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.
Daniel Romo
Welcome, My name is Daniel Romo and I am in the field of helping people feel that they matter. I was born and raised in Southern California. I completed my undergraduate degree in Psychology at California State University Fullerton and Masters of Marriage and Family Therapy (MFT) with a Specialization in Trauma and Latinx Studies at Pacific Oaks College. I started practicing therapy and completed my trainee-ship providing School-Based services to elementary and secondary schools in the Pasadena area and DIS Designated Instructional Services for a non-public school and a Non-profit organization in the Pasadena area in 2015. In 2011 I started working in the mental health field servicing at-risk youth and families at a residential level 14 facility as a Mental Health Wellness Specialist providing life skills and helping youth improve their cognitive functioning. I have utilized the skills I have gained through my education and prior positions as a Mental Health Therapist at various non-profit agencies and as a Community Wellness Specialist by assisting clients in planning short-term and long-term goals, while being sensitive to their backgrounds and specific needs. I believe that individuals of all backgrounds require assistance and support in setting goals and meeting them, from a professional who is cognizant and accommodating of limitations and diversity. My experience working at various non-profits has afforded me the opportunity to develop therapeutic skills and expand on personal attributes vital to the therapeutic process. Providing therapeutic services with various non-profits has also enabled me to interact with and assist at-risk youth through individual, family, and group counseling on issues ranging from severe mental health diagnoses like depression disorders, psychotic disorders, attention and impulse-control disorders, anger management, interpersonal relationship difficulties and substance abuse. As a result, I have become more adept at interacting with clients from a variety of backgrounds including the Deaf and Hard of Hearing community and have developed a passion for helping clientele that might not otherwise have access to therapeutic services, except through a community agency. I am dedicated to fostering a safe environment and working with each individual to develop customized plans to improve their quality of life. As a Mental Health Therapist, my approach is client and culturally centered. I have worked at various non-profit agencies and have been trained in a variety of approaches: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Trauma-Focused CBT, Family Systems, Object Relations, Existential/Humanistic, and what I have found in working with individuals and families is approaching therapy by fostering a safe environment and working with each individual to develop a customized plan to improve their quality of life.
Dayna Hunt
Hello, my name is Dayna Hunt and I am a Licensed Marriage Family Therapist in the State of California. I was born and raised in Northern California, specifically Marin County. I have lived in Southern California and also Seattle, Washington. I have traveled across the United States as well as to Europe and lived a short time in Australia. I enjoy being outdoors, hiking, spending time in nature and with family. I received my Bachelor of Science Degree at California Polytechnic University in San Luis Obispo, CA and my Master of Science Degree in Counseling Psychology at Dominican University in San Rafael, Calif. I have always enjoyed listening to people's stories and problem solving. I knew I wanted to be a counselor at a very young age and began pursuing psychology early in life. My professional experience in the field began 27 years ago, when I began formally studying relationships and the different roles people play in their lives. I have worked with families, couples, teenagers, children and individuals in the private practice setting, family service agencies, schools and in the corporate setting. I utilize DBT training, also known as Dialectical Behavioral Therapy which taught me how to help others focus on improving distress tolerance skills, interpersonal skills, mindfulness and emotion regulation skills. I utilize CBT training, also known as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy which taught me that thoughts matter, as they serve to create our individual reality. I believe if people examine and change their thoughts, they can change their life. Finally, I utilize a client centered, Rogerian approach, which in simple terms means, I meet people where they are at. If they want to improve their relationships, I try to help them to consider a new way of thinking as perspective is everything. I help them to increase healthy communication skills, decrease conflict and improve boundaries. This is what I help people do.
Dr. Carmen Pulido
I have a doctorate in Clinical Psychology and I provide Cognitive Behavioral Therapy services for a variety of issues including depression, stress, trauma, and substance use problems. Through self-exploration, I can help you learn what has caused some of your habits and ways of acting. Then, if you are ready, we can work on making small and larger changes that will improve your quality of life. For years, I have worked with professionals; these experiences have helped me identify what makes people successful and happy. Let me help you build a better life by showing you how to examine your past and develop a more intentional and meaningful life.
Michael Henry
I am licensed in California and Colorado with 16 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, trauma and abuse, & 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!
Kristine Rezny
Hello! Thank you for taking the time to read a little bit about your (potential) future clinician. I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) in California with 8 years of clinical experience. Though currently in California, I was born and raised in the Midwest which lends to my caring and quirky personality, and mild accent, which former clients have reported appreciating and connecting with. In my 8 years of practice, I have had the opportunity to gain experience working with a wide variety of incredible clients. Some examples of what I have been able to support clients with include: stress and anxiety, coping with grief and loss, identity development, coping with life changes, compassion fatigue, mental health issues associated with being an injured athlete, sports psychology, Autism Spectrum Disorder, school-based counseling, and much more. I believe that you are the expert of your story and that you have many strengths that will help you in overcoming things that challenge you. Taking the first step to seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage! If you think we would be a good fit based on your needs, I would love to start working together. I am SO proud of you and am here to support you in this journey. Take care!
Christina Harrison
I am licensed in California with 8 years of professional work experience, and 6 years prior experience as a paraprofessional in the field of addiction treatment. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, trauma and abuse, 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 seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process.
Steven Gaddis
Greetings! I am a counselor, currently licensed in California and Texas, with approximately 20 years of experience. My experiences include working with individuals to address topics such as anger management, relationship issues, alcohol and other drug related concerns, personal development, and mood disturbances. I have also worked with criminal justice involved individuals. My style primarily utilizes a Cognitive Behavioral perspectives with an understanding that the connection and trust between counselor and client is paramount in an effective and productive partnership. I believe that by working to create a safe and authentic environment the stage is best prepared for creating healthy change and movement towards ones goals. Although the specific methods utilized will be based on individual details and interactions, my interactions are personalized and focused on an individual's strengths. I typically review incoming messages at least twice a day, at least once in the AM and once in the PM. I appreciate you and your interest in counseling as an opportunity to create or maintain the life you envision. I hope to have the opportunity to partner with you in your next steps and I look forward to hearing from and working with you.
Le Henry Solomon
I am licensed in California with 22 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with relationship issues, intimacy related 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 seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process.
Shane Bulkley
I am licensed in California with 9 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, trauma and abuse, & 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!
Sylvia Nelson
I am licensed Family Therapist in California with 30 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with family conflicts, trauma and abuse, coping with grief and loss, depression and anxiety & parenting issues. 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!
Asha Wilburn
I am a licensed professional clinical counselor in California with 7 years of professional work experience. Much of my experience comes from treating adolescents, young adults, and early middle age adults in areas of anxiety, depression, life transitions, mood disorders, interpersonal and family conflict, work stress, and body image. I believe in a collaborative client-centered approach to therapy to allow clients to have an active role in the therapeutic journey. My communication style is calm, personable, and supportive. I aim to provide honest feedback and I take pride in genuinely building rapport with my clients by providing a non-judgmental and safe space for them to process. I hope to support you in understanding the root cause of whatever is causing distress and explore useful strategies that will allow you to build your personal "toolbox" that will ultimately lead you on a path of living a meaningful life.
Aaron Manfre
I am licensed in California with 9 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress, anxiety, motivation, self esteem, & confidence. 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 seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process.
Dr. Helen Antoniak
I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker committed to compassionate communication with people who seek my help. In terms of my education, I obtained an AA from the University of San Diego, a BA from UCLA, an MSW from San Diego State University and a Ph.D. from the University for Humanistic Studies. I bring a wide variety of experiences to my counseling practice. My most recent work was with military reservists returning from deployment. Before that, I worked as Protective Services Worker for the County of San Diego Health and Human Services Agency. I have worked with teenagers in a residential treatment program. I helped create the Adoption Center of San Diego. I served as resident manager in a home for women and children who had been homeless. As a Community Development Specialist, I created a non-profit organization, The Widowed to Widowed Program, to help individuals grieving the death of their spouse. I worked as a social worker for a residential mental health training center called Rancho Pino. I supervised foster grandparents at Home of the Guiding Hands. All of these experiences have contributed to my ability to assess client needs and develop therapeutic plans. My particular areas of support include adoption , career guidance, clarity in goal setting, grief guidance and stress reduction.
Martina Njoku
I’m a licensed therapist in California with seven years of experience helping individuals navigate life’s challenges. My passion lies in supporting clients as they work through stress, anxiety, relationship concerns, struggles with motivation, self-esteem, confidence, and depression. I also specialize in helping individuals cope with significant life changes and transitions. In our work together, my priority is to create a warm, open, and safe environment where you can express yourself freely without fear of judgment. I firmly believe that every person has the strength within them to heal, grow, and thrive. My role is to walk alongside you, offering tools, insights, and support as you unlock that potential. Deciding to seek therapy is a brave and empowering step. It shows a willingness to prioritize your well-being and embrace personal growth. If you’re here, it means you’re already taking that first, courageous step toward change, and for that, I deeply commend you. Remember, it’s okay to feel uncertain or even nervous about this process it’s all part of the journey. Together, we can work to address your challenges, build resilience, and foster a deeper sense of self-worth and confidence. You deserve to feel empowered, valued, and at peace, and I’m here to support you every step of the way. Let’s take this journey toward healing and self-discovery together.
Evelynn Hernandez-Brown
I am licensed in California with 10 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress, anxiety, & relationship issues. 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 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:
- National Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-799-SAFE (7233)
- National Suicide Prevention Lifeline:1-800-273-TALK (8255)
- Crisis Text Line:Text HOME to 741741
- Veterans Crisis Line<:Call 1-800-273-8255 (and press 1) or text 838255. For support for the deaf and hard of hearing community, please use your preferred relay service or dial 711 then 1-800-273-8255.
- Trevor Lifeline(LGBTQ Lifeline): (866)488-7386
- SAMHSA National Helpline: (Substance Use): (800)662-4357
- National Eating Disorder Association Helpline:1-800-931-2237 (M-Th: 9 AM-9 PM EST, Fri 9 AM - 5 PM EST
- Child Help Hotline Call 1-800-422-4453 or use the online chat featur
- National Anti-Hazing Hotline: 1-888-NOT-HAZE (1-888-668-4293)
- Physician Crisis Support Line: Call 1-888-409-0141 if you are a first responder or medical provider experiencing crises related to Covid-1
- Sexual Assault Hotline: Call RAINN at 1-800-656-4673
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.
Popular cities in California
- Los Angeles, CA
- San Diego, CA
- San Jose, CA
- San Francisco, CA
- Fresno, CA
- Sacramento, CA
- Long Beach, CA
- Oakland, CA
- Bakersfield, CA
- Anaheim, CA
- Santa Ana, CA
- Riverside, CA
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