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.

This is Melissa Herrera's avatar and link to their profile

Melissa Herrera

Offering therapy in California
License: LCSW
Stress, AnxietySleeping disordersSelf esteemCoping with life changesCompassion fatigue
8 years of experience

Hello and welcome! I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in California (LCSW) and I have been working in the counseling field since 2010. I have experience working in outpatient and residential settings with individuals with a range of ages experiencing depression, anxiety, relationship issues, life transitions, and a wide range of challenges. I use a person-centered, and integrative approach with the individuals I serve. This means that I make consistent efforts to meet you "where you are at". I hope to support you in being a catalyst to progress through your unique process of self-discovery and self-identification. I utilize relationship building, experiential and narrative approaches, and solution-focused therapy. During sessions, we are a team, addressing challenges together to become free from judgment, criticism, and pain. I believe in creating a space where we can have difficult conversations, work on resolving challenges, and collaborate together to identify goals tailored to your personal needs and experiences. It takes a lot of courage and motivation to reach out for support. I am here for you and thank you for trusting me to support you on your team. I am available for unscheduled communication with subscribers Monday - Friday 8am - 6pm. I generally can respond at least once per morning and once per evening, sometimes more! You can also book a live session with me which can range in times throughout the week; please view "Schedule a session with your counselor" to schedule a time for us to live chat, video, or call. Please remember that BetterHelp (or sister site!) is not appropriate if you are in crisis or in immediate need of support. In crisis situations, please call 911 or local emergency services. You can also call 1-800-273-TALK (8255) to talk to someone right away! I look forward to working with you!

This is Trisha Taylor's avatar and link to their profile

Trisha Taylor

Offering therapy in California
License: LMFT
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsTrauma and abuseAnger managementDepression
13 years of experience

Hello! Having over 13. years of experience, I enjoy being a safe, non-judgmental place for you to work through what is going through your head and your heart in your life. I have been on my psychotherapist, life coach journey for years graduating with my Master’s in Counseling in 2011. As a California licensed Marriage, Family and Child therapist (MFT), I guide and coach on assisting, learning, and growing with financial stress, family & relationships, ANY addiction, trauma, depression, anxiety, grief and loss, abandonment, sexual identity; every person involved in an adoption, surrogacy, and physical illnesses. Through solution focused, CBT, person centered and other approaches I guide, assist, and help decrease, manage and in some cases put to rest issues. Helping is my passion. I can help. I am safe.

This is Clymie Allen's avatar and link to their profile

Clymie Allen

Offering therapy in California
License: MSW, LCSW
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsRelationship issuesGriefDepression
40 years of experience

ABOUT ME I am a licensed clinical social worker in the states of California and Texas, with over 40 years of experience working with veterans and their families at the VA hospital in Los Angeles and with adults, children, adolescents and the elderly in an out-patient community setting. I earned a master of social work degree from (USC) University of Southern California in Los Angeles. I am a compassionate, emphatic, and solution-oriented professional dedicated to providing exceptional care and implementing effective treatment to my clients. I specialize in developing healthy relationships, coping with life transitions, treating symptoms of depression and anxiety from a variety of sources. I thrive at being an effective communicator, motivator, and advocate with the ability to establish rapport quickly, build trust, interact with and relate to individuals on all levels. Specialties Domestic Violence Sexual Abuse Individual/Couples therapy Depression/Anxiety Substance Abuse ADHD Also experienced in: Stress, relationship issues, anger management, career difficulties, aging/geriatric issues, blended family issues, grief, trauma/abuse issues, and coping with life changes. Clinical approaches: Cognitive Behavior Therapy, Client centered therapy Services Offered messaging, phone, video Licensing LCS 10310 (expires 10/31/2022) 54878 Texas (expires 10/31/21)

This is America Islas's avatar and link to their profile

America Islas

Offering therapy in California
License: BA,MS,LMFT
Stress, AnxietyLGBTRelationship issuesFamily conflictsDepression
7 years of experience

Bilingual Mental Health Services. Find passion in your life. Be your Authentic Self. LGBTQI2-S Affirmative Therapy. Build your Narrative.

This is Laura  Case's avatar and link to their profile

Laura Case

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesGriefDepressionCoping with life changes
21 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 21 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, coping with grief and loss, & 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.

This is Shannan Faust's avatar and link to their profile

Shannan Faust

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsTrauma and abuseSelf esteemDepression
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, coping with addictions, 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!

This is Dr. Vincent Camarda's avatar and link to their profile

Dr. Vincent Camarda

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesSelf esteemCoping with life changesCoaching
34 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 34 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. Taking the first step to sign up for therapy can take courage and I am proud of you for getting started!

This is Kathey Wilborn's avatar and link to their profile

Kathey Wilborn

Offering therapy in California
Relationship issuesFamily conflictsTrauma and abuseSelf esteemCoping with life changes
34 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 34 years of professional work experience in various areas including Christian counseling. I have experience in helping clients with relationship issues, family conflicts, 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. It takes courage to seek out a more fulfilling and happier life and to take the first steps towards growth. I am here to support & empower you in that journey.

This is Kyra Smith's avatar and link to their profile

Kyra Smith

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

I am licensed in California with 5 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, & depression. I also have experience working with coping with life changes. 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!

This is Robyn Ramsay's avatar and link to their profile

Robyn Ramsay

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesTrauma and abuseIntimacy-related issuesADHD
20 years of experience

I am a California Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor with 20 years of professional work experience. I have experience in successfully helping Teens, Couples, and Adults of all ages with stress and anxiety, obsessive thinking (OCD), relationship issues, family conflicts, abandonment issues, depression & trauma and abuse. I treat all my clients with respect, sensitivity, and compassion. It takes courage to take that first step toward seeking a more fulfilling and happier life . I am here to support you in that process. I will meet you on your journey toward better mental health and tailor our sessions and treatment plan to meet your unique and specific need by drawing from my eclectic variety of sources : • Attachment theory • Cognitive Behavioral (CBT) • Developmental Model for Couples • EMDR • Emotionally-Focused Therapy • Exposure Response Prevention (OCD) • Family Systems • Gottman Relationship Method for Couples • Internal Family Systems (IFS) • Positive Psychology • Strength-Based Therapy

This is J Evan Miller's avatar and link to their profile

J Evan Miller

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsLGBTRelationship issuesTrauma and abuse
26 years of experience

Life has many challenges and i try to help those i am working with deal with them as best they can. I am licensed in Pennsylvania with 26 years of professional work experience. I have worked with teenagers, adults, couples and families. I have experience in helping people with stress, anxiety, depression, coping with addictions, lgbtq+ related issues, relationship issues and many other issues. 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.

This is Anne Sims's avatar and link to their profile

Anne Sims

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietySleeping disordersSelf esteemDepressionCoping with life changes
3 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 20 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with Stress and Anxiety, Sleeping Disorders, 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 sign up for therapy can take courage and I am proud of you for getting started!

This is Dana McPherson's avatar and link to their profile

Dana McPherson

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesTrauma and abuseGriefDepression
4 years of experience

I am a clinical therapist licensed in California with 4 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, trauma and abuse, self-esteem, and navigating through life changes. I work with a range of clients from teens to seniors and I believe in treating everyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion. I will "meet you where you are", tailoring our sessions and treatment plan to meet your unique and specific needs. Taking the first step to seeking a more fulfilling and happier life- whether it's through improving relationships, getting "unstuck", or resolving issues from the past- takes courage and I have a lot of respect for that. I am here to support you in the process of finding a better way to be. *Please note that my availability will be opening up in January.

This is Dr. Jana Sadler's avatar and link to their profile

Dr. Jana Sadler

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietyLGBTParenting issuesSelf esteemCoping with life changes
12 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 12 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, lgbtq+ related issues, relationship issues, & parenting issues. 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!

This is Saysamone Medrano's avatar and link to their profile

Saysamone Medrano

Offering therapy in California
Trauma and abuseParenting issuesSelf esteemDepressionCoping with life changes
16 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 16 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with relationship issues, trauma, abuse, motivation, self esteem, 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. 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.

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.

Find the right therapist for your needs
Match with a qualified therapist