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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Orlee Tugend-Raymond

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

I am a family and marriage counselor licensed in California with over 25 years of experience in working with families, children and couples. I have worked with clients with a wide range of concerns including depression, anxiety, relationship issues, parenting problems, family dynamics and career challenges. I also have a Jewish background and am here to support Jewish clients that are either looking for spiritual support or would like to talk to a Jewish therapist. I am available to support Hebrew speakers as I speak fluent Hebrew. My counseling style is warm and interactive. My listening skills are excellent and I will hear what you are saying. I believe in treating everyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion, and I don't believe in stigmatizing labels. My counseling approaches include cognitive-behavioral, blended family issues and navigating caregivers. I also do solution focused therapy for those that prefer shorter term therapy. Our dialogue and treatment plan will always be designed to meet your unique and specific needs. It takes courage to take the first steps towards a change. If you are ready to take that step, I am here to support and empower you to get the happier and more fulfilled life that you are looking for. I look forward to working with you! Specialties: Parenting issues and family dynamics blended families stress/anxiety life changes career challenges Caregiver stress

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Christy Stinton

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

I am a licensed counselor, with over 15 years of experience. I have worked with a variety of issues, including infertility, depression, anxiety, self-esteem, trauma, career challenges, and life changes. I have also helped people with parenting, attachment and divorce related issues. I have a warm and interactive style. I believe that real change occurs in a safe and accepting counseling environment. My approach is to combine cognitive-behavioral, developmental and person centered counseling. I will tailor our dialog and treatment plan to meet your unique and specific needs. It takes courage to seek for a more fulfilling and happier life and to take the first steps towards a change. If you are ready to take that step I am here to support and empower you. I look forward to working with you!

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Gina Rossi-Needleman

Offering therapy in California
License: MA,LMFT, CA 114850
GriefIntimacy-related issuesCoaching
25 years of experience

First, I want to acknowledge you for reaching out for support and for choosing to have the life that you envision and deserve. I am a California licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and I have worked in the counseling and therapy field for 25 years. I work with individuals, couples, families and groups. I see myself as more of a Life Coach; meaning that your life is working well and you have not had any suicide attempts, you are not on psychotropic medication. You just may be at a point where you want to improve your life in some way(s). We can explore your possibilities and it can be a fun, joyful adventure into new territory!! :D Right now, I am accepting new clients who want more of a life coaching counselor. Also, I will be on sabbatical from August 8-28th. If you are suicidal, in an abusive relationship and not ready to leave or if you are addicted to a substance or a person or a way of life that is unhealthy and you are not open to leaving that, I am not the right match for you as a therapist. I will work with someone who is empathic and they are with a narcissist but I will not work with a narcissist. I work in private practice with Actors, Musicians, Athletes and many full-time Artists so I understand that world and how authenticity is what gets us true success and lasting joy. I have also been in that area years back. When I was working on my authenticity ( Which is an ongoing, life-long, awesome journey and practice) that is when I created my best work because everyone is searching for that authenticity in life and to relate to that on stage, on film, in music, fine art...etc. I look forward to hearing about you next visit you have for yourself and our incredible world and I am excited to get you going! :) Let's do this! If you are ready for a shift, I know that it can be uncomfortable since going into unfamiliar territory can be uncomfortable yet exciting. :) Are you ready? If so, let's go! :D Either way, I care about all human being and I love what I get to do and who I get to be for you. :) Truly, Gina R-N, LMFT

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Cathryn Charette

Offering therapy in California
License: MS, LMFT
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesTrauma and abuseGriefDepression
5 years of experience

I am a humanistic psychologist. I use an approach that emphasizes an individual's strengths and skills in a wholistic way to address issues that are distressing and limiting in a client's life. I help clients toward self actualization, the ability to better understand self and others, feel confident and secure in their abilities, understand their motivations and personality, address external stressors, and develop personal insight and a life philosophy that guides their decision making and problem solving. I encourage self awareness and mindfulness to help clients respond consciously to events as they unfold, and to remain true to their worldview and values, while negotiating difficult circumstances in this chaotic world. Many of us did not have parenting that taught us conscious healthy boundaries, understanding of self and others, or secure trusting attachment, but these can be learned and amended through therapy. The term "earned security" is a psychology term that denotes an individual who remediates traumatic events, including: childhood trauma, adult trauma, and relationship trauma, and strengthens their core self concept to include greater self esteem, and a strong comfortable attachment system (post traumatic growth). ​ I know this because my experience in self development included all these, as well as a new understanding of self compassion, self acceptance, patience and a process of differentiation of self that allows for both autonomy and deep caring attachment simultaneously. I offer this knowledge in a non judgmental and wellness based framework. I draw from both professional experience and evidence based scientific research. I love to work with people from all walks of life, all ages, and diverse world views and focus on the human commonalities we share, as well as understanding a client's individual and specific experiences, needs, challenges and goals. I am inclusive, and supportive, patient and caring and passionate about helping others.

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Anyssia Johnson

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietyGriefSelf esteemCoping with life changes
4 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 4 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, trauma and abuse, coping with grief and loss, & motivation, self esteem, and confidence. 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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Dr. Arnold Scott Presley

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesTrauma and abuseIntimacy-related issuesDepression
17 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 17 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, trauma and abuse, & 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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James Barger

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietyLGBTTrauma and abuseGriefDepression
15 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 14 years of professional work experience in psychotherapy. I also have an additional 17 years of experience in the mental health field. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, lgbtq+ related issues, trauma and abuse, & coping with grief and loss. 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. I look forward to working together as a team to address issues that may be holding you back and developing skills and strategies to help you succeed.

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Zehra Dos Santos

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietySelf esteemDepressionCoping with life changes
3 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 3 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. 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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Pak Poon

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesFamily conflictsSelf esteemDepression
8 years of experience

I am licensed in California and Texas with 8 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, & motivation, self esteem, and confidence. 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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Moises Ponce

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseAnger managementSelf esteemDepression
25 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 25 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, trauma and abuse, anger management, & motivation, self esteem, and confidence. 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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Elizabeth Gonzalez

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietySelf esteemDepression
8 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 8 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress, anxiety, motivation, self esteem, & confidence. I also have experience working with 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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Rosemary McFadden

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesGriefParenting issuesDepression
23 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 23 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress, anxiety, relationship issues, coping with grief, coping with loss, & parenting issues. I also have experience working with depression. 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.

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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