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.

Mara Bruckner
I am a licensed Marriage & Family Counselor in Southern California with over 22 years of experience working in private practice and county and state funded agencies that offer behavior therapy to young children, teens and adults diagnosed with autistic spectrum disorder. Treatment included play therapy, ABA, social skills groups and guidance for parents. In private practice, I have a great deal of experience with teens and adults with Asperger’s or high functioning autism, as well as teens and adults with anxiety, depression and other disorders associated with adolescence. I also work with adults of any age. I have been certified in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, which is an evidence-based approach that is very effective for numerous problems and disorders including depression, anxiety, phobias, OCD and relationship issues. My counseling style is warm and interactive with some humor inserted at strategic times. I strongly believe that a sense of humor and the ability to laugh does wonders toward lightening the perception of many “heavy” issues. I treat all clients with respect, and can tailor my treatment approach to each individual client’s needs. I use any appropriate combination of cognitive behavioral, psychodynamic, solution-focused and client centered therapy, and I believe in taking a collaborative approach with my clients, allowing them to participate more actively in their sessions. I am greatly looking forward to working with YOU!

Kasandra Bellamy
I am licensed in California with 5 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, coping with grief and loss, 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.

Lauren Martin-Culp
I am licensed in California with 20 years of psychotherapy counseling experience. I customize sessions based on clients' needs with my background and extensive training in Interpersonal Neurobiology. I have experience as a professional teacher of all levels, school counselor, birth and postpartum doula, holistic bodyworker, filmmaker, published author, artist, writer, speaker at conferences, and parent. I have been professionally trained in natural health, supplements, and nutrition. I'm so glad that you have taken the first step by reaching out. I listen carefully, deeply and customized tools and strategies with you to find real experiential solutions. My clients tell me that they appreciate how I remember important details their stories. Together we work to create a mindful safe environment without evaluation.

Matthew Breuer
Howdy! ???? I am licensed in California & Wisconsin with over 8 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with coping with addictions, lgbtq+ related issues, bipolar disorder, & 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.

Alexandra Kahn
II am licensed Christian therapist in California with 20 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 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 a Christian therapist who knows how important it is to have God in my life and incorporate faith into sessions.

Mauricio Mairena
I received my Master in Social Work at University of Southern California in 2006. I have fifteen years experience providing therapeutic services to youth, teens, adults and families in different settings including clinics, hospitals, and private offices. I like to take a non judgmental, collaborative and holistic approach where all areas are considered when improving an individual's quality of life. These areas include physical, mental, emotional and spiritual. I enjoy being part of the journey of health with others.

Dr. Barbara Levy
I am a licensed psychologist in California with a total of 14 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, depression, relationship issues, coping with grief and loss, motivation, self-esteem issues, and lack of confidence. I believe that you are the expert of your story and have many strengths that will assist you in overcoming things that challenge you. Taking the first step toward seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process.

Jessica Daas
I am licensed in California with 12 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, & 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.

Raymond DiCiccio
I am a licensed Clinical Social Worker in California with 4 years of professional work experience as a therapist and more than 20 years' experience as a licensed addiction counselor. I have experience in helping client's increase motivation for change, increase self-esteem & confidence, and cope with life changes. I also have experience working with clients to reduce stress, anxiety, depression as well as coping with dependencies and addictions. 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 using Humanistic, Cognitive Behavioral and Positive Psychology approaches and techniques.

Melinda Elson
I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, LCSW, and am a dedicated mental health professional licensed in California with thirty years of valuable work experience. I specialize in assisting clients with a wide range of challenges, including stress and anxiety, trauma and abuse, coping with grief and loss, motivation, self-esteem, confidence, and depression. I am committed to providing compassionate and effective support to individuals seeking healing and personal growth. I have dedicated over 30 years to the field of mental health and therapy, specializing in individual, couple, and family therapy. With expertise in a range of therapy modalities, including psychodynamic, cognitive-behavioral, motivational interviewing, meditation practices, narrative therapy, and trauma-focused therapy, I offer a comprehensive and personalized approach to healing and growth. As a trained yoga practitioner with a Yoga Teacher 500-hour certification, I seamlessly integrate mindfulness and meditation techniques into therapy sessions to help alleviate symptoms of depression and anxiety. By focusing on increasing self-love, acceptance, and self-esteem, my goal is to guide clients through life changes, past traumas, and personal challenges with compassion and understanding. My approach is rooted in trauma-informed care, providing a safe, non-judgmental, and supportive space for clients to explore their emotions and experiences. With a wealth of experience and a commitment to holistic healing, I empower individuals to navigate their mental health journey and cultivate resilience in the face of adversity. With a client-centered approach, I work collaboratively with clients to establish an open and safe therapeutic environment where thoughts and feelings can be shared without fear of judgment. By fostering a space of trust and empathy, I focus on empowering clients to explore their emotions, confront challenges, and embark on a journey towards improved mental well-being. Recognizing the courage it takes to seek help and make positive changes in one's life, I am dedicated to guiding and supporting clients through this transformative process. Whether you are facing stress, trauma, self-esteem issues, or depression, I am here to provide the guidance, tools, and encouragement needed to navigate challenges and cultivate a more fulfilling and happier life. By choosing to work with me, you can expect a compassionate and dedicated therapist who is committed to your well-being and growth. Together, we can embark on a journey of self-discovery, healing, and empowerment, paving the way for a brighter and more fulfilling future.
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:
- 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 feature
- 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 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.
Popular cities in California
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