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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Jennifer Bobadilla

Offering therapy in California
License: MS,LMFT
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesFamily conflictsParenting issuesSelf esteem
8 years of experience

Hello, I am glad you are here. If this is your first time in therapy, this may feel overwhelming to walk into. I am glad that you are advocating for you and taking care of you, even if it feels hard to reach out. I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. I believe in the power in having a safe place to figure things out with someone who feels safe for you. Whatever hurdles you feel like are standing in your way right now, we can jump over them together at the pace you'd like. I am here to hold whatever you would like me to, so that you are getting what you want out of therapy. I want to help you feel supported and heard through warmth and compassion. My approach emphasizes self-care and self-compassion, connected and healthy relationships, and processing things through to increase your self-awareness. I have extensive experience in working with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, parenting issues, and self-esteem and confidence. I received my Bachelors Degree in Psychology and Masters Degree in Counseling from California State University, Fullerton. I am passionate about working from an attachment perspective. Outside of being a therapist, I enjoy drinking coffee with my husband and hanging out with my dog! I also love all things cooking, eating, and recipe-trying! I look forward to connecting with you. Jennifer

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Alexis Wimer

Offering therapy in California
License: LMFT
Stress, AnxietyFamily conflictsTrauma and abuseParenting issuesDepression
4 years of experience

Hi there! My name is Alexis, I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) in the state of California. I have been working as a mental health professional since 2016 in a non-profit setting with individuals from all different walks of life. Much of my experience conducting therapy includes providing individual and family therapy, in-office and online, in an outpatient setting. I have worked with and am comfortable working with clients presenting with depression, anxiety, relationship and parenting issues, teen concerns, and a wide range of challenges including grief/loss, insomnia, trauma, abuse, behavioral issues, as well as personal growth, adjustment issues, and crisis. I am trained and competent in working with folks who have experienced homelessness, chronic or severe trauma, or have self injurious thoughts or behaviors. My hope for our therapeutic relationship is to meet you "where you are". I am a believer that you are the expert of your own life and therefore should play the leading role in decision making. When working with clients I often use modalities such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Solution Focused Therapy (SFT), and Motivational Interviewing (MI), however I also use Narrative approaches and mindfulness techniques. My hope is to support others in finding what makes their life worth living. I strive to create a safe, non-judgmental, and supportive space so that you are able to work through challenging situations, emotions, or behaviors. You are not alone! My Educational Credentials include: - Licensed by the State of California, Board of Behavioral Sciences (BBS) - Alliant International University Masters in Marriage and Family Therapy To further my education I am regularly seeking trainings, seminars, and conferences to expand my knowledge and expertise. I love to read and explore new topics to better serve my clients. I look forward to starting this journey with you!

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Grant Grover

Offering therapy in California
License: LCSW
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesGriefDepressionCoping with life changes
25 years of experience

Hello, life is beautiful!! I know we may not always feel that way and if you need help to feel that way again, let me help you. I have over 25 years experience in helping people reach their goals in life. I am compassionate, positive, and love helping people see how amazing they are. We all have minds that help us, but often get in the way of our ability to see and create the joy in life that we seek. I love helping people understand their competencies, self-worth and strengths and how they can use these to achieve there goals in a lasting way. I take great joy in seeing clients who have partnered with me in the growth process, years after counseling, who have had lasting changes that have increased throughout the years. I want you to be one of those people. I have worked with people of all ages. I have been trained as an expert in addictions , depression, anxiety, obsessive compulsive disorder, post-traumatic stress, relationship issues, religious issues, and grief and loss while working for the State of California. I have worked with mild, moderate and severe mental health challenges, including over five years working with in patient hospitalization. I have been highly effective in a private practice and I know how to treat client's who need short term or long term therapy that can take years with very good outcomes. I use a Client Centered approach with Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and ACT-Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, and Mindfulness training as well as various other modalities as needed. I love the truths of Jesus Christ as taught in various churches around the world. I love working with people who want therapy that can include a respect for their religious beliefs in the therapeutic process. I also help people with religious issues as they relate to Anxiety, Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, Depression, Various Addictions and Religious Preoccupation and Perseveration as well as Spiritual Abuse and its effects on families, individuals and couples. I work with people from all faiths. I am an active and practicing member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. I look forward to supporting you in receiving the therapy you need in an environment that will aid you in using your religious beliefs as strengths to help you on your journey. I look forward to helping you meet your goals!

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Kathleen Pear

Offering therapy in California
License: LCSW
Stress, AnxietySelf esteemDepressionCoping with life changes
14 years of experience

Hello. I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in California. I have experience working in health and mental health care settings, working with adults dealing with depression, anxiety,y, loss, low self-esteem, health concerns, aging, and life-review. My therapy style is non-judgmental, supportive, and compassionate. I want therapy to be a place where you will feel comfortable and safe. I will encourage you to recognize and build on your strengths and successes to improve your emotional well-being and find purpose and joy in your life. My approach to therapy is primarily Supportive Psychotherapy and also draws from Positive Psychology, Cognitive-Behavioral, Psychodynamic, Client-centered, and Existential approaches. My education includes a BA in Sociology from the University of Pittsburgh and a Master's in Social Work from the University of Maryland, where I concentrated on mental health. Your life experiences and past decisions have brought you to where you are today. You stand at the threshold of hope, positive change, and possibilities for the future. You have the power within to make your life better. It is not always easy, but you are not alone!

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Whitney Bruice

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesGriefSelf esteemCoping with life changes
22 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 22 years of professional work experience. I enjoy working with clients who want to learn to cope with stress and anxiety, improve relationships, process grief and loss, and improve motivation, self esteem, and confidence. I believe in treating everyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion. I will tailor our dialogue 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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Claire Lerma

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietyGriefParenting issuesSelf esteemADHD
5 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 7 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, coping with grief and loss, parenting issues, & motivation, self esteem, and confidence. 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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Marina Dormer

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesEating disordersParenting issuesSelf esteem
12 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 12 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, eating disorders, & 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. 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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Kathleen Lynch

Offering therapy in California
Trauma and abuseGriefAnger managementCoping with life changesCompassion fatigue
30 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 29 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with trauma and abuse, coping with grief and loss, anger management, & 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 seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process.

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NaTonya Scott

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsRelationship issuesSelf esteemDepression
3 years of experience

Welcome to Your Therapeutic Journey! Hello and welcome! I'm NaTonya Scott, a Licensed Professional Counselor and Mind Renewal Coach. I have a passion for guiding individuals towards their most effective selves. As a person-centered therapist, I believe in tailoring our therapeutic journey to suit your unique needs. My therapeutic approach is integrative and individualized, blending the empathetic principles of person-centered therapy with a goal-directed focus. I understand that seeking therapy is a personal and courageous step. Rest assured, our sessions are a safe and confidential space where you can express yourself without fear of judgment. I adhere to the highest ethical standards and Christian integrity, ensuring that your concerns are met with respect, sensitivity, and professionalism. I've assisted individuals in working through a variety of challenges, including relationship issues, faith-related, depression, anxiety, and trauma. Clinical Experience I have experience in providing therapy services to individuals and couples across various settings, including agency environments, telehealth, and private practice. This diversity in practice has equipped me with the skills to offer therapy to a wide range of clients. I specialize in employing person-centered, Rational Emotive Behavioral therapy and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) modalities. My approach is versatile, allowing me to tailor interventions according to the unique and evolving needs of each client. If you're ready to embark on this journey of self-discovery and growth, I'm here to support you every step of the way. Remember, You are not alone! Take the first step—reach out, and let's begin this transformative journey together.

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Graciela "Gracie” Wangsnes

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietyFamily conflictsTrauma and abuseSelf esteemDepression
10 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 10 years of professional work experience. I am bilingual. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, Major depressive disorder, family conflicts, trauma and abuse, & motivation, self esteem, and confidence. My therapy style is warm and interactive. I believe in treating anyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion. . My approach combines cognitive-behavioral, humanistic, psychodynamic and rational-emotive therapy. I will tailor our dialog and treatment plan to meet your unique and specific needs. 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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William Herkelrath

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietyCareer difficulties
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 & career difficulties. 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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Dr. Ciro Visone

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseEating disordersDepressionADHD
10 years of experience

I am a licensed Clinical Neuropsychologist, Health Psychologist, and Military Psychologist with 10 years of experience and a Doctorate of Clinical (Health) Psychology, who takes a neuroscience approach to behavior. I specialize in severe mental illness, including depression, anxiety, trauma, medical illness adjustment, and eating disorders and related issues (i.e. behavioral management of diabetes and weight-loss). I also specialize in neurocognitive disorders, including ADHD, traumatic and acquired brain injuries, and memory disorders of advancing age, dementia, and other neurodegenerative diseases. I work from a biopsychosocial orientation and believe in identifying purpose and meaning in life in order to overcome personal challenges, while helping you address biological causes to your behaviors and emotions. I adjust treatment based on individual differences, with a respect for personal needs and culture, and value your ability to become autonomous and independent in life enroute to your own personal definition of self-actualization. Doing so requires acknowledging your past psychological influences and decisions, their impact on your present state, and an appreciation of how these factors can influence your physical and psychological health in the future.

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Autumn Jefferson

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietyIntimacy-related issuesSelf esteemDepressionCompassion fatigue
10 years of experience

I am a licensed Clinical Psychologist in California with 10+ years of professional work experience. I have worked with Clients with a variety of concerns including stress and anxiety, depression, trauma, interpersonal conflict, and challenges related to intimacy, self esteem, and confidence. I use cognitive-behavioral (CBT), acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) I work with my Clients to create an open and safe environment where thoughts and feelings can be shared openly, processed, and explored without fear of judgment. It takes a lot of strength and courage to take the first step to seek a more fulfilling and happier life! I am here to support and encourage you in that process.

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Daniel Uhrich

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesTrauma and abuseDepressionCoping 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, relationship issues, trauma and abuse, & 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 seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process.

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Tiffany Libby

Offering therapy in California
Relationship issuesFamily conflictsTrauma and abuseSelf esteemADHD
16 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 16 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with relationship issues, family conflicts, trauma, abuse, motivation, self esteem, confidence, & concentration/memory. I Specialize in Narcissistic Abuse Recovery as well as the unique experiences of those who are Neurodivergent(Adhd, Autism, Audhd). 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. I truly believe the therapeutic alliance is one of the most important aspects of therapy. With the use of unconditional positive regard and empathy, I hope to encourage a feeling of self-love and acceptance. I believe that growth happens in many different areas, and I aim to create a collaborative change that affects all aspects of a person’s life. By working together, we can help identify your natural strengths, and learn simple ways to enhance your life and relationships, for results that are sustainable and long-term.

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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