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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Andrew Pari

Offering therapy in California
License: LCSW, Diplomate
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesTrauma and abuseIntimacy-related issues
25 years of experience

Girls and women in today's world are given conflicting messages. Your parents told you one thing. Your friends another. The media confused you even more. And now you want something more fulfilling. More fun. More authentic. More…you! You’re afraid of being labeled. The people you date are the ones you are “supposed to,” not who you want. Maybe sex has been painful or unfulfilling and you want to understand why. Your sexual self is yours alone. But how do you sort your truth from everyone else’s? You want something different, but you are not sure how to talk about it. This is YOUR body! You get to decide how you want to Awaken. It’s time to break the Disney stereotype you were taught. Time to find out who you’re supposed to be. Time to learn all the sexual secrets that have been kept from you. You are ready to gain Awareness! You need a safe, supportive space to explore and talk about what you want and who you want to become without fear of being judged or shamed. You can finally live YOUR life! Whatever sex has been (or hasn’t), you can create the sex life you have been dreaming of! It’s time to change. To empower yourself. All you need is knowledge and guidance from someone who knows how to help you meet your sexual self. I am a nationally known therapist, speaker, and advocate for female sexual trauma, healing, and empowerment. I have pioneered open discussion of aspects of sexual trauma that were rarely addressed before. Women are often shamed for having experiences and reactions during unwanted sexual contact that they can't explain or don't understand. These experiences can sometimes end up being expressed in ways that continue that feeling of shame and self-harm, even though they may also feel good. I have spoken around the world at feminist, psychology, sex therapy, and forensic conferences about my work to further support for women whose experiences go unacknowledged. I have developed treatment strategies to address self-harm through sex and the urges and compulsions some women have to take sexual risks that end with more feelings of doubt and confusion. I work with women who are searching for their authentic self, free of societal stereotypes of what women are “meant for” and “supposed to be.” Whether it’s recovering from sexual trauma, exploring new desires, letting go of past relationships, discovering your own body, or diving deeper into understanding what you want, I can help. I know. I understand. And I care. Contact me now and simply say, “I’m ready.” I’m waiting to help you find your happy, worthy, and empowered life.

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Galina Zlotnikova

Offering therapy in California
License: MA,LMFT
Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseGriefCoping with life changes
6 years of experience

I am a marriage and family therapist licensed in California. I have an MA in counseling psychology from Institute of Transpersonal Psychology (now Sofia University) in Palo Alto, CA. I practice a holistic and somatic form of psychotherapy. That means that in my work I integrate traditional focus on thoughts and feelings as well as the body and the nervous system. I have extensive training in Sensorimotor psychotherapy aimed at helping people overcome effects of developmental trauma and PTSD and develop inner resources for emotional well-being and self-regulation. I have pursued this training, because research and clinical experience show that trauma, especially early childhood trauma is often a root cause of many challenges that we all face at one time or another in our lives, including relational, family and social conflicts, depression, anxiety, addiction, mental and physical illness and many others. I specialize in working with people living with chronic and invisible illness and their caregivers. Both through my work at a hospital and county clinic settings and personal experience I am familiar with the plight of people who are disabled because of chronic illness, or are caregivers to someone living with chronic illness. Many people live with debilitating and/or gradually worsening physical symptoms caused by a variety of medical conditions that often make them unable to work full time, engage in social activities, or sometimes leave their homes or even their beds. Physical illness is often accompanied by emotional distress from living with difficult symptoms, chronic pain, fatigue, uncertainty about the future and erosion of social connections and intimate relationships. People living with these circumstances for a long time may experience gradual disappearing from society and often feel “invisible”. If that has been your experience, I am here to provide support and advocacy for your journey towards regaining your health. Additionally, as a first generation immigrant from the former Soviet Union I understand the challenges of acculturation, loss of home, and the legacy of transgenerational trauma that many first generation immigrants have to face adjusting to life in the USA, and the long lasting effects of this significant life transition. I love helping people develop resilience and discover ways to live fulfilling lives no matter their history or current circumstances. Foundation of my work is in the warmth of human connection and respect I have for my clients, their lives, experience and wisdom. I offer support and practical tools to deal with stress, overwhelm, anxiety, grief, loss, depression, anger, and difficulties with relationships. My goal is for us together to discover what what works for you and to support you in using this knowledge and any new skills you learn in the course of our work together in your life going forward.

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Dr. Samuel Hopper

Offering therapy in California
License: PhD
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesGriefSelf esteemDepression
21 years of experience

Sometimes it takes courage to seek a more fulfilling and happier life and to take the first steps towards change. If you are ready to take those steps, I am here to support you. I am a Clinical Psychologist practicing on the BetterHelp internet platform. My approach to becoming a psychotherapist has been influenced by many years of formal education in psychology, exposure to multiple clinical training perspectives, and perhaps most importantly, my inherent curiosity toward understanding how and why I, and my fellow humans, behave and feel the way we do! When I begin working with you, I will gently attempt to understand how you are feeling both physically and emotionally. You and I will discover how you are feeling in a given moment, with emphasis on the importance of remembering that "feelings change." This will help if, or when, you may feel overwhelmed and alone with depression, anxiety, loneliness, or sadness, etc. You will gradually begin to notice that your feelings, and relationships with family and friends can improve! Over all, this process will enable you to develop greater appreciation for yourself, which naturally leads to greater enjoyment and attachment to others. If this description of how I work as a therapist resonates with what you are looking for as a client, let’s meet in the mode with which you are most comfortable (Text, Chat, or Virtual) and see how it goes. I look forward to meeting you! Dr. Sam Hopper

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Deana Porter

Offering therapy in California
Relationship issuesTrauma and abuseIntimacy-related issuesSelf esteem
15 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 15 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with relationship issues, trauma and abuse, & intimacy related issues. I also have experience working with motivation, self esteem, and confidence. 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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Jennifer Miller

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseDepressionCoping with life changesCompassion fatigue
22 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 22 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, trauma and abuse, depression, & 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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Christina Harris

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

I am licensed in California with 9 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, & depression. 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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Chelsea Davis

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietySelf esteemDepressionCoping with life changes
8 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 8 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, eating disorders, motivation, self esteem, & 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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Christine Sumner

Offering therapy in California
LGBTRelationship issuesTrauma and abuseGriefSelf esteem
24 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 23 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with lgbtq+ related issues, relationship issues, trauma and abuse, & 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 sign up for therapy can take courage and I am looking forward to helping you getting started!

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kiefer rich

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietyLGBTRelationship issuesIntimacy-related issuesCoping with life changes
18 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 18 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress, anxiety, lgbtq+ related issues, relationship issues, & intimacy related issues. I also have experience working with coping with life changes. I've been working for the Navy for the past 7 years actively serving and deploying on a ship. 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 sign up for therapy can take courage and I am proud of you for getting started!

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Heather Caiazzo

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseGriefSelf esteemDepression
25 years of experience

I am licensed in California and Florida with over 25 years of providing healing & successful therapeutic services. I have experience in helping clients reduce stress, family conflict, depression, anxiety, relationship issues & trauma while increasing healthy coping skills, motivation & self esteem. I also specialize in personality testing & helping clients discover their natural personality traits that will allow them to experience real freedom & meaningful purpose in life. 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.

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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