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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Jennifer Shtrum

Offering therapy in California
License: M.A., MFT
Relationship issuesFamily conflictsSelf esteemDepressionCoping with life changes
20 years of experience

Throughout my short time on the platform, I see that goal oriented, solution focused and directive therapy work best due to client's short time on the app. If this approach works for you, please book a time. Below is my more detailed credentials but again- for the purposes of the app, I will work in a more direct and coaching manner. I am a Marriage and Family therapist licensed in California with over 20 years of experience working with a client base ranging from children to the elderly. I have worked with clients trying to understand their emotions causing various symptoms. Key areas that my work focuses on are significant life changes, relationship troubles, problematic family dynamics causing distress, and self esteem issues. I am also practice within a Trauma Focused Cognitive Behavioral Framework when necessary although I do not work with complex trauma in an online format and will refer out. My therapeutic framework is centered on unconditional positive regard and you being heard and validated. I will meet you where you are and encourage growth throughout the therapeutic experience. I work from a strength based approach with a focus on being solution focused. I strive to uncover triggers in your environment that impact daily functioning. Looking at your history and dynamics in your family of origin will also be a focal point of treatment. Ultimately, I will work with you to fulfill your needs using a combination of multiple therapeutic modalities tailored to your needs. You have taken the first step in getting support. I look forward to working with you and hearing your story.

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Cindy Llora

Offering therapy in California
License: LMFT,Arizona
Stress, AnxietyFamily conflictsGriefIntimacy-related issuesCoping with life changes
14 years of experience

About Me I am a Licensed Marriage Family Therapist (LMFT). I am licensed in Arizona and California. At this time I am providing therapy for Arizona only. I've been working in the counseling field for about 12 years. I have counseling expertise in the following areas; addiction, trauma, grief and loss, family conflict and relationships. I have worked with Individuals and Families in addiction and alcoholism. I have worked with PTSD and Trauma with Vietnam Veterans. I also have worked with dual diagnosed populations. The modalities I use are Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT), Motivational Interviewing, Client Centered, Narrative, Mindfulness and Solutions oriented. I also incorporate and use music lyrics and song writing with addiction, trauma and grief clients. Educational Credentials: University of Phoenix, MA in Counseling Psychology California State at Northridge, BA in Psychology Licensed with Arizona State, BBHE LMFT #15462 Are you having challenges with negative memories or negative thoughts running through your mind, or telling yourself the same story over and over again, therapy can help you re-create a new story, make sense out of those old memories, and create new thoughts to replace the old thoughts. I find it to be an honor to be able to work with clients, so as to help you create a healthier and more balanced life. I look forward to working with you soon!

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Melissa Coulson

Offering therapy in California
License: LCSW,Certified Grief Counseling Specialist (CGCS)
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesGriefSelf esteemCoping with life changes
3 years of experience

I am a social worker licensed in California with 4 years of experience working as a medical social worker and clinician. I have assisted clients with concerns including depression, anxiety, grief, chronic pain, and chronic illness among others. I have also worked with clients who just need someone to support them through challenging experiences, emotions, and life changes. My style is direct, positive, and warm with a focus on supporting clients but holding them accountable to their goals for treatment. You are coming here to gain the tools and understanding to deal with something in your life and I would love to be your partner in that! I believe in helping clients to build their mental toolbox to address current issues and be better prepared to meet new challenges with confidence throughout the rest of their lives. My holistic approach includes techniques and components of cognitive-behavioral, client-centered, and humanistic therapies combined with motivational interviewing, mindfulness, and other interventions as needed to address each client's concerns individually . I also have additional training in grief and bereavement, cognitive-behavioral, solution focused, and acceptance and commitment therapies. I will structure our sessions and treatment plan to meet your needs and goals so we can address what brings you to this platform together. My clients say I am easy to open up to, genuine, and a good listener. I would love to connect with you to help you through your current season of life and whatever challenges you are currently facing.

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Jill Sheetz

Offering therapy in California
AddictionsFamily conflictsTrauma and abuseGriefDepression
20 years of experience

I am a Marriage and Family Therapist licensed to practice in California. I have twenty years of experience in the mental health field. I have experience in helping clients of various ages in coping with depression, anxiety, trauma, loneliness, family relationships, substance use disorders and grief and loss amongst other concerns. I am a strength-based, client centered therapist who constantly strives to create an open and safe environment where individuals can share their experiences without fear of judgment. It takes courage to look inside oneself in order to pursue a more fulfilling life. I am here to support you in this process of growth and change.

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Julie Knight

Offering therapy in California
License: LPC
Stress, AnxietyLGBTSelf esteemDepressionCoping with life changes
30 years of experience

Hi, I am a practicing Licensed Professional Counselor for the past 25 years and have over 35 years working in the mental health field. My experience ranges from working on inpatient psychiatric units and in crisis response programs, to providing individual and family therapy. My therapeutic approach is always person centered, strengths based and goal oriented. Whether you are having a crisis in your life, have suffered a loss, are adjusting to changing situations in your life, or are just wanting to be happier and feel better about yourself, I can help you. I have a passion for helping the LBGTQ community, be that helping someone through the coming out process, improve family relationships and develop healthy confidence and self-esteem in a culture that is still sometimes condemning and unsupportive. I like to help family members of LGBTQ folks better understand and improve ways of showing loving support and overcoming any obstacles to being supportive. Another population that I have a passion for helping is Highly Sensitive People. Many people get diagnosed with major mental illnesses due to their symptoms of having difficulty coping with a stressful and chaotic world. Highly Sensitive people, and introverts, are often misunderstood and criticized for being themselves and end up feeling like something is wrong with them, when, in fact, they may just have traits that need to be understood, honored and respected. Our culture tends to value extroversion and toughness, and yet sensitives and introverts are some of the most creative, artistic, kind and empathetic people on the planet. Sensitivity and introversion are not problems or things to change, explain or defend. They are wonderful traits that you can understand better and therefore develop greater confidence and ways of communicating your needs and feelings. If you wonder if you are a Highly Hi Sensitive person, Google search Highly Sensitive Person self test and check out Elaine Aron’s work online. I enjoy and have experience working with folks who are neurodivergent and am part of the neurodivergent movement which emphasizes the person and how you may have a differently functioning brain, rather than focusing on clinical diagnoses that pathologize differently functioning brains. I like to help people develop deeper insights and understanding of their unique personality, and using such insight to improve communication, relationships and life choices. I frequently work with people on knowing and understanding their personality typology (based on Carl Jung’s work and Myers Briggs test) and will link you to free online tests to get the information you need to better understand yourself and how you fit with other personality types. This kind of insight therapy will help you throughout your life rather than just focusing on addressing the issues of today. If you can relate to any of this information, I may be a great therapy fit for you and would love to work with you. -Julie

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Callie McKenzie

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseSelf 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 and anxiety, trauma and abuse, motivation, self esteem, and confidence, & 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!

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Ryan Taylor

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

I am licensed in California with 6 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 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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Carol Dubois-Chess

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseDepression
25 years of experience

I am licensed in California and Nevada with 25 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, trauma, high functioning autism, abuse, & 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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Desiree Vargas

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesSelf esteemCareer difficultiesDepression
10 years of experience

I am licensed in California with over 10 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress, anxiety, coping with grief, coping with loss, motivation, self esteem, confidence, & career difficulties. 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. Important Note: I do not provide letters, forms, or other documentation for clients for legal, medical, or employment purposes; including emotional support animal requests, disability accommodations, or court related matters. My focus is on providing therapy and support to address your emotional and mental health needs. Unfortunately, if you have Kaiser Permanente as a health insurance, I am unable to meet with you.

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Carol Cunningham

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietyGriefEating disordersSleeping disordersParenting issues
16 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 16 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress, anxiety, coping with grief, coping with loss, eating disorders, & sleeping disorders. I also have experience working with parenting issues. 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!

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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