBTRelationship issuesCoping with life changesCoachingADHD
18 years of experience

Hello. Welcome to my profile page. My therapy style is warm, compassionate, honest. I provide mindfulness based perspectives and pragmatic tools. BetterHelp is a short term platform and so the support I offer is geared for 1-8 sessions. I do my best to ensure that I understand what your goals are and provide you with the support you need. *My practice is committed to cultural humility, lgbtqia+ affirmation, and offering a safe space for immigrants.

This is Brian VanBrakle's avatar and link to their profile

Brian VanBrakle

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietyFamily conflictsTrauma and abuseGriefSelf esteem
10 years of experience

Hi, I am Brian VanBrakle, I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in California with over 10 years of experience helping people navigate difficult life situations. I have worked with people with a wide range of concerns and issues including depression, relationship issues, parent/child conflicts, and anxiety. I have helped many people who have experienced trauma and emotional abuse. My counseling style is warm and interactive. I believe in treating people with respect, sensitivity and compassion. My approach combines cognitive-behavioral and solution focused. I will utilize a unique toolbox and treatment approach to meet your specific needs and concerns. It takes strength and courage creating a more fulfilling and meaning life. If you are ready to take those steps I am here to support and empower you. I look forward to working with you! Respectfully, BVB.

This is Laura  Case's avatar and link to their profile

Laura Case

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesGriefDepressionCoping with life changes
21 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 21 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, coping with grief and loss, & 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.

This is Dr. Alicia Fahr's avatar and link to their profile

Dr. Alicia Fahr

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseGriefSelf esteemDepression
18 years of experience

I am a licensed professional counselor in Virginia, District of Columbia, Maine, Minnesota, Wisconsin, California, Washington, and Arizona with 17 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients manage chronic illness and chronic pain, trauma and abuse, grief and loss, post-partum anxiety and depression, women's issues, aging issues, loneliness, phobias, career changes, and lack of purpose or direction in life. I practice Existentialism, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Positive Psychology, Rogerian Counseling, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Psychoanalytic Therapy, and Rational Emotive Therapy in my counseling sessions depending upon the client’s needs, goals, and personality. 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 Tanisha Flowers's avatar and link to their profile

Tanisha Flowers

Offering therapy in California
Relationship issuesTrauma and abuseGriefSelf esteemDepression
5 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 5 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with relationship issues, trauma and abuse, coping with grief and loss, & 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. 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 Iris Duarte's avatar and link to their profile

Iris Duarte

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietyLGBTTrauma and abuseSelf esteemCoping with life changes
15 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 15 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, lbqtqi+ related issues, trauma and abuse, & 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 seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process. I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with over fifteen years of experience.

This is Tracy Pierre's avatar and link to their profile

Tracy Pierre

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

I am licensed in California with 8 years of professional work experience. I have experience in assisting clients with stress, anxiety, depression, trauma, and much more. In the face of life's challenges, our resilience is often tested. One thing for sure is that you do not have to face it all on your own. My goal as a therapist is to work collaboratively with you through a foundation of warmth, empathy, and trust in a non-judgmental, safe environment. Therapeutic sessions with me aim to offer valuable insights, instill a sense of hope, and equip you with the necessary tools to navigate life's challenges and thrive. Let’s start this journey together!

This is Stephen Altbaum's avatar and link to their profile

Stephen Altbaum

Offering therapy in California
LGBTRelationship issuesFamily conflictsParenting issuesDepression
29 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 29 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with lgbtq+ related issues, relationship issues, family conflicts, & parenting issues. 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.

This is Sarita Ledet's avatar and link to their profile

Sarita Ledet

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseSelf esteemCareer difficultiesCompassion fatigue
37 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 37 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, trauma and abuse, motivation, self esteem, and confidence, & career difficulties. 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.

This is Coryll Walsh's avatar and link to their profile

Coryll Walsh

Offering therapy in California
AddictionsRelationship issuesTrauma and abuseParenting issues
4 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 4 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with coping with addictions, relationship issues, & trauma and abuse. I also have experience working with 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.

This is Sarah Marx Poulain's avatar and link to their profile

Sarah Marx Poulain

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

I am licensed in California with 5 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 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 Genevieve Gonzales's avatar and link to their profile

Genevieve Gonzales

Offering therapy in California
Relationship issuesTrauma and abuseGriefIntimacy-related issuesCoping 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 relationship issues, trauma and abuse, coping with grief and loss, & intimacy related issues. I believe in treating everyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion and it is my intention to facilitate healing and resolution to suffering and issues. I do not fully employ the traditional therapy role of validating feelings or beliefs that are not serving you, but instead collaborate with you to find solutions and move your forward away from outdated ways of thinking or being. My specialty is hypnotherapy and understanding how the unconscious mind influences how we feel and how we can heal. I incorporate this modality into all of the resolution and healing work that we will be doing together, whether you are seeking individual or couples sessions. I will tailor our sessions to meet your unique and specific needs. It takes curiosity and courage to seek out a more fulfilling and happier life and to take the first steps towards a change. I am here to support and guide you in that journey.

This is Eric Seeley's avatar and link to their profile

Eric Seeley

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsLGBTGriefCompassion fatigue
10 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 10 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, coping with addictions, lgbtq+ related issues, & coping with grief and loss. 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 Corinne Boulger's avatar and link to their profile

Corinne Boulger

Offering therapy in California
AddictionsRelationship issuesFamily conflictsSelf esteemCoping with life changes
6 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 6 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with coping with addictions, relationship issues, family conflicts, & 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!

This is Elizabeth Gonzalez's avatar and link to their profile

Elizabeth Gonzalez

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietySelf esteemDepression
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, motivation, self esteem, & confidence. 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 sign up for therapy can take courage and I am proud of you for getting started!

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.

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