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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Dr. Floyd McGregor

Offering therapy in California
License: Ph.D
Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseAnger managementBipolar disorderDepression
25 years of experience

Betterhelp Online Therapist All psychological counseling services are provided through Better.com Licensed Clinical Psychologist *Doctor of Philosophy in Clinical Psychology, with focus on diverse populations *Master in Psychology; focus on Cultural Diversity WHATEVER YOU THINK ABOUT YOU BRING ABOUT. This is the basis of positive psychology, where I use positive individual traits and experiences in your life coupled with exercises that will transform negative thoughts, feelings, ideas, and behaviors. My work with persons in prison produced profound effects while using this approach combined with Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Motivational Interviewing to change the thinking patterns of inmates. You have the power within you for change and growth...trust yourself. I have been a Licensed Clinical Psychologist for 15 years with an expertise in treating a wide range of psychological and psychiatric disorders such as: Anxiety, Depression, Bipolar, Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, Antisocial Personality Disorder, Explosive Anger Disorder, Schizophrenia, and Schizoaffective disorders My Counseling style is warn, comfortable, engaging and rapport building. I incorporate techniques from cognitive behavioral therapy, dialectical behavioral therapy and positive psychology into my sessions. My goal is to create a safe place where we can have difficult conversation, work on resolving issues, and collaborate on treatment plans that are tailored to your personal needs and experiences.

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Clifton Davis

Offering therapy in California
License: LMFT
Stress, AnxietyFamily conflictsParenting issuesAnger managementDepression
12 years of experience

Hello My name is Clifton Davis. I am a Licensed Married and Family therapist in California. Life can be overwhelming with the changes, demands, and expectations that we face. It can be difficult to find someone who’ll listen and not be judgmental. My goal is to be that person. I have a passion to work with those who struggle to navigate emotions, or may not have someone to talk to. I believe that we can change the way we feel & act by changing the way we think. With me, you can expect timely responses and a friendly, safe environment to discuss and process all of life’s challenges. I have worked in the mental health field for over 15 years. I am experienced with working with people ranging from early childhood to late adulthood. I have over 10 years of experience working with depression, anxiety, trauma, conduct related issues, ADHD, adjustment issues, relationship and family issues. My therapeutic approach is a combination of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Humanistic. I also like to incorporate Solution Focused interventions when appropriate. If you feel like I’m a good match, I’d be honored to be your therapist, and assist you on your journey to happiness.

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Kathleen Pear

Offering therapy in California
License: LCSW
Stress, AnxietySelf esteemDepressionCoping with life changes
14 years of experience

Hello. I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in California. I have experience working in health and mental health care settings, working with adults dealing with depression, anxiety,y, loss, low self-esteem, health concerns, aging, and life-review. My therapy style is non-judgmental, supportive, and compassionate. I want therapy to be a place where you will feel comfortable and safe. I will encourage you to recognize and build on your strengths and successes to improve your emotional well-being and find purpose and joy in your life. My approach to therapy is primarily Supportive Psychotherapy and also draws from Positive Psychology, Cognitive-Behavioral, Psychodynamic, Client-centered, and Existential approaches. My education includes a BA in Sociology from the University of Pittsburgh and a Master's in Social Work from the University of Maryland, where I concentrated on mental health. Your life experiences and past decisions have brought you to where you are today. You stand at the threshold of hope, positive change, and possibilities for the future. You have the power within to make your life better. It is not always easy, but you are not alone!

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Diana Bernhardy

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseGriefSelf esteemDepression
32 years of experience

Hello, my name is Diana Bernhardy. I'm a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with many years experience working with diverse groups and treatment issues. Past experiences have included primarily working in a forensic inpatient psychiatric mental health facility providing dydactic treatment with individuals with moderate to severe mental disorders, antisocial /criminal behaviors, and substance abuse. I've also worked in private practice and outpatient mental health services providing various treatment modalities and interventions in addressing various topics, i.e., depression, anxiety, stress, anger, grief/loss , separation issues, self esteem issues, women issues, PTSD/trauma, and case management. I explore the mental, behavior and spiritual aspects of the person to achieve wholeness and wellness. Thank you for reading my profile and I look forward to working with you.

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Devorah Knaff

Offering therapy in California
License: MA, LMFT
LGBTRelationship issuesFamily conflictsTrauma and abuseGrief
11 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 11 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with lgbtq+ related issues, relationship issues, family conflicts, & trauma and abuse. I believe that you are the expert of your story and that you have many strengths that will assist you in overcoming things that challenge you. Taking the first step to sign up for therapy can take courage and I am proud of you for getting started!

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Deana Porter

Offering therapy in California
Relationship issuesTrauma and abuseIntimacy-related issuesSelf esteem
15 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 15 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with relationship issues, trauma and abuse, & intimacy related issues. I also have experience working with 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 seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process.

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Nikkole Brown

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietyParenting issuesSelf esteemDepressionCoping with life changes
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, 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. 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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Dr. Denise Nguyen

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietySleeping disordersSelf 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, coping with grief and loss, sleeping disorders, & 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. 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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Tracy Reid

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietyFamily conflictsTrauma and abuseSelf esteemCoping with life changes
11 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 11 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, family conflicts, trauma and abuse, & motivation, self esteem, and confidence. 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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Brian (Scott) Brewington

Offering therapy in California
License: MSW,LICSW
LGBTRelationship issuesIntimacy-related issuesCoachingADHD
12 years of experience

Scott Brewington is a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker in the state of Massachusetts who has over five years of experience partnering with children, young adults, and couples seeking help with depression, anxiety, life transitions, race, sexuality & gender expression, trauma & coping, and relationship issues. He completed his Bachelor of Science in Psychology at William & Mary and received his Master of Arts in Clinical Social Work with a focus on Health And Mental Health from Boston College School of Social Work. Scott utilizes a relational and collaborative approach to psychotherapy. Together with Scott, clients will choose which modalities work best toward reaching their individual goals. Modalities that Scott regularly incorporates into his practice include internal family systems, narrative, motivational interviewing, cognitive behavioral, Gottman, mindfulness based, solution focused. Scott always leaves room for creativity, flexibility and new points of view that are necessary to best meet the needs of every unique individual and couple. Scott seeks to establish a warm and caring relationship with you in order to assist in building on your strengths and better collaborate with you towards meeting your goals and living the meaningful life you value and desire.

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Angela Haick

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietyLGBTEating disordersParenting issuesDepression
3 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 3 years of professional work experience. I am also a retired school principal. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, lgbtq+ related issues, eating disorders, & parenting issues. 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 sign up for therapy can take courage and I am proud of you for getting started!

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Sarah Mireles

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesSelf esteemCoping with life changesADHD
4 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 4 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, motivation, self esteem, and confidence, & 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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Cynthia Sanchez

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietyFamily conflictsTrauma and abuseParenting issuesDepression
17 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 17 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, family conflicts, trauma and abuse, & parenting issues. 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 sign up for therapy can take courage and I am proud of you for getting started!

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Jennifer Rondeau

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesDepressionCoping with life changes
9 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 8 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress, anxiety, relationship issues, & 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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Kathleen Jansen

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesTrauma and abuseDepressionCoping with life changes
11 years of experience

Hi there, I'm Kathleen! Hello! I’m Katie, an LMFT with a passion for helping individuals navigate their personal journeys. I have spent the last 11 years working as a therapist to do just that. When I'm not practicing therapy, I'm reading, playing video games, attending my kids' activities, and going on adventures with my family. My approach My approach is collaborative and tailored to each person’s unique needs, utilizing techniques from CBT, DBT, Somatic Therapy, EMDR, Brain spotting, aggression replacement therapy, and person-centered therapy. I’m here to listen, support, and empower you as we work together toward your goals. I look forward to meeting you! My focus I studied at the University of Houston for my undergrad in Anthropology and the University of Houston Clear Lake for my Master's degree in Counseling. I specialize in trauma, codependency, adolescent issues, behavioral modification, self-harm, relationship issues, and autism. I believe in creating a safe and supportive environment for my clients. However, I’m open to working with anyone who is looking to better understand themselves and unlock their potential. My communication style I listen to my clients, engage honestly, and tell them the things they need to hear. Every therapy relationship is different and every person is different - together we will come up with an approach that is feasible and maintainable to support your growth. My journey to mental healthcare I had my own challenges as a teen and young adult that led me to need help. I do not think I would be where I am today without the support of my therapist during those dark times. I want to help others not have to make the same mistakes I did and be able to find their light. My goals for you Together we look at where you want to be and what the barriers are stopping you from getting there; then we find ways to remove or go around those barriers by setting small manageable goals. My first session with you Our first session will be a getting-to-know-you session where I gather a brief history of your challenges and start learning about you.

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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