Finding a therapist in California can be challenging. Even in some of the biggest California cities, concerns about cost or a lack of available providers can make finding an in-person therapist 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. From young adults needing help managing ADHD to seniors struggling to heal from past events, therapists can help adults of any age navigate the challenges in their lives and learn 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.

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Jesse Moon

Offering therapy in California
License: CA LMFT 53155
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsRelationship issuesTrauma and abuseParenting issues
11 years of experience

I am a licensed Marriage Family Therapist in California. This includes the treatment of individuals. I have experience as a practicing psychotherapist and Life Coach. I treat anxiety, depression,post traumatic stress, sexuality, marriage/ relationship issues, stress, addictions, self esteem, career issues and a desire to increase your sense of happiness,well being and personal growth. I have expertise in Anger Management.. My approach is a combination of a humanistic strength based approach as well as cognitive behavioral therapy. In addition I am particularly sensitive to the needs of partners and families of those suffering with addictions and Adult Children of Addicts., ACA's. Treating adults whose parents or partners have significant personality disorders Such as narcissism or borderlines I believe that counseling is an interactive process and needs to be tailored to your particular needs.. I provide a warm, safe space for you to talk about your life and receive support and validation You respond at your own timing and schedule. It takes courage to reach out and take the first steps toward change and inner fullfillment. I am here to support and empower you. I will also provide practical suggestions that can aid you in bettering your circumstances . I look forward to working with you!

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Leonard Burns

Offering therapy in California
License: CA LMFT 25369
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesFamily conflictsTrauma and abuseGrief
35 years of experience

I have been a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in California since 1990. My background includes a combination of family systems and psychodynamic approaches, seasoned with many years of experience. What I have come to understand over the years is that the bedrock of successful psychotherapy is a strong, honest relationship between therapist and client. Only upon this foundation of trust is change possible.     I have many years of experience assisting clients in recovering from complex PTSD, anxiety, depression, relationship issues, cancer survivorship, and finding peace with identity in a world that is often unkind to those whose lifestyles would not be described as traditional. I know from my personal journey that change is possible, while often difficult and terrifying. If you are ready to commit to the journey, I am here to be at your side along the rocky path.

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Stefan Bain

Offering therapy in California
License: CA LCSW 21512, TN LCSW 6460
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsLGBTRelationship issuesDepression
30 years of experience

Hello. My name is Stefan Bain and I am a Clinical Therapist (MSW, LCSW, MPH, CST/Certified Sex Therapist) with over 30 years of experience working as a psychotherapist. Educated at UC Berkeley, with post graduate school training at Stanford University and the Veteran's Health Care System. My therapy practice is focused on men, helping men achieve wholeness and wellness. Men's issues with which I work include anger management, addiction, anxiety and depression, trauma, infidelity, parenting, loss, aging, relationships, career transitions, stress, and sex/ sexuality issues, including intimacy issues, performance issues, body acceptance, sexual identity exploration, coming out, healing from sexual trauma, and porn addiction. My therapy style is warm and interactive and my therapeutic approaches are based on best-practice and are evidence-based. I believe in treating everyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion. My approach combines cognitive-behavioral, humanistic, psychodynamic and rational-emotive therapy. I will tailor our dialog and treatment plan to meet your unique and specific needs. One of the main goals of therapy is to provide you with the tools you will need to be successful long after treatment ends; therapy is just one step in your total wellness; the goal is to be whole; however you define it.

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Susan Clark

Offering therapy in California
License: CA LMFT 121989
Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseGriefSelf esteemADHD
9 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 9 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress, anxiety, trauma, abuse, coping with grief, coping with loss, motivation, self esteem, confidence, concentration, & memory. I also have experience working with focus. I specialize in working with young children, adolescents, and young adults who are navigating trauma, victimization, sex trafficking recovery, or common childhood behavioral challenges. My goal is to create a safe, comfortable, and even fun experience, where young people feel seen, heard, and supported. I use evidence-based approaches tailored to the unique needs of each client, always with the goal of fostering resilience, healing, and growth-no matter how big or small the issue may seem. I'm passionate about early intervention because childhood and adolescence are pivotal stages of development-when challenges first arise, but also when we have the best opportunity to help. Supporting young people at this stage can make a lasting difference in their lives, and it's an honor to walk that journey with them. 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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Andrea Plate

Offering therapy in California
License: CA LCSW 22904
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsCareer difficultiesCoping with life changesCompassion fatigue
18 years of experience

I am licensed in California, with 18 years of professional work experience. For nearly 15 years I ran a residential substance abuse treatment program within the West Los Angeles Department of Veterans Affairs, serving those suffering from homelessness and chronic mental illness. Now working with individuals in the population at large, I do my best to help clients cope with: anxiety, personal and professional setbacks, addiction, major life changes, relationship conflicts and career concerns. I also refine and enhance my practice through teaching social welfare and addiction at a major West Los Angeles university. 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.

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Christine Block

Offering therapy in California
License: FL LMHC Mh16966, CA LMFT 42751
Stress, AnxietyLGBTRelationship issuesCareer difficultiesCoping 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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Peter Hilliard

Offering therapy in California
License: CA LCSW 7475
Relationship issuesFamily conflictsTrauma and abuseAnger managementCoping with life changes
40 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 40 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, & anger management. 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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Hayley McLemore

Offering therapy in California
License: NY LCSW 093670, CA LCSW 128343
Stress, AnxietySelf esteemBipolar disorderDepressionCoping with life changes
7 years of experience

I am licensed in New York with 7 years of professional work experience. 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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Cheryl Hopkins

Offering therapy in California
License: CA LMFT 15224
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesGriefParenting issuesSelf esteem
40 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 40 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, coping with grief and loss, & parenting 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. 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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Kendal Lardie

Offering therapy in California
License: CA LCSW 101763
AddictionsRelationship issuesSelf esteemBipolar disorderDepression
9 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 9 years of professional work experience. I have experience in multiple areas, including addiction, relationship issues, self-esteem building, anxiety, depression, and bipolar disorder. I believe the most important part of therapy is the relationship you have with your therapist, which should be one of respect and understanding. I believe in treating all people with care an compassion. Our sessions will be focused on what you believe the most important concern is at that time, as well as how that ties into your ultimate goal for treatment. I commend you for seeking out help and taking the time to better yourself, and I am excited to be a part of the process.

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Dr. David Sommers

Offering therapy in California
License: CA LCSW 6263
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsRelationship issuesCareer difficultiesDepression
40 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 40 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress, anxiety, coping with addictions, relationship issues, & career difficulties. I also have experience working with 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.

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Megan Allen

Offering therapy in California
License: CA LMFT 40452
Stress, AnxietyAnger managementSelf esteemCoaching
28 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 28 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress, anxiety, anger management, motivation, self esteem, confidence, & executive coaching. I also have experience working with professional coaching. 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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Cheri Hendrickson

Offering therapy in California
License: CA LMFT 115235
Stress, AnxietySelf esteemBipolar disorderDepressionCoping with life changes
8 years of experience

I am licensed in California with a little over 8 years of professional work experience as a therapist and over 15 years of experience in the behavioral health field. I have experience in helping clients with stress, anxiety, motivation, self-esteem, confidence, bipolar disorder, & 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. 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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Lily Martinez Lomeli

Offering therapy in California
License: CA LCSW 130815
Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseAnger managementDepressionCoping 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, anger management, & 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 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 BetterHelp therapists in California does not offer diagnostic or medication management services in therapy.

Why do people choose to work with a licensed counselor or therapists?

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, working with:

  • Challenging situations or life stressors
  • Eating disorders requiring therapy
  • Anxiety disorders in need of therapeutic support
  • Depression or depressive mental health conditions
  • Adjustment issues in need of therapeutic support
  • Emotional support for a terminal illness
  • Chronic pain emotional support
  • Grief therapy
  • Personality disorders
  • Trauma therapy
  • Relationship conflicts and mental health concerns

Finding a therapist in California 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 therapy site. If you are in life-threatening danger, call 911. If you require support for a crisis, reach out to the therapy 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 therapy with a licensed therapist cost?

Mental health professionals can differ in price. Forbes found that the average cost of in-person California therapy in the US is around $100 to $200 per hour. Pricing can also vary based on your location. 

BetterHelp offers payment plans of $65 to $100 per week. 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.

Is it possible to find a therapist, counselor, or psychology practitioner that offers affordable therapy?

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.

What can a psychologist help me with in therapy?

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 in-person or online therapy with a therapist in California?

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.

Are online therapy sessions 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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