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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Lauren Ball

Offering therapy in California
License: MSW, LCSW
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesFamily conflictsTrauma and abuseParenting issues
21 years of experience

I think that each of us at one time or another struggles with self worth, coping with crisis, interpersonal conflicts, or problematic behaviors and can benefit from a caring counselor who understands, helps identify solutions, and who doesn't judge. Together we will work as a team towards the goals that you set, and assess our progress as we go. The hardest part is recognizing the need for help and having the courage to get started. I look forward to taking the next steps with you. My style is to focus on the here and now, with practical strategies for making meaningful changes that fit you and your situation. I rarely dwell on the past, although at times it may lend helpful insight or identify patterns or beliefs that are affecting you today. My approach is to focus on strengths and solutions - without psychobable. I am licensed in California, with over 20 years of experience in helping individuals, couples, and families experiencing life changes, parenting challenges, family conflicts, relationship problems, or substance use issues. I also have expertise and experience working with people who are experiencing difficulties with recent or past traumatic experiences. Advanced Training: Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), Trauma Resiliency Model (TRM), Collaborative Problem Solving (CPS)

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Miriam DeBerry

Offering therapy in California
License: LMFT-CA 123881,LMFT-MO 2014006569
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesSelf esteemCoping with life changes
13 years of experience

I am a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in California and Missouri. I’ve empathetically cared for those I served for over 17 years in assisting individuals, parents, families, couples from various phases of their lives to gain clarity, perspective, and resolution. My integrative therapeutic approaches of solution-focus, motivational interviewing, cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), trauma-focused CBT, systemic, client-centered, and acceptance & commitment interventions helped my clients create healthier life choices for a positive present and future. With an open heart, mind, and soul, I will support you into the next stages of your life. Currently, I'm accepting clients who are able to meet mornings and afternoons, Tuesday - Thursday. Evening and Saturday appointments are based on my weekly availability, and upon requests.

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Luke Barrett

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsTrauma and abuseGriefDepression
4 years of experience

Luke is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with a background in emergency medical services and hospital emergency departments. Luke started clinical practice in 2019. He is a United States Coast Guard veteran and he is located in California. Luke has a bachelor's degree in psychology, a master's degree in social work, and a master's degree in public administration with an emphasis on health care. Luke's primary focus areas are helping people recover from traumatic life experiences and substance use disorders. Luke believes in short-term realistic goals, positive psychology, harm reduction, and solution focused therapy to improve quality of life.

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Valerie Vecente

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietyFamily conflictsTrauma and abuseDepressionCoping with life changes
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, family conflicts, trauma and abuse, & 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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Tara Davidson

Offering therapy in California
Relationship issuesFamily conflictsIntimacy-related issuesParenting issuesCoping with life changes
19 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 19 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with relationship issues, family conflicts, intimacy related issues, & parenting issues. 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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Carrie Frey-Davis

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietySelf esteemBipolar disorderDepressionCoping with life changes
10 years of experience

I am licensed in Florida with 9 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, motivation, self esteem, and confidence, bipolar disorder, & 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. 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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Gina Murrell

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesIntimacy-related issuesCoping with life changesCompassion fatigue
15 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 20 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, intimacy related issues, & coping with life changes. 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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Marc Kitano

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

I am licensed in California and Texas with 10 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, 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.

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Cory Sullivan

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseDepression
7 years of experience

I have a passion for helping people find their new normal after traumatic injuries and/or chronic illness and have first-hand experience with the grief, and loss of identity that comes with life after a traumatic injury. I focus on letting my clients know that they are not in this alone, despite what their irrational thoughts tell them. Throughout my life, I've navigated the complexities of establishing a new normal after a traumatic injury and grappling with the impact they have on mental health and overall well-being. These firsthand experiences have instilled empathy and understanding that I bring to every therapeutic encounter. I am committed to creating a safe, supportive, and empowering space where individuals can explore their experiences, process their emotions, and cultivate resilience on their journey toward healing. I strive to utilize strength-based skills that have helped you conquer old foes while incorporating new skills and strategies to overcome present obstacles.

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Tamara Taylor

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseGriefAnger managementDepression
9 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 9 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress, anxiety, trauma, abuse, coping with grief, coping with loss, & anger management. 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!

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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