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.
Hsiao-Chieh Chiu
More than 9 years of providing clinical therapy to individuals, couples, families, and children. Licensed and experienced. Specializations: Relationships, couples counseling, motivation and confidence, self-esteem, depression/anxiety, grief, and identity counseling. My private practice is located in Brea, California. Clinical Experiences, Publications, Awards, and Credentials: Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) Published writer for Family Process- Clinical journal for practitioners Published writer for Journal of Feminist Family Therapy Presenter at the American Family Therapy Academy in 2009 & 2010 My own private practice in Brea, CA Crittenton Services for Children and Family (residential setting and foster family) Pepperdine Community Counseling Center (outpatient mental health) Village of Hope, Orange County Rescue Mission (residential setting) Appointed therapist for running a Substance Abuse/Misuse Group at Orange County Rescue Mission Appointed therapist for running a Domestic Violence Group at Orange County Rescue Mission City of Diamond Bar- Senior Grief Group Received the President's Volunteer Service Award from the Corporation for National & Community Service in 2012 Therapy centers on Recovery-Oriented approaches (Narrative Therapy & Post Modern) More about Myself: I strive to be warm, respectful, and compassionate in conversations. My practice embraces recovery-oriented approaches, in which people are not the problem, problems are the problems. This is a non-blaming, non-shaming view that opens the possibility to distance yourself from the problems you're experiencing, regain a sense of control and agency back from the problems, live in empowering ways, and finally, step closer to your hopes and dreams. I have had experience working with folks from all walks of life with a wide range of concerns, and have been humbled by people's unwavering resiliency in the face of adversity. I center my work around tapping into the uniqueness and competencies of individuals, by collaborating and walking alongside of their hopes and dreams, as well as developing steady grounds to stand on in the midst of turmoil. There is great respect given to each person's struggles and diverse backgrounds, and an aspiration to discover and sustain values and wisdom based on one's lived experiences. I am passionate about what I do. I genuinely believe a good therapist is not someone who claims to understand, but someone who always tries his/her best to understand. To better personal growth and ensure the highest quality of care, I continue to learn from the folks I meet with and from my professional field, by reading, conversing, writing, and reflecting. I also believe in giving-back endeavors. Thus I devote a fair amount of time volunteering and providing counseling services to underprivileged members in local communities. More details about Recovery-Oriented approaches: I have extensive training and clinical experience in practicing Narrative and Post Modern Therapy, which focus on the meaning in which one constructs one's life, the stories that influenced these constructions, and the socio-cultural-political forces that help shape our identities. Narrative Therapy holds the premise that our identities are informed by narratives, whether uniquely personal (e.g., the stories that we know and tell about ourselves and the stories that others know and tell about us) or culturally influenced (e.g., dominant cultural ideas about who we are and our worthiness). Depending on the kinds of identity conclusions we embrace, they can either empower or subjugate our sense of who we are. I believe that people are "multi-storied" and that the emergence of problems reflect people's distanced relationship with their own knowledge, skills, and commitments. Special attention is devoted to help folks in regaining their life from problems and developing "richer knowings" of themselves, in addition to deconstructing dominant discourses that may have undermined people's abilities, efforts, and values. This is a strength-based, meaning-based, and active approach that lay the foundation for living in empowering ways and weaving the threads of agentive possibilities.
Felicia Ponce
I am a Marriage and Family Therapist licensed in California, working in the field since I received my Master’s degree in 2010. I worked for a private non-profit clinic with children (0-18) and their families for five years. I then worked for a high school district providing educationally related mental health services for four years before beginning the journey of practicing independently. I have experience providing treatment for a variety of concerns including depression, anxiety, grief, relational issues, parenting, trauma, abuse, and risk management. I also have experience teaching as an adjunct lecturer in undergraduate and graduate psychology programs at a California State University. The desire for human connection and abnormal psychology have fascinated me since I was a teenager, which resulted in my choice to become a therapist. Each work environment has provided me with knowledge and experience, but also with the honor of being present for clients at their most vulnerable and brave moments. I like to create a sense of safety for clients and draw from a person-centered approach in sessions. This means that I will remain curious about your experience and facilitate discussion which will lead you to discover that you have always held the key to unlock solutions. I also utilize Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Family Systems approach, and Solution Focused Therapy to guide treatment. Maintaining trauma-informed care is essential and I am a Certified Clinical Trauma Professional (CCTP). Every therapist is different. I tend to be somewhat laid back, as I believe clients are the experts on their lives and I want you to know the hour is yours. We will work together as a team to collaborate on treatment goals, addressing challenges, and resolving issues. I believe everyone has mental health. The severity and intensity it needs attention varies throughout our life span, just like most things. It takes courage to ask for help and I feel privileged to be in the position to provide you with support and guidance as you work towards feeling like the best version of yourself. I look forward to working with you!
Stefan Bain
Hello. My name is Stefan Bain and I am a Clinical Therapist (MSW, LCSW, MPH, CST/Certified Sex Therapist) with over 30 years of experience working as a psychotherapist. Educated at UC Berkeley, with post graduate school training at Stanford University and the Veteran's Health Care System. My therapy practice is focused on men, helping men achieve wholeness and wellness. Men's issues with which I work include anger management, addiction, anxiety and depression, trauma, infidelity, parenting, loss, aging, relationships, career transitions, stress, and sex/ sexuality issues, including intimacy issues, performance issues, body acceptance, sexual identity exploration, coming out, healing from sexual trauma, and porn addiction. My therapy style is warm and interactive and my therapeutic approaches are based on best-practice and are evidence-based. I believe in treating everyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion. My approach combines cognitive-behavioral, humanistic, psychodynamic and rational-emotive therapy. I will tailor our dialog and treatment plan to meet your unique and specific needs. One of the main goals of therapy is to provide you with the tools you will need to be successful long after treatment ends; therapy is just one step in your total wellness; the goal is to be whole; however you define it.
Dr. Stephen Lovato
I am licensed in California with 40 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with LGBT-related issues, relationship issues, parenting issues, & bipolar disorder. 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!
Monica Furgiuele
I am licensed in California with 12 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, & 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.
Robyn Engel
~Please note: I do not do legal advocacy of any type. ~I generally have availability during work day hours at this time. ~Our first session includes a screening process. I'll need your willingness to provide basic identifying information including an address with which to send basic therapy forms (Consent to Treatment). I'm licensed in California with over 20 years of professional work experience. I'm honored to have supported countless clients (youth and adults, families and individuals) to better manage their stress and anxiety; to navigate the loneliness that often accompanies depression; to express and process grief and loss, abuse and related traumas, and various other challenges. We'll work as a team. You won't get trendy clinical jargon from me. I'm not up-to-speed on all of the current terms, nor do I find this necessary for true healing. I enjoy genuine, honest relationships focused on my clients' paths; you are the expert on yourself. I see myself as a mentor-coach-guiding force and objective professional. You'll also receive caring nudges from me, as needed, to enhance your sense of self-worth and improved mental wellness. Aiding my clients towards increased self-love and compassion is my ultimate goal. It takes courage to embark on this process to achieve the positive changes that you deserve. I hope to empower you on this journey.
Meridian Brady
Hello. I'm so glad you're taking the first step to getting support! Life can be challenging and it helps to have someone navigate it with us. I am an LMFT in California that has worked in numerous settings with diverse populations so all are welcome. I have experience in helping clients manage stress and anxiety, addictive behaviors, low self esteem and ADHD as well as cope with life changes, chronic illness and grief & loss. Artists, those with ADHD or HSP, folks in recovery and people living non-traditional lifestyles are particularly welcome. I believe in treating everyone with respect and compassion and have an open, friendly, curious and interactive approach. (I am originally from the east coast so while I am warm, I can also be direct for those who want that.) I will tailor our sessions and treatment plan to meet your unique and specific needs. Taking the first step to seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage and I'm here to support you on your journey.
Daniel Vigil
I am licensed in California with 40 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, & 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 sign up for therapy can take courage and I am proud of you for getting started!
Andrea Ziebell
Hello, I’m Andrea. My aim is to foster an open and safe environment where thoughts and feelings can be expressed freely- without judgment. Together, we can explore ways during our sessions to tailor your unique concerns and issues, formulate a strategy to achieve the goals you aspire to achieve. During our sessions, I can be the ear you need, a confidential space to share and validation that you are being heard--you're not alone. I'm versed in various therapeutic techniques and will find one that fits you best. If your new to the therapy process, you may want psychoeducation- understanding symptoms, ways to manage them, find coping strategies focusing on your strengths or journaling, homework assignments (OR NOT), create a wellness plan with other activities, practicing effective communication and learn about anger management skills, with solution focused, or CBT. As a California-licensed professional almost 25 years of experience with mental health, substance abuse, negative impact related to legal issues have caused, I'm ready to start alongside your recovery efforts. My therapeutic interest lies from life experiences, exposure working with abused/neglected children and inpatient/outpatient treatment with male/female adults. I look forward to meeting with you.
Lesley Cherry
I am licensed in California with 12 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 sign up for therapy can take courage and I am proud of you for getting started!
Ari Carden
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!
Darlene Violas
I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with over 14 years of experience in the clinical field. With a deep commitment to providing evidence-based care, I utilize a range of therapeutic approaches tailored to meet each client's unique needs. Care is centered around creating a warm, compassionate, and non-judgmental space where clients can feel safe to explore their thoughts and emotions. Through collaborative goal-setting and a focus on the client’s strengths, I work to empower individuals to overcome obstacles, build resilience, and achieve lasting change. I am dedicated to helping clients navigate life's challenges with support and understanding.
Ryan Melone
I am licensed as an LPCC in California and an LMHC in New York with 6 years of professional work experience. My primary focus has been on helping survivors of abuse and trauma, and I also have experience in helping clients with stress, anxiety, relationship issues, anger management, and coping with life changes. I employ a client-centered approach to therapy, following my clients' lead in sessions. I will tailor our sessions and treatment plan to meet your unique and specific needs, all while maintaining a space of non-judgement, respect, sensitivity, and compassion. It takes courage to seek help and work towards a more peaceful, fulfilling, and happier life. I am here to support, guide, and empower you in that journey.
Penny Key
I am licensed in California with 20 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress, anxiety, relationship issues, coping with grief, coping with loss, & anger management. I also have experience working with 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. 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.
Gijo Alex
I am licensed in California with 10 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with relationship issues, family conflicts, parenting issues, motivation, self esteem, & confidence. I also have experience working with career difficulties. 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.
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
- Sacramento, CA
- Long Beach, CA
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- Bakersfield, CA
- Anaheim, CA
- Santa Ana, CA
- Riverside, CA
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