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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Lindsey Kelly

Offering therapy in California
License: LCSW
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesTrauma and abuseDepressionADHD
16 years of experience

I want to say how amazing I think it is that you are taking the first step toward making a meaningful and important change in your life. Finding the right person to walk with you through this journey can be challenging, and I hope I can help you make that decision a little bit easier. I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in California, and I work with clients to help them identify and challenge the limiting beliefs we often unknowingly operate from. I have worked for many years in outpatient community mental health agencies. I have experience in working with a wide range of concerns and mental health issues, but a few examples are trauma, anger, stress, ADHD, anxiety, depression, relationship issues, grief/loss, parenting concerns, and life changes. Showing compassion, acceptance and understanding are very important tools in communicating with you, and helping you work through the thoughts and feelings that have brought you here. My counseling approach ranges from client-centered, cognitive behavioral, dialectical behavior, solutions focused, motivational interviewing, and trauma focused cognitive behavioral. However, I focus on the client and tailor what is necessary to help you accomplish your goals in therapy. I provide a safe, non-judgmental, accepting environment in which we can explore these patterns and create new, non-limiting beliefs. I view my role as a therapist to be a warm and authentic presence, fully accepting each client as they are, while challenging them, at their own pace, to identify their patterns and beliefs.

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Melinda Miller

Offering therapy in California
License: LMFT,MA
Stress, AnxietyGriefAnger managementSelf esteemDepression
8 years of experience

I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in the state of California. I have a bachelor's degree in Psychology and a master's degree in Clinical Psychology. I have been working as a therapist since 2013. I have experience working with different ages, ethnicities, SOGIE and socio economics. In my time as a therapist I've worked with a wide range of.concerns including trauma, depression, anxiety, anger, and communication issues. My main focus is to create a space to feel heard and supported. I start with a Client Centered approach to develop the connection and help you feel safe.

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Charesse Branch

Offering therapy in California
Family conflictsTrauma and abuseGriefAnger management
6 years of experience

I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in California. I have 15 years of Social work experience working with children and families. I have experience in helping clients with family conflicts, trauma and abuse, coping with grief and loss, & 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. 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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Timothy Rogers

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

I am licensed in California and Arizona with over 20 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, coping with addictions, relationship issues, & family conflicts. 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 as you transcend to new levels of insight. **Currently only accepting clients with Men's Issues and LGBTQIA+ members**

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Keturah Baker

Offering therapy in California
LGBTRelationship issuesGriefParenting issuesDepression
13 years of experience

Hello beautiful people. My most treasured skill as a therapist but most importantly as a human is the ability to connect and relate with almost any one no matter your race, gender, culture, sexual orientation, socioeconomic status, or age. I am learning in practice and in life that no matter how old, young, accomplished or established we become there will always be a natural human yearning we carry to feel like we belong and that we matter to others. I have experience in the following: Individual therapy Family Therapy Couples Therapy Group Therapy Adults Infant/Children/Adolescents Grief and Loss Foster Care and Adoption Depression Anxiety PTSD Anger Suicidal Ideation Bipolar Parent-Child Relationships Interpersonal Relationships. As a therapist I believe a safe space is important for the client to be their true self and for growth and change to happen. This process only happens when trust is established. Whatever decision you make towards your health and wellness today know that life is a journey that can only happen one day at a time. I wish you well.

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Michele Koenes

Offering therapy in California
License: MSW,JD
Stress, AnxietyFamily conflictsTrauma and abuseGriefSelf esteem
11 years of experience

Hello ~ I am a licensed Masters level Social Worker in Michigan, California & New Hampshire with over 10 years of experience. I have worked in both inpatient and outpatient settings with young adults, adults, and older adults with a wide array of mental health concerns. I have also worked as a litigation attorney and as a teacher. These experiences have strengthened my abilities to relate, connect, and provide support to my clients. My counseling style is one of collaboration and responsiveness. I am attuned to my clients unique and individual personalities, situations and needs. I believe that empathy and letting the client set the pace of therapy is imperative to an effective process and the realization of desired outcomes. Therapy is a supportive, safe place where every aspect of you is welcome – even the parts that may be uncomfortable to share. As your therapist, I will strive to build and maintain a space for healing and growth. I am ready to begin the process with you! MI License #6801065517 - CA License #LCSW118004 - NH License #3943

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Holly Doolittle

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesFamily conflictsGriefDepression
20 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, family conflicts, & coping with grief and loss. 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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Jacqueline Ko

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesFamily conflictsDepressionCompassion fatigue
5 years of experience

Hi! My name is Jackie, and I'm a licensed clinician with 5yrs of professional work experience, working with adults, couples, teens and families. As a proud Millennial living in the Bay Area, I know all too well how it feels to live through and experience an unprecedented amount of "once in a lifetime" crises. I'm here to be with you through struggles and to find a little bit of light at the end of the tunnel. I help my clients with difficulties such as stress and anxiety, relationship issues, self-identity dilemmas, family conflicts and depression. I strive to provide a safe and open environment where my clients can feel secure to explore themselves and find their truth, without fear of judgment. My counseling style is fairly laidback but I'm also likely to come in with some hard truths and matter-of-fact observations. I have been described as supportive, caring, and passionate, with a pretty good sense of humor. Reaching out for help takes a lot of courage and I'm proud of you for taking that first step.

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Rosa Shetty

Offering therapy in California
Trauma and abuse
17 years of experience

I have been in the field of trauma healing and recovery since 2007. I specialize in helping women heal from complex childhood trauma stemming from sexual abuse. I have advanced training in research-based trauma recovery models: EMDR, Havening, Sensorimotor Psychotherapy, Internal Family Systems, and Trauma-Focused Yoga Therapy.

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Debbie Rehman Lux

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesEating disordersSelf esteemCoping with life changes
25 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 25 years of clinical work experience. I help clients who may struggle with relationship issues, stress, anxiety, eating disorders, motivation, self-esteem & 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. 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 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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