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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Dr. Verda Bradley

Offering therapy in California
License: PhD,LCSW,MeD
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsRelationship issuesFamily conflictsSelf esteem
30 years of experience

Hello, I am Dr. Verda Bradley. I have over thirty years experience as a licensed clinical psychotherapist. My practice is dedicated to the alleviation of emotional suffering brought about by psycho-social stressors, trauma, domestic violence, substance abuse misuse/abuse and mental illness. I am a Certified NIDA Relapse Prevention counselor. I have experience in various mental health, child protection and family services, criminal justice agencies and recovery services. I have been facilitating a bereavement group twice a month for several years. I like helping people work through problems and improve the quality of life they are seeking. I enjoy establishing a trusting and client centered environment. Specialties Individual, stress, anxiety , depression Bereavement Marital /Family Conflict

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Lynnetta Hawkins

Offering therapy in California
License: MS,LMFT
Stress, AnxietyIntimacy-related issuesSelf esteemBipolar disorderDepression
12 years of experience

Hi! Welcome to my page! I can't wait to meet you and learn what brought you to BetterHelp! I received my Masters degree in 2012 at the University of Phoenix and am close to completing my ASSECT certification in sex therapy through The Buehler Institue. I have worked with many different populations over the passed 12 years, and most of my experience has been helping individuals, couples, and families overcome obstacles related to anxiety, depression, personality disorders, eating disorders and major mental illnesses such as bipolar disorder and schizophrenia. I have also helped a lot of individuals and couples with sex related problems (non-traditional relationships, kink, painful sex) and relationship obstacles. I began working for the the county in which I reside in 2013 where I assessed people to determine if they met criteria to be detained due to being a danger to themselves, a danger to others, or gravely disabled (unable to care for their basic needs due to mental illness). I soon began working as part of a treatment team on the psychiatric unit where people detained were provided crisis stabilization and I now manage this unit. I have provided private practice services both in person and online for the past 3.5 years. Outside of managing an inpatient unit, I love utilizing my skills and experience to help increase optimism and passion toward developing a more "glass half full" perspective, no matter what the obstacle or circumstance. Feeling better is not necessarily possible overnight, but with the right tools, therapeutic chemistry, and work, better IS possible! Can't wait to meet you :)

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Pat Staten

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietySelf esteemDepressionCoping with life changesCoaching
25 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 25 years of experience as a therapist, as well as years of experience working for major companies in several different industries. I have experience helping clients with stress and anxiety, work- and career-related issues, and coping with life changes. I treat 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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Cynthia Solomon

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsGriefSelf esteemDepression
15 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 15 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, coping with addictions, 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. 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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Alicia Garcia

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietyParenting issuesSelf esteemCareer difficultiesCoping with life changes
23 years of experience

I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in California with over 20 years of professional experience. I specialize in helping clients navigate stress and anxiety, parenting issues, motivation, self-esteem, confidence, and career difficulties. Additionally, I have extensive experience in supporting individuals through life's stressors and changes, providing guidance and tools to manage transitions effectively. I believe in treating everyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion. Our dialogue and treatment plan will be tailored to meet your unique and specific needs. Taking the first step to sign up for therapy can take courage, and it's a significant step towards positive change.

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Susan Hallett

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietyGriefSelf esteemDepressionCoping with life changes
15 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 15 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress, anxiety, coping with grief, coping with loss, 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. 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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Jessica Barba

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietySelf esteemCoping with life changes
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 coping with life changes. 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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Christina Atkinson

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesTrauma and abuseSelf 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, relationship issues, trauma, abuse, 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. 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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SusAnne Sheffield

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseGriefEating disordersDepression
10 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 10 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress, depression, anxiety, trauma, abuse, self worth, coping with grief, co-dependency, coping with loss & eating disorders. I also have experience working with clients in areas of spirituality and offer somatic experiencing. 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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Odelia Morovati

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseParenting issuesSelf esteemDepression
15 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 15 years of professional work experience. I truly believe we all have the resources within us to grow and heal. However, there are times we become "stuck" in life and overcome with fear or other factors. I am passionate in working with adults in helping them recognize deeper/underlying issues or past traumatic experiences that can impair a person's function each day in various ways. I specialize in anxiety, depression, PTSD, and complex trauma (Ie physical, sexual, and emotional abuse, DV, life adjustments, grief/loss). I am passionate in using modalities beyond talk therapy, such as somatic work and EMDR, a research-based treatment that facilitates the brain's own capacity to heal. I love incorporating inner child work and expressive arts into our sessions as well. Additionally, I have an extensive background working with children and providing parenting support, especially for children who have experienced trauma or attachment injuries. I believe it is important to provide a safe, non-judgmental environment where you feel comfortable, relaxed and empowered to heal and become the best version of yourself. I don't believe in one cookie cutter approach and try to keep each session unique to your needs.

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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