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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Tony Thompson

Offering therapy in California
License: LCSW
Family conflictsTrauma and abuseParenting issuesDepressionCoping with life changes
7 years of experience

I have worked for the last 10 years in child welfare services. Currently, I am a licensed clinical social worker and a supervisor for children services. I have worked with clients with a wide range of concerns including depression, substance abuse, parenting issues, trauma, adoption and Foster Care issues, general life concerns and adjustments, domestic violence and many others. I have worked closely with families, teenagers, emancipated youth and children of all walks of life and backgrounds. My counseling style is pretty laid back. I've been described as supportive, caring and compassionate, with a pretty good sense of humor. Usually, I like to focus on identifying your strengths, what has been working well and helping you to maximize those strengths to help overcome your obstacles. I'm here to help you start 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. My counseling style is warm, and interactive. I believe in treating everyone with compassion, respect, honesty and I don't believe in judgment, shame or stigmatizing labels. My belief in counseling is that everyone deserves an opportunity for healing, hope and self-confidence. My clinical approach is client centered and combines cognitive-behavioral, humanistic, solution focused and the recognition of trauma and how it impacts our well-being. I'm also oriented in strength-based practices and other modalities as needed for the purposes of treatment. My goal is to assist and work with individuals to achieve their fullest potential. Seeking counseling can be fearful and overwhelming but I want to encourage you to continue the journey to seek help and regain hope and control over your life. My goal for every client is to gain new perspectives and to develop the skills necessary to live meaningful lives.

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Stefan Bain

Offering therapy in California
License: LCSW
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsLGBTRelationship issuesDepression
30 years of experience

Hello. My name is Stefan Bain and I am a Clinical Therapist (MSW, LCSW, MPH, CST/Certified Sex Therapist) with over 30 years of experience working as a psychotherapist. Educated at UC Berkeley, with post graduate school training at Stanford University and the Veteran's Health Care System. My therapy practice is focused on men, helping men achieve wholeness and wellness. Men's issues with which I work include anger management, addiction, anxiety and depression, trauma, infidelity, parenting, loss, aging, relationships, career transitions, stress, and sex/ sexuality issues, including intimacy issues, performance issues, body acceptance, sexual identity exploration, coming out, healing from sexual trauma, and porn addiction. My therapy style is warm and interactive and my therapeutic approaches are based on best-practice and are evidence-based. I believe in treating everyone 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. One of the main goals of therapy is to provide you with the tools you will need to be successful long after treatment ends; therapy is just one step in your total wellness; the goal is to be whole; however you define it.

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Niesha Turner

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesFamily conflictsTrauma and abuseSelf esteem
20 years of experience

Feeling stressed, overwhelmed, worried, anxious or sad. Allow me to listen unconditionally and assist you in dealing with the unique challenges that you are facing. With over 20 years of experience in the social service field I bring an array of unique training. I am a Professional Counselor licensed in the state of Georgia with 14 years of experience specializing in the treatment of adults, adolescents and families. My specialties consist of anxiety, depression, parenting difficulties, women issues, career challenges, life change and past issues of abuse or neglect. In addition to providing trauma informed care I utilizing a holistic approach treating the whole person by incorporating Cognitive behavioral therapy, Family systems therapy and the integration of DBT skills.

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Erean Larry-Fiakpuyi

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietyFamily conflictsTrauma and abuseGriefDepression
22 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 22 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, family conflicts, trauma and abuse, & coping with grief and loss. 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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Darren Cooke

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsFamily conflictsTrauma and abuseDepression
19 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 18 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, coping with addictions, family conflicts, & trauma and abuse. 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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Adrienne Lear

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseSelf 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 and anxiety, trauma and abuse, motivation, self esteem, and confidence, & 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.

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Tamekia "Mika" Flanngan

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietyGriefSelf esteemDepressionCoping with life changes
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, coping with grief and loss, motivation, self esteem, and confidence, & 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. In life we experience many challenges, and it takes courage to seek out alternative ways to find meaning, purpose, assistance and hope. I am here to support & empower you in that journey.

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J Evan Miller

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsLGBTRelationship issuesTrauma and abuse
26 years of experience

Life has many challenges and i try to help those i am working with deal with them as best they can. I am licensed in Pennsylvania with 26 years of professional work experience. I have worked with teenagers, adults, couples and families. I have experience in helping people with stress, anxiety, depression, coping with addictions, lgbtq+ related issues, relationship issues and many other 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.

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Hlee Vang

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 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. I am unable to see any clients you are members of Kaiser Permanente at this time.

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Simonetta Fosci

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesTrauma and abuseCoping with life changes
20 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 15 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress, anxiety, relationship issues, trauma, abuse, & depression. I also have experience working with coping with life changes. 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 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:

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.

In today's fast-paced society, mental well-being has become a cornerstone of a fulfilling life. Amid the daily challenges and stressors that can overwhelm even the most resilient individuals, seeking professional guidance often offers a path to clarity and balance. The journey toward improved emotional health involves understanding personal triggers, embracing self-compassion, and developing effective coping strategies. While self-help books and online resources provide valuable information, nothing compares to the personalized support offered by a qualified mental health professional. One-on-one sessions with experienced experts can help uncover the underlying issues contributing to anxiety, depression, or other emotional hurdles. With a careful and empathetic approach, these professionals tailor their advice to suit individual needs, ensuring that each person receives strategies that work best for their unique circumstances. Whether through cognitive behavioral techniques, mindfulness practices, or other innovative methods, the aim is to foster resilience and empower individuals to take control of their inner lives. For those living in bustling urban centers, engaging in face-to-face sessions in a welcoming environment can be particularly beneficial. Access to a caring clinician provides not only a safe space to explore difficult emotions but also builds a support network essential for long-term recovery. The process encourages self-reflection and greater insight into behavioral patterns that might otherwise go unnoticed. While the journey can be challenging at times, the rewards include enhanced emotional stability, improved interpersonal relationships, and a renewed sense of self-worth. In one notable case, the guidance provided by a highly trained therapist proved instrumental in navigating a tumultuous period. Through structured sessions and tailored interventions, the individual learned to identify stressors and develop healthier responses to adversity. This experience underscored the transformative impact that dedicated support can have on one's overall quality of life. In a region like Texas, community-based initiatives and accessible mental health programs further reinforce the value of professional help. These efforts emphasize early intervention, preventive care, and continuous support, ensuring that more people are equipped to face life's inevitable challenges. Ultimately, investing in mental well-being is an act of self-care that yields lifelong benefits. By embracing professional support, individuals can unlock new levels of emotional resilience and discover pathways to a brighter, more balanced future. Each step taken toward healing represents a commitment to personal growth, enabling a life filled with renewed optimism and strength. Embracing this transformative journey consistently paves the way for deeper understanding, lasting peace, and meaningful personal progress.
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