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.
JP (Jean-Pierre) De Oliveira Estevão
My primary objective is to create a safe and nurturing environment where individuals, couples, and families can explore and enhance their emotional and mental well-being. Utilizing a client-centered approach rooted in humanistic principles, I actively collaborate with my clients to deeply understand their unique needs and aspirations. From this understanding, I develop personalized interventions that foster growth and progress. Rather than fixating solely on problems or pathology, I integrate the strengths and resources of my clients into my therapeutic approach. By doing so, I cultivate a sense of empowerment and resilience within them, enabling them to overcome obstacles and achieve their objectives. With extensive experience as a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor in California and Texas, I have had the privilege of working with diverse individuals, including children, older adults, and members of the LGBTQ+ community. My background in school counseling and non-profit agencies has given me a deep understanding of the psychological challenges that can arise within these populations. My therapeutic approach focuses on building positive communication and nurturing meaningful client relationships. I prioritize establishing healthy coping strategies and facilitating lasting interpersonal changes within a culturally sensitive framework. Through compassionate and respectful guidance, I work collaboratively with my clients to help them achieve their personalized goals. Please note that I operate in the central standard time zone (GMT+6), and my working hours generally span from 10 AM to 5 PM. Kindly be aware that I am typically unavailable during weekends and evenings. As an esteemed Saint Mary's College of California graduate, I am fully committed to providing tailored therapy services to individuals. I am delighted to offer online therapy sessions as a convenient and accessible support form.
Janette Hernandez
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
Dr. Matthew Meyers
My experience is working with individuals/ couples, children, and families. I look forward to supporting your journey. I am a Licensed Profesional Clinical Counselor in the states of California, Nevada, Florida, New Mexico, Arizona, Utah, Indiana, Idaho, and a Nationally Board Certified Counselor. My doctorate is in counseling psychology. I have 20 years of counseling experience. My practice focuses on working with individuals, and couples with relationship issues as well as work-related challenges. I work with my clients to create an open and safe environment where issues, thoughts, and feelings can be shared. My goal is to build upon what is working in the client's life and collaborate with my clients to address the needs that they feel should be addressed in a way that they feel comfortable with. I do ask thought-provoking questions during sessions to help engage the client. Scheduling Availability is usually on weekdays evenings or weekends. I am in the West Coast time zone I look forward to working with you!
Rebecca Marrs
I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in the state of California. I have over six years of experience in the mental health field as a therapist working with individuals ranging from infancy, childhood, adolescents, adulthood, middle adulthood and old age. Also, have worked in various settings such as in the home, school, out in the community, agency setting and in my office. Their backgrounds have ranged from foster care, adoption, history of trauma, domestic violence, difficulty with peers/co-workers, auto-immune disease, LGBTQIA+, separation, divorce, reunification and court ordered therapy. Some diagnosed with MDD, GAD, PTSD, ADHD, OCD, Adjustment Disorder, School Phobia and ODD. I will complete an intake, which will include a mental status exam. This process will come naturally during the session as I will inquire about the reason why you have decided to start therapy and collaborate to determine what your therapeutic goal and personal goals are. My office is a safe place where you can share your thoughts and feelings, feel heard, understood, validated and supported. You have a say each step of the way.
Tony Lee
Hello. My name is Tony Lee. I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with over 20 years of professional work experience, including suicide prevention service, crisis intervention, and general counseling. I received a master’s degree in Social Work from the University of South Florida. I have worked with individuals of all ages dealing with chronic medical conditions, end-stage illnesses, and physical disabilities. Also, I have experience helping clients with general stress, anxiety, self-esteem/self-confidence, motivation, coping with loss/grief, and LGBT-related issues. I use Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy with Client-Centered and Solution-Focused approach. If you're interested in mindfulness techniques, I can guide your practice. I believe in treating everyone with respect, empathy, and compassion. I will tailor the treatment plan to meet your unique and specific needs while being mindful of cultural values. Taking the first step to sign up for therapy can take courage, and I am proud of you for getting started!
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.
Freda Ayers
I am licensed in California with 13 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, trauma and abuse, 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. 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.
Lacy Canton
I am a licensed clinical social worker in California with 6 years of professional work experience. I have experience in parent coaching, helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, life transitions, sexuality, 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. Our relationship is built on honesty, and I have a knack for tough conversations and value direct communication. There isn't anything that you can say to me that will shock, scare, or overwhelm me. You're not the only person that feels the way you do, and saying things out loud is the best way to challenge thoughts that might be difficult to carry on your own. I'm a big fan of humor and love building connections and developing personal relationships. I believe every human has the strength inside them to get their needs met, but sometimes, we need a little help in finding it. I'm here to help you believe in yourself and succeed in whatever way YOU see fit.
Stephanie Mew
I am licensed in California with 7 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, motivation, self esteem, and confidence, & coping with life changes. I also have experience working with compassion fatigue. 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.
Jessica Hanson
Hello and welcome! As a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, I believe in a strength based approach to personal healing and growth. As a therapist, I respect the opportunity to work with individuals and families struggling with grief and loss by providing a safe place to share, learn and heal. I foster empathy and acceptance as patients and families address life changing diagnoses and care needs. With over ten years of experience providing support to individuals and caregivers struggling with dementia and mood related issues, I utilize an integrated approach including, but not limited to, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Solution Focused Therapy, and Psychotherapy. I seek to empower individuals and families with the knowledge and tools they need to promote dignity and wellness. Finally, my background in grief and loss counseling has also prepared me to address the unrecognized and often untreated issues associated with pet loss, specifically the complicated and overwhelming emotions associated with chronic and terminal care of a pet, related end of life issues, and the emotionally challenging process of pet surrender. Thank you for taking the time to read my profile. Your insight and willingness to seek support is the first step toward healing and growth. I wish you the best on your journey!
Charles "Charlie" Adams
I am licensed in California with 14 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, lgbtq+ related issues, 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. I have worked at many levels of care including inpatient psychiatric, partial hospitalization programs and outpatient counseling and therapy. I focus on individual therapy for adults in the LGBTQ+ community and have many years of experience facilitating a variety of mental health and support groups. 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.
Gary White
I am licensed in California with 36 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with lgbtq+ related issues, relationship issues, trauma and abuse, & coping with grief and loss. 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!
Hannah Thayer
I am licensed in California with 5 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, lgbtq+ related issues, motivation, self esteem, and confidence, & depression. 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.
Camille Black
I am licensed in California with 8 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, parenting issues, motivation, self esteem, and confidence, & 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.
Jennifer Landivar
I am licensed in California with 12 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress, anxiety, coping with addictions, relationship issues, & 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.
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
- San Jose, CA
- 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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