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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Carla Fort

Offering therapy in California
License: NCC, CRC,LPC
Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseAnger managementSelf esteemDepression
14 years of experience

You're here! Right here, right now! You may not be there yet, but you have already taken a step towards facing challenges with a strength you never knew you had. Besides, it doesn't hurt to get a little assistance on the way. I'm here to help you. Let me tell you something. Nothing is as remarkable as seeing positive change in my client! Helping you make even the smallest steps towards your goal every day brings me joy and I like to do these silly dances when I've noticed your progress. Even when they seem too small to notice, I'll notice! I can even tell a corny joke or two. You’ll be surprised how much a little positivity can help. I have been a counselor for almost a decade. I am a licensed professional counselor and a certified rehabilitation counselor with additional experience in helping individuals get back to work to attain the highest success possible after experiencing any life changing issues. I have helped people with almost everything you can think of. I have helped those with severe mental health concerns and those with mild ones. I have multicultural experience and have lived in and visited many different countries (experience does help!). I've learned a lot about cultural differences and appreciations. I respect the variation that we have as humans. I understand that there are times when struggles and challenges approach us and we need a little extra boost to help us work through it. I am here to help! When I counsel, my style is energetic, compassionate, and supportive. I praise your progressions, and I can show you how to be proud of your efforts and steps in the right direction. I am client-centered and I want to listen to you and be as helpful as is humanly possible. I am a firm believer in positive psychology, as I love highlighting your strengths! I love to empower my clients. I can't wait to meet you!

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Karen Buroff

Offering therapy in California
License: MSW,LCSW
Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseSelf esteemDepressionCoaching
15 years of experience

I am a Clinical Social Worker licensed in Connecticut over 15 years of experience working as a Social Worker and Clinician. I have worked with clients with a wide range of concerns including depression, anxiety, PTSD, chronic and persistent mental illness, self esteem issues, relationship issues and life changes. I have worked extensively with military members (Active Duty and Veterans) and have also helped many people who have experienced physical trauma or emotional abuse (both combat and non-combat related). My therapy style is warm and interactive. I believe in treating anyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion. My approach is always trauma informed, and I use Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Trauma informed approach (ARC Trained), and Mind Body Resiliency (MBRT) Master Trainer. I am committed to being Client focused and strengths based. I will tailor our dialog and treatment plan to meet your unique and specific needs. It takes courage to seek a more fulfilling and happier life and to take the first steps towards change. If you are ready to take that step, I am here to support and empower you. I look forward to working with you!

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Valerie Vecente

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietyFamily conflictsTrauma and abuseDepressionCoping with life changes
10 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 10 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, family conflicts, trauma and abuse, & depression. 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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Dr. David Morehead

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseGriefAnger managementDepression
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, trauma and abuse, coping with grief and loss, & anger management. 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!

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Patrick Borch

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietyLGBTGriefSelf esteemCoping with life changes
14 years of experience

I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker based in the Bay Area, California. My experience comes from providing clinical and behavioral change counseling to adults with a variety of presenting concerns, including stress/anxiety, depression, coping with life changes, grief/loss, smoking cessation and other health-related behavior change, family relationships, and LGBT-related issues. I approach the therapeutic relationship with an acute sensitivity and respect for multi/cross cultural factors. I have clinical experience working with adults of all ages, socioeconomic backgrounds, genders, sexual orientations, ethnicities, and religious traditions. I have provided clinical and behavioral change counseling primarily in the health care setting, including acute care hospitals, research centers, and medical clinics. I believe we are all products of our closest relationships, environment, family systems, cultural background, and society. Every previous moment has led to the present one. I strive to treat the therapeutic relationship and you with compassion, respect, and warmth. My therapy style and approach draw influences from Mindfulness Therapy, Client-Centered Therapy, Strength-Based Therapy, Nonviolent Communication, and Motivational Interviewing. My top priority is to meet you where you are and to adjust my approach to what will work best for you as we work together to meet your goals. Whether you are working toward personal growth and insight or symptom-relief and improved functioning, my hope is that we can work collaboratively together to achieve it! It takes a lot of strength and courage to work towards a more fulfilling and happier life. If you are ready to take that step, I am here to support and empower you.

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Minerva Guzman

Offering therapy in California
Relationship issuesFamily conflictsSelf esteemDepressionCoping with life changes
13 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 13 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with relationship issues, family conflicts, motivation, self esteem, and confidence, & depression. 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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Rachel Gordon-Eldred

Offering therapy in California
Family conflictsGriefParenting issuesCoping with life changesCompassion fatigue
18 years of experience

I am a licensed therapist with 18 years of experience working with clients. My style is to help you feel more regulated and centered so that you can connect to yourself and others. I can help you think through difficult situations and be a sounding board to support you to live your Big Beautiful Life! My commitment is to always trust what you tell me. We all need connection to be our best selves. This is a judgement free space for you to bring fears, sadness, and even ambivalence, to develop your wise-mind and cultivate a deep appreciation for what makes you uniquely you. I consider myself an advocate for the neurodiverse. My background has focused on working with parents of vulnerable children who have experienced loss, trauma, or are coping with ADHD and Autism Spectrum. I also have expertise in navigating the parenting needs of those with a Pathologically Demanding Avoidant (PDA) child. I do not advocate for behavioral modification like ABA. I have additional training and experience working with clients around death and dying and loved ones coping with grief and loss. Reach out to connect. If you do not see a time on my schedule that meets your needs, let me know. I may be able to accommodate another time.

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Sarah Gbadebo

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietyFamily conflictsAnger managementSelf esteemCareer difficulties
12 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, family conflicts, anger management, & 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 sign up for therapy can take courage and I am proud of you for getting started!

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Ryan Jordan

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseGriefAnger managementDepression
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, trauma and abuse, coping with grief and loss, & anger management. 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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Marie Urbina

Offering therapy in California
License: LMHC
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesTrauma and abuseCoping with life changesCoaching
12 years of experience

Hello! I am a licensed mental health counselor with over 12 years of experience. I have worked with clients of all backgrounds with a wide range of concerns including trauma, depression, anxiety, coping with life's challenges, relationship issues, addiction, survivors of abuse, career and parenting challenges, OCD and ADHD. My counseling style is warm and engaging, attentive and validating. I believe in treating everyone with respect, and I am nonjudgmental. My approaches include strength-based, solution-focused, cognitive-behavioral, motivational interviewing, mindfulness and trauma-focused cognitive-behavioral therapy. In our client-centered sessions, I am here to support you and assist you in clarifying your goals, but ultimately, you decide where we will go. I commend you for taking this positive step towards self-care, in connecting with betterhelp to improve the quality of your emotional experience in daily life! 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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