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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Judy Thompson

Offering therapy in California
License: LMFT
Relationship issuesFamily conflicts
12 years of experience

My name is Judy Thompson. I have been a licensed marriage and family therapist since 2015. My communication style is supportive and educational. My approaches include Family Systems (good for understanding and improving boundaries, communication, and relationship dynamics); Motivational Interviewing (good for addressing 'addictions', codependency, and persistent compulsive behaviors); and 12-Step Recovery approach (helpful in learning to apply spiritual/biblical principles to find greater peace in one's self and in one's relationships). I offer 30 - 45 minute PHONE sessions (only). Subscribers typically schedule sessions once a week, but are welcome to schedule more frequently.

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Mary Cabarles

Offering therapy in California
License: MSW,LCSW
Trauma and abuseSelf esteemCompassion fatigue
18 years of experience

I am licensed in California and have 17 years of post-graduate professional work experience. Welcome to my page. My name is Mary and I have been in the social work field since I was a sophomore in college. My experience has varied from group homes, residential facilities, job coaching, comorbid disorders, homelessness, domestic violence, working in the criminal justice department, trauma, abuse, family dynamics and working in the public sector. I have worked with elementary school aged children, adolescents, teens aging out of the system, adults, elderly and hospice. I started my private practice in the midst of the pandemic as stress levels rose from fear, job changes, financial issues, childcare/eldercare, relationship issues, racial injustices, air quality, displacement by the wildfires, climate change, the list goes on. I wanted to provide support to those impacted by any and all above combined with interpersonal issues. How do we handle all of this? By providing a listening ear, someone to vent to, plan with. I'm here. More availability on weekends.

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Niesha Turner

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesFamily conflictsTrauma and abuseSelf esteem
20 years of experience

Feeling stressed, overwhelmed, worried, anxious or sad. Allow me to listen unconditionally and assist you in dealing with the unique challenges that you are facing. With over 20 years of experience in the social service field I bring an array of unique training. I am a Professional Counselor licensed in the state of Georgia with 14 years of experience specializing in the treatment of adults, adolescents and families. My specialties consist of anxiety, depression, parenting difficulties, women issues, career challenges, life change and past issues of abuse or neglect. In addition to providing trauma informed care I utilizing a holistic approach treating the whole person by incorporating Cognitive behavioral therapy, Family systems therapy and the integration of DBT skills.

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Dr. Tara Neavins

Offering therapy in California
AddictionsLGBTTrauma and abuseSleeping disordersAnger management
18 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 18 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with coping with addictions, lgbt-related issues, trauma and abuse, & sleeping disorders. 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.

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Aureen Knauls

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

Hello, I am licensed in California with 9 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, motivation, self esteem, and confidence, & 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. Taking the first step to seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process and I look forward to meeting with you.

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Tanasia Betts

Offering therapy in California
License: LPC,LMHC
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesFamily conflictsTrauma and abuseDepression
8 years of experience

My name is Tanasia Betts and I am a licensed professional counselor. Here’s what you can expect working with me: * A safe space to be you! You don’t have to pretend or wear the mask here. * Evidence based skills to help you better cope with life stressors & concerns. * Results! I will guide you in your healing journey. Healing is a process that comes with ups and downs.Your future self will thank you for the work you do now. You’re worthy! You deserve to be emotionally and mentally healthy! My goal is to understand each client and their story. The counseling process is guided by your concerns and goals. My counseling style is non judgmental and person centered. As we work on treatment goals guided by your most important concerns, skills will be introduced to help you better cope with life stressors. My approach is strength based, trauma informed, cognitive behavioral therapy and expressive therapy. You’re here on purpose. Let’s get started working on your goals today❗️

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Sheryl Mahon

Offering therapy in California
License: LPC,GC-C,GCCA--C
Stress, AnxietyGriefDepressionCoping with life changesCompassion fatigue
18 years of experience

Greetings. I am a professional counselor with over 18 years experience working in the areas of grief, trauma, anticipatory grief, caregiver stress, end of life issues, depression, life changes, stress, and chronic illness. I am certified as a grief counselor (GC-C) and as a grief counselor specializing in children and adolescents (GCCA-C). I am committed to assisting you with identifying the changes you want in your life and then exploring different strategies to help you achieve your goals. I would describe my approach to therapy as eclectic. I work with the individual to find the approach that best meets their needs and work to provide the tools that are needed to effect change and promote growth. Finally, I view the therapeutic alliance as a partnership requiring mutual trust, respect, honesty, communication, and commitment to do the work. Hopefully, what I have shared here will help you choose a therapist that best meets your needs. Should you choose me, I look forward to our journey together.

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Le Henry Solomon

Offering therapy in California
Relationship issuesIntimacy-related issuesParenting issuesSelf esteemCareer difficulties
22 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 22 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with relationship issues, intimacy related issues, parenting issues, & 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.

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Elizabeth Zamierowski-Wenger

Offering therapy in California
Relationship issuesFamily conflictsParenting issuesSelf esteemCoping with life changes
22 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 22 years of professional work experience and I LOVE PEOPLE. I have experience in helping clients with relationship issues, family conflicts, parenting issues, & 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. Taking the first step to sign up for therapy can take courage and I am here to help!

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Penny Sullenger

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietyAnger managementSelf esteemDepressionADHD
16 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 16 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress, anxiety, anger management, motivation, self esteem, confidence, depression, & concentration. I also have experience working with focus (ADHD). I primarily work with school age children and young adults. I have experience in working with transgender individuals. 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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