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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Ella Weiss

Offering therapy in California
License: M.A,LMFT
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsRelationship issuesTrauma and abuseDepression
35 years of experience

Hello, I am a licensed marriage and family therapist, inviting you to take a journey looking deeply inside of yourself. I have been licensed since 1989 , and obtained my masters degree in clinical psychology in 1985. Since then I have worked in a variety of settings, including inpatient and outpatient mental treatment, and with different populations. I currently mostly work with adults suffering from anxiety and affective disorders. I attended the University of Michigan for my undergraduate degree in psychology, and had the opportunity to engage in numerous internships . My work in an inpatient psych unit at the University of Michigan Hospital was eye opening, as I learned to be around people who had attempted to take their lives. I had the opportunity to work in a medium security prison in Milan, Michigan where we discussed social skills, and emotional development with the inmates. I have also worked with children in a daycare setting, engaging in observation, and clinical intervention with tantrums, conflicts, etc. I moved to southern California after my graduation from the University of Michigan, and pursued my masters degree in clinical psychology at the California Graduate Institute in Westwood, California. I engaged in completing 3000 hours of training working with individuals, families, couples and children. The venues where I worked included a community clinic, a residential treatment center for adolescents, and private practice. I employ a variety of treatment modalities (such as cognitive behavioral therapy, dialectical behavior therapy, psychodynamic therapy), and most recently, have received training in eye movement desensitization and reprocessing(EMDR). I have completed the basic training, and working to become certified. This is a modality that is used to treat trauma. I always like to know what the person in front of me wants to work on, what is important to them. Making changes in one;s life takes commitment, and hard work. I am here to guide and support you during this amazing process.

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Sherice Youngblood

Offering therapy in California
License: LCSW
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsTrauma and abuseSelf esteem
15 years of experience

Hello future clients! Please take a minute and appreciate yourself as this is the first step in your health journey. The initial step of recognizing the desire for change and acting on it, can be the most difficult for some. A little about myself, I’m a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with over 15 years of counseling/social work experience. I believe in partnering with each client to reach specified structured goals and I look forward to partnering with you. As a women of color, mother, wife, supervisor and employee I have experienced juggling multiple expectations at a time while navigating through the complexities this may bring. I consider myself an “Urban Therapist” as I derive from the low-income housing projects of San Francisco. My personal background includes experiences with crime, violence, trauma and other aspects of living in an under resourced environment. I’m proud to say as a native San Franciscan beginning my career in the city’s world famous Tenderloin District exposed me to a variety of counseling experiences with adults including work with historically under-represented groups such as LGBTQIA+, Persons of Color and those from a lower social economic status. Other aspects of my work have included work with adults experiencing depression, work conflicts and relationship stressors. These roots have lead me to provide supportive guidance to adults working through situations ranging from a stressful work environment, substance addiction to the effects of gun violence. My career including work with the homeless, child welfare, HIV/AIDS, medical social work and my personal experiences have prepared me for these challenges. My formal experiences provided knowledge and skill sets in Cognitive Behavior Therapy and Client Centered Therapy which are the frameworks I most often use. I again want to applaud you for taking the first step in your health journey. I’m looking forward to meeting you where we will work together to map put your journey!

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David Gottlieb

Offering therapy in California
License: MS,MFT,PPS
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesParenting issuesSelf esteemADHD
30 years of experience

Change can be difficult, and you are taking an important step by reaching out for support. I am going to work with you to develop a path toward positive change. Our time together will honor who you are while targeting the challenging areas of your life. I will treat you with respect, warmth and compassion as we take on your negative thoughts, emotions, and behaviors without stigmatizing labels to make you feel better. I am a licensed marriage and family therapist in Northern California with 30 years of experience. I have worked with clients with a wide range of problem areas including anxiety, depression, relationship issues, parenting problems, career transitions, acting out behaviors, ADHD as well as learning and developmental disabilities. My therapeutic approach intentionally combines client-centered, relationship and communication-based, solution-skill based, cognitive-behavioral, and family systems counseling. As I get to know you, we will map out together a specific plan of treatment that fits who you are, what you want to accomplish, and how best to get there. I look forward to connecting with you.

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Nataly Perez

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesTrauma and abuseSelf esteemDepression
5 years of experience

I am a family and marriage counselor licensed in California. I have worked with victims of crime, such as domestic violence, including depression, anxiety, relationship issues, and trauma. My counseling style is a person-centered approach. I like to focus on your strengths and work with improving your daily functioning. My goal is to help you meet your goals and heal toward positive change.

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Laura D. Cutler

Offering therapy in California
License: LMFT
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsRelationship issuesTrauma and abuseDepression
9 years of experience

Hello and welcome! I am Laura Cutler, Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT). For more than 20 years, I have been working with adults, children, youth, families, and communities in the field of psychotherapy and child welfare in a variety of settings, including private practice, the foster care system, and hospital setting. It has been said that one of the most courageous things a human being can do is to enter therapy.   The inner world of thoughts, feelings, and body sensations can often feel overwhelming.  Whether you are struggling with anxiety, depression, anger, current or post-traumatic experiences, relationship problems, grief and loss, or any other human experience for which you need support, healing, individualized strategies, and encouragement, you have come to the right place.  My own journey began with anxiety and depression as a young child, which continued into adulthood. As a child and adolescent, I lived in a private hell of anxiety and a deep sadness that I could not understand. Learning about proper nutrition and meditation helped significantly. But it was not until I entered therapy in my mid-30's that I began to see how my childhood experiences and current ways of thinking, feeling, and behaving, were shaping me, dictating the degree to which I could explore and enjoy my own life. During my first session, I experienced a thrill of hope beyond description, a glimmering of what may be possible in my quest for total freedom to live, love, create, and make my contribution to the world in this lifetime. I loved the therapeutic experience so much that I went back to school to become a therapist. My therapeutic style is warm, supportive, solution-focused, and based on Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy, which teaches us to notice and question our negative thoughts and perceptions of self and other in order to come to a more balanced view. I also incorporate "body-focused" therapies, having been trained in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) and the Trauma Resiliency Model (TRM. Research has shown that trauma lives in the body, not just the mind, and that sometimes talk therapy alone is not enough to resolve our deepest emotional wounds. Also included in my therapeutic approach is psycho-education, or a teaching element, to provide you with new knowledge and to support skill building. I grew up in a house filled with books and two parents that revered learning. So, naturally, being in a state of continuous learning is something that I value greatly and trust will benefit your therapeutic process. As I continue to learn, too, I will happily share my discoveries when pertinent to your own journey in psychotherapy. Our work together will rest upon several core principles: 1. We come into the world with a brain that is hard wired to adapt. Effective therapy seeks to enhance and strengthen the adaptive information processing mechanism and adaptive memory networks that already exist in your brain and help to calm your nervous system. These adaptive mechanisms support our work in therapy to honor, reprocess, and integrate your traumatic memories into your experience, so that you can live more fully in the present moment. 2. All feelings, negative thoughts, and body sensations are valuable and serve as our constant teachers.  3. When we get good at slowing down, noticing and questioning our thoughts and assumptions, magical changes can begin to happen. 4. Focusing on our existing personal strengths and seeking to build upon them is the most effective way to move forward in our lives.  Past regrets and traumas are to be honored and learned from, but we need not live there. 5. Good therapy does not need to take years. When we develop a treatment plan together, based on a comprehensive assessment, your insights and needs, and with my clinical input, significant progress can be made in weeks or months. 6. The skills you will learn in therapy with me can serve you for the rest of your life. You will become your own therapist and even share your experiences with others to encourage and support those who are still suffering. 7. Therapy alone is never enough. We must give attention to our nutrition, exercise, work life, need for creative expression, sexuality, and play. Spiritual practices, such as a faith tradition, yoga, meditation, and other spiritual tools, are also extremely helpful in reconnecting you with your truest self - which is always unfolding! But even with all of the insight and knowledge in the world, I have seen and personally experienced that, ultimately, it is relationship that heals - relationship first and foremost with ourself and then others. It is deep listening that heals. It is kindness, patience, giving up the need to be right, being curious, being gentle with ourself, seeking to love and understand ourself and others, that heals. I invite you to experience the therapeutic space with me and see what is possible. Know that there is no such thing as failure or "getting it wrong" with me - only new discoveries about what works and what feels right to you, moment by moment.  You have the capacity to grow and change. And, you don't have to do it alone! With new knowledge and skills - with a new way of simply being - we can come to know a new freedom and a new happiness. Our unnecessary suffering begins to melt away...

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Janette Hernandez

Offering therapy in California
License: LMFT
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesFamily conflictsDepressionCoping with life changes
8 years of experience

My name is Janette, LMFT. Through a person-centered approach, I thrive in assisting people address their areas of concern. You are the expert in you and I use my skillset, experience and knowledge base that I have acquired over the past 8 years to work with you. I am a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) under the state of California. I have had the honor of working with adults, youth and families who have had difficulties with life's stressors dealing with relationships, trauma, depression, anxiety and other concerns. Utilizing a combination of theoretical approaches, including, cognitive-behavioral therapy, I collaborate with you to meet you where you are. I specialize in the following areas, however, this list is not exhaustive, if you have a question please reach out. • Anxiety (Social, Generalized, Panic) • Adjustment Issues • Mood Disorders (Major Depressive Disorder) • Trauma & Stress Related Concerns • Problems related to family/interpersonal relationships

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Nathalie Contro

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

I have been working with couples, individuals and families for over twenty years. As a therapist, I collaborate with clients in finding healthier ways of coping with stress, communicating their needs, and resolving conflicts and in developing intimacy within their relationships. Each client is met where they are at, and with unconditional regard, the time we spend together will involve you developing tools and insights to living you life, and relationships authentically and to their full potential. I specialize in couples, intimacy issues, substance use disorders, PTSD, anxiety, depression, Bipolar Disorder, and Personality Disorders. The therapeutic relationship is a vessel in which with unconditional positive regard, our collaboration will serve to support your discovering the road to living your life to your full potential. My approach is to support you in uncovering and utilizing your insight, intuition, and self-efficacy , to empower you on your journey towards a life that purposeful, balanced, and centered. You will be met with empathy and presence, so that can freely, explore behavior, challenges, and identify road to healing and self actualization. No one person fits a mold, we are all very unique individuals with a special set of qualities and skills set, therefore it is essential to meet the client where they are at. My approach integrates various techniques that include psychotherapeutic strategies (CBT, DBT, Self Psychology, Object Relations, and Systems Therapy). Movement, active imagination, dreams work, breathwork are also tools utilized to increased insight, promote balance and integration.

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Margaret Calvert

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietyAnger managementDepression
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, family conflicts, & anger management. 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.

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Rosa Barraza

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesTrauma and abuseSelf esteemDepression
11 years of experience

I am licensed in California and Idaho with 11 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, trauma and abuse, & motivation, self esteem, and confidence. I also love animals, gardening, and tending to my small homestead on my off time. I appreciate being out in nature and also appreciate being home. 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! *** I offer sessions openings in the early morning and earlier afternoon hours. I do offer some Saturday and Sunday morning sessions as well***

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Steven Gaddis

Offering therapy in California
License: LPC
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsAnger management
20 years of experience

Greetings! I am a counselor, currently licensed in California and Texas, with approximately 20 years of experience. My experiences include working with individuals to address topics such as anger management, relationship issues, alcohol and other drug related concerns, personal development, and mood disturbances. I have also worked with criminal justice involved individuals. My style primarily utilizes a Cognitive Behavioral perspectives with an understanding that the connection and trust between counselor and client is paramount in an effective and productive partnership. I believe that by working to create a safe and authentic environment the stage is best prepared for creating healthy change and movement towards ones goals. Although the specific methods utilized will be based on individual details and interactions, my interactions are personalized and focused on an individual's strengths. I typically review incoming messages at least twice a day, at least once in the AM and once in the PM. I appreciate you and your interest in counseling as an opportunity to create or maintain the life you envision. I hope to have the opportunity to partner with you in your next steps and I look forward to hearing from and working with you.

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Deanna Burgdorf Burcina

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsTrauma and abuseSelf esteemDepression
12 years of experience

I am licensed in California, Alabama, and Texas with 12 years of professional work experience, particularly working with clients with histories of trauma, substance abuse issues and codependency, stress and anxiety, depression, and attachment issues. I welcome clients of all backgrounds, religious beliefs, races, cultures, or personal identities. My extensive experience traveling both within the US and abroad has helped me to develop a deep appreciation for the differences and similarities amongst individuals and groups in general. That said, I have a variety of experience with a range of clientele, but all shared a desire for connection with others. As a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, I tend to work from a psychodynamic perspective . I have found success using the relationship between client and therapist to create awareness, make observations, and allow a safe space for growth and change. Given I have worked with clients with extensive histories of trauma, I do believe it is important to understand the impact of primary or prior experiences on current relationships with self and others, but you determine the pace at which we work. It is never the goal to relive trauma or pressure you to disclose something you are not ready to share. I truly believe each client will share what is relevant for their healing in their own time. It is my job to hold that space and work with you to build connections and remove barriers to your own happiness and satisfaction in life. Despite my tendency to work from a psychodynamic perspective, I may use other tools or therapeutic perspectives if it is helpful for you, the client. Flexibility and empathic attunement are essential components of a successful therapeutic relationship. In regards to my specific experience, I have facilitated groups for the CA Lawyers Bar Association in both Los Angeles and the Bay Area to help members address issues of depression, anxiety, or substance use that were interfering with their work or ability to obtain/maintain licensure. Creating a safe space to allow for others to share insights, build awareness, and share feelings was imperative to that therapeutic process. I have worked with clients in a private practice setting, primarily working with clients struggling with Anxiety, Depression, or Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. I learned clients may come to therapy for a specific issue or goal that would often change during the course of therapy. That is ok! I cannot stress enough how important it is in my practice to work at the client's pace. While it is not my goal to tell you what to do, I may, make observations, inquire about, or make connections to other information shared in our sessions to help you determine what is best for you. Finally, I worked with the Juvenile Justice system for more than 12 years working with youth and their families in a variety of roles. I collaborated with the Court system, non-profit agencies, and worked directly with youth in group settings. Establishing rapport and building a foundation of trust and respect was key for discussing barriers to success and identifying ways each person could achieve the goals set forth. Anyone who has worked with teens knows ruptures in the relationship may occur. If that happens, whether it is with an adult or teen, it is important for me as a therapist to allow space in session to validate that experience and repair the relationship. Ruptures in a relationship can actually lead to some of the greatest moments of healing and growth, if handled appropriately. A person's perspective is their reality and I want to understand each client's perspective in a non-judgmental and compassionate way. Overall, I work with my clients to create an open and safe environment where thoughts and feelings can be shared without fear of judgment. If you experience something in session that you did not like, I encourage feedback and honesty so we can work together to address that. The therapeutic relationship can be the foundation for healing and growth, but only if it is a safe space. Therapy can stir up difficult feelings both in and out of session. As your therapist, I want the space in session to feel safe enough to share those experiences, even when it can be difficult or painful. Taking the first step to seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes incredible courage. I am here to support you in that process. It is an honor to work with each client and join you on your journey of healing and growth!

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Angela Diamante

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietySelf esteemBipolar disorderDepressionADHD
7 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 7 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress, anxiety, & 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 seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process.

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Dynesha Crooks

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietyGriefSelf esteemCareer difficultiesCoping with life changes
18 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 18 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, coping with grief and loss, motivation, self esteem, and confidence, & career difficulties. 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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Kiara Bernhart

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesFamily conflictsGriefSelf esteem
8 years of experience

I am an LMFT, a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with over ten years experience in California and see individuals, couples and families. I specialize in working with empowerment, anxiety, grief, depression and life transitions. Some of my modalities include mindfulness, trauma-focused therapy as well as inner child work and solution-focused therapy. I graduated with an MA from Pepperdine in Clinical Psychology. I have experience in helping clients with relationship issues, family conflicts, coping with grief, coping with loss, motivation, & self esteem. Together we can build a super safe space where thoughts and feelings can be shared without fear of judgment. I offer compassionate and empathetic listening and holding, while also process your feelings and needs and how to get the met. 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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Natalie Jambazian

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesTrauma and abuseAnger managementSelf esteem
9 years of experience

Natalie is a compassionate and dedicated therapist with a deep commitment to helping individuals reclaim their lives after experiencing, loss, trauma, anxiety, break-ups, divorces, depression, abuse, anger management, & self esteem. Natalie has cultivated a therapeutic approach that is empathetic, non-judgmental, client-centered, and culturally sensitive. Natalie guides her clients through their healing process by fostering self-awareness, building resiliency, and empowering you to set healthy boundaries. Whether you're seeking healing from past wounds, current ones, clarity in relationships, tools or manage anxiety, I am here to support you on your journey to becoming our most authentic and empowered self. Taking the first step to sign up for therapy can take courage and I am proud of you for getting started!

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:

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.

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