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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Dina Vineberg

Offering therapy in California
License: LPCC,MH
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesTrauma and abuseGriefDepression
6 years of experience

Hi There! I am a dual licensed professional counselor in both Florida and California State. My last twenty years of direct support positions working with a myriad of populations and ages has included counseling adolescents in high schools and foster care agencies, newly homeless, pregnant women in a non-profit agency (suffering from depression due to domestic violence), chronically mentally ill patients in hospital care, elderly clientele in an adult care facility, adults facing trauma and grief, and all ages on a crisis and text line. Through all these experiences I have been extremely humbled by so many people allowing me to enter their worlds. As a therapist, I utilize a person-centered approach using warmth, compassion, and and humor to understand each person I meet. I am especially attuned to those suffering loss or trauma, as I personally have lost two family members to depression. These losses have given me a special gift to help heal those around me and compel me to soften the anxiety, depression, or confusion of those who need it. I especially try to help people become more resilient in their lives since I have had to personally be this way and not to succumb to the hardships I have had to face. Rather than letting these hardships define me, I have wanted to connect with others and provide support for others facing life struggles. On a personal level, I am especially connected to nature and animals and have been an avid animal rescuer my entire life. I look forward to hearing YOUR story.

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Rachel Konecki

Offering therapy in California
License: MA,LMFT
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesGriefDepressionCoping with life changes
10 years of experience

Hi there, and welcome! I am a Marriage and Family Therapist licensed in California. I have 10 years experience in counseling individuals, families, couples, and facilitating group therapy. My experience covers a variety of issues including depression and anxiety, relationship issues, parenting problems, loneliness and isolation, grief and loss, issues of aging and older adulthood, and I have helped many people struggling with acute mental illness. I approach each of my clients with sincere curiosity about their life experiences and I have compassion and respect for the courage it takes to be vulnerable in seeking help and personal growth. Building a relationship of trust is important to me and I believe it’s crucial to my clients’ progress. While I tailor my methods to the needs of each unique client, I draw from my experience and training in cognitive-behavioral, client-centered and solution-focused therapies. Taking that first step toward personal growth, improving relationships, and seeking help can be difficult but so rewarding. I would be honored to walk along side you and help in your journey. I look forward to working with you!

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Keith Chilton

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsRelationship issuesTrauma and abuseDepression
26 years of experience

I am a family and marriage therapist licensed in California with over 20 years of experience as a caring witness working with youth, adults, couples, and families to help them increase their ability to balance personal motivations with social and relationship challenges. As a passionate and curious learner, I embrace a "each one teach one" and "it takes a village" counseling style. I have had the honor and blessing of a few caring witnesses in my life. I pledge my life's work to pass on the attentive sense of care that was instilled in me. It takes courage to seek a more fulfilling and happier life. If you are ready to take that step toward change, I am ready to support and empower you. I look forward to working with you.

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Kimberly Jackson-Massaro

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietyGriefSelf esteemCoping with life changesCompassion fatigue
14 years of experience

I am a licensed clinical social worker in the state of California with 14 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress, anxiety, coping with grief and loss, motivation, self esteem, confidence, & coping with life changes. I believe that you have the resources you need inside to move through life’s challenges and together we will explore how to utilize these strengths. Taking the first step to sign up for therapy takes courage and I am grateful to be with you on this journey.

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Dr. Billie Ivra

Offering therapy in California
Relationship issuesFamily conflictsSelf esteemCareer difficultiesCoping with life changes
30 years of experience

I am a licensed psychologist in California with over 30 years of professional work experience. I have helped clients with a variety of concerns, including relationship issues, family conflicts, childhood trauma, problems with motivation, self-esteem/confidence and career difficulties. My experience has come from a wide variety of settings, including private practice, community mental health-outpatient and inpatient, school administration, and prison populations. I have provided individual, couple, family and group therapy to adolescents and adults. In terms of my personal approach to therapy, I understand that when people are seeking therapy, they ultimately want to live a happier and more gratifying life. I provide a safe place for you to feel unjudged, listened to and supported. We work together to help you gain clarity and insight into your current personal issues and when appropriate, insight into childhood influences. You will set obtainable goals and learn skills to help you to accomplish them and move forward in your life. I believe you are the expert of your story, and you have many strengths that will assist you in identifying and overcoming things that challenge you. Taking the first step in seeking a happier life takes courage and I am here to support you in that process.

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Briana Kilian

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsRelationship issuesTrauma and abuseDepression
11 years of experience

I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and have been working as a clinician for over 10 years. I earned my Master of Science degree in Clinical Psychology from Vanguard University and completed my undergraduate work at the University of Southern California. My approach to therapy is always centered on you. I have firsthand experience with the healing and growth that psychotherapy can offer and am passionate about helping people live a more authentic and satisfying life. I have extensive experience working with individuals who have experienced various forms of trauma, anxiety, depression, anger, life transitions, and interpersonal relationship issues. I enjoy working with clients of all ages and backgrounds in different stages of life. I approach each client as a unique individual keeping their personal background and journey in mind. I use an integrative approach and implement a variety of techniques. I am also certified in Clinical Hypnosis and trained in EMDR. My goal is to create a therapeutic approach that feels comfortable and suitable for you personally. I understand the courage it can take to decide to come to therapy and I would love to help you take that first step!

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Scheree Lau

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesGriefSelf esteemDepression
25 years of experience

I am culturally responsive LCSW in California with 25 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, 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. 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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Ari Carden

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietyGriefDepressionCoping with life changes
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, coping with grief and loss, & depression. I also have experience working with coping with life changes. 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!

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Gaea Coon

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesTrauma and abuseDepressionCoping 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, anxiety, relationship issues, trauma, abuse, & depression. I also have experience working with coping with life changes. 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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Natalie Espinoza

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietyLGBTRelationship issuesSelf esteemCoping with life changes
4 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 4 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress, anxiety, lgbtq+ related issues, relationship issues, motivation, self esteem, & confidence. I also have experience working with 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 sign up for therapy can take courage and I am proud of you for getting started!

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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