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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Cathy Simmons

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietyFamily conflictsTrauma and abuseParenting issuesCoping with life changes
24 years of experience

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!

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Amanda Chavez

Offering therapy in California
Relationship issuesFamily conflictsTrauma and abuseIntimacy-related issues
12 years of experience

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.

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John Vangerov

Offering therapy in California
AddictionsFamily conflictsGriefDepressionCoping with life changes
25 years of experience

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.

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Sharon Bowen

Offering therapy in California
License: MSW,LCSW
Stress, AnxietyLGBTTrauma and abuseSelf esteemDepression
10 years of experience

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!!

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Cheryl Martin

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseGriefSelf esteemCoping with life changes
15 years of experience

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

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Melanie McKinney

Offering therapy in California
License: LMFT
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesTrauma and abuseDepressionADHD
20 years of experience

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 ,

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Christine Block

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

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!

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Camille Canales

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseSelf 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, 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.

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Roderic Quinto

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

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.

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Nicole Barhorst

Offering therapy in California
License: MA, LPC
Relationship issuesCareer difficultiesDepressionADHD
11 years of experience

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:

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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