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. Richard LeGassick, Ph.D.
Hello. I am a Licensed Clinical Psychologist with a broad range of experience of over 35 years. I have found that when people reach a personal life impasse, they often benefit from developing increased self-understanding and an outside impartial opinion. My primary interest is in providing Humanistic and Problem Solving counseling; helping resolve the difficulties of Life Transitions: Family Separations (Divorce, Child Custody/ Reunification); Career changes; Marital and pre-marital; and Blended families. My clients learn to understand and resolve Depression and Anxiety and Grieve the Loss of loved ones. I am a consultant in areas of Couple Communication, and Parenting; with First Responders; USA Military Service Members and their families. My approach is Humanistic/Cognitive/ Interpersonal; Learning to cope with Traumatic Life Changes. Throughout my career, I have worked in community Mental Health centers, and on crisis teams. I provide the most useful guidance through guiding the development of Self-Awareness, Self-Acceptance, and Independence; Finding One's Strengths and Coping Skills, while improving Communication. I value the impact of Positive Psychology as well as Mindfulness Meditation; Expressing Gratefulness. [Note: I currently schedule 9:00-6:00 PST weekday appointments]
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Sara Griffith
Hi, my name is Sara Griffith and I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in Southern California. I have over 25 years of experience working with children and families here and in the Midwest. Most of my experience has been working with individuals and families with infants and young children, either in the adjustment to parenthood, or in the challenges that come with caring for a young child. I also have experience in working with individuals who may be experiencing anxiety or depression, family problems, stress, trauma/abuse and difficulties with relationships. My specialties include maternal mental health, pregnancy and parenthood. My counseling style is positive, nurturing and empowering. Using my intuition and life experience, as well as good clinical judgement, we will work together to get you out of your stuck places. I am an Attachment Focused therapist, so we may talk about how your past relationships affect your present, and how to move on. I may use Solution Focused Therapy to discover your strengths and build on them, Mindfulness to better enjoy the here and now, and Accelerated Experiential Dynamic Psychotherapy (AEDP) which is learning how to safely explore your emotions which leads to growth. I am also well-versed in 12 Step Recovery. You can do hard things! And I am here to help you.
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Erika Torres
Hi! My name is Erika, and I am an LMFT in California. I have been licensed for 13 years and have practiced in a variety of settings. Through therapy, I hope to help you become your best self and find joy in your life. When working with individuals, I utilize a variety of clinical approaches, including Solution Focused, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, and Motivational Interviewing. My counseling style is empowering, supportive, and direct....with a side of humor!:) I like to focus on identifying your strengths and helping you to maximize them to overcome your obstacles. I'm here to help you sort through the things that are difficult right now, and offer you a safe place to be open and honest without fear of judgment. You have taken the first and most important step by reaching out for help! I look forward to getting to know you, helping you achieve your goals, and experiencing joy in your life. Warm regards, Erika Torres, LMFT
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Jennifer Elkins
I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in the state of California with over 11 years of experience working with children, families and individuals. I have worked with clients on a wide range of concerns including depression, anxiety, relationship issues, parenting struggles and trauma. My therapy style is warm, interactive and empowering. I will work alongside you to develop insight into the concerns that brought you to therapy and develop coping skills and strategies to better move through your current struggles and life! Based on the individual’s needs and where they are at, I utilize EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing), motivational interviewing, cognitive behavioral therapy, mindfulness, and solution focused therapy to develop skills to help my client move through the situation at hand. Life can be complex and challenging for all of us at one time or another. It can require extra support and interventions to help move through the struggles we may be experiencing. I commend you on taking the first and sometimes most difficult step of seeking help and I look forward to supporting you along this journey. Should you feel in need of urgent help or that you are in crisis at any time during our work together; please call 1-800-273-TALK 24 hours a day; or 911. This forum does not provide any type of emergency services, so it is important for you to have resources available to you if you need immediate help.
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Linda Granadino
I am licensed in California with 11 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with family conflicts, 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. 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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Vanessa Uribe
I am licensed in California with 12 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, motivation, self esteem, and 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. 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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Coryll Walsh
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.
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Shareipha Myvett
I am licensed in California with 18 years of professional work experience. I have been licensed as a Marriage and Family Therapist for 7 years. I have experience in helping clients with family conflicts, motivation, self-esteem, and confidence, & coping with life changes. I also have experience working with compassion fatigue. 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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Deanne Edwards
Welcome to my practice! I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and have been providing services in the field of mental health for 20+ years. I have experience working with those experiencing depression, anxiety and overall stress of life difficulties. I have additional experience in helping clients with lgbtq+ related issues, and am trained in trauma recovery through the Trauma Resource Institute. I work to create a safe and supportive space, free of judgement and work to enable you to connect with your strengths while offering a variety of therapeutic approaches to aid you in living into your best self. Thank you for considering my practice and if this feels like a good fit for you, please feel free to reach out. Warmly, Deanne
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Maricela Nunez
I am licensed in California with 11 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, coping with grief and loss, & supporting and empowering you to break the barriers of past trauma. As a first generation Latina, I understand that healing generational trauma takes time and understanding, so I encourage the exploration of past experiences and cultural experiences to better understand ourselves and our history. It is important for me to create a space where people feel that their story matters and where they can find healing within themselves. I am passionate about helping people achieve personal growth and self awareness. 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.
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.
Popular cities in California
- Los Angeles, CA
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- Anaheim, CA
- Santa Ana, CA
- Riverside, CA
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