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.
John ODonoghue
For 25 years I have had the privilege to help people navigate difficult passages in their lives, in a variety of settings. Give yourself credit for reaching out, because a good therapist during these times can make a huge positive difference. In retrospect you may see that ill fortune, suffering and emotional pain helped you grow, and that without these challenges you may not have learned what you needed to progress. As Eckhart Tolle has said, suffering can be your greatest teacher. I did not become a therapist until midlife, and have had my own share of major life changes, transformations, suffering, and loss. These experiences have deepened my empathy and compassion, which I hope to bring to you. I have learned that creating trust in the therapeutic relationship is a vital part of the process, and like all therapists I am sworn to hold you with unconditional, non-judgmental positive regard. I have earned two Masters Degrees (in Psychology and Counseling Psychology), and hold two licenses – Licensed Professional Counselor and Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. Whether you are seeking longer term therapy to illuminate hidden patterns, or solution focused brief therapy for a specific problem, we will tailor our work accordingly to your goals and wishes. I am committed to helping you discover your ability to heal and grow, to listen to your inner wisdom, and find peace, self-acceptance, and self-confidence instead of fear. I have expertise with relationship struggles of all kinds, including dating, and alternate lifestyles. Addiction is a special interest, having developed a comprehensive alternative addiction treatment program in India suitable for any addiction – alcohol, drugs, food, gambling, sex, polysubstance cocktails, internet addictions, and others. I am open minded and abide by the principles of Harm Reduction. As an EAP counselor, I enjoy helping people with workplace and career issues. Other areas of expertise include grief and loss, blended family issues, stress, coping with the narcissists in your life, mild depression, anxiety, social anxiety, procrastination, guilt, anger, self blame, PTSD, family conflict, highly sensitive people, spirituality (mindfulness) and existential issues. I wish you all the best in your journey, and should you choose me, I look forward to working with you.
Grant Grover
Hello, life is beautiful!! I know we may not always feel that way and if you need help to feel that way again, let me help you. I have over 25 years experience in helping people reach their goals in life. I am compassionate, positive, and love helping people see how amazing they are. We all have minds that help us, but often get in the way of our ability to see and create the joy in life that we seek. I love helping people understand their competencies, self-worth and strengths and how they can use these to achieve there goals in a lasting way. I take great joy in seeing clients who have partnered with me in the growth process, years after counseling, who have had lasting changes that have increased throughout the years. I want you to be one of those people. I have worked with people of all ages. I have been trained as an expert in addictions , depression, anxiety, obsessive compulsive disorder, post-traumatic stress, relationship issues, religious issues, and grief and loss while working for the State of California. I have worked with mild, moderate and severe mental health challenges, including over five years working with in patient hospitalization. I have been highly effective in a private practice and I know how to treat client's who need short term or long term therapy that can take years with very good outcomes. I use a Client Centered approach with Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and ACT-Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, and Mindfulness training as well as various other modalities as needed. I love the truths of Jesus Christ as taught in various churches around the world. I love working with people who want therapy that can include a respect for their religious beliefs in the therapeutic process. I also help people with religious issues as they relate to Anxiety, Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, Depression, Various Addictions and Religious Preoccupation and Perseveration as well as Spiritual Abuse and its effects on families, individuals and couples. I work with people from all faiths. I am an active and practicing member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. I look forward to supporting you in receiving the therapy you need in an environment that will aid you in using your religious beliefs as strengths to help you on your journey. I look forward to helping you meet your goals!
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.
Marcas Bradley
I am licensed in Montana, Michigan, California, Idaho, and Delaware with 20+ years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, & family conflicts. I also have experience working with depression. 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.
Silvie Wilson
I am licensed in California with over 10 years of professional work experience. I have extensive experience working with teens and young adults, as well as Spanish speaking clients. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, trauma and abuse, coping with grief and loss, building motivation, self esteem, and confidence. My specific area of interest is in using somatic (body awareness based) approaches to find individualized strategies to help my clients overcome fears, traumas, negative beliefs, abuse, and other struggles that affect people and stop them from reaching their potential. I also utilize various respected personality tests (such as Meyers-Briggs and Enneagram) to gain a deeper understanding of my clients, and help them make sense of their experiences. I have also studied astrology and can offer insights pertaining to that depending on my clients preferences. 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. My goal in therapy is always to empower you, shine a light on your unique strengths, and help you to gain belief in your purpose and faith in your future. It takes courage to open up and ask for help to seek out a more fulfilling and happy life, and to take the first steps towards a change. I am here to support & empower you in that journey.
Cheri Williams
I am licensed in California with 14 plus years of professional work experience. I specialize in in helping clients with anxiety, stress and depression as well as parenting issues, motivation, self-esteem, confidence and Autism. I also have experience and expertise in treating couples to repair trust, improve communication, and strengthen emotional intimacy. Additionally, I have an understanding of Christian faith-based issues and am committed to providing a compassionate, holistic approach that integrates mental health and faith. Whether you're looking for guidance on personal struggles or relational difficulties, I'm here to walk alongside you, offering practical tools and insights to help you find peace and healing Taking the first step to seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process.
Timothy Cunningham
My therapeutic approach aims to meet my clients where they are at with what they are struggling with. Whether that is stress, depression, anxiety, sleep related issues or motivation, the goal is improvement and tools to manage these issues. I look to provide support with the situations that are currently affecting client’s health and progress towards a better life and more positive future. I am trained in art therapy techniques as well as sleep healthcare. I excel in finding personal strengths, support and strategies to manage life’s difficulties in a non-judgmental, safe space. Your health is important, I hope to become a part of your journey towards the self you want to be.
Galina Storozhenko
I am licensed in California with 16 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, trauma and abuse, & coping with grief and loss. 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.
Monique Damroth
I am licensed in California with 10 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, lgbtq+ related issues, relationship issues, & trauma and 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. Taking the first step to seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process.
Susan Graf-Cote
I am licensed in California with 24 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, trauma and abuse, & intimacy related issues. 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 sign up for therapy can take courage and I am proud of you for getting started!
Puneet Kumta
“I've learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.” M. Angelou Hi, I'm Penny! This quote has been posted in my office for decades, and guides the way I wish to practice therapy. I am a licensed clinical social worker with over twenty years of experience working with children, youth, and adults. I am passionate about supporting clients experiencing anxiety or depression who are willing to work towards their wellness. My faith and personal journey with healing drives my desire to serve others. As a survivor, I understand how we feel when we don’t address our traumas, how we isolate ourselves, how our feelings of disconnection can get in the way of feeling fully present. I know with guidance, support and compassion, we can integrate our parts into wholeness again. I believe that as humans we can change and grow. Through conscious awareness, we hold the power to interrupt automatic thought patterns. By shifting our thoughts and rewriting our narratives, we can be more in control of our feelings and take steps toward lasting change. If you could use a supportive partner in your healing, I am ready to join you.
LaNita Dyer
I am licensed in California with 12 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress, anxiety, coping with grief, coping with loss, motivation, self esteem, confidence, & bipolar disorder. 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. Taking the first step to sign up for therapy can take courage and I am proud of you for getting started!
Laura Sims
I am licensed in California with 12 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress, anxiety, trauma, abuse, coping with grief, coping with loss, depression, & concentration, memory. I also have experience working with focus (adhd). 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.
Dr. Demi Shugrue
I am licensed in California with 10 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress, anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, motivation, self esteem, & confidence. I also have experience working with depression. 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 sign up for therapy can take courage and I am proud of you for getting started!
Karen Rugama
The field of psychology is my passion. My professional journey began even before graduate school, and I've since honed my clinical skills in various therapeutic settings. Over the years, I've engaged in numerous roles within mental health, providing me with a comprehensive understanding of the field. My experience includes helping clients with stress, anxiety, trauma, abuse, parenting issues, and navigating life changes. I'm eager to continue offering services to those seeking change in their lives. I deeply respect the courage it takes to reach out for help, and I admire your ability to do so.
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
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- San Francisco, CA
- Fresno, CA
- Sacramento, CA
- Long Beach, CA
- Oakland, CA
- Bakersfield, CA
- Anaheim, CA
- Santa Ana, CA
- Riverside, CA
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