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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Jane Winston Doman

Offering therapy in California
License: M.A. Clinical Psychology
Stress, AnxietyGriefSelf esteemDepressionCoping with life changes
10 years of experience

Hello, I am Jane Winston Doman a Licensed Marriage Family Therapist in the state of California. I look forward to helping you find ways to reach your goals. I made a career change later in life knowing that I wanted to be in a helping profession. I went back to school and received my Master of Arts in Clinical Psychology from Antioch University in 1993. Being an older student with life experience was one of the best decisions I have ever made although not an easy one. I understand how difficult it can be to make changes in your life and to ask for help along the way. Since then I have worked individually with adults, couples and many older adults and adult children caring for a parent. I consider it a privilege to get to know my clients and build a trusting and supportive relationship. I have additionally worked in community mental health, assisting older adults and caregivers coping with stress and existential issues. My approach is to provide a safe, caring atmosphere while exploring ways that are most helpful for you to gain insight while encouraging growth and healing. We will work collaboratively to find appropriate coping strategies to help you with your goals. I use an integrated approach to treatment drawing from Client Centered, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Mindfulness, Family therapy and Existentialism. I look forward to meeting you and working together. SPECIALTIES Anxiety, Panic disorder Depression Self esteem Crisis management Grief and Loss Adult children caring for parents Older adult issues Family dynamics and relationship issues

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Courtney Brown

Offering therapy in California
Trauma and abuseAnger managementDepressionCoping with life changesCompassion fatigue
17 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 17 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with trauma and abuse, anger management, depression, & coping with life changes. I believe in treating everyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion. I will tailor our dialog and treatment plan to meet your unique and specific needs. Taking the first step to seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process.

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Ashley Saucedo

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietySelf esteemDepression
7 years of experience

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, & depression. I also have experience working with coping with life changes. I believe in treating everyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion. I will tailor our dialog and treatment plan to meet your unique and specific needs. Taking the first step to seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process.

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Nancy Salvatierra

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietyCoping with life changes
7 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 7 years of professional work experience. I have experience working with first generation Latinx clients that are dealing with stress, anxiety, relationship issues, & family conflicts. 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. 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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Elizabeth Janca

Offering therapy in California
License: MS, NCC, LPC
Stress, AnxietyParenting issuesSelf esteemDepressionCoping with life changes
9 years of experience

Hello, my name is Elizabeth Janca. I knew from an early age that I wanted to be a counselor after my own experiences in play therapy and counseling. Having that safe space meant so much to me that I wanted to provide that opportunities for others. Born and raised south of Houston, TX, I pursued a Bachelor’s in Psychology from Texas A&M University followed by a Master’s in Counseling and Development at Texas Woman's University north of Dallas, TX. Over the last ten years I have had experience in direct therapy as an ABA therapist for children aged 2-12, play therapy with children aged 4-10, activity therapy with adolescents, talk therapy with adolescents and adults, and group therapy with adolescents and adults. Aside from my experience as a counselor, I also have three years’ experience in middle school education as an Academic Counselor and Administrator. I joined BetterHelp and Global Teletherapy with the hope of being able to continue to offer guidance and a safe space for children (5-12), teens (13-18), and young adults (19-35) as they navigate the challenges they encounter in life and school through client centered counseling. I primarily work out of Person/Client Centered Counseling, also known as Rogerian, which focuses on where the client drives the session in a nonjudgement space that facilities reflection. I also utilize Cognitive Behavioral Therapy which focuses on challenging and changing unhelpful cognitive thoughts and behaviors, improving emotional regulation, and develop coping strategies. I look forward to working with you!

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Lyana Murrell

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesTrauma and abuseCareer difficultiesCoping with life changes
7 years of experience

Welcome. You've made it this far, and this tells me you already have the most crucial tool to take care of yourself. Still, are you feeling powerless about the realities of your life? Is your body, soul, and/or support systems exhausted in a manner that makes it hard to imagine another way of being? I am a psychotherapist who is committed to uplifting every unique person's vision for, dignity within, and care of themselves. I am licensed in California with over 7 years of experience working with individuals, families, and groups seeking relief from pain rooted in trauma or violence, grief or loss, anxiety, depression, self-esteem concerns, disruptions in identity or phase of life development, persistent relationship struggles, and lifestyle burnout. Today, taking any step to seeking a more fulfilling as well as easier life takes courage. With the variety of therapeutic approaches I use, in all I believe that you are the driver of your story and can best determine what your path to healing will look like throughout your life. I am here to support and accompany you as you take on this difficult, but meaningful shift.

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AnneMarie Winic

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesParenting issuesSelf esteemDepression
24 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 24 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress, anxiety, relationship issues, parenting issues, motivation, self esteem, & confidence. 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. 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.

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Leihua McMiller

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsRelationship issuesGriefCoping 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, anxiety, coping with addictions, relationship issues, coping with grief, & coping with loss. 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.

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Joanna Sullivan

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietyGriefSleeping disordersDepressionCoping with life changes
7 years of experience

I am licensed in California and Utah with 7 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress, anxiety, coping with grief, coping with loss, sleeping disorders, & depression. I also have experience working with 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.

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Jan "Rosalyn" Diehl

Offering therapy in California
License: LMHC
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesFamily conflictsSelf esteemDepression
12 years of experience

Hello, my name is Jan Rosalyn Diehl. I graduated from Assumption College in 2010 with a Masters degree in counseling psychology with a focus on cognitive behavioral therapy. I have more than 10 years of experience in the field and have worked in a variety of settings including acute inpatient and outpatient locations. My main focus has been to support clients in a safe space while working towards their emotional well-being. Together, we can tackle challenges, build healthy coping mechanisms, and work towards positive growth. My main therapeutic approach is through cognitive behavioral therapy.

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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