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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Hsiao-Chieh Chiu

Offering therapy in California
License: MA, LMFT
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesSelf esteemDepression
9 years of experience

More than 9 years of providing clinical therapy to individuals, couples, families, and children. Licensed and experienced. Specializations: Relationships, couples counseling, motivation and confidence, self-esteem, depression/anxiety, grief, and identity counseling. My private practice is located in Brea, California. Clinical Experiences, Publications, Awards, and Credentials: Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) Published writer for Family Process- Clinical journal for practitioners Published writer for Journal of Feminist Family Therapy Presenter at the American Family Therapy Academy in 2009 & 2010 My own private practice in Brea, CA Crittenton Services for Children and Family (residential setting and foster family) Pepperdine Community Counseling Center (outpatient mental health) Village of Hope, Orange County Rescue Mission (residential setting) Appointed therapist for running a Substance Abuse/Misuse Group at Orange County Rescue Mission Appointed therapist for running a Domestic Violence Group at Orange County Rescue Mission City of Diamond Bar- Senior Grief Group Received the President's Volunteer Service Award from the Corporation for National & Community Service in 2012 Therapy centers on Recovery-Oriented approaches (Narrative Therapy & Post Modern) More about Myself: I strive to be warm, respectful, and compassionate in conversations. My practice embraces recovery-oriented approaches, in which people are not the problem, problems are the problems. This is a non-blaming, non-shaming view that opens the possibility to distance yourself from the problems you're experiencing, regain a sense of control and agency back from the problems, live in empowering ways, and finally, step closer to your hopes and dreams. I have had experience working with folks from all walks of life with a wide range of concerns, and have been humbled by people's unwavering resiliency in the face of adversity. I center my work around tapping into the uniqueness and competencies of individuals, by collaborating and walking alongside of their hopes and dreams, as well as developing steady grounds to stand on in the midst of turmoil. There is great respect given to each person's struggles and diverse backgrounds, and an aspiration to discover and sustain values and wisdom based on one's lived experiences. I am passionate about what I do. I genuinely believe a good therapist is not someone who claims to understand, but someone who always tries his/her best to understand. To better personal growth and ensure the highest quality of care, I continue to learn from the folks I meet with and from my professional field, by reading, conversing, writing, and reflecting. I also believe in giving-back endeavors. Thus I devote a fair amount of time volunteering and providing counseling services to underprivileged members in local communities. More details about Recovery-Oriented approaches: I have extensive training and clinical experience in practicing Narrative and Post Modern Therapy, which focus on the meaning in which one constructs one's life, the stories that influenced these constructions, and the socio-cultural-political forces that help shape our identities. Narrative Therapy holds the premise that our identities are informed by narratives, whether uniquely personal (e.g., the stories that we know and tell about ourselves and the stories that others know and tell about us) or culturally influenced (e.g., dominant cultural ideas about who we are and our worthiness). Depending on the kinds of identity conclusions we embrace, they can either empower or subjugate our sense of who we are. I believe that people are "multi-storied" and that the emergence of problems reflect people's distanced relationship with their own knowledge, skills, and commitments. Special attention is devoted to help folks in regaining their life from problems and developing "richer knowings" of themselves, in addition to deconstructing dominant discourses that may have undermined people's abilities, efforts, and values. This is a strength-based, meaning-based, and active approach that lay the foundation for living in empowering ways and weaving the threads of agentive possibilities.

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Katherine Lubahn

Offering therapy in California
License: LMFT
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsRelationship issuesFamily conflictsDepression
9 years of experience

I believe that we all deserve a chance to experience happiness and enjoy our lives even when they are imperfect. I have experience with a diverse range of diagnosis and have worked with people from a varieties of backgrounds. I will work with you to uncover key insights and personal growth in a safe, trusting and compassionate atmosphere. I believe that working with a caring, knowledgeable professional can be pivotal in helping you to achieve greater clarity and peace. Emphasis is placed on improving relationships with self, family, significant others, and friends in a therapeutic setting. This integrative, collaborative approach promotes understanding in your immediate context and facilitates healthy engagement, interdependence, and social support. When working with children and teens, I believe in building a strong therapeutic alliance so that they feel safe and supported in their expression and exploration of self. Kate Lubahn (MFTI) holds an M.A. from Antioch University. Professional experience encompasses schools, community clinics, outpatient programs, and residential treatment facilities. She treats adolescents and adults facing diverse challenges such as depression, anxiety, bi-polar disorder, self-harm, and substance abuse.She is a certified meditation instructor and incorporates elements of mindfulness into treatment. History of working as a sober companion in both 12-step, SMART recovery and harm reduction.

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Holly Henderson

Offering therapy in California
License: MA,LMHC
LGBTFamily conflictsTrauma and abuseSelf esteemDepression
19 years of experience

Welcome! It's a big step to seek out counseling, and I want to share about my experience so you can decide whether I might be a good match for your counseling needs. I am available for counseling by text, chat, video, and phone. At this time I am offering live sessions on weekend mornings (until 12pm Eastern time) and messaging at anytime. I have a Master's Degree in Clinical Psychology from Antioch University Seattle, following a Bachelor's degree in Psychology from the University of Florida, with a minor in Women's Studies and Gender Issues. I have been working in the field since 2003 in a variety of settings -- ranging from inpatient, mobile crisis, and triage to community-based counseling, home-based counseling, residential, and telehealth; with children, adolescents, adults, and families. My passion lies in working with clients to uncover their true identity -- who they really are and who they can become once the severity of depression, anxiety, and trauma have been processed and alleviated. I approach therapy from a strengths-based, client-centered perspective, offering every client unconditional positive regard, respect, encouragement, and hope. Some of the tools I use include CBT, Trauma-Focused CBT, knowledge of family systems and intergenerational trauma, communication skills, and mindfulness. Also, I believe that humor in therapy is seriously underrated... We are a team, and my goal is to help you achieve your goals. My hope is for you to bring your whole self to therapy so that we can work together to help you be as whole as you can be. Let's do this.

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Mary Ann Godefroy

Offering therapy in California
License: LPCC,LPC,LAADC
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsRelationship issuesDepressionCoping with life changes
11 years of experience

As a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor (LPCC) I am committed to maintaining a personal environment that ensures my clients receive the individual attention and the services that best meet their needs. I work mainly with the individual adult population who are seeking to address a variety of issues and I provide comprehensive psychological services in a warm, supportive, and professional atmosphere. I help my clients effectively work through the problems they face in response to stress, difficult life transitions, relationship issues, emotional and behavioral difficulties as well as substance abuse and addiction. I use an integrative treatment approach to promote insight, individual growth, improved coping and interpersonal skills, and movement toward a contented and more fulfilling life. Cognitive-Behavioral (CBT), Psychodynamic/Insight-Oriented, Interpersonal and Motivational Interviewing Therapy Techniques are used to facilitate personal growth and treat an array of specific issues. Some of the issues worked on include but are not limited to: Depression & other Mood Disorders, Anxiety, Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder, Panic Disorder, Substance Abuse/Addictions & Major Life Transitions. By applying complementary therapy approaches & techniques we will help you uncover your true potential and lead a life that is worth celebrating!

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Keith Nelson

Offering therapy in California
License: LCSW,MAC
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsRelationship issuesTrauma and abuseDepression
18 years of experience

I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker licensed in Oregon and California. I have over 17 years experience in providing therapy, supervision of therapists, as well as research in the area of substance abuse and emotional dissonance. I work with a wide range of concerns including depression, anxiety, substance abuse and codependency issues, relationship issues, parenting problems, career challenges, OCD, ADHD and PTSD. I also helped many people who have experienced physical trauma or emotional abuse. I believe that every person has strengths and the potential for personal growth and a satisfying life. Life presents a myriad of problems and counseling engages both myself and the client in a collaborative process in order to find the processes and answers that will best fit the client’s needs. I believe in treating the “person-in-environment”: our physical, psychological, social and spiritual selves are affected by our beliefs and emotions and also by physical and environmental factors. Thus, the effort to find solutions should accurately reflect the person’s life, stressors and preferences, with respect for personal choice and self-determination. I practice with an emphasis on evidence-based therapies and collaborating with my clients to determine and facilitate “what works”. Our beliefs, perceptions, and behaviors are largely the result of what we learn throughout our lifespan and while we cannot change the past, we can learn from the past to create a new and better future. Therapy is thus an active process aimed at alleviating suffering and developing the inner peace and understanding that makes life worth living. It is truly an honor to be part of that growth process in people’s lives and I appreciate and respect the courage it takes for a person to be willing to engage in that process. Oregon License #7519 California License #21893 I look forward to working with you!

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Sloane Harris

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesTrauma and abuseDepressionCoping with life changes
9 years of experience

I am licensed in California and Georgia with 8 years of direct counseling experience and over 19 years of being in the helping profession. I enjoy helping people adjust to new life transitions such as parenthood, school issues, work/life balance, coping with a medical diagnosis, facing infertility, grief and loss, and trauma. 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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Kari Fager

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseSelf esteemDepressionCoping with life changes
6 years of experience

As a Licensed Clinical Social Worker I seek to meet each person where they are at with compassion, while unpacking the difficulties they face and developing new or reimagined paths forward. I frequently work with people wanting to navigate through trauma, depression, anxiety, chronic stress, and difficult life circumstances. I do this using an empathic, strengths based and eclectic approach. Clients can also choose if they would like counseling to be faith-based. I received my Master's in Social Work from Dominican University and am certified in EMDR. I bring varied experiences having worked in the US and internationally as well as in clinical and community based settings. Outside of my counseling chair, I can be found spending time with family, preferably in nature, and trying to coach my labradoodle Norah into being a therapy dog.

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Traci Witt

Offering therapy in California
AddictionsTrauma and abuse
7 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 7 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with coping with addictions, trauma, & abuse. 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.

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Erica Nolasco

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

My name is Erica Nolasco, I am licensed in California with 7 years of professional work experience. My passion is helping indivduals overcome trauma, divorce, depression, anxiety, self-doubt and addiction. I welcome individuals and families to a safe nonjudgmental space with the goal of providing each client long lasting healing, personal growth and happiness. 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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Christopher Tellez

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietyLGBTGriefAnger managementSelf esteem
15 years of experience

I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and Reiki Master based in San Francisco, California. I received my Masters in Social Work from Columbia University in 2005. I received my LCSW in 2021. I am the owner of SF REIKI CENTER (2011) I teach Reiki and see clients. I utilize a somatic approach in mind, body, and spirit, focusing on processing feelings in a safe environment and moving through them so you can move forward in creating the life you want. I have experience in helping clients with stress, anxiety, lgbtq+ related issues, coping with grief, coping with loss, anger management, motivation, & self esteem. I also have experience working with confidence and owning your power. 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. If clients want to work on spiritual practice, meditation and mantra practice I can help you with that.

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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