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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Julie Borden

Offering therapy in California
License: LCSW
Stress, AnxietyGriefParenting issuesDepressionCoping with life changes
23 years of experience

I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and have been providing counseling for more than twenty years. I have a master's degree in Social Welfare and experience in a wide range of areas, including grief and loss, stress management, parenting challenges, depression, and communication in relationships. I know that making the decision to start therapy, and reaching out to find someone you can trust, is a big step, often one that people think about for a long time before they actually take it. As you take that step today, I would like to offer some ideas about where this journey could take you. From my work with clients over the years, and from my own personal experience as well, I have come to see the process of therapy as something like looking through a new window, one that allows you to see your life and situation more clearly. In all of the challenges we face, big and small, perspective is key. Each of us is looking at our situation from the inside, in the way we have become accustomed to looking at it. This view is often fogged up and blurry. We are so close to it that we can’t see the forest for the trees. Therapy is about getting distance and perspective. This can come through insight, recognizing relationship patterns and being open to changing them, and questioning long-held assumptions that you didn’t realize you had until someone calls your attention to them. But as important as this awareness is, it usually needs to be followed with concrete steps in order to result in true change. Baby steps at first – in my experience we often underestimate the big results that can come from the smallest shifts. As we experiment with new behaviors, we begin to see ourselves differently. One small success doing something you didn’t think you could do can result in a ripple effect of seeing possibilities that you never knew were there before, and that is where real growth happens. My goal is to help people live more authentically, live with intention, and make deliberate and conscious choices rather than following old patterns that they never before thought to question. These ideas have brought me to some of the most important light bulb moments in my own life, and it brings me great happiness to see the moment that someone else begins to see that they have a wider range of options than they ever realized. If it sounds like I might be a good fit for you, I look forward to getting to know you, hearing the unique story that is yours alone, and working as a team as you find the clarity, peace, and confidence that will lead you to a brighter future.

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Kaitlyn McNulty

Offering therapy in California
License: LCSW
Stress, AnxietyFamily conflictsTrauma and abuseParenting issuesSelf esteem
12 years of experience

Hello and Welcome! I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in the state of California. I started my work as a therapist in New York after obtaining my Masters Degree in Social Work from New York University. I have been working as a therapist in California for the last ten years. I have experience working with a wide variety of individuals in different settings including within community agencies, in homes, and in schools. One of my primary goals is to work with you to improve your overall quality of life. Over my career I have dedicated myself to ongoing study and have obtained training and certifications in several evidenced based treatment interventions. Some of these include Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Parent Child Interaction Therapy, Trauma Based Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, and Seeking Safety. I continue to attend training to further gain knowledge and provide the best treatment for my clients. My approach to therapy is to create a partnership with you to work towards an agreed upon goal. I hope to be able to create a situation together where you will feel comfortable and confident to meet your goals. I often check my messages daily and will respond as soon as I can to all outreach. Additionally, if you do not see a time available that works for you, please feel free to contact me I am flexible to see if we can find a better time for you!

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Janice Loboda

Offering therapy in California
License: LPCC,LMHC
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesFamily conflictsParenting issuesSelf esteem
15 years of experience

I am a licensed professional clinical counselor. I began my working with people struggling with addiction issues, working in an Inpatient and Outpatient substance abuse treatment facility. While I was there, I enjoyed working with teenagers and families recovering from addiction. I later began a private practice, that helped parents address parenting and family stressors and help them work with their children's school to obtain 504/IEP accommodations to support their child's educational and emotional needs. I also worked with adult professionals, as an EAP counselor, to help resolve career stressors, overcome professional barriers, and address burnout and return to finding professional and personal purpose.

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Zaya Kuykendall

Offering therapy in California
License: MA,LMHC,LPC
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsRelationship issuesTrauma and abuseDepression
16 years of experience

Do you ever feel like you just need to reset, to get a tune-up so to speak? You are not alone, if you have. Life happens fast! At times it can be hard and we, as mere humans, have to fight to find balance. That balance, reset button, tune-up is within you and as my client I will assist you in finding it. I will take the time to help you reconnect with yourself, regulate your emotions and assess your goals/priorities. Through a collaborative approach, we will share our thoughts, ideas and then decide how to move forward. I encourage openness, honesty - a sense of stability that will help facilitate dialogue and growth. I have an eclectic therapeutic approach with heavy influences of Gestalt, motivational interviewing and Solution Focus therapy. I provide support and feedback - in order to assist clients in addressing obstacles that they may encounter in their lives. I focus on building personal strengths, obtaining ‘closure’ with unfinished business (road blocks) and identifying feelings/emotions. Sessions will work towards a journey of self-awareness. I have been working in the helping field for more than fifteen years, and as a practicing psychotherapist for ten. I have a Bachelors of Science in Psychology (2000) and graduated with my Master of Arts in Professional Counseling in 2004. I have developed a knowledge base and specialization in the areas of domestic violence, child development/parenting, familial discord, women’s issues, and substance abuse throughout the years. I provide therapy with children and adults in individual, group, family, couples and e-therapy platforms. The journey of life is filled with bumps, turns, twist, manholes, road blocks & ditches; whatever the obstacles we face, we MUST stay on the road. We can not give up on self. Only on your personal road, on your journey will you find your inner calm and tranquility...let's make happiness a part of your journey. It is my belief that therapy is mental wound treatment. Just as you would not let a burn on your arm fester with no treatment, you should not let faulty cognitions (stinking thinking), past trauma and other life experiences fester. These mental wounds need care; identification, treatment, plan of care and the ability to heal.

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Perla Ray

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsTrauma and abuseBipolar disorderDepression
17 years of experience

I am Dual licensed in California with 17 years of professional work experience. I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, and was awarded a certification as a Licensed Advanced Alcohol and Drug Counselor. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, depression in all life cycles, struggling young adults , coping with chemical dependency, trauma and abuse, healing from toxic relationships & bipolar disorder to name a few. I work with my clients to create an open and safe environment where thoughts and feelings can be shared without fear of judgment in order to achieve healing. 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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Kerri Simon

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesParenting issuesSelf esteemCoaching
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, relationship issues, 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 proud of you for getting started!

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Robert McAlister

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsTrauma and abuseBipolar disorderDepression
26 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 26 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, coping with addictions, trauma and abuse, & bipolar disorder. 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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Alison "Cindy" Lapidus

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesIntimacy-related issuesSelf esteemCareer difficulties
14 years of experience

I am licensed in California and Florida with 14 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with relationship issues, intimacy related issues, motivation, self-esteem, and confidence, & career difficulties. As a veteran, I work with the armed forces and helping professions to address the unique challenges that affect the member and families. 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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Erin Black

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesFamily conflictsParenting issuesDepression
6 years of experience

I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in California with over 20 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, & 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 seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process.

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Lamonte Coke

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesAnger managementSelf esteemDepression
9 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 10 plus years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, anger management, & 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. 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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Francesca Biffi

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseSelf esteemDepressionCoping with life changes
24 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, life transitions and 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. Taking the first step to sign up for therapy can take courage and I am happy to assist you in this process.

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Leah Jackson

Offering therapy in California
Relationship issuesFamily conflictsGriefDepressionCoping 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 relationship issues, family & work conflicts, coping with grief and loss, & depression. 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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Katrina Suprise

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietyParenting issuesSelf esteemDepressionCoping with life changes
10 years of experience

I am licensed Clinical Social Worker in California with 10 years of professional work experience. I support clients who face challenges associated with anxiety, depression, motivation, self-esteem, romantic relationships, and parenting. I have also worked with people who have substance use issues and severe mental illness. I take a person centered approach to my work, helping clients identify and expand personal strengths and resources to meet identified goals. I truly believe we each have the internal resources needed to heal emotional and psychological wounds in order to bring forward our best selves. My intention is to help clients meet their personal goals by helping them clarify their values, identify barriers to change (thoughts, feelings, and circumstances), and take action that aligns their behavior with personal values. My approach combines cognitive-behavioral, humanistic, psychodynamic with acceptance commitment therapy, and motivational interviewing. I will tailor our work together to meet your unique and specific needs. My personal and professional experiences have taught me to be receptive to and appreciative of differences, so I approach my work with an open mind and heart. Trust is essential to the success of our work together, so I strive to create a safe environment where thoughts and feelings can be shared without fear of judgment. Making a commitment to change ones' way of being often comes with mixed feelings of excitement and fear. While change can be difficult, it is through the hard work of honest self-exploration and earnest action that transformation occurs. By seeking help to fulfill your life goals, you are showing a tremendous degree of courage. I am here to support you in that process and look forward to joining you on this journey of self-discovery and growth.

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Leihua McMiller

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsRelationship issuesGriefCoping with life changes
15 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 15 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress, anxiety, coping with addictions, relationship issues, coping with grief, & coping with loss. 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. 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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Dr. Cameron Zeidler

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietyLGBTRelationship issuesFamily conflictsDepression
13 years of experience

My name is Dr. Cameron Zeidler, Psy.D., licensed clinical psychologist, with advanced, specialized training in Family Systems and applied expertise in other treatment modalities. I am licensed in California with 9 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress, anxiety, depression, relationship issues, LGBTQ+ related issues, and family conflicts. I also have experience working with depression and diverse patient populations. I am honored to be a new provider on the BetterHelp panel of therapists. My approach is integrative- meaning that I draw upon well-researched, well-trained treatment approaches to individually tailor my therapeutic assistance to best suit your needs. Scholastically, my training is multi-modal with emphasis in cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT). There’s no question: signing up for and even considering therapy already reflects an innate strength and courage that you possess. It is a true privilege for me to collaborate with you on this journey. You are the master of your life-story and I hope to offer the therapeutic benefit you may need. Ready when you are….

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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