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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Terese Ghilarducci

Offering therapy in California
License: MFT
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesFamily conflictsDepressionCoping with life changes
24 years of experience

I am a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist living in the Bay Area in California. I have been licensed for 24 years and most of my work has been with working with high school students and their families. I am also a former social worker working with foster children and their foster families. For the past 17 years I have been working as a school counselor at an Alternative Education site in the Bay Area and my daily work consisted of working with adolescents who had a variety of issues that h impacted their academic life. My students were working through many obstacles such as school phobia, stress and anxiety, depression, family, and substance abuse issues. Starting in the 2024-2025 school year I will be working as a school counselor at an elementary school presenting classroom presentations on bullying, inclusion and coping strategies as well as facilitating support groups. I am excited to work with school age children and their parents. I strive to use a client-centered approach in working with individuals and I also like to include art and journaling as a way to explore issues. I offer a safe container for you to share and I am honored that you are open to working with me.

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Julia Westney

Offering therapy in California
License: LMFT
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsRelationship issuesEating disordersDepression
3 years of experience

I am a family and marriage therapist licensed in California with almost 20 years of experience working as a psychotherapist and eating disorder specialist. I have worked with clients with a wide range of concerns including depression, anxiety, relationship issues, parenting problems, career challenges, postpartum depression, and food and body issues. I also helped many people who are experiencing grief, loss and life transitions. My therapy style is warm and interactive. I believe in treating everyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion, and I don't believe in stigmatizing labels. 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. It takes courage to seek a more fulfilling and happier life and to take the first steps towards 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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Pascale Dellefield

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesBipolar disorderDepressionADHD
21 years of experience

I am licensed as a Marriage and Family Therapist in California since 2006. I have 23 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients on a spectrum that ranges from mindfulness, anxiety disorders, depression, grief and loss, compassion fatigue, to crisis management, homelessness, schizophrenia, schizoaffective disorder, bipolar disorder, personality disorders, and overall coping with life changes. I am heart centered with a warm approach and make every effort to help my clients reconnect with what matters most to them in their lives. I have experience working with clients who present as individuals, couples, children, teenagers, veterans, military families on deployment, older adults, LGBTqia, and or groups. I am open minded, have good values, and I am well versed in theology and spirituality. I have an understanding of the struggles of immigrants, and a deep respect for the need for multicultural and ethnic integration into our society. I believe in treating everyone with dignity, sensitivity, and compassion. I speak English, French, Lebanese-Arabic, and some Spanish, however I only conduct therapy in English. I have traveled and lived in multiple countries. I have survived a war and know how to thrive and overcome trauma through Meditation and Mindfulness. I am trained in Mindfulness, Meditation, Cognitive Behavior Therapy, Acceptance Commitment Therapy, Solution Focused Therapy, and Dialectical Behavior Therapy. I have also found that reading and skill building homework can be very powerful resources to add to therapy. I am the author and illustrator of the book “Being With Heart: How to Thrive in Life With A Tender Heart.” I tailor our dialogue 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. Thank you for reaching out to me. I look forward to us working together in therapy.

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Lauren Greeley

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietyGriefDepression
18 years of experience

I am licensed in California with over 20 years of professional social work experience in various capacities. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety & 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!

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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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Dr. Yasmin Lluveras

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietyLGBTRelationship issuesAnger managementDepression
24 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 24 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, lgbtq+ related issues, relationship issues, & anger management. 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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Sergio Gueller

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesFamily conflictsTrauma and abuseDepression
32 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 32 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, & trauma and abuse. 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.

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Angelica Curiel-Torres

Offering therapy in California
Relationship issuesAnger managementCoping with life changes
8 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 10 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, anger management, & 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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Heidi Nguyen

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesFamily conflictsSelf esteemDepression
4 years of experience

I am a marriage and family therapist, licensed in California, with over 10 years of professional work experience. I help clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, motivation, self esteem, and confidence. 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. Better is possible, and I am here to support & empower you in that journey.

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Roberta Reid

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsRelationship issuesBipolar disorderDepression
21 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 21 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress, anxiety, coping with addictions, relationship issues, & bipolar disorder. I also have experience working with depression. My expertise is within the drug and alcohol field. 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 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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