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.

Shaakira McMillon
Hello, Welcome! Thank you for choosing BetterHelp. You have taken an important step toward prioritizing your mental health and wellness. My name is Shaakira McMillon. I am a licensed therapist (LCSW) in the state of California. I have been a Social Worker for 7 years. I am passionate about helping others and creating a safe space for clients and families. Throughout my career, I have assisted clients coping with a wide variety of issues/concerns including but not limited to: Depression, Anxiety, caregiver fatigue, burnout, family conflict, grief, intimacy issues, addiction, and work-life balance concerns. I utilize Motivational Interviewing, CBT, Solution- Focused Techniques, Art, and other therapeutic tools to help clients identify meaningful and achievable goals. I enjoy helping others and would greatly appreciate the opportunity to assist you. It would be a privilege to walk alongside you in healing journey. Please feel free to reach out to me regarding any questions/concerns/inquiries.

Dr. Brandi Brooks
I am licensed in California with 10 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, forensic psychology in maximum security prisons, career difficulties, & executive and professional coaching. My therapeutic philosophy is to encourage, inspire and motivate others to create meaningful change in their lives. Taking the first step to sign up for therapy can take courage and I am proud of you for getting started!

Helen Hovsepian
I am licensed in California with 25 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with trauma and abuse, coping with grief and loss, anxiety, depression & adjusting to life changes and challenges. . I work with my clients to create trust in an open and safe environment where thoughts and feelings can be shared without fear of judgment. Taking the first step to sign up for therapy can take courage and I am proud of you for getting started! If you are feeling stuck and want a change then you may be ready to start this journey of exploration and discovery. There may be areas where you may be needing healing which we will address only when you feel you're ready. It would be my goal and honor to assist you with your current issues and in finding and meeting your fundamental needs in order to grow and thrive. If you have any questions please feel free to contact me.

Courtney Brown
I am licensed in California with 17 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with trauma and abuse, anger management, depression, & 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. Taking the first step to seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process.

Nanette Tangkeko
I am licensed in California with 8 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, coping with grief and loss, motivation, self esteem, confidence, and recovery from narcissistic abuse. 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 life and take the first steps towards change. I am here to support & empower you in that journey.

Brennan Fitzgerald
I am licensed in California with 11 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, trauma and abuse, career difficulties, & executive and professional coaching. 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.

Regina Burnette
I am licensed in California with 17 years of professional work experience with clients from diverse backgrounds and areas of concern. I provide person centered approaches to assist members of the community in releasing traumas, hurts, and other obstacles that are holding them back so they can restore themselves to a higher level of functioning 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. 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.

Kristoffer Flores
I am licensed in California with over 10 years of professional work experience. I have experience in supporting clients manage depression, stress, anxiety, parenting issues, motivation, self esteem, confidence, & transitioning 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. Taking the first step to sign up for therapy can take courage and I am proud of you for getting started! I look forward to working with you.

Dr. Oceana Free
Hello! I’m Dr. Oceana Free, a licensed therapist in California currently providing therapy to adult individuals. I have 25 years of professional experience serving clients in the mental health field & have an LMFT in marriage & family therapy & PhD in metaphysical counseling. I have experience in helping clients with trauma, abuse, depression, anxiety, addiction & loneliness. I offer eclectic, psychodynamic, existential & mindfulness therapy. I also offer faith-based & spiritual therapy. I believe in treating everyone with respect, dignity & compassion. Each person is unique & has unique challenges. I am here to support & empower you in your journey.

Melinda Elson
I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, LCSW, and am a dedicated mental health professional licensed in California with thirty years of valuable work experience. I specialize in assisting clients with a wide range of challenges, including stress and anxiety, trauma and abuse, coping with grief and loss, motivation, self-esteem, confidence, and depression. I am committed to providing compassionate and effective support to individuals seeking healing and personal growth. I have dedicated over 30 years to the field of mental health and therapy, specializing in individual, couple, and family therapy. With expertise in a range of therapy modalities, including psychodynamic, cognitive-behavioral, motivational interviewing, meditation practices, narrative therapy, and trauma-focused therapy, I offer a comprehensive and personalized approach to healing and growth. As a trained yoga practitioner with a Yoga Teacher 500-hour certification, I seamlessly integrate mindfulness and meditation techniques into therapy sessions to help alleviate symptoms of depression and anxiety. By focusing on increasing self-love, acceptance, and self-esteem, my goal is to guide clients through life changes, past traumas, and personal challenges with compassion and understanding. My approach is rooted in trauma-informed care, providing a safe, non-judgmental, and supportive space for clients to explore their emotions and experiences. With a wealth of experience and a commitment to holistic healing, I empower individuals to navigate their mental health journey and cultivate resilience in the face of adversity. With a client-centered approach, I work collaboratively with clients to establish an open and safe therapeutic environment where thoughts and feelings can be shared without fear of judgment. By fostering a space of trust and empathy, I focus on empowering clients to explore their emotions, confront challenges, and embark on a journey towards improved mental well-being. Recognizing the courage it takes to seek help and make positive changes in one's life, I am dedicated to guiding and supporting clients through this transformative process. Whether you are facing stress, trauma, self-esteem issues, or depression, I am here to provide the guidance, tools, and encouragement needed to navigate challenges and cultivate a more fulfilling and happier life. By choosing to work with me, you can expect a compassionate and dedicated therapist who is committed to your well-being and growth. Together, we can embark on a journey of self-discovery, healing, and empowerment, paving the way for a brighter and more fulfilling future.
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:
- 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 feature
- 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 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.
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