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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Cindee Oswald

Offering therapy in California
License: LCSW
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsLGBTTrauma and abuseSelf esteem
11 years of experience

Welcome! Thank you for taking the time to explore what growth opportunities might be in your future. You might be looking for a change, struggling with an important aspect of your life or just wanting a person to validate and share your story with. Finding the right person to ride along on this journey with you is very important. I want to provide you with some information about me in order to help you decide if my experience and style is the right match for you. I have been a social worker for more than 10 years. I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in California and Arizona. I have experience working with children, adolescents, parents, military veterans and their families from all different backgrounds, all over the world, who are struggling with a wide variety of challenges. Most of my experience has been working with people who are struggling with anxiety, trauma, depression, LGBTQ+ issues, substance abuse, the challenges of parenting, the challenges of being connected to or in the military, foster care and adoption issues. I have been told from clients that I am nurturing, nonjudgmental and accepting of them. I can be expected to stand with you through what ever struggles you are facing and assist with deeping the connection you have with yourself in order to create the peace and life you want. I will always provide a positive framework but honestly provide you feedback. I am a person-centric therapist that will let you set the goals you want to work towards. We will be working at your speed of emotional safety. I will try to push you to rethink some of the limits you place on yourself so you can step into who you want to be. You are the one that will be doing the hard work. I will just be navigating you with a nurturing heart through the process. Think of it as if you are the person in the driver seat and I am the person in the passenger seat with the maps ready to provide navigation. Most of my availability is in the evenings and weekends, but I do check my messages at least twice a day. I will do my best to respond to you within 24 hours. It takes courage to ask for help and discover a more peaceful and happier life. If you are ready to take that step I am here to support and empower you. I would be honored to work with you.

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Dr. Gary Jordan

Offering therapy in California
License: PhD
Stress, AnxietyGriefDepressionCoping with life changesCoaching
46 years of experience

Life is often difficult and challenging in the best of times. When you face anxiety, stress, depression, and feelings of inadequacy, the pain can be overwhelming. Life changes, relationship issues, family stress, and career challenges can activate deep feelings of confusion, failure, and unloveableness. If life has become too difficult to manage on your own, and you need assistance and support to sort things out, make necessary changes, and discover your innate talents and value, I can help. I have been working with people to confront and grow from the pain in their lives for 42 years. I earned my Ph.D. in clinical psychology from the California School of Professional Psychology – Berkeley and am a licensed psychologist in Texas and California. During my career I have worked in community mental health, private practice, inpatient facilities, business corporations, and nursing homes. The settings change and the content of people’s problems vary, but the underlying conflicts that cause psychological and emotional pain do not. Everyone wants to be heard, their issues understood, and to feel valuable and loved. I use a therapeutic approach that integrates Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, psychodynamic principles, and positive emotional support to create a safe space to explore and heal the childhood wounds that make you feel alone and misunderstood by friends, family, spouses, significant others, and the world. Together we will challenge negative self-talk, destructive behaviors, and repetitive patterns that end poorly, cause pain, and reinforce feelings of self-doubt and worthlessness. We will discover new and constructive ways for you to re-frame ingrained beliefs, change painful and self-negating thoughts, and free you from old dysfunctional decisions made long ago that are still impacting your daily life. Therapy is a journey. Sometimes we need a tune-up and sometimes an overhaul. Either way, our work together will help you to discover new strengths and skills you never knew you had, develop constructive and healthy ways to face life’s challenges, and free you to move forward in life with freedom and joy.

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Renette Herrera

Offering therapy in California
License: MS,LMFT
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsFamily conflictsTrauma and abuseDepression
13 years of experience

I am a marriage and family therapist licensed in California. I have over 13 years experience in counseling families, children, teenagers and individuals. I have worked with a wide range of concerns including anxiety, depression, parenting issues, relationship problems, trauma, ADHD, Autism Spectrum Disorder and Mood Disorders. My counseling approach is person centered and solution focused. I am eclectic in my approach and use other modalities as well in therapy such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Motivational Interviewing, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Mindfulness, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), and Matrix Model for addiction. I pride myself in treating everyone with respect and compassion. My counseling style is interactive, warm and understanding. I meet my client where they are in their emotional journey. We work together to address challenges and change negative perceptions that do not serve them well. Helping you become more confident, joyful and create a peaceful life. I believe in creating a space where we can have difficult conversations and you feel heard and understood. It takes a lot of courage and strength to reach out and ask for additional support. I thank you for giving me the opportunity to be part of your journey and trusting me with you most pressing issues. I look forward to working with you!

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Dr. Foresteen Forbes

Offering therapy in California
License: Psy.D.
Relationship issuesFamily conflictsParenting issuesSelf esteem
23 years of experience

Hello and welcome! I am a psychologist licensed in California with over 20 years of experience. I received my BS in Nursing from BIOLA University. I was a Navy Nurse for 31/2 years and served in Saudi Arabia during the Gulf War. I earned my doctorate in psychology from Azusa Pacific University. I worked in a state hospital for 15 years specializing in adults with a history of childhood trauma. I also specialize in relationship issues, parenting problems and personality disorders. My treatment approach consists of Cognitive Behavioral therapy(CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) and Attachment-based therapy and aims to build or rebuild a trusting, supportive relationship that will help prevent or treat anxiety or depression. 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. If you are ready to take that step I am here to support and empower you. I look forward to working with you!

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Brenda Wicks

Offering therapy in California
License: MA, LMFT
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsFamily conflictsGriefDepression
20 years of experience

I am a License Marriage Family Therapist in California that has 20 years of experience working with children, adolescences, adults, and older adults in numerous mental health settings. I have worked with clients from a wide range of concerns like depression, anxiety, addiction, incarceration, pervasive developmental disabilities, anger issues, ADHD, crisis, environmental stressors, family and parental issues. to name a few. I also have 8 years of experience working with Victims of Violent Crimes assisting, guiding, and emotionally supporting clients navigate through traumatic issues/events. My counseling style is supportive, interactive, and warm. I believe as a therapist that every individual from different walks of life deserves to be treated with respect, dignity, sensitivity, and compassion, and I don't believe in stigmatizing labels. My counseling approach combines Cognitive Behavioral, Solution-Focus, Family Centered, Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) and Humanistic. I will tailor our dialog and treatment plan to meet your unique and specific needs. I know counseling can be scary for some and it takes courage in taking the first steps in seeking assistance in improving, working through, processing concerns, traumatic events, issues, stressors, triggers, and symptoms experienced for a more fulfilling and happier life for positive life changes. If you are ready to take that step, I am here to support and empower you through your journey in therapy.

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Marielle Beniquez

Offering therapy in California
License: MS,NCC,LPCC
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesGriefSelf esteemDepression
15 years of experience

Hello and Welcome! My name is Marielle Beniquez, I am an NBCC-National Certified Counselor and Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor (LPCC) in the state of California. I acknowledge that the process of therapy can be very intimidating. It is a challenge to open ourselves up to feel vulnerable. That is why my approach prioritizes helping you feel safe in a non-judgmental, authentic space. I welcome all those who seek healing, understanding, and peace without any regard to race, color, national origin, sex, creed, handicap, or sexual preference. A holistic approach to mental health and wellness is my primary goal. Integrative psychotherapy is fundamental to promote healing on all levels: physical, emotional, social, spiritual, and mental. Having a sound mind, body, and spirit is a paradigm that signifies the wheel of wellness in its continuum, enriching the various aspects of life for optimal growth and a sense of well-being. First, cultivating our spirituality promotes resiliency, equilibrium, and wellness. It provides a moral compass that affects our thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. As the Serenity Prayer of St. Francis Assisi goes, “God, give me the courage to change the things I can, peace to accept the things I cannot, and wisdom to know the difference..,” renders faith and renewed strength. Second, faith-based counseling along with various treatment modalities is essential to effective therapeutic prevention and intervention. I support the therapeutic approach which best meets my client’s needs that fosters healing, life-giving grace, hope, peace, and love. Lastly, “There is a source within us that always works to bring things into the light.” ~ John A. Sanford I am a USAF veteran, military spouse, and civilian with over 10 years of experience. Specializing in Depression, Anxiety, Stress/Adjustment Relationship Issues, Military Transition/Lifestyle, Grief and Loss utilizing fact-based clinical interventions to include Cognitive/Behavioral, ACT, Spiritually Informed/Faith-based, and Solution-Focused Brief therapies. I look forward to working with you and become part of your life as a mentor and counselor.

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Samantha Kerdman

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsLGBTRelationship issuesDepression
10 years of experience

I'm here to support you throughout your therapeutic journey. My goal is to help you grow from your struggles, heal from your pain, rediscover your strengths, and achieve your individual or relationship goals. I offer a safe and supportive therapeutic environment, where we collaboratively search for new solutions using empirically based therapeutic treatment.

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Mari Conti

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesFamily conflictsSelf esteemCoping with life changes
12 years of experience

I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in California with over 15 years of clinical work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship and/or family issues. In addition I can assist in increasing motivation, self esteem, and confidence. Using a strength based approach, and a little humor, I believe in treating everyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion. We will work together to create a 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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Herlay Divine

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseSelf esteemDepressionCoping with life changes
11 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 11 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 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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Tamekia "Mika" Flanngan

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietyGriefSelf esteemDepressionCoping with life changes
5 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 5 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. In life we experience many challenges, and it takes courage to seek out alternative ways to find meaning, purpose, assistance and hope. I am here to support & empower you in that journey.

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Kim Paylor

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesTrauma and abuseDepressionADHD
4 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 4 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, trauma and abuse, & depression. 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!

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Sonia Diaz

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietyLGBTTrauma and abuseDepressionCoping with life changes
15 years of experience

Hello, my name is Sonia Díaz, and I am a Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist working with clients all over California via telehealth. It is my passion to support others as they seek to better their lives and bring about wellness in many different areas. My approach is holistic in nature and client-centered. In this way, we can incorporate an integrative and humanistic approach that respects, validates, and supports your individual goals. I work with very diverse groups of people, whether ethnically, racially, gender, age, sexual identity, relationship or family style, etc. This perspective and experience have been the key to allowing me to support individuals on their journey, be that with a life transition, loss, trauma, systemic, relational, or many other personal challenges we face. Listening to your experiences and needs, understanding their specific context and the unique meanings they hold in your life is a key part of building our therapeutic alliance. Are you ready to get started? I am. After decades as a teacher and then a school counselor, I expanded my reach as a Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist. Helping people individually grew naturally from my previous roles... wanting to be able to provide more one-on-one time to someone in need spoke to me, and I continue to be honored and humbled with each and every session. As an experienced counselor and therapist, I offer a safe space to explore issues that are important to you and yours (past, present, and future). Being heard, understood, and seen are some of the most important experiences in our lives. I offer empathy and compassion for your journey as well as support and assistance as you continue to define and move toward increased wellness in all areas. What next? Well, I am looking so forward to hearing from you, meeting you, and ultimately working together to support your goals. Be they personal, relational, familial, or within another group or system.

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Giancarlo Pia

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietyFamily conflictsGriefParenting issuesDepression
19 years of experience

I am licensed in Michigan (LMSW-Clinical, in 2014) and California (LCSW, in 2008). I have experience supporting clients with anxiety, trauma, & depression, family conflict, coping with grief and loss, parenting challenges & needs, and substance use/recovery. I also have also worked significantly with members of the LGBTIA+ community and with those who identify as gender fluid or non-binary. I believe that you are the expert of your story and that you have many strengths that will assist you in overcoming the 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.

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Terri Faith

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

I received my PhD in 2015 and have been licensed in California for 9 years with a total of 15 years of professional work experience in Psychology. I have a wide range of experience in different settings, using an array of modalities. Anxiety, OCD, relationship issues,, couples counseling, self esteem and depression have become my main focus. I feel that self love is the greatest medicine and an important foundation for a healthy mindset. I work with my clients to create an open and safe environment where thoughts and feelings can be shared without fear of judgment. Support and empowerment are one of the main focuses in my practice, as is mindfulness and cognitive behavioral therapy mixed with Buddhist Psychology. These practices can enhance your ability to take control over the thoughts that create anxiety and depression, as well as emotions like anger. It also allows you to really get to know your true self. Like Socrates said, Know Thyself My life experience and education are important, but it’s working with people from all walks of life and making a huge difference in people’s lives that gives me the greatest pleasure.

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Anne Sims

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietySleeping disordersSelf esteemDepressionCoping with life changes
3 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, Sleeping Disorders, 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. Taking the first step to sign up for therapy can take courage and I am proud of you for getting started!

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:

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.

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