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.

Cathy Simmons
I am licensed in California with 24 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, family conflicts, trauma and abuse, & parenting 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. Taking the first step to sign up for therapy can take courage and I am proud of you for getting started!

Amanda Chavez
I am licensed in California with 12 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with relationship issues, family conflicts, & trauma and abuse. I also have experience working with 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. Taking the first step to seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process.

John Vangerov
I am licensed in California with 25 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with addictions, family relationships, coping with grief and loss, anxiety and 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 and empower you in that journey.

Sharon Bowen
I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and has been in the field of social work for over 10 years. In my career, I have worked with families and children as an advocate, case manager, and therapist. I know that therapy can be a scary step but I am here to help in your journey. I am here to help no matter where you are in the therapeutic process - whether this is your first time or you've seen others in the past. We will work on this journey together and move forward at your pace. Therapy can bring out all sorts of feelings, but we will get through them as they arise. My goal is to provide a safe and open environment for you to feel free to address anything that is on your mind. I strive to be nonjudgmental, caring, and compassionate. I believe the therapeutic relationship requires trust on both your end and mine. I look forward to working with you!!

Cheryl Martin
Hello and thank you for considering me as your therapist. I am a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in California with over 15 years of clinical experience, and I’ve worked in community mental health for more than 20 years. Throughout my career, I’ve supported clients facing a range of challenges, including depression, anxiety, stress, family conflicts, trauma, self-esteem issues, and motivation struggles. My approach is centered on creating a safe, open space where you can share your thoughts and feelings freely, without fear of judgment. I understand that taking the first step toward a more fulfilling and meaningful life can be difficult, but it’s also a courageous and empowering decision. I’m here to support you every step of the way as we work together toward your healing and personal growth. I look forward to partnering with you on your journey to wellness. For additional information, please visit my webpage: www.journeytowellnessandhealing.com

Melanie McKinney
Hello and welcome, so happy you reached out to make changes for the better in your life. My name is Melanie Mckinney and I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in New Mexico. I was born and raised in New Mexico and received both my undergraduate degree in Psychology and graduate degree in Family and Consumer Sciences. I have been practicing as a therapist for the last 20 years. I take great pride in being able to form strong therapeutic relationships with my clients and make them safe and comfortable in sharing and making the most out of therapy. I have been privileged to work with clients in a private practice setting, community agencies and hospital settings. . My specialties include working with individuals that may be experiencing problems in their relationships, individuals contemplating a divorce or ending a relationship and women’s issues, such as miscarriage and parenting concerns. Using a client centered approach, meaning therapy is about you and your needs and wants. I will listen to you and bring understanding and compassion to the therapy process, allowing healing to begin. Together will find out the most goals you have for positive changes in your life. Using Cognitive Behavior Therapy and Dialectical Behavior Therapy to help you change the way you see and think about issues in your life. we will identify thought patterns that may be holding you back as well as providing strategies to live your life with joy and purpose and stay focused on the present moment. Specialties Stress, Anxiety Relationship issues Family conflicts Depression Coping with life changes Also experienced in: LGBT , Trauma and abuse , Grief ,

Christine Block
I am licensed in California and Florida with 20 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, coping with addictions, 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 sign up for therapy can take courage and I am proud of you for getting started!

Camille Canales
I am licensed in California with 5 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress, anxiety, trauma, abuse, motivation, self esteem, confidence, & 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. There is a focus on empowerment and personal responsibility to diminish feeling helpless or out of control. Taking the first step to sign up for therapy can take courage and I am excited for you to get started! Due to the limitations of my schedule, I will only be meeting for 5 sessions total.

Roderic Quinto
Greetings, my name is Roderic “Neil” Quinto. I seek to meet you where you are, and walk alongside you in your journey of growth. Whether you’re navigating through challenges of everyday life, facing major crisis, strengthening a relationship, or simply seeking personal growth, I am here to support you. I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, with a Master of Science degree in Clinical Psychology from Vanguard University of Southern California. In addition to individual counseling, my work as a therapist has also included work with a residential treatment facility focusing on the education and mental health of youth with psychological and behavioral needs. My experiences in the corporate business world, school setting, and as a husband and father contribute to my practical and compassionate approach to counseling. Prior to becoming a Marriage and Family Therapist, I worked in the corporate world as an I.T. Project Manager/Analyst for over 10 years. I am married with two young children, and can relate to the struggles that individuals, couples, and families face. As a therapist, I conceptualize problems through various modalities. I do not believe that one size fits all. My primary focus is to meet clients where they are, and walk alongside them in their journey.

Nicole Barhorst
I am a Licensed Professional Counselor that has experience helping individuals with a variety of complications. I specialize in helping clients with brain injury, self-injury, stress. I also have experience helping individuals with grief/loss, anxiety, autism, depression, obsessive compulsive disorder, parenting issues, self-esteem, career & other life difficulties. I am interested in helping you through life’s struggles and setting goals for the future. I am also here to guide and support you through difficult experiences.
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.
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