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.
William Watson
I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker licensed in California with over 30 years of experience working as a Psychiatric Social Worker and Psychotherapist. I have worked with forensic clients with a wide range of concerns including major mental illness, depression, anxiety, relationship issues, parenting problems, career challenges, OCD and ADHD. I also helped many people who have experienced physical trauma or emotional abuse and helped those who have instigated physical trauma or emotional abuse. My clients have included both men and women My counseling style is warm and interactive. I believe in treating all humans with respect, sensitivity, and compassion. My approach combines cognitive-behavioral, humanistic, psychodynamic and rational-emotive counseling. I will tailor our dialog and treatment plan to meet your unique and specific needs. I am an attentive listener and a clear communicator. My work is to hear your concerns and to empower self-improvement. I understand that fear often accompanies the need for self-development. Very often life becomes more manageable simply through a sense of self-understanding. Few activities can match the serenity of being comfortable in one’s self-knowledge. If this feel right for you, then I look forward to talking with you. Specialties • Stress, Anxiety • Addictions • Relationship issues • Trauma and abuse • Depression Also experienced in: Client-Centered Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Mindfulness Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, Psychodynamic Therapy, Solution-Focused Therapy, Family conflicts , Grief , Intimacy-related issues , Sleeping disorders , Parenting issues , Anger management , Self-esteem , Career difficulties , Bipolar disorder , Coping with life changes, Aging and Geriatric Issues, Blended Family Issues , Codependency , Control Issues , Coping with Natural or Human-Caused Disaster , Divorce and Separation, Drug and Alcohol Addiction , Family Problems Hospice and End of Life Counseling , Infidelity , Isolation/Loneliness , Jealousy , Midlife Crisis , Money and Financial Issues , Panic Disorder and Panic Attacks , Post-traumatic Stress , Process addiction (porn, exercise, gambling) Licensing LCSW #24174 (Expires: 12/31-2022)
Dr. Carol Gandolfo
For over twenty years I have worked with numerous populations. I received my education in California and then interned at a homeless shelter, with a license psychologist, at a counseling center and then at a Developmental Disabilities State Hospital. I took on every case available to me in order to round out my experience. I have worked with families and individuals in the areas of domestic abuse, family issues, childhood issues, and substance abuse issues. I then spent several years working for two Developmental Centers focusing on developmental disabilities such as Autistic Spectrum Disorder, Intellectual Disabilities, Schizophrenia, Bipolar Disorder, Major Depressive Disorders and forensic issues. I provided expert testimony for recommitment hearings and competency training. Since leaving California, I have volunteers on the Critical Incident Stress Management team for a fire department, mentored with women coming out of prison, and served as a Court Appointed Special Advocate. My volunteer work focused mainly on Trauma and Suicidality.
Deborah Reese
Hello! I am a licensed clinical social worker who has many years of experience with medical social work. My specialty work includes end of life issues, grief and loss, coping with medical issues for patients and families, depression, anxiety, as well as pregnancy, pregnancy loss, and post partum issues. I will work with you to provide support and help you work around issues to help you lead a calmer peaceful life.
Jonathan Kabat
You have questions. They are in your heart; and therefore, weigh heavily on your heart. They may appear to be unanswerable. Perhaps they are. They may arise in your thoughts or they may not. These questions come in feelings, images, sensations, dreams, and most importantly longings. We very often attempt to satisfy these longings through insufficient means. Our longings go unmet as we do the same things, try the same strategies, without success. You might be asking, "how do I change these patterns?" As a systems therapist I explore with you the vast territory of life in fine detail so you may better recognize the impacts of experience on you and realize your impacts on life. We collaborate on ways to change and I support your practice of developing new approaches to achieve what your heart truly longs for. Therapy is quite like a quest to find the ways you can be the best 'you.' It's a guided quest for navigating challenges, often catastrophes, and finding a way forward towards your heart's calling. I draw from many approaches to integration and revealing wholeness. Because I have found that integrating one's whole being requires approaching life's challenges from many perspectives and trying different methods to facilitate change. I have studied transpersonal and systems approaches to understanding the causes and conditions which arise in our human experience. I have trained in somatic, emotional, and cognitive therapies; which often, integrates the way we sense, feel, and think about our experience. Much of my approach is informed by applied ecopsychology, eco-therapy, and climate psychology. I am particularly interested in working with individual experiencing strong emotional reactions to the changes we are experiencing in the ecological systems and society at this time. I support individuals who are experiencing eco-rage, eco-despair, eco anxiety, all arising from eco-empathy and ultimately returning to a deep care and concern for Earth. The entire world around us; and therefore we as individuals, are going through tremendous changes. Integrating this experience and finding compassion, resilience, and purposeful action is my passion. I will seek to assist you in finding your personal way towards your own clarity and purpose. Jonathan Kabat LMFT 129217
Karen Cash
My name is Karen, and I have been a Therapist and Licensed Clinical Social Worker for over 25 years. I have experience in a vast number of areas . I have worked with individuals and couples working on their relationships as well as their challenges of daily living. In todays world, the stresses of Covid and other life events have prompted more Anxiety and Depression than ever. I have a vast amount of working with victims of Trauma, such as Childhood abuse, Sexual abuse, Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault. I am experienced in assisting with these events by developing specific coping skills for my clients, as well as using Trauma Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. Grief Therapy is essential to working through losses such as death of a loved one, loss of a job, health, relationship or pet. Reduction and understanding of these challenges are of great importance, and part of your individualized treatment plan. I believe a good working relationship built on trust and communication is essential for therapeutic intervention. I pride myself in being a great listener, well as empathic to what is going on in your life. I hope that I can be a part of assisting each client with what they would like to see their life evolve into.
Anim Aweh
I am licensed in Georgia with 16 years of professional work experience. I have experience helping clients with stress and anxiety, trauma and abuse, motivation, self-esteem, and confidence, & depression. I am passionate about holding space for the BIPOC community. 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 a more fulfilling and happier life and to take the first steps toward change. I am here to support & empower you in that journey.
Michael Brown
I am licensed in California with 5 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, anger management, depression, & 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.
Kevin Reilly
I am licensed in California with 10 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.
Rachel Coates-Campbell
I am licensed in California with 24 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship 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.
Madeline Razavi
I am licensed in California with 8 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, trauma and abuse, & anger management. I offer an integrated non-judgmental approach, empathetic style of therapy. My approach allows you to create goals, and learn to connect on a level allowing movement past many difficulties that brought you to counseling. I believe in treating everyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion. I am here to listen, and provide a safe and confidential environment to explore life's issues. Taking the first step to sign up for therapy can take courage and I am proud of you for getting started!
Celina Hernandez- Ramirez
I am licensed in California with 6 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship 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 limiting beliefs and other challenges hindering your personal growth. Taking the first step to seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process of being the best version of yourself.
Mark Phelan
I am licensed in California with 10 years of professional work experience. I am a Veteran and familiar with PTSD and military life challenges. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, & trauma. 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.
Dinora Mendoza-Montoya
I am a licensed therapist in California with 6 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, coping with grief and loss, 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.
Dr. Alicia Irvin
Welcome! I'm Alicia. I have a Doctorate in Psychology and a license in Marriage and Family Therapy in California with 17 years of professional work experience. I have a passion for helping individuals navigate life's challenges. I believe in creating a supportive, non-judgmental space where you can explore your feelings, improve communication, and build stronger relationships with others and yourself. Whether you are dealing with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, self-esteem, confidence, or coping with life changes, I'm here to guide you on your journey towards healing and well-being. 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.
Janet Natale
I am a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and have over 20 years experience. My experience includes working in private practice, providing services as a school-based therapist, and working in community based programs for adults and adolescents. My therapeutic range Includes relational counseling, addictions, emotional disorders and issues, counseling individuals, couples, and families, and providing therapeutic services for youth and families in the foster care system. I have worked extensively with various cultures and populations and believe that everyone has the tools within themselves needed for seeking solutions, healing, and growth. My approach is strength-based and motivational. I will provide guidance in helping you to uncover the tools needed for healing and growth and I will guide you in uncovering the blocks that prevent you from living your best life. Seeking counseling is a strength and not a weakness. Gaining awareness and knowledge is key to living a full life that is healthy and with purpose. I look forward to working with you towards your journey towards self-discovery, growth, and healing!
How can therapists in California support you?
Therapists in California 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 California, and one out of five Americans has a mental health condition. Searching for licensed professionals in California 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 BetterHelp does not offer diagnostic or medication management services.
Why are many residents in the state of California working 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 in California, BetterHelp can match you with a licensed professional tailored to your preferences noted when you sign up.
Mental health counselors in California support clients with varying issues, which can include:
- 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
If you are experiencing a crisis or emergency, don't use this site's online services. 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 featur
- 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 commonly asked questions can be found 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.
How do I know if I should get a therapist?
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 in California can allow clients seeking therapy to experience professional help through video, phone, or live chat sessions without commuting to an office.
Does insurance cover 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 safe?
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
- San Diego, CA
- San Jose, CA
- San Francisco, CA
- Fresno, CA
- Sacramento, CA
- Long Beach, CA
- Oakland, CA
- Bakersfield, CA
- Anaheim, CA
- Santa Ana, CA
- Riverside, CA
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