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.
Leslie Sigala
I am Licensed Marriage and Family in California for 10 years with experience of individual and family therapy. I have worked with clients with a wide range of experience including depression, anxiety, relationship issues, parenting issues, with experience Child Trauma, Post Partum, Immigration and Domestic Violence. My modalities are psychodynamic therapy, Trauma Focused- CFT, Cognitive, Behavioral, Child Parent Psychotherapy and Infant Parent psychotherapy modalities. My counseling experience is warm and interactive. I am a woman of color, I believe in treating with anyone with kindness, respect and compassion. My approach is to support everyone and to provide a treatment plan to meet your specific needs. I look forward to working with you.
Dr. David Sequeira
I believe in short term therapy. My goal is to help my patients to deal with the past, focus on the present and be ready to face the future with confidence and hope. I think the important thing is to see that the patient has a strong self esteem which is the foundation of our character. They are taught to give up control over people, places and things and to communicate as "adults" rather than as a "parents" or a "children."
Diana Bernhardy
Hello, my name is Diana Bernhardy. I'm a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with many years experience working with diverse groups and treatment issues. Past experiences have included primarily working in a forensic inpatient psychiatric mental health facility providing dydactic treatment with individuals with moderate to severe mental disorders, antisocial /criminal behaviors, and substance abuse. I've also worked in private practice and outpatient mental health services providing various treatment modalities and interventions in addressing various topics, i.e., depression, anxiety, stress, anger, grief/loss , separation issues, self esteem issues, women issues, PTSD/trauma, and case management. I explore the mental, behavior and spiritual aspects of the person to achieve wholeness and wellness. Thank you for reading my profile and I look forward to working with you.
Dr. Aprile Coleman
**[SUMMER/FALL 2024] • Current Availability: - TUESDAYS: EARLY AM, MIDDAY - WEDNESDAYS: EARLY AM, MIDDAY • Current Session Times: -9AM-2:30PM Eastern / 5AM-11:30AM Pacific • Clients: - INDIVIDUALS - ADULTS (22+) - POC, WOC, BLKM, BIPOC -------------------- Hello. I am a psychotherapist based in South Florida. I talk with you about whatever matters most to you. I support those who are ready for change. I specialize in Stress, Trauma, Anxiety, and Depression. I help you remember that, despite difficult ordeals, it is possible to move forward. I also remind you that talking helps. My top work entails... "Positive Mental Health by Understanding Ourselves" – I work closely with clients going through Depression, Anxiety, and Trauma. Together we discuss the memories and feelings that you're struggling with and figure out healthy ways to talk and cope. Plus, lots of conversation on creating healthy habits, seeing a doctor, when medication is necessary, and how to sustain peace, calm, and balance inside and out. "Situational Depression and Anxiety" – Covid put all of us in different places, situations and changes--some positive, some not so positive. Its repercussions are still present today. This is where you share with me what is going on in your life triggering difficulty in coping with current circumstances. I do mental health assessments, and together we discuss what you're going through, how to express your feelings, and how to lift your mood and focus on thoughts, actions, and behaviors despite how life unfolds. You will learn resilience... essentially how to respond versus react and follow your life values and make decisions accordingly. "Couples Therapy for One" - I am a big proponent to healing relationships if that is a part of your goals. I work with *individuals* as they work to better their relationships or move through relationship conflict, breakup, or even divorce. Some call it "couples therapy" despite it being with just one person present as my client. "Professional Growth/Entrepreneur Mental Health" – I work with those struggling through Stress and Burnout. Particularly to those who are entrepreneurs, business owners, and high achieving professionals facing unique challenges of that lifestyle. Also, this is ideal for those in the helping and caregiving professions such as nurses, therapists, counselors, and first responders. "Health Focused" – Also, I am a medical family therapist. I can talk with you about your chronic pain and/or illness struggles along with medical facets to your diagnosis, treatment and recovery. *MORE ABOUT ME:* I believe mindfulness and self-care are powerful and freeing. I practice solution focused, person-centered, positive psychology everyday. I am enthralled with the stars (of the sky), live for music and travel, and frequently am found taking walks in the South Florida sunshine. In the meantime, I love working with my clients, and supporting them through growth. How can I help you?
Richard Taylor
I am licensed in California with 7 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with relationship issues, family conflicts, motivation, self esteem, and confidence, & bipolar disorder. 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.
Audrey McDougal
I am licensed in California with 3+ years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, depression, family conflicts, motivation, self esteem / confidence, & career difficulties. I specialize in using Narrative Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and Ecotherapy approaches. I work with my clients to create an open and safe environment where thoughts and feelings can be shared without fear of judgment. I am here to support and empower you in your journey!
Dr. Elena Michaels
I am a licensed psychotherapist in with over 31 years of experience and currently have my private practice in Santa Clarita, California. A few areas I work with are stress and anxiety, relationship issues, enhancing clear communication, motivation, self esteem and confidence, coping with life changes and more. 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...even if you feel you have "lost your way" temporarily. It takes courage to reach out, be vulnerable and find someone that may be able to help you create a more fulfilling and happy life and it takes courage and support to take the first steps towards making changes. I hope to help you become more of a master of your life, instead of a victim of circumstances. I am here to support & empower you, as well as guide you in that journey. I have a background in the entertainment business, am non-religious but have a spiritual approach. I am also a meditation teacher and life coach. I tend to be solution-focused, helping clients move forward to greater self empowerment. My sessions are phone sessions (no video). You can find out more about me at DrElena.com I look forward to working with you! Warm regards, Dr. Elena :)
William "Keith" Jones
Hello, I'm therapist, Keith Jones . I am a LPCC with extensive experience with Substance Use Disorder issues. My passion is in the area of performance which has lead me to counsel individuals, athletes, artist, students, professionals, executives , groups and teams. This person- centered approach has been successful in helping clients identify their strengths, and to address the areas that keep them from their top performance. Together we will device a treatment plan and practice that will help you reach your goals and and let you be your best self.
Elaine Ellers
I am licensed in California with 15 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, family conflicts, & 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. Taking the first step to sign up for therapy can take courage and I am proud of you for getting started!
Ramadevi Hao
I am licensed in California with 20 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. Thank you for visiting and taking your time to read my profile. I believe we all have potentials, and it is my job to bring out that hidden potential that has been lacking or not acknowledged in your current situation. I utilized strength-based approaches to connect with my clients without pathologizing their problems, while building on their inner resources and agency within. I use different approaches that would best fit my client's goals and needs for change. I believe in meeting your needs and personalizing your treatment based on your life story and unique experience. 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.
Mihaela Diamond
I am licensed in California with 11 years of professional work experience. As a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and coach, I am deeply committed to empowering you to embrace your full potential and live authentically. With a passion to help others on their journey to self-discovery, I specialize in inner-child work, nervous system regulation, and mindset transformation. My philosophy is simple, yet profound: we are alive to thrive, not just survive. It is my mission to guide you in breaking free from limiting beliefs, fears, and societal pressures, so that you are free to cultivate a vibrant, authentic and fulfilling life. Through my work and personal experience, I have witnessed and experienced the transformative power of healing past wounds, the incredible intelligence that our nervous system and our emotions hold, and what is possible when we shift our relationship with fear. By creating a safe and nurturing space, I empower my clients to explore their innermost desires, confront obstacles, and step into their true selves with confidence and purpose. Whether you're navigating a life transition such as breakup, separation, divorce, a career change or empty nest, or you just feel stuck, I am here to accompany you on your journey to your future self, your next level.
Megan Curtis
Welcome! My name is Megan and I am a licensed psychotherapist based in California. ***I am currently ONLY available for Live Chat sessions on the BetterHelp platform*** I'm a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor (LPCC) based in California with a deep passion for psychology and clinical mental health counseling. My journey in this field began with an undergraduate focus on personality psychology, biopsychology, and human sexuality. I then advanced my education with graduate coursework emphasizing general clinical mental health treatment and neuropsychology. As an extremely open-minded individual, I adopt a person-centered approach to therapy. I believe in meeting clients where they are and recognizing that each person is the expert of their own life. My role is to guide and support you through the therapeutic process. I am dedicated to serving each client to the best of my ability, focusing on psychoeducation and utilizing various therapeutic approaches to find the best fit for your needs. One of my core methods is Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), an evidence-based treatment recognized for its effectiveness in addressing issues such as depression, anxiety, trauma, and abuse. As a certified CBT practitioner, I help clients identify and change thought patterns that contribute to negative emotions, fostering healing and growth. I understand that finding the right therapist is a personal journey, and trust is essential. I approach each new client with the intention of building that trust and ensuring you feel safe and supported. If I'm not the right fit for you, I will do everything I can to help you find a therapist who is. I look forward to Live Chatting with you soon and supporting your journey toward mental well-being!
Samia Yesufu
Life is a journey and every small step you take in therapy is a step in the right direction. My goal is to provide an empathic and engaging atmosphere where you will experience safe, compassionate, and non-judgmental interaction as we navigate your journey together. I believe in a client-centered approach and that you are the change-maker who holds the power to guide your journey. I believe that each person has unique impressions and experiences, so my treatment is tailored to your individual needs. I hope to work with you in exploring your emotions and experiences, to help you develop some tools that can make life’s journey easier. I have experience working with adolescents and adults. I have assisted clients in navigating anxiety, depression, life transitions and trauma. I have experience with members of the LGBTQ+ community. I am sensitive to multicultural issues and welcome collaborating with clients from various backgrounds to provide culturally competent therapy. Ready to start the journey of healing? Take the next step and connect with me. I can't promise you that it won't be challenging but I am sure you will be pleased with who you become on the other side.
Whitney Burgess
I am licensed in California with 13 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, coping with grief and loss, & motivation, self esteem, and confidence. I believe in treating everyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion. I will tailor your 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.
Erin Borden
I am licensed in California with 6 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress, anxiety, parenting issues, motivation, self esteem, 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.
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:
- 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 featur
- 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 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.
Popular cities in California
- Los Angeles, CA
- San Diego, CA
- San Jose, CA
- San Francisco, CA
- Fresno, CA
- Sacramento, CA
- Long Beach, CA
- Oakland, CA
- Bakersfield, CA
- Anaheim, CA
- Santa Ana, CA
- Riverside, CA
Find your state
- Alabama
- Alaska
- Arizona
- Arkansas
- California
- Colorado
- Connecticut
- Delaware
- District of Columbia
- Florida
- Georgia
- Hawaii
- Idaho
- Illinois
- Indiana
- Iowa
- Kansas
- Kentucky
- Louisiana
- Maine
- Maryland
- Massachusetts
- Michigan
- Minnesota
- Mississippi
- Missouri
- Montana
- Nebraska
- Nevada
- New Hampshire
- New Jersey
- New Mexico
- New York
- North Carolina
- North Dakota
- Ohio
- Oklahoma
- Oregon
- Pennsylvania
- Rhode Island
- South Carolina
- South Dakota
- Tennessee
- Texas
- Utah
- Vermont
- Virginia
- Washington
- West Virginia
- Wisconsin
- Wyoming