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.
Amelia (Amy) Benedict
"Falling down is a part of life, getting back up is living." - anonymous We all fall down from time to time. It takes courage to seek help and support during those times when we have difficulty getting back up. I commend you for taking the first step. I am a Marriage and Family Therapist licensed in California. I have a Masters Degree in Counseling Psychology and have been working in this field for over 12 years. I initially made this career choice because I wanted to learn how to help myself and my family. I discovered I had a real passion and talent for connecting with and understanding others. I am currently working with military service members and their families. I have experience working with depression, anxiety, stress, relationship issues, anger management, communication difficulties and parenting. I also have experience working with trauma and abuse. My counseling style is very warm and empathetic. I believe in treating everyone with respect and being non-judgmental. I utilize a combination of cognitive behavioral, humanistic and psychodynamic modalities, with a focus on unconditional positive regard. I will work with you to identify your strengths and tailor treatment to meet your specific needs.
Janet Lengsfelder
I was a nurse first. As I worked in various settings with the goal of helping people recover from illness I realized that those who were motivated by a support team who knew them and helped them do the work of healing were the survivors. I decided I wanted to go on to learn more about how to help the whole person. My graduate degree followed by a three year training in Gestalt therapy gave me the tools to provide this deeper level of emotional first aid. As a fellow traveler along the road of life I know we all have challenges but I also have gained the wisdom to see that we have choices. I guide people to become aware of their life themes with the goal of strengthening their sense of self. Getting a handle on one’s self is very centering and stabilizing. It doesn’t eliminate anxiety or hard times, but it usually changes the perception of catastrophe and the feeling of panic into more manageable perceptions of disappointment and feelings of pain or sadness. I challenge you to risk living fully, to learn and grow from the challenges that life presents. Only then can you experience real joy. I am honored to be witness to your process.
Colleen Overholt
I am a marriage and family therapist and I have been licensed in California with almost 30 years of experience working as a Psychotherapist, Clinical Supervisor, Program Manager, Regional Director and Executive Director of various clinical and community based programs. Over the years, I have worked with a wide variety of individuals and families of all ages, in many different environments including private practice, schools, clinics, field work, etc. I am experienced in working with multiple issues such as depression, anxiety, phobias and OCD, self-esteem and confidence issues, trauma/PTSD, homelessness, severe mental illness and more. I believe strongly that each person has unique strengths that can be discovered and magnified to achieve one's own path to happiness and wellness . My approach to therapy is empathetic and supportive, but I understand that the client and their needs direct the therapy work itself. I view my role as one of providing structure, guidance, and motivation as it is needed. I encourage my clients to be vocal about their needs and what they hope to get out of therapy. I am accepting and supportive of all people, and I honor diversity. I often utilize CBT techniques to challenge and change negative thinking patterns, and encourage and assist people to find their own strengths and talents that will be critical along the journey to wellness. I believe that the therapeutic relationship is the single most important ingredient to transformational healing and growth. Everyone deserves to be seen, heard, and valued for who they are. As your partner in this process, you can count on me to be fully engaged, meet you where you are, and affirm your worth every step of the way. The therapeutic process should be intriguing, empowering, and rewarding throughout the journey. I look forward to working with you! I am a Solution-Focused Therapist who incorporates a variety of Psychodynamic and Evidenced-Based therapies from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy to Mindfulness. SPECIALTIES Stress, Anxiety Trauma and abuse Bipolar disorder Depression Coping with life changes Also experienced in: Relationship issues , Family conflicts , Grief , Parenting issues , Anger management , Self esteem , Career difficulties , Compassion fatigue , ADHD , Aging and Geriatric Issues , Read more... Clinical approaches: Client-Centered Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Mindfulness Therapy, Psychodynamic Therapy, Solution-Focused Therapy, Trauma-Focused Therapy Years of Experience: 30
Marlo Lewis
I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker/Psychotherapist. I received a Bachelor of Science degree in Industrial Psychology from California State University, Hayward in 2002 and a Master's of Social Work from California State University, East Bay in 2008. I offer a supportive environment where we can work together to increase your happiness and emotional wellness. It takes strength and courage to facilitate change. My passion is helping clients overcome obstacles and barriers so they can enjoy their best selves. Together, we will work to uncover and resolve underlying issues that are causing negative feelings and develop new thought patterns and behaviors to help enhance your mental and emotional wellbeing. We will also focus on establishing your personal goals, make adjustments as needed and develop a plan to achieve them together. Let's plant and nurture the seed of hope as a part of your journey. I am currently offering video and phone chats only.
Phillip Deming
I am licensed in California with 20 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, & coping with grief and loss, as well assisting families dealing with the impact of chronic physical or mental conditions. 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. For those clients who desire to incorporate their supportive spiritual beliefs into the healing process, I am extremely comfortable in doing so. I respect the positive nature of an individual's faith without imposing any external beliefs. I also am very comfortable and experienced in assisting members of the military and their families.
Eva María Ortiz Elizondo
The decision to seek therapy can be a difficult one. Life is unpredictable and and stressful at times. If you are feeling sad, helpless, anxious, overwhelmed, having difficulty with self-esteem issues, a life transition in your personal/professional life you don’t have to go through it alone. As a clinical therapist I work to make the process comfortable and non judgmental place where growth can take place. Give yourself the opportunity to reflect, challenge yourself and heal whatever is standing in your way. I am licensed in California with 5 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with motivation, self esteem, and confidence, career difficulties, coping with life changes, & executive and professional coaching. I believe in treating everyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion. I am also bilingual, Spanish speaking therapist. 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!
Rodney Lackey
I am licensed in California with 60 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, lgbt-related issues, relationship issues, & anger management. 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!
Diana Chambers
I am licensed in California with 34 years of professional work experience. Most often I have worked with clients coping with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, grief and loss, & unstable moods. I strive to create an open, trusting environment in which thoughts and feelings can be explored without fear of judgment. Taking the first step to sign up for therapy can take courage; I applaud you for getting started!
Stephanie Hochman
I am licensed in California with more than 20 years of professional work experience. I have helped clients with stress and anxiety, trauma and abuse, 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 seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process.
Quenette Freeman
Quen Freeman is a psychotherapist licensed in California with 6 years of therapeutic practice experience. She's experienced in helping clients with stress and anxiety, coping with grief and loss, anger management, motivation, self esteem, and confidence building. Quen believes that you are the expert of your story and that you have many strengths that will assist you in overcoming things that challenge you. Quen practices a brief therapy model (6-8 weeks) utilizing Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Mindfulness-based protocols to share tools that you can use immediately to meet your therapy goals and ideally improve your day-to-day life experiences. It takes courage to seek out a more fulfilling and happier life and to take the first steps toward change. I am here to support & empower you on your journey.
Patricia Castillo
I am licensed in California with 11 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, & trauma and abuse. 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!
Nanette Tangkeko
I am licensed in California with 8 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, coping with grief and loss, motivation, self esteem, confidence, and recovery from narcissistic abuse. 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 life and take the first steps towards change. I am here to support & empower you in that journey.
Brandie Blount-Turner
I am licensed in California with 12 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, anger management, & 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. 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.
Patrick Borch
I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker based in the Bay Area, California. My experience comes from providing clinical and behavioral change counseling to adults with a variety of presenting concerns, including stress/anxiety, depression, coping with life changes, grief/loss, smoking cessation and other health-related behavior change, family relationships, and LGBT-related issues. I approach the therapeutic relationship with an acute sensitivity and respect for multi/cross cultural factors. I have clinical experience working with adults of all ages, socioeconomic backgrounds, genders, sexual orientations, ethnicities, and religious traditions. I have provided clinical and behavioral change counseling primarily in the health care setting, including acute care hospitals, research centers, and medical clinics. I believe we are all products of our closest relationships, environment, family systems, cultural background, and society. Every previous moment has led to the present one. I strive to treat the therapeutic relationship and you with compassion, respect, and warmth. My therapy style and approach draw influences from Mindfulness Therapy, Client-Centered Therapy, Strength-Based Therapy, Nonviolent Communication, and Motivational Interviewing. My top priority is to meet you where you are and to adjust my approach to what will work best for you as we work together to meet your goals. Whether you are working toward personal growth and insight or symptom-relief and improved functioning, my hope is that we can work collaboratively together to achieve it! It takes a lot of strength and courage to work towards a more fulfilling and happier life. If you are ready to take that step, I am here to support and empower you.
Christina Handal
I am licensed in California with 9 years of professional work experience. I am excited about the opportunity to continue my work with individuals, couples, families and children. I approach my work with respect, cultural awareness and a strong belief in self-empowerment. Our time together will be supportive, collaborative, focused and goal driven. Although I am continually learning and searching for what works, Reality Therapy/Choice Theory is my primary theoretical approach. I believe my purpose is to help clients discover, clarify and maximize their potential for healing/growth. I am a strong believer in the healing power of good relationships, so my work is framed by the intent to help folks get along better with the important people in their lives.
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
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- Fresno, CA
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- Long Beach, CA
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- Anaheim, CA
- Santa Ana, CA
- Riverside, CA
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