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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Laura Drucker

Offering therapy in California
License: LCSW
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesGriefSelf esteemCoping with life changes
30 years of experience

Hi! I'm glad you are thinking of working with me so let me tell you a bit about myself. I have worked in this field for over 30 years. I received my Master's Degree in Social Work in 1984, and am licensed in California (LCSW) and Arkansas (LCSW). Additionally, I have a Master's Degree in Human Rights. I have worked with people ages six through older adulthood and with individuals, groups, couples, and families. I have worked in private practice and public mental health settings. I bring this wealth of knowledge and wide range of experience and expertise to my individual work with you. My approach is client centered and non judgmental. I will work with you to problem solve, grow, develop new life skills, identify and achieve your goals while helping you to clarify your values, know yourself better, and build upon your current strengths and skills. I am really looking forward to the privilege of working with you!

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Crystal Folk

Offering therapy in California
License: LMFT
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesGriefSelf esteemDepression
13 years of experience

I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in California with over 10 years of experience. I have worked clients across the life span; my experience ranges from toddlers to young adults in foster care, school aged kids, college student, couples, families, homeless and the elderly population. I have worked with a wide range of client concerns including depression, anxiety, ADHD, relationship issues, parenting problems, career challenges, self-esteem, and grief and loss issues just to name a few. I also helped many people who have experienced physical trauma or emotional abuse. My counseling style is warm and interactive. I believe in treating anyone with respect, being sensitive, and meeting you where you are at. My approach combines a few theories that I pull from but I will primarily use Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Solution Focused, and Client Centered Therapy. I will tailor our dialog and treatment plan to meet your unique and specific needs and goals. I like to provide feedback, share suggestions, and encourage home practice from our previous sessions so you can see the interventions used in action. I also believe in the healing process of therapy and I am also comfortable with focusing on helping you to heal by being a supportive presence. It takes a lot to seek help for a more fulfilling and happier life, I applaud you for taking the first step towards a change. I am here to support and empower you, and I look forward to working with you! You don’t have to see the whole staircase, you just need to take the first step. –Martin Luther King

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Lourdes Mayes

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsGriefAnger managementDepression
16 years of experience

Hi, I am a bilingual English/ Spanish licensed clinical social worker in California with over 12 years of experience in the mental health field. I have the honor of working with clients with a wide range of concerns including depression, anxiety, grief and loss, PTSD, anger and stress management, parenting issues, and couple relationship challenges. I strive to create a safe, non-judgemental and comfortable environment so we can work together to gain insight into the various contributions to your feelings and problems. We will work on strategies that allow you to address the root causes of your problems, improve communication skills, build empathy & respect, learn effective problem-solving & conflict resolution skills, and strengthen connection, including intimacy. Very soon you will discover yourself and about the changes you can make to propel yourself forward. As long as you are open to sharing as well as accepting what is shared with you, this process of exploring can be highly rewarding, and it will also set up for success down the road. I’m looking forward to working with you!

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Dianna Zuniga

Offering therapy in California
License: LCSW,PPSC
Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseGriefParenting issuesDepression
21 years of experience

Hello, my name is Dianna Zuniga and I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) in the state of California. I have 20 years of experience providing individual, group, couples counseling and family counseling. I have worked within a multitude of settings such as mental health clinics, substance abuse clinic, as well as working in public and private school settings. I have experience in evidenced based practice therapies, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT), solution focused therapy, and trauma focused therapy. I would describe my therapeutic approach as warm and empathic. I meet my clients where they are while providing therapy and support that empowers my clients. I strive to provide a safe, respectful, and nonjudgemental environment. My goal is to assist my clients in building practice and use of skills that can help when dealing with life challenges, as well as becoming the best versions of themselves. Together we will collaborative to discover strategies and solutions that work best for you. You took the first step by beginning the exploration for better well-being. I look forward to working with you to help you heal, obtain insight for personal growth, and become the best version of yourself.

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Kristy Verma

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

My name is Kristy Verma, LPCC #13286, and I am a doctoral student working towards an Ed.D in Educational Leadership. I have a goal to increase mental health services at our educational institutions to better support student’s educational journeys. I am a highly motivated mental health professional and genuinely passionate about helping others heal and improve their mental health. I believe all therapists have their unique approach to therapy. My therapeutic approach starts with building a therapeutic bond and continues through various techniques I utilize, from CBT, DBT, Person-Centered, Trauma-Focused, Reality therapy, Gestalt, etc., modalities. My goal is to support my clients with the best therapeutic approach that adapts with their current mental health symptoms and interpersonal or intrapersonal problems they are struggling with. My experiences as an Indian female, have led me to believe the importance of being culturally competent is not only essential in my career, but in my social, academic, and personal life. I have and continue to seek skills and education to support children and families who come from various cultures, socioeconomic status, family support systems, age, gender, and national origin. I understand the collectivist and individual societies client’s identify with. I support clients who are struggling with various mental health disorders ranging from mood, personality, and trauma disorders. I invite you to a safe space to discuss any problems impacting your emotional well-being. I want you to be heard, and understand therapy is a non-judgement zone for you to share triggers impacting your mental health.

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Tara Davidson

Offering therapy in California
Relationship issuesFamily conflictsIntimacy-related issuesParenting issuesCoping with life changes
19 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 19 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with relationship issues, family conflicts, intimacy related issues, & 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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Juanita J Smith Whittington

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

Your life is a story of transition. I am a compassionate and experienced African American therapist with over 20 years of experience working with adolescents and adults. I am dedicated and committed to providing a safe and supportive space for individuals seeking healing and personal growth. I believe in the power of therapy to empower individuals and promote mental health well-being. Whether you are facing challenges related to life transitions, relationships, or personal development, I am here to guide you towards self-discovery and resilience. Let's collaborate to create positive change in your life. In my work as a therapist, I primarily utilize a cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) approach, focusing on the connection between thoughts, emotions, behaviors, and aims to identify and modify unhelpful patterns of thinking and behavior. I incorporate elements of mindfulness-based techniques to help clients develop greater self-awareness and acceptance. I have extensive experience working with a diverse range of clients, including individuals, couples, and families. I specialize in treating anxiety disorders, depression, relationship issues, and navigating life stressors. I strive to create a professional and inviting therapeutic environment where clients can feel supported and empowered.

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Lyana Murrell

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesTrauma and abuseCareer difficultiesCoping with life changes
7 years of experience

Welcome. You've made it this far, and this tells me you already have the most crucial tool to take care of yourself. Still, are you feeling powerless about the realities of your life? Is your body, soul, and/or support systems exhausted in a manner that makes it hard to imagine another way of being? I am a psychotherapist who is committed to uplifting every unique person's vision for, dignity within, and care of themselves. I am licensed in California with over 7 years of experience working with individuals, families, and groups seeking relief from pain rooted in trauma or violence, grief or loss, anxiety, depression, self-esteem concerns, disruptions in identity or phase of life development, persistent relationship struggles, and lifestyle burnout. Today, taking any step to seeking a more fulfilling as well as easier life takes courage. With the variety of therapeutic approaches I use, in all I believe that you are the driver of your story and can best determine what your path to healing will look like throughout your life. I am here to support and accompany you as you take on this difficult, but meaningful shift.

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Carl Krantz

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsGriefAnger managementDepression
23 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 23 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, coping with addictions, coping with grief and loss, & anger management. 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. 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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Zoya Raysberg-Bellman

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesAnger managementDepressionCoping with life changes
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, relationship issues, anger management, & 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.

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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