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.

Cynthia Rogers
Marriage and Family Therapist Registered Drama Therapist What’s not working in your life right now? I know; it requires courage to take the first steps towards a change, to begin a journey toward a more fulfilling and happy life. I am here to support and empower you in that. We both know that your situation, your stressors, your concerns and the ways in which you learn are unique to you. And so will be your therapy. We will use modalities like cognitive behavioral therapy, drama therapy, mindfulness and self-compassion to move you toward creating positive change. Remember, you get to choose how to define yourself, to choose who you are, to choose how you want to show up in life. I will draw upon my many years of experience as a therapist, group facilitator and educator to help you find that path toward a more positive self-definition and the happiness you deserve. I look forward to hearing from you. And congratulations, you’ve just taken the first step...

Susan Cristol
When a therapist is welcoming and non-judgmental, it is much easier to seek help. I am passionate about working with clients to find more effective communication strategies. You can make positive changes in your life. There are ways to regulate anger and anxiety and I can help. I can also show you the path toward healing unresolved grief and loss, as well as trauma. These issues can keep you from living your best life without shame and sadness. I have spent most of my working life in a helping profession. I have been providing counseling for 14 years. Before becoming a licensed therapist, I had a career as a special education teacher. That experience informs my work today whether I am working with children, adolescents, couples or adults. I stay current on clinical research and the many writings in the areas of psychology, sociology and marriage and family therapy. My specialized training includes (but not limited to) cognitive behavioral therapy, trauma and abuse, domestic violence and play therapy. I look forward to meeting potential clients and joining them in their path toward becoming their best selves and living their best lives. I have an eclectic toolbox that includes many aspects of different psychological theories and interventions. At the beginning, there is an assessment process taking place for the first few sessions. I determine at that time what drawer in the toolbox would work most effectively. I may have the client complete certain questionnaires as part of the assessment. Throughout therapy, there is a fine tuning of the process. It is important to mention that during the initial phase of therapy, the primary focus is on meeting the client where they are. This is a collaborative relationship that is driven by the direction the client needs to go and my experience and knowledge in helping them get there. I am very curious and observant, as every good therapist should be. Some of the therapies I utilize are Person-Centered, Cognitive Behavioral, Psychodynamic and Narrative. We can certainly go into greater detail about these orientations when we meet.

Dr. Alejandro De Elias
I am licensed in California with 20 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, & trauma and abuse. 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!

Dawn Hedwall
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.

Julia Cho
My name is Julia Cho and I am a Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist, Licensed #: 140336 and have been conducting therapy since May of 2016. I graduated with my masters (M.A.) in Clinical Psychology from Pepperdine University in 2017 and graduated with a Neuroscience, B.S. undergraduate degree from University of California, Riverside in 2011. I have worked with adults, groups, couples, families and adolescents. Most of my experience has been working with the addiction, substance abuse, trauma and incarcerated populations. I am aware of the importance of the mind-body-spirit connection and realize that everyone is their own individual with differing needs. I would love to help you with your unique journey.

Pamela Collins
I am licensed in California with 28 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, & 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.

Melinda Dauer
I am licensed in California with 40 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, coping with addictions, relationship issues, & 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. 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.

Jerry Mermis
I am licensed in California with 25 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, trauma and abuse, 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. 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.

BreeAnne Williams
I am licensed clinical social worker in California with 6 years of professional work experience. I have experience providing therapy to clients with concerns in regard to anxiety, depression, trauma, and life stressors. 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.

Leonard Casillas
I am licensed in California with 13 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, coping with grief and loss, sleeping disorders, & 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!
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:
- 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 feature
- 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 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.
Popular cities in California
- Los Angeles, CA
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- Long Beach, CA
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- Anaheim, CA
- Santa Ana, CA
- Riverside, CA
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