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 Camilla Ford's avatar and link to their profile

Camilla Ford

Offering therapy in California
License: MA, LMFT
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesGriefParenting issuesCoping with life changes
25 years of experience

Hi there! I applaud your courage in reaching out. I am a Licenced Marriage and Family Therapist with 25 years experience working with individuals, children, couples and families. I am a Stanford graduate with a Master's in Psychology from California Institute of Integral Studies. I offer compassionate listening, presence and guidance for people in crisis, transition, or who are seeking healing, growth, clarity, and connection. All communications are confidential. My experience covers a spectrum of clients and settings. I have provided therapy in day treatment facilities, schools, hospitals, and in private practice. I take a Humanistic/person centered approach to therapy and strongly believe that you have the tools you need to heal and achieve your goals, and that I can help support you in this process. I focus on your strengths and am a supportive and empathetic listener. My therapy style is collaborative in which you and I work together to discover creative solutions to presenting problems. My work draws from the counseling theories and styles of Carl Rogers, Virginia Satir and Murray Bowen. Seeking help takes courage. I honor this and will treat you with the respect and warmth you deserve. I am here to help you "live well and be happy"!

This is Shirley Semel's avatar and link to their profile

Shirley Semel

Offering therapy in California
License: MA, LMFT
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesFamily conflictsAnger managementDepression
8 years of experience

Welcome! I am very excited that you have taken the first step to finding the support that you need. I am a licensed marriage and family therapist in the state of California. I have worked with all ages of individuals and have experience facilitating groups dealing with domestic violence, anger management and addiction relapse prevention. I strive to earn your trust through creating an environment in which you will be free to share whatever is on your mind in an atmosphere of compassion and without judgment. One of my passions is to help you live a life in which you are free to explore who you are in every aspect of your life. I want you to know how special you are and that you deserve to live a life that you have always dreamed of. We can do that by looking into the areas of your life that are keeping you stuck for whatever reason and learning what it is that you really gives you joy and contentment in every area of your life. My special interests include helping people deal with addictions and co-occurring disorders, relationship and family issues, helping families dealing with mentally ill loved ones, as well as Christian counseling for individuals and families. I especially take joy in seeing people reach their full potential in life through God’s eyes. But whatever your situation is I want you to be able to share it in a caring and nurturing environment. Once again, I am so excited that you have taken this first step in learning more about yourself in order to have a richer life. I look forward to working with you soon.

This is Ann Kite's avatar and link to their profile

Ann Kite

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietyLGBTTrauma and abuseIntimacy-related issuesCoping with life changes
28 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 28 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, lgbt-related issues, trauma and abuse, & intimacy related 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 Brandt Noey's avatar and link to their profile

Brandt Noey

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

I am licensed in California with 16 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, & 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 Portia Reddy's avatar and link to their profile

Portia Reddy

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietyLGBTSelf esteemDepressionADHD
16 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, lgbtq+ related issues, motivation, self esteem, and confidence, & depression. I am also a published author with my meditation and mindfulness planner available on Amazon. 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!

This is Chelsea Davis's avatar and link to their profile

Chelsea Davis

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietySelf 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 and anxiety, eating disorders, motivation, self esteem, & depression. 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 Maribel Contreras's avatar and link to their profile

Maribel Contreras

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

I am licensed in California with 20 years of professional work experience. 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 Bryant Harris's avatar and link to their profile

Bryant Harris

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesSelf esteemCoping with life changesCoaching
3 years of experience

I am licensed to practice in Alabama, California, and Georgia, bringing a wealth of professional experience. With my expertise in dealing with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, motivation, self-esteem, and confidence, as well as helping individuals cope with life changes, I am confident that I can help you tackle any challenges that come your way. I firmly believe that you are the expert in your story and possess the strength and resilience to overcome any obstacle. Taking the first step towards a more fulfilling and happier life requires courage, but I will guide and support you throughout the journey.

This is Ninoska Fonseca's avatar and link to their profile

Ninoska Fonseca

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesFamily conflictsDepressionCoping with life changes
33 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 33 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, & 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. 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 Deanna Gale Emad's avatar and link to their profile

Deanna Gale Emad

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesTrauma and abuseParenting issuesCoping with life changes
16 years of experience

I am a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in California with 16 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, trauma and abuse, & parenting issues. I believe that you have already inside you all that you need to overcome, learn and grow from your challenges. I am seasoned in assisting you on your journey of self growth and awareness. I am grateful for the opportunity to support you in overcoming the areas in your life that are challenging you. Taking the first step to sign up for therapy can take courage and I am confident that it will be of great support so lets get started.

This is Shanene Romero's avatar and link to their profile

Shanene Romero

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesSelf esteemBipolar disorderDepression
3 years of experience

I am licensed in California and have three years of professional experience working with couples and in a residential treatment facility. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, motivation, self esteem, and confidence, & bipolar disorder. I work with my clients to create an open and safe environment where thoughts and feelings can be shared without fear of judgment. The first step to seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process. I also offer faith-based therapy for those wanting to incorporate their spiritual beliefs in recovery. It'll be a pleasure getting to know you. Thank you for beginning this journey with me.

This is Christine Taber's avatar and link to their profile

Christine Taber

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

I am licensed by the state of California as a Clinical Social Worker. I have 17 years of professional work experience helping clients with many life challenges, including stress and anxiety, depression, issues with motivation and self esteem, and more. My approach is supportive counseling, valuing you as the expert of your situation. I strive to to empower my clients to utilize their strengths and meet their goals. I look forward to working with you!

This is Dr. David Gilbertson's avatar and link to their profile

Dr. David Gilbertson

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesTrauma and abuseDepressionCoping 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, 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. 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 Erin Borden's avatar and link to their profile

Erin Borden

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietyParenting issuesSelf esteemDepressionCoping 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 stress, anxiety, parenting issues, 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.

This is Laura Vega Granados's avatar and link to their profile

Laura Vega Granados

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesFamily conflictsSelf esteemCoping with life changes
10 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 10 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress, anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, motivation, self esteem, & confidence. 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 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