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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Maria Mir

Offering therapy in California
License: LMFT
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesFamily conflictsTrauma and abuseParenting issues
18 years of experience

Are you a working professional who is just feeling the stressors of work and everyday life? It’s hard to be able to juggle it all and still somehow try to find time for yourself. Sometimes life just feels like a lot, bad day at work, a fight with a partner or loved one, difficult day with the kids, a triggered emotion that came out of nowhere, or just not enough time in the day to get everything done. I am a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with over fifteen years of experience in the field. I work with adults who have difficulty in their day-to-day life, including work stress, motherhood, burn out, and relationship issues. I also incorporate trauma and inner child work. Let’s sit down together and sort it all out. I’m a non-judgmental ear to listen, a sounding board to bounce ideas off, and a safe space for you to have a moment to just be.

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Diane Shrock-Wang

Offering therapy in California
License: LMFT
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesSelf esteemDepressionCoping with life changes
35 years of experience

Well hello! My name is Diane Shrock-Wang, and I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist specializing in individual, couples, child, family, and group therapy. I maintain an active private practice in California. With over 30 years of experience as a marriage and family therapist and as a graduate of Azusa Pacific University specializing in marriage, family, and child therapy, I strive to serve various client issues. My areas of expertise are anxiety disorders, eating disorders, mood disorders, and emotional intelligence (EQ) development. In addition to being a seasoned therapist, I also provide training and presentations to groups, speaking on assorted topics, including stress management, recognizing and moving through shame, anxiety disorders, eating disorders, and increasing emotional intelligence. I am an interactive and solution-focused therapist with a style that provides support and practical feedback so that you may effectively address and move through personal and professional life challenges. I integrate complementary methodologies and techniques to offer a highly personalized approach tailored to your needs. With compassion, honesty, and understanding, I help you build on your strengths and support you in attaining the personal growth you desire in life. I look forward to working with you. Let's get started!

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Stephanie Wideman

Offering therapy in California
License: MSW,LCSW
Stress, AnxietySelf esteemDepression
20 years of experience

Hi there! I am so glad you are here. Take a moment. Yes, right now, take a deep breath. I’ll be here. Exhale. Be proud of yourself. Today, you showed up. You are here and you are willing to consider taking the next step. Well done! I believe, life is full of emotion. It makes us laugh and cry… sometimes both in the same moment. It can be hard as we journey through it to see the forest for the trees… to see beauty instead of pain. Wherever you are along your journey you do not have to travel alone. My name is Stephanie Wideman. I am a licensed clinical social worker based in Missouri. I have 20 years of experience coming alongside others, from children to older adults, on their journey as a guide. You will always lead, because we are going where you want to go. Together we can forge a path of perspective and self awareness; replacing lies with truth and be able to take in all of the beauty of the journey along the way. Each person's destination and goals are unique. My guidebook (clinical approach techniques) is diverse. Be prepared to roll up your sleeves, because I believe you get out of therapy what you put into it. I am a Christian and draw my clinical approaches heavily from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (known as CBT) aligned with the Biblical principles of grace, love, and mercy. At all times, as your guide it is important to me that you feel safe, respected, heard, encouraged, empowered, and challenged. Yes, we can do hard things. Now, you did not come this far to only come this far. Grab your favorite mug and find a place of solace. Let’s journey through together.

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Catherine Cicotte

Offering therapy in California
AddictionsRelationship issuesTrauma and abuseGriefIntimacy-related issues
20 years of experience

I am a Psychotherapist licensed in California with over 20 years of psychotherapy and counseling experience. I had a previous career as an RN, as well. I help clients with alcohol problems and addictions, relationship issues, trauma/abuse, coping with personal and pet grief and loss, navigating medical issues, and more. I am an 'active' therapist who uses eclectic models to achieve results, tailoring treatment to each client. I am compassionate, caring, and thoughtful, with many life experiences both difficult and wondrous, that I draw from. I believe you have many, perhaps unrecognized, strengths that will assist you in overcoming that which challenges you. You're not in this alone; we become a team!

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Angela Phillips

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesTrauma and abuseSelf esteemDepression
11 years of experience

I’m a licensed California therapist with over a decade of practice experience. I have helped 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. 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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Blancandrea Molina

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseGriefSelf 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 and anxiety, trauma and abuse, coping with grief and loss, & 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 here to support & empower you in that journey.

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Alexandria Hagler

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesFamily conflictsSelf esteemCoping with life changes
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, & 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 seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process.

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Penny Gifford

Offering therapy in California
License: MS, LAC, LCPC
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsSelf esteemDepressionCoping with life changes
27 years of experience

Your recovery begins here. I seek to help adults in individual sessions to integrate new and healthy skills to gain self-empowerment and improve your life. Whether you struggle with mental health issues or change of life issues the goal is to provide a supportive therapeutic environment to empower you to grow and make effective changes in your life. Creating a collaborative, non-judgmental and positive atmosphere is a crucial piece to your healing process and change. I have extensive experience with the following conditions: anger management, anxiety & stress, co-dependency, family discord, eating disorders, grief & loss, life purpose & transition, mood disorders, obsessive compulsive disorders, post- traumatic stress disorders. I employ treatment through integrative counseling by drawing on behavioral therapies, psychodynamic therapy & humanistic therapies to help you learn, grow and heal by guiding you through a directive and solution focused process.

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jorge sandoval

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesSelf esteemCareer difficultiesDepression
12 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 12 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress, anxiety, relationship issues, motivation, self esteem, confidence, & career difficulties. I also have experience working with 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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Megan Hougardy

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesSelf esteemCoping with life changes
7 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 7 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress, anxiety, depression, coping with grief, coping with loss, motivation, self esteem, confidence, & career difficulties. 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 seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process.

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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