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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Dr. Patrice Fortune

Offering therapy in California
License: PhD, LMFT
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesGriefDepressionCoaching
28 years of experience

Welcome to my page, my name is Patrice! Great appreciation for your interest and stopping by. Experience personalized one-to-one mental healthcare with concierge services. I specialize in customized mental healthcare with close therapeutic relationships developed as your dedicated therapist. Enjoy a range of conveniences and supportive care to fit your mental health, work, and lifestyle needs. Specializing in heart-mind connections with individuals, couples, corporate professionals, first responders, military and veteran challenges for emotional balance, mental clarity, and sustained resilience improves the immune system, health, and confidence. Devoted to enriching life with over two decades of experience assisting clients through an effective, compassionate process to gain inner confidence, build unshakable resilience, remove success blocks, develop loving, lasting relationships, and discover your life's purpose. You will have an opportunity to learn simple steps that you may seamlessly incorporate to produce dramatic, life-changing results and generate an abundant life on your terms. Find your inner strength and discover your true potential through collaborative care. When you are ready to take the first step, your compassionate, experienced concierge mental healthcare therapist can empower you. Once again, welcome to my practice. Thank you for considering my concierge services to assist you with your sensitive concerns. It is a pleasure and honor to serve 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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Dawn Hedwall

Offering therapy in California
License: MA,LMFT
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesTrauma and abuseIntimacy-related issuesDepression
15 years of experience

I am a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in California with over 14 years of experience. I have a wide breadth of experience working with a variety of individuals. I practice from a trauma informed perspective and have a great deal of expertise in working with people that suffer from multiple and various forms of trauma. I have also worked extensively with people who struggle with depression, anxiety, communication challenges and an overall feeling of being stuck in patterns and behaviors. I have a large tool box and I work eclectically utilizing a variety of modalities and clinical approaches. Each person is unique with unique wants and needs. It is my job to find a way to work with each individual person to help find a way to clear any blocks that are preventing you from living the life you are seeking.

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saundrea young

Offering therapy in California
Coping with life changes
40 years of experience

I am licensed in California (LCSW) with over 40 years of professional clinical knowledge and practice. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety related to Phase-of-Life issues, medical diagnosis and treatment issues, and grief and loss. I also work have expertise in the areas of aging, caregiving. I am committed to treating everyone with unbiased respect, sensitivity, and compassion. I tailor the dialog and treatment plan to meet your unique and specific needs. I recognize that taking the first step to sign up for therapy requires courage, insight, and strength. It is my privilege to help you investigate and nurture those inner strengths.

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Gail Shurtleff

Offering therapy in California
GriefSelf esteemBipolar disorderDepressionCoping with life changes
30 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 30 years of professional work experience. I'm an ally to the LGBTQIA2s community;I have experience in helping clients coping with grief and loss smf depression. I also understand how bipolar affects families. I've worked with the disabled and disability issues. I also have experience working with faith transitions.I'm familiar with issues surrounding cult involvement. I’m a student of the Enneagram, Iand will use it in working with people if it’s requested. I have spent a great deal of my work doing insight therapy with clients, and I believe life is a journey that unfolds in powerful ways. I believe in treating everyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion. I will tailor our dialog and treatment plan to meet your unique and specific desires. You are your own expert and we can use that to help you get to where you want to go. Taking the first step to seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support your process.

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Melissa Filla

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

I am licensed in California with 12 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 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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Lilia Gonzalez-Joly

Offering therapy in California
Relationship issuesFamily conflictsTrauma and abuseSelf esteemCareer difficulties
16 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 16 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with relationship issues, family conflicts, 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. 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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Lyana Murrell

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesTrauma and abuseCareer difficultiesCoping with life changes
7 years of experience

Welcome. You've made it this far, and this tells me you already have the most crucial tool to take care of yourself. Still, are you feeling powerless about the realities of your life? Is your body, soul, and/or support systems exhausted in a manner that makes it hard to imagine another way of being? I am a psychotherapist who is committed to uplifting every unique person's vision for, dignity within, and care of themselves. I am licensed in California with over 7 years of experience working with individuals, families, and groups seeking relief from pain rooted in trauma or violence, grief or loss, anxiety, depression, self-esteem concerns, disruptions in identity or phase of life development, persistent relationship struggles, and lifestyle burnout. Today, taking any step to seeking a more fulfilling as well as easier life takes courage. With the variety of therapeutic approaches I use, in all I believe that you are the driver of your story and can best determine what your path to healing will look like throughout your life. I am here to support and accompany you as you take on this difficult, but meaningful shift.

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Jeremiah Buenrostro

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesAnger managementSelf esteemCoping with life changes
5 years of experience

Hello, and welcome to this journey of self-discovery and growth! My name is Jeremiah Buenrostro, and I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) in California. I want to commend you for taking this courageous step—it shows your commitment to building a more fulfilling life. My approach to therapy is holistic and client-centered, focusing on mind, body, and spirit to promote well-being and self-understanding. I tailor treatment to meet each person’s unique needs, helping you work toward long-term healing and personal goals. In our sessions, I often use Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) to help you explore how your thoughts and feelings influence your actions, while building practical coping skills. I also incorporate Problem-Solving and Solution-Focused Brief Therapy to help you draw on your strengths and find solutions. My style is a good fit for adults facing challenges with anxiety, depression, stress, trauma, grief, self-esteem, or substance use. My communication style is calm, flexible, and responsive to non-verbal cues, creating a safe and non-judgmental space for you to explore freely. I believe in a collaborative partnership, empowering you to take an active role in your healing process. Having faced mental health and substance use challenges myself, I know how powerful it can be to overcome barriers and create positive change. My work is deeply meaningful to me, and it’s a privilege to support others through their own journeys. Together, we’ll set goals that feel right for you, breaking them down into manageable steps, identifying potential challenges, and celebrating your progress along the way. Our first session will focus on getting to know each other, exploring what brought you to therapy, and setting expectations for our work together. I look forward to supporting you on this path.

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Jesus "Alex" Ramirez

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietyFamily conflictsSelf esteemDepressionCoping 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, family conflicts, motivation, self esteem, confidence, & depression. 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. 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.

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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