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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Yanina Lambert

Offering therapy in California
License: MA, LMFT
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesTrauma and abuseDepression
15 years of experience

Are you feeling sad? anxious? Issues with your children's behaviors? concentration issues? Stress with your relationships? or just need to vent? Please, take the first step towards a solution and reach out today. I am dedicated to provide you with a comfortable therapeutic environment and with the support for you to overcome your challenges. I believe that with the appropriate guidance and support people can improve their well-being and the quality of their relationships. I love what I do and I I have experience working with diverse populations. I am bilingual in English/Spanish. I am licensed as a Marriage and Family Therapist and I enjoy working with people and assisting them find alternative ways to live a happy and satisfying life. EMDR Trained. Experience assisting individuals, couples, children and families making transitions and finding solutions to personal and relationship issues. Adolescents and children with behavioral/conduct problems as well as individuals experiencing anxiety, depression, trauma and adjustment issues. Experienced with Latino as well as Caucasian populations. I will provide you with the tools to self-reflect, to learn more about yoursef and to build on your strengths. I am committed to YOUR WELL-BEING and to help you find new skills to manage, to overcome challenges and to make decisions that lead to positive feelings and more fulfilling relationships.

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Emily Vierra

Offering therapy in California
License: LMFT
Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseGriefDepression
13 years of experience

Welcome! My name is Emily Vierra and I'm a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in California. Many of us experience difficulties at different points in our lives and need help to overcome these obstacles. It takes courage to ask for help and I commend you for reaching out. Many of us need a safe place to share our feelings and I am here to help you talk openly without judgment. I approach therapy with respect, compassion, and empathy. I will work collaboratively with you to help you identify your needs and work through these difficult experiences. I have over 13 years experience working with individuals, families, and couples dealing with a wide range of issues in numerous settings. I have experience working with all ages, from very young children to elderly adults. I am currently working with foster children ages 0-18 in an outpatient clinic as well as their parents, foster parents, and other family members. I also am currently working in a private practice setting with children and adults who have been a victim of a crime. This includes sexual/physical abuse, domestic violence, and the death of a loved one. Prior to this, I have experience working at a hospice clinic, an outpatient clinic with individuals, couples, and families dealing with daily life stressors, and a clinic with at-risk children displaying behavioral issues at home/school. These positions have given me extensive experience treating depression, anxiety, stress, suicidal/homicidal ideations, PTSD, trauma and abuse, relationship issues, family conflict, parent/child issues, adjustment disorders, anger management, at-risk behaviors, conduct disorders, self-esteem/self-worth issues, and so forth. I take an eclectic approach with therapy and will tailor my treatment based on your specific needs and goals. I will utilize different modalities including Cognitive-Behavioral, Solution-Focused, Family Systems, Humanistic, Client-Centered, etc. In terms of availability, I check and respond to messages several times a day. I am flexible with my schedule and understand that you may have obligations during the day and am happy to accommodate most schedules, including nights and weekends. I look forward to working with you!

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Michael Tidstrand

Offering therapy in California
License: BA,MA,LPCC
Stress, AnxietyGriefDepressionCoping with life changesCompassion fatigue
9 years of experience

I specialize in providing compassionate support to individuals navigating a spectrum of mental health challenges. Drawing from both professional training and personal experiences, I understand the complexities of these struggles firsthand. Clients can expect a nonjudgmental and empathetic environment where they can freely express themselves without fear of stigma or shame. My approach is rooted in creating a secure space where clients feel heard and valued. As a licensed Professional Clinical Counselor with a Master's in Clinical Psychology from Pepperdine University, I prioritize active listening, curiosity, and reflection. By employing techniques such as mindfulness and cognitive-behavioral therapy, I help clients explore the intricate connections between their thoughts, emotions, and behaviors. My goal is to empower clients on their journey towards healing and self-discovery. Together, we'll uncover the underlying reasons behind presenting issues, fostering meaningful insights and personal growth. I eagerly anticipate the opportunity to support you in your path towards a more fulfilling life.

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Emil Jech

Offering therapy in California
License: MSW, LCSW
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesTrauma and abuseGriefIntimacy-related issues
40 years of experience

My goal as a therapist is to help you discover how to be fully alive and vibrant in this moment and in your connection with others. I view therapy as an interactive self-discovery process. Building and increasing self awareness is essential for clarifying and acting on your preferred choices. The focus is not on what you “should” do but rather on what you want, need, and can do given your unique life circumstances. I also will work with you to heal older unresolved issues and unfinished business. I had a private practice in Bellingham, Washington for 20 years and prior to that I have worked in a variety of mental health settings. I work with individuals, couples, families, and groups. I trained extensively in Gestalt theory and therapy and in a number of other theoretical approaches, including Transactional Analysis, Intersubjectivity, EMDR, and Body Awareness techniques. One of my specialties is working with couples and relationship issues. The therapy session is an ideal setting to attend to contact, boundary, intimacy, authenticity and ongoing conflict patterns can be explored and unraveled directly in the therapy session. There is every opportunity to bring the relationship fully alive while attending to stuck places that create longstanding difficult issues. Every relationship is different and no one can see inside the depth and nuances of a couple. However, there are common and universal processes that we all share in our relationships. I enjoy working with both the special uniqueness of your relationship and with the universal patterns that we all experience in relationship.

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Jeremy O'Conner

Offering therapy in California
License: MSW,LCSW
Stress, AnxietyGriefSelf esteemDepressionCompassion fatigue
20 years of experience

Jeremy is a licensed clinical social worker with over 22 years of experience in the field of social work. He currently serves as the Clinical Director at California Youth Services and has been a field instructor and clinical supervisor since 2013. He earned his Master of Social Work degree from California State University, Long Beach in 2005 after receiving a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology from Concordia University, Irvine. Jeremy finds it to be a privilege to work with clients with a wide range of concerns including depression, anxiety, chronic medical conditions, compassion fatigue, and crisis intervention. Jeremy enjoys helping people who have experienced physical trauma, emotional abuse, and post-traumatic stress disorder. His counseling style is driven by the belief we are called to care for and love those, who struggle and need help. Sometimes in life, we begin to lose our purpose and meaning, and the quality of our lives begins to suffer. Stress, anxiety, sadness, as well as a multitude of other feelings, can flood our minds and prevent us from living meaningful and productive lives. Our underlying beliefs, and core values, play a role in this. Jeremy’s primary treatment modalities include cognitive-behavioral therapy, motivational interviewing, client-centered techniques as well as solution-focused therapy. Jeremy is active in his Christian faith and is a faithful believer in the great commission. Soli Deo Gloria

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Dr. James Fishback

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesIntimacy-related issuesAnger managementCoping with life changes
33 years of experience

Hello, my name is Dr. Fishback, a licensed psychologist. It takes courage, curiosity, and commitment to reach out for help. I know because I have experienced my own psychotherapy, and it took a lot of work and a lot of truth about myself. I have done therapy work in California for the last 33 years, with many different people, children, teens, young and older adults, in places including my offices, schools, courts, prisons, outdoor settings, and online, with males and females, and with many different races, This has given me some deep experience and insight into humans and a large cross-section of our society. I have many years of experience in helping clients with stress, anxiety, depression, relationship issues, intimacy, abuse, and simply not knowing where U are going in life. I find that helping people solve their problems is a marvelous challenge for me. I work very hard for my clients, and I am honest with them, including if they seem to miss seeing something important. My therapy style is to be there for my clients in their way -- do they want me to primarily listen, or help problem-solve, or empathize in the moment, it's their call... But I also find that people who do improve their issues always work harder than me. With some guidance it is the client who figures things out and has the ah-ah experiences, not the therapist. Otherwise, the client can never fully own their own insight and understanding, and go on to reliably and accurately manage their own life problems. Those are my goals. I work on all weekdays except Fridays, so I can see clients on most days. In addition, I find that I can help others best when I communicate with them by live video or phone… (I don't do live chat, except messaging between sessions, because I am too slow a typist). You can read more about my background, education, experience, and therapy approach on this website. I would look forward to work with you on your issues, Dr. Fishback

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Linda Granadino

Offering therapy in California
License: LCSW
Family conflictsTrauma and abuseGriefParenting issuesSelf esteem
12 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 11 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with family conflicts, trauma and abuse, coping with grief and loss, & parenting issues. 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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Jeannie Yeager

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

I am licensed in California with 3 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 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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Billy Wilson Jr.

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseAnger managementSelf esteemCareer difficulties
25 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 25 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress, anxiety, trauma, abuse, anger management, motivation, self esteem, & confidence. I also have experience working with career difficulties. 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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Marni Freedman

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

I am licensed in California with 18 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 on your story and that you have many strengths that will assist you in overcoming things that challenge you. I also have special training in working with writers and artists. 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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Dr. Ann 'Annie' Vance

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesTrauma and abuseSelf esteemCoping with life changes
26 years of experience

I am licensed in California and Hawaii with 26 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, trauma, and abuse, as well as, helping with 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 seek a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. You've started the journey, I am here to support you in that process. I continue to grow and learn through Continuing Education Courses. I have a Doctorate in Christian Counseling Psychology to support Faith-based clients who want that, and respect those who only want secular psychology.

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Carl Krantz

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsGriefAnger managementDepression
23 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 23 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, coping with addictions, 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. 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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Michael Reina

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseCareer difficultiesDepressionCoping with life changes
37 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 37 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, trauma and abuse, career difficulties, & 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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Candice Wilkins

Offering therapy in California
Grief
5 years of experience

I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in California with five years of experience as a Master's-level social worker, and I have been providing grief counseling since 2011. I specialize in helping clients navigate all types of grief and loss. My approach is grounded in a narrative theoretical framework, which emphasizes the strength and power we have to shape and redefine our own life stories. I also incorporate Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Solution-Focused Therapy, and I am trained in EMDR therapy. My goal is to create a safe and welcoming space where you can share your thoughts and emotions without fear of judgment. Taking the first step toward a more fulfilling and joyful life takes courage, and I am here to support and empower you every step of the way.

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Oceana Free

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseGriefDepression
10 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 10 years of professional work experience in therapy, with 25 years of work experience in human services. I have experience in helping clients with stress, anxiety, depression, trauma, abuse, & grief. I also offer faith-based & metaphysical therapy, including Christian-based therapy, spiritual therapy & holistic therapy. I believe in treating everyone with respect, dignity and compassion. I am here to support & empower you in your 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.

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