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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Renee' Belew-Dycus

Offering therapy in California
License: LCSW
LGBTTrauma and abuseSelf esteemDepressionCoping with life changes
16 years of experience

I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with over 14 years of experience working with a wide variety if clients. I am licensed in Colorado and California. I have experience working with a wide range of ages and client concerns including emotional and physical trauma, depression, anxiety, relationship issues, substance abuse, Bi-polar and OCD to name a few. I have vast experience working with the LGBT community. My counseling style is client centered, coming from a supportive warm and interactive prospective I am also a Certified Hypnotherapist and utilize guided imagery, as well as hypnosis where the client is interested. I am trained in Cognitive-Behavioral, Psychodynamic and many other counseling theories but I tailor treatment to the individual, fitting with their needs, goals, and unique perspectives I believe we all are born knowing what we need to know to have happy, healthy, abundant and productive lives and my job as a therapist is to help you remember how to find that life. I don’t fix people I help them to fix themself and I am here to support you on your journey to being healthy and happy. (Please not that I have both daytime and evening, as well as weekend hours)

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Jason Wright

Offering therapy in California
License: PhD,LPCC,LPC
Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseAnger managementSelf esteemDepression
26 years of experience

I am a doctoral-level, licensed professional clinical counselor (CA) and licensed professional counselor (VA), with over 30 years of experience working with adults experiencing a diverse range of challenges, from depression, anxiety, OCD and substance use; to PTSD and trauma-related issues (including psychogenic seizures and psychogenic movement disorders). I have published an article on my work with psychogenic seizures in Counseling Today, a publication of the American Counseling Association. My expertise is in providing individual psychotherapy to adults. My counseling style is person-centered, engaging, warm and collaborative. I believe the hallmark of a good therapist is to be a good listener first and foremost, and then to possess the knowledge and expertise needed to apply a broad range of holistic interventions tailored to the meet your unique needs and working style. I utilize cognitive-behavioral interventions, as well as existential/humanistic, solution-focused, motivational, and psychodynamic approaches to help you reach your goals. I have the utmost respect for anyone who is willing to help themselves - a better tomorrow and brighter horizon awaits those who are up for the task, and I am here to help you as you move towards that brighter tomorrow. I look forward to working with you!

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Mark Daniels

Offering therapy in California
License: LCSW
Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseAnger managementSelf esteemDepression
43 years of experience

Hello, my name is Mark A. Daniels, and I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. I have over 45 years of direct clinical experience in the public and private sector. I have worked with consumers with a wide range of challenges and concerns that include depression, anxiety, relationship issues, self-esteem, career issues, and anger management. I also have expertise working with culturally diverse consumers, and consumers who have experienced physical and emotional trauma. I have also worked extensively with consumers within the forensic psychiatric arena including state prisons, county jails, and state hospitals. My therapeutic interventions are supportive, interactive, validating, and nonjudgmental. I embrace treating everyone with respect, compassion and with unconditional positive regard. My approach combines cognitive behavioral interventions, humanistic, mindfulness, and psychosocial interventions. I will tailor our dialogue, and treatment plan to meet your unique and specific needs. Everyone has value and are important in life's journey, sometimes we need to share each other's strength to make it from Monday to Tuesday. Congratulations on your decision to seek empowerment and to enhance your current emotional being. I appreciate your courage and look forward to assisting you on this journey. Together we will work to access your inner strength, wisdom and talent to help you become stronger and better than ever before. You don't have to do this alone. Sincerely, Mark A. Daniels, LCSW

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Angel Ouza

Offering therapy in California
License: Lmsw ,Lcsw
Stress, AnxietySelf esteemCoping with life changesCoaching
17 years of experience

Welcome and thank you for being brave, you are on your first step to recovery! I am honored to walk alongside your journey & grateful that you reached out for help. I am new to betterhelp ( I was on it for a few weeks in March 2022 then got over booked and had to pause and I’m back as of 2/10/2023 ! ) hence why I have 1 review, however I have been a social worker for 15 years and I have thousands of testimonials over the past few years alone. I believe, at one point or another, everyone needs some type of assistance. We are human and will no doubt encounter some type of challenge. At some point, we may deal with family/relationship issues, self-identity issues, grief, unforeseen circumstances, depression, trauma, career changes, self esteem concerns, anxiety, and/or trouble coping with the stressors of daily life. Embracing these challenges with the right support and consistent aligned action allows you to be on your way to healing and achieving wellness, one minute at a time! Together we can make things better… There is always a healthy solution to a problem you have! It will always be okay and if it’s not, it’s not the ending of your story. You got this, I believe in you! I use an integrative & holistic therapeutic approach that permits me to modify treatment to your individual needs. I also utilize humor, intuitive coaching, oracle card pulls, compassion, honesty and/or assign homework assignments as needed. Along with some other tools! My main jam is mindset, self esteem, career and transitions! I am also solution focused, however, I understand when to offer solutions and when to listen. Clients always tell me they feel safe in my space and that’s my goal. I’m here to help you. My aim as a clinician is to foster a supportive and safe space for you to explore your feelings, thoughts and challenges. My work will help you recognize the power within you & source( whatever you believe in is totally okay in my world, I respect all) and trusting that it all works out the way it should! This would work especially good if you want a safe space to share your feelings and looking for mentorship, support and tips to help you shift your perspective to get you to where you desire. I also have extensive travel experience, as I solo travel and as of 2023, I have been to 35 plus countries and 26 plus states in the USA, hence you may always feel free to ask me for tips in this area! I have also faced my own life challenges, moved across the country to my dream states and more, which I believe has taught me to have more compassion and an open mind. One of my biggest strengths that helps foster a safe space for my clients, is my unconditional acceptance & operating from an unapologetic authentic framework, whilst helping them get to the level they desire. I aspire to work collaboratively with you to progress and reach your goals and on the way to living your dream life! In my opinion, counseling is successful when you have interest in your well-being and are actively committed to improvements in and out of sessions. Most importantly, trust the process of therapy & your healing journey. Trust and believe that it all adds up and it will work the way it should! P.S. always remember, there is always a healthy solution to a problem you have! It will always be okay and if it’s not, it’s not the ending of your story. You got this, I believe in you! P.P.S. I especially love working with women who are empaths and/or hsp( highly sensitive persons) looking for support, wisdom and tips to help them during their transition periods, whether it is divorce, new career, education, self esteem concerns, relationships, etc! Looking forward to working with you , it is my honor to walk alongside you. **Note: I do voice only sessions . ** Talk soon! Best regards, Angel

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Daniela Rendon

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

My name is Daniela Rendon and I am licensed in California with 6 years of professional work experience. I believe therapy is a collaborative process between the client and myself. I work with my clients to create a safe and non-judgmental space for them to be able to share and process their thoughts and feelings. I use a strength based and person-centered approach however personalize therapy for each client. I use a variety of modalities, such as CBT and DBT to help those struggling with anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, life transitions or motivation. Seeking support can be difficult. Whether you are new to therapy or not, I am happy to answer any questions about what happens in therapy and more. I am here to help guide you and give you the skills you need when you are ready.

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Juan Alonso

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesFamily conflictsTrauma and abuseDepression
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, relationship issues, family conflicts, & trauma and abuse. 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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Audrey McDougal

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietyFamily conflictsSelf esteemCareer difficultiesCoping with life changes
3 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 3+ years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, depression, family conflicts, motivation, self esteem / confidence, & career difficulties. I specialize in using Narrative Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and Ecotherapy approaches. I work with my clients to create an open and safe environment where thoughts and feelings can be shared without fear of judgment. I am here to support and empower you in your journey!

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Olivia Cook

Offering therapy in California
AddictionsRelationship issuesFamily conflictsTrauma and abuseAnger management
40 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 40 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with coping with addictions, relationship issues, family conflicts, & trauma and abuse. 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. I look forward to meeting you.

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Gian Sarabia

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseBipolar disorderDepressionADHD
5 years of experience

I am clinically licensed in California with 5 years of professional psychotherapy practice. I have experience in helping clients with anxiety, depression, borderline personality disorder (expertise), psychosis, trauma/abuse, and bipolar disorder. 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 shows your own internal compass that desires wellness and emotional health, so that's great you are looking for the right fit!

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Kristoffer Flores

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietyParenting issuesSelf esteemDepressionCoping with life changes
10 years of experience

I am licensed in California with over 10 years of professional work experience. I have experience in supporting clients manage depression, stress, anxiety, parenting issues, motivation, self esteem, confidence, & transitioning 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 sign up for therapy can take courage and I am proud of you for getting started! I look forward to working with you.

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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