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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Katherine Jones

Offering therapy in California
License: LMFT
Stress, AnxietyLGBTRelationship issuesTrauma and abuseADHD
3 years of experience

Hello, I am an LMFT who works to create a safe and validating space for clients to express the struggles they are enduring. I am interested in working in a strengths-based way guiding clients to find the answers they need to heal and move forward. I work to be personable and also offer DBT and CBT skills in hopes of creating strong basis for coping as we explore the issue at hand as well as patterns that know longer serve the client. With these resources, I work with those who are experiencing stress at work or in their relationships, are recovering from childhood or more recent trauma and I love to support those who feel like the odd one out. I am happy to work with clients from alternative communities or highly creative persons making their way through this world to the the beat of their own drum. Offering respectful acceptance and focus on the work at hand and allowing for the spirit that makes us each a little different and the world a little more colorful. Allow me to share my warmth, experience and hope, with a combination of deep listening and the solid evidence-based interventions to help you navigate the joys and suffering that each individual's journey offers.

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Amanda Ly

Offering therapy in California
License: MA,MAEd,LMFT
Stress, AnxietySelf esteemDepressionCoping with life changes
6 years of experience

I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) in California with over 5 years of counseling experience. I practice in the Greater Los Angeles area and have worked with a wide range of clients on concerns regarding depression, anxiety, relationship issues, and life transitions. My therapeutic approach is a blend between Psychodynamic Therapy and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. Psychodynamic Therapy tends to focus on the client’s self-awareness and how a client’s understanding of their past behavior or experiences influences them in present time. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) tends to focus on changing patterns of thinking or behavior through practical evidenced based practices. In my practice as a professional counselor and having worked with adolescents (13-17) and transitional aged youth (18-24) for many years, I have found ways to utilize creative and expressive arts as an intervention to connect and assist clients in learning more about themselves. My counseling style is warm and interactive. I will tailor our dialogue and treatment plan to meet your unique and specific needs. I believe in treating everyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion. I believe everyone has a story and every story is equally important and valuable. It takes courage to seek a more fulfilling and happier life and to take the first steps towards a change. If you are ready to take that step, I am here to support and empower you. I look forward to working with you!

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Mark Ryle

Offering therapy in California
License: MA,LCSW
Stress, AnxietyLGBTTrauma and abuseGriefCareer difficulties
13 years of experience

I am a therapist and Licensed Clinical Social Worker with more than 15 years of experience helping individuals and families overcome obstacles at home and at work. Prior to my work as a therapist, I held C-suite positions in corporate finance, investment banking and private equity. I have significant experience in treating anxiety, depression and the impact of intimate partner violence. I also enjoy and am quite skilled at life coaching and executive coaching. I believe in putting you first, centering you in the work ahead of us and leaving you with the skills to continue progress without me.

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Dr. Devora Lockton

Offering therapy in California
License: Ph.D
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesFamily conflictsGriefDepression
40 years of experience

I am a psychologist, licensed in California with over 40 years of experience. I have worked with people with a wide range of concerns and challenges including, depression, anxiety, relationship issues, family issues, and concerns of aging , and partner loss. My therapy style is warm and interactive. I believe in treating everyone with respect and compassion. I combine cognitive-behavioral, humanistic, psychodynamic therapy along with common sense and work to assist your own unique and specific needs. It takes courage to acknowledge that you can use some help in facing your concerns. I am here to support and empower you to do so.

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christine joseph

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietySelf esteemDepressionCoping with life changesCompassion fatigue
25 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, motivation, self esteem, and confidence, depression, & 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. 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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Brandy Walker

Offering therapy in California
License: LCSW,LMSW,MSW
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesFamily conflictsTrauma and abuseDepression
15 years of experience

I am an LCSW in the state of California and Georgia. I have been in the field for over 15 years. I work with individuals, couples and families. I have worked with a wide range of clients such as: LGBTQ, depression, stress, anxiety, ADHD, PTSD, trauma, physical trauma, emotional abuse, relationship problems, family conflicts, intimacy related issues, parenting problems, anger management and the like. Life is an individual journey with many different experiences. Sometimes those experiences can lead to turmoil, tragedy, trauma and pain. The pain can feel debilitating as if moving on is merely impossible. However, I am a firm believer that there are solutions to all of life’s problems, and I believe therapy is a gateway to change. Those changes can transform an individual’s life. Thus, the road to therapy begins with one single step. If you are willing to take the first step, the journey of healing and transformation can begin. By understanding your mindset, increasing self-awareness, and practicing mindfulness, you can have significant benefits on your overall well-being. My job is to provide you with tools that you need to rebuild your life and sense of self. If you are willing to do the work, the benefits and possibilities are endless. Investing in therapy can be a rewarding experience, and it can be the key to a more fulfilling life. I am here for you every step of the way as you blossom from a caterpillar into a beautiful butterfly. In my spare time, I enjoy reading, writing, listening to music, meditating and praying. I am eager to help you begin your journey of self-discovery.

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Arielle Manganiello

Offering therapy in California
License: MS,MA,LPC
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesFamily conflictsSelf esteemCoping with life changes
3 years of experience

I am a licensed professional counselor licensed in the state of Pennsylvania. I have experience with family and couples therapy. I have worked with many different age populations including parents, couples, adolescents, and children, for example. I have worked with clients bringing a wide range of concerns to the table including relational and intimate issues, depression, anxiety, addiction, self-esteem, parenting problems, career change and life transitions, among others. My therapeutic style is warm and interactive and tailored to your needs at the time. I am trained in a variety of therapeutic approaches including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment, Mindfulness, and Eco-systemic structural family therapy. I also draw on Positive Psychology and the Jungian Approach. With my many hats, my plan is to utilize a unique approach, drawing on my experience and expertise, that works and fits best for you. Through our work together, in therapy, I am committed to helping and supporting you to make the changes you want to see in your life. Collaboratively, the essence of our work includes making meaning of your experiences and relationships and the thoughts and feelings that accompany them. My goal is that through our work, struggles and patterns will become illuminated, and by identifying these areas change becomes possible. Together, we can identify the areas that you wish to improve in your life and come up with a plan together on how to address them. Our work together will adapt as your life changes and progress occurs. We are in this therapeutic dance together. It takes a lot of bravery to show up to do the work in therapy. You should be proud of yourself for wanting to take this step. I look forward to working with you in this space.

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Natalie Escobar

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsTrauma and abuseGriefDepression
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, coping with addictions, trauma and abuse, & 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.

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Brittany Shelton

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietyFamily conflictsTrauma and abuseDepressionADHD
4 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 4 years of professional work experience as a therapist,but 15 years in the field of mental health . I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, family conflicts, trauma and abuse, & 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.

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Michelle Naidenoff

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesFamily conflictsSelf esteemDepression
20 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 20 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 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.

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Danielle Jones

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

Hi there! My name is Danielle Jones and I have been a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) in California for over 12 years. My career as a therapist has allowed me to work with a variety of clients across the lifespan, and I am dedicated to providing compassionate and effective support to individuals and families navigating challenges. Whether you are dealing with depression, anxiety, trauma, Identity, attachment, in need of anger management, or you're just feeling stuck in life, I'm here to help you overcome it. My approach to therapy is tailored to the needs of each individual client. We will work collaboratively to identify your current challenges and develop a personalized treatment plan to help you achieve your goals. My therapeutic approach is derived from evidence-based practices such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Motivational Interviewing, Mindfulness, and Solution-Focused Therapy. Other treatment modalities I use and find helpful are Psychodynamic, Attachment, and Strength-based Therapy. These approaches provide various tools depending on a client's needs. Clients come to therapy seeking change, and I see myself as a catalyst in that process. My client focus is typically individual sessions with adolescents and adults who are experiencing symptoms of depression, anxiety, relational issues, trauma, and grief. I tailor sessions to meet the needs of each age group, ensuring that therapy is age-appropriate and effective. I aim to create a relaxed, safe, and supportive environment for my clients. By building rapport and providing active listening I strive to ensure that each client feels heard, respected, and valued. While I am empathetic, non-judgmental, open, honest, and personable, I can also take a more direct approach when communicating with my clients who prefer that style.

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Katherine Meyers

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietySelf esteemCareer difficultiesDepressionCoping 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, motivation, self esteem, confidence, career difficulties, & depression. I also have experience working with 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 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.

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