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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Karelin Wadkins

Offering therapy in California
License: LMFT
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsSelf esteemCoping with life changes
14 years of experience

Hello! I’m Karelin Wadkins, a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) in California with over 14 years of experience supporting adults, couples, and families. My practice focuses on helping individuals navigate anxiety, depression, codependency, trauma, life transitions, and self-esteem challenges. I also have experience working with substance use concerns and the unique stressors of menopause and perimenopause. In therapy, I create a warm, nonjudgmental space where you can explore your feelings and experiences with compassion. Using a blend of mindfulness, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and Internal Family Systems (IFS), I’ll help you slow down, clarify your values, and build the tools to move toward the life you want to live. I approach my work with empathy, openness, and a genuine desire to understand and support each of my clients. Therapy is a collaborative journey, and I’m honored to walk alongside you as we navigate your challenges and uncover your strengths. Let’s work together to help you move through discomfort and toward a more fulfilling and authentic life. I look forward to meeting you!

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Dr. Arlene Unger

Offering therapy in California
License: PhD
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsRelationship issuesGriefDepression
30 years of experience

No one really gets through life's ups and downs unscathed. Change has a way of bringing out the best and worst in all of us. I serve folks from all walks of life, and both young and old. You might be seeking coping tools for an immediate life challenge, chronic stress, early trauma, or loss. Drawing from my background in Cognitive Behavioral, Emotional Brain Training and Acceptance Commitment Therapies, I'm here to help you find hope and relief in daily living. With a PhD in Clinical Psychology and certification in nutrition, wellness, mindfulness, life coaching and substance abuse, I'm better able to understand and assist you in finding balance, identifying as well as supporting their need for change and working collaboratively with you through the healing process. Please check out my 7 mindfulness visualization exercise books and numerous articles at http://drarleneunger@com. I'm ready to empower you. The first step takes courage but knowing I'm only a text, phone call or video session away makes reaching out for help much easier. I’m here for you right now!

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Sederia Moore

Offering therapy in California
License: MSW,LCSW
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsLGBTGriefDepression
5 years of experience

Welcome, and thank you for reaching out! My name is Sederia Moore, and I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker licensed in Texas and California with over 5 years of experience working in the mental health field. I obtained my Master’s Degree in Social Work, focusing on Children and Families from the University of Southern California in 2012. I have worked with clients with a wide range of challenges, including depression, anxiety, addiction, stress, grief/loss, and life transitions. I also have experience and a passion for working with the LGBTQ+ population. My counseling style is nonjudgmental and integrative. I believe in meeting people where they are at, and helping clients access their internal compass to guide them toward solution. My primary therapeutic approaches are Acceptance and Commitment, and Mindfulness inspired treatment. I am also EMDR trained for those who are appropriate for this protocol. I believe that every person is unique, and therefore my treatment plans and support will be geared toward your specific needs. I applaud you for taking the first step in finding fulfillment and support in your life. Lets work together and build a trusting relationship that will help see you through your challenges, and support your continued emotional growth. I look forward to connecting with you!

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Dr. Ettie Bailey

Offering therapy in California
License: LMFT
AddictionsTrauma and abuseSelf esteemBipolar disorderDepression
10 years of experience

I am a marriage and family therapist licensed and working in the state of California, I also hold a doctorate in marriage and family therapy. Clinical experience includes anxiety, depression, addiction, issues related to gender/sexuality, trauma, abuse, and adjustment disorders. The youngest client I have worked with was 5 years of age and the oldest was 73. Given the extensiveness of my experience, there is no topic I will not address if it is the need of my client. I believe respect is crucial in the therapeutic relationship and approach my client’s with compassion, sensitivity, and warmth. My core theory of change is Strategic with certification as a Trauma Focused-Cognitive Behavioral Therapist, and I incorporate, cognitive behavioral therapy, narrative therapy and the humanistic approach. Additionally, I utilize the Alpha-Stim (biofeedback) for severe and persistent depression, anxiety, PTSD, and insomnia if this treatment modality is appropriate for my client. I tailor the treatment plan and therapeutic dialogue to meet your specific needs and work hard to ensure your unique needs are met. Engaging in therapy is scary and I applaud you for taking the necessary steps towards change. If you are ready, I am here to support and empower you. I look forward to working with you.

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Andrea Perez Portillo

Offering therapy in California
License: LCSW
Family conflictsParenting issuesCoping with life changesCompassion fatigue
4 years of experience

I am a licensed clinical social worker licensed in California with experience working with immigrant, Communities of Color, and LGBTQIA2S+ folks across the lifespan. I have predominantly worked with youth and families and operate from a person-in-environment, relational and liberatory approaches that recognize the impact systems of oppression, historical, and personal trauma have on marginalized communities. My communication style is collaborative and empathetic. My role is to create a safe space for exploration and affirmation of your life and experiences therein and build upon your strengths. Together we can identify goals and supportive strategies along the way to help you live your best life. I look forward to working with you!

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Alyce Redman

Offering therapy in California
License: LPCC
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesFamily conflictsDepressionCoping with life changes
10 years of experience

Reaching out for support can be tough. Life is busy and taking the time to focus on your mental health can seem like the last priority on your never-ending list. Relationships, work, struggling to manage emotions, daily stress, and unforeseen life events can add up. I’m so glad you are taking the time to take care of yourself, and I hope to help you along the way. My goal is to create a safe and validating environment where you can be open, vulnerable, and who you really are without any filter. I have worked with individuals and groups for over 10 years who are dealing with anxiety, depression, relationship issues, and trauma. I specialize in CBT and DBT to help you learn new skills and make lasting change in your life. You are the expert, and I am here to help guide you to your goals. Please don’t hesitate to reach out with any questions. I look forward to working with you!

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Jaqueline De Leon Urias

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietyFamily conflictsSelf esteemCoping with life changesCompassion fatigue
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, family conflicts, 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 seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process.

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Joshua Mondary

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesParenting issuesSelf esteemDepression
8 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 8 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, parenting issues, & 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. 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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Nancy Salvatierra

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietyCoping with life changes
7 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 7 years of professional work experience. I have experience working with first generation Latinx clients that are dealing with stress, anxiety, relationship issues, & family conflicts. I also have experience working with 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 seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process.

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Dr. Craig Landry

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseSelf esteemDepressionCoping with life changes
27 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 24 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, trauma and abuse, motivation, self esteem, and confidence, & depression. 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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Eric Seeley

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsLGBTGriefCompassion fatigue
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, coping with addictions, lgbtq+ related issues, & coping with grief and loss. 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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Elizabeth Zamierowski-Wenger

Offering therapy in California
Relationship issuesFamily conflictsParenting issuesSelf esteemCoping with life changes
22 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 22 years of professional work experience and I LOVE PEOPLE. I have experience in helping clients with relationship issues, family conflicts, parenting issues, & 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 here to help!

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Latrice Mitchell

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietyParenting 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 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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Frances Bennett

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietyFamily conflictsGriefSelf esteemCoping 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, anxiety, family conflicts, coping with grief, coping with loss, motivation, self esteem, & confidence. I also have experience working with 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!

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Heather Custodio

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesSelf esteemCareer difficultiesCoping with life changes
3 years of experience

I am a licensed professional in California with three years of experience. My expertise includes helping clients navigate stress, anxiety, relationship challenges, motivation, self-esteem, confidence, and career difficulties. I also specialize in supporting individuals through life transitions. My approach focuses on creating an open, safe space where clients can share their thoughts and feelings freely, without fear of judgment. Seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage, and I am here to support and empower you as you take those first steps toward meaningful change.

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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