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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Haesue Jo

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

I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist based in the Bay Area, California. My experience comes from providing direct mental health and behavioral counseling for kids, teens, and adults with a variety of presenting issues, including stress & anxiety, relationship and family issues, trauma, and depression. I approach the therapeutic relationship with an acute sensitivity and respect for multi-cultural factors. Much of my clinical experience includes working with Asian-American youth, families, and adults, given my firsthand experience navigating generational and cultural differences in my own family (a mixture of immigrants and Asian-Americans). My experience is varied and across settings, as I have provided individual and family therapy in community mental health agencies, research centers, school settings, and day treatment facilities. I believe that we are all products of our closest relationships, our environment, our family systems, and every moment that leads to the present us. I strive to treat the therapeutic relationship, and you, with compassion, respect, and warmth. My therapy style and approach draws influence from Gestalt, Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy, Mindfulness, and Structural systems. A top priority for me is to meet you where you are and calibrate treatment and my approach to what will work best for us as we work together to meet your goals. Whether you are working towards enlightenment and insight or symptom-relief and improved function, my hope is that we can collaboratively work together to achieve it! It takes a lot of strength and will power 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. Education BA in Psychology, UCLA MA in Counseling Psychology, Santa Clara University Professional Affiliations and Credentials California Association of Marriage and Family Therapists Certified Trauma-Informed Therapist by the California Center of Excellence for Trauma Informed Care EMDR-Trained Certified Professional Life Coach

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Jeanette Salinas

Offering therapy in California
License: LCSW,CT
Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseGriefDepressionCoping with life changes
30 years of experience

I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and a Certified Thanatologist (specialist in grief and loss). I received my master’s degree and LCSW in Sacramento, California over 30 years ago. I have extensive experience working with all types of clients. My specialty is in grief and loss including pet loss, transitions, PTSD and trauma. In addition, I have experience counseling individuals with Bi-Polar Disorder, Major Depressive Disorder, OCD and Borderline Personality Disorder. I have worked with children, adolescents, adults and the elderly. I also provide support and counsel to individuals ones who are caring for their elderly parents or a family member who is terminally ill or chronically ill. I have established stages for moving forward after major life changes that have proven to be successful. I believe that trust and the development of a working relationship with you is the first step in the therapy process. The therapy session will be at your pace. I utilize a variety of approaches including CBT, DBT, Narrative and Solution Focused Therapy. I also supervise ACSW and MFTI's for licensure. I look forward to working with you. Beginning the therapy process can be a leap of faith and feel scary at times. I hope with support I can make this journey a positive one.

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Krystal Johnson

Offering therapy in California
License: LCSW,MSW
Relationship issuesGriefSelf esteemDepressionCoping with life changes
8 years of experience

My name is Krystal Johnson, and I'm a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in the state of California. I earned my Master of Social Work degree, specializing in Children, Youth and Families, from California State University, Hayward, in 2011 and received my Licensure in 2015. I've worked in many different settings with individuals and families who have a variety of personal issues such as depression/anxiety, stress, family problems, trauma/abuse, relationships/parenting and more. Throughout the years as a clinician, my experience has taught me that the most important aspect of counseling by far is the connection, rapport and comfort you feel with the person you choose to share your most vulnerable thoughts. My goal is to provide insight, techniques, and tools (to work on and practice in between sessions) that you can use in making changes in your life. Most importantly, I will work with you at a pace that you are comfortable with to ensure we are moving toward the goals that you make for yourself. I look forward to encouraging you, empowering you, guiding you, and even challenging you at times. A little bit about me- wife and mother of 3, Licensed Zumba Instructor, Musician, & love to scrapbook!

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Jane Winston Doman

Offering therapy in California
License: M.A. Clinical Psychology
Stress, AnxietyGriefSelf esteemDepressionCoping with life changes
10 years of experience

Hello, I am Jane Winston Doman a Licensed Marriage Family Therapist in the state of California. I look forward to helping you find ways to reach your goals. I made a career change later in life knowing that I wanted to be in a helping profession. I went back to school and received my Master of Arts in Clinical Psychology from Antioch University in 1993. Being an older student with life experience was one of the best decisions I have ever made although not an easy one. I understand how difficult it can be to make changes in your life and to ask for help along the way. Since then I have worked individually with adults, couples and many older adults and adult children caring for a parent. I consider it a privilege to get to know my clients and build a trusting and supportive relationship. I have additionally worked in community mental health, assisting older adults and caregivers coping with stress and existential issues. My approach is to provide a safe, caring atmosphere while exploring ways that are most helpful for you to gain insight while encouraging growth and healing. We will work collaboratively to find appropriate coping strategies to help you with your goals. I use an integrated approach to treatment drawing from Client Centered, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Mindfulness, Family therapy and Existentialism. I look forward to meeting you and working together. SPECIALTIES Anxiety, Panic disorder Depression Self esteem Crisis management Grief and Loss Adult children caring for parents Older adult issues Family dynamics and relationship issues

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Amy Allen

Offering therapy in California
License: Masters of Arts in conflict resolution ,Masters of Science in marriage and family therapy
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsRelationship issuesTrauma and abuseDepression
13 years of experience

Hello, thank you for visiting my page. My name is Amy Allen, a licensed Marriage and Family therapist with over 15 years' experience in the Mental Health Field. I currently work with a diverse group of clients seeking assistance for depression, anxiety, homelessness, grief, loss parenting, life skills, as well as those looking to improve their lives by learning skills to navigate this ever-changing world. Change is difficult and I know, we need motivation and encouragement to help reach our goals and improve relationships. I graduated from California State University at Dominguez Hills with a Master of Arts in Behavioral Science and a concentration in Negotiation and Conflict Resolution and a Master of Science in Marriage and Family Therapy and have been licensed since 2015. My passion is helping people improve their lives which I feel could be attributed to much of my own life experience, education and being able to identify with clients. My goal is to assist in providing real life solutions to current barriers to living your best life I have been trained in and utilize CBT, DBT, Motivational interviewing, Solution Focused Therapy and EMDR.

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Elizabeth "Liz" McDowell

Offering therapy in California
License: LCSW
Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseGriefDepressionCoping with life changes
17 years of experience

I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) and currently hold licenses in the following states: Idaho, California, Arizona, Utah, and Maine. I’ve provided services to individuals, couples, and families, for more than 16 years, working with various populations, including inpatient and outpatient settings, providing assessments, therapy, and support. I genuinely care about the individuals I work with and appreciate the opportunity to help with life challenges. I tend to use Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Solution Focused therapy, Art therapy, and Motivational Interviewing techniques in sessions. Some of the areas I can help with are, crisis situations, grief and loss, depression, anxiety, attachment issues, traumatic events, relationships, and communication skills.

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Dr. Kenneth Parker

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesFamily conflictsParenting issuesDepression
40 years of experience

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, & parenting issues. 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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Deborah Osborn

Offering therapy in California
License: LCSW,NCC
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesFamily conflictsTrauma and abuseIntimacy-related issues
25 years of experience

Thankyou for reading my profile. It is difficult to convey my work in few paragraphs. I have been counseling since 1998 when I completed my first master's degree in Counseling. I later earned a second masters in Clinical Social Work. I understand that change is not easy and I know that no single approach to change works for everyone. With this in mind, I am willing to draw upon a number of modalities. I use techniques from mindfulness and gratitude along with traditional Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Solution-Focused Brief Therapy, Reality Therapy to develop a plan of growth. I am always in partnership, working alongside the client and family as we move towards health. I believe that the client is the authority or expert with regard to their goals and needs. I follow the client's lead in developing those goals while offering my expertise in creating a successful plan. I also believe that focusing on a whole person strength-based relationship contributes to a solid base of trust and acceptance. With this solid therapeutic relationship established, the client can feel safe to be authentic and vulnerable.

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Sasha Khalili

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesTrauma and abuseDepressionCoping 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 and anxiety, relationship issues, trauma and abuse, substance abuse, existentialism, & depression. I work with my clients to create an open and safe environment where thoughts and feelings can be shared without fear of judgment, while also taking ownership of one's life. It takes courage to seek out a more fulfilling and happier life and to take the first steps towards a change or understanding yourself on a more intimate level. I am here to support, empower, and walk alongside you in your journey.

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Karen Pekarcik

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietyGriefParenting issuesSelf esteemCoping with life changes
9 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 9 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping 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. 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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Juanita Holmes

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesTrauma and abuseGriefSelf esteem
20 years of experience

I am licensed in California and Missouri with 20 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 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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Sarah Kimmons

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietyLGBTTrauma and abuseSelf esteemDepression
7 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 7 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, lgbtq+ related issues, family conflicts, & parenting issues. 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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Hannah Thayer

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietyLGBTSelf 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, lgbtq+ related issues, 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. 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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Esther Olajide

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietySelf esteemCareer difficulties
6 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 6 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress, anxiety, 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 sign up for therapy can take courage and I am proud of you for getting started!

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Danielle Jones

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

Hi there! My name is Danielle Jones and I have been a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) in California for over 12 years. My career as a therapist has allowed me to work with a variety of clients across the lifespan, and I am dedicated to providing compassionate and effective support to individuals and families navigating challenges. Whether you are dealing with depression, anxiety, trauma, Identity, attachment, in need of anger management, or you're just feeling stuck in life, I'm here to help you overcome it. My approach to therapy is tailored to the needs of each individual client. We will work collaboratively to identify your current challenges and develop a personalized treatment plan to help you achieve your goals. My therapeutic approach is derived from evidence-based practices such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Motivational Interviewing, Mindfulness, and Solution-Focused Therapy. Other treatment modalities I use and find helpful are Psychodynamic, Attachment, and Strength-based Therapy. These approaches provide various tools depending on a client's needs. Clients come to therapy seeking change, and I see myself as a catalyst in that process. My client focus is typically individual sessions with adolescents and adults who are experiencing symptoms of depression, anxiety, relational issues, trauma, and grief. I tailor sessions to meet the needs of each age group, ensuring that therapy is age-appropriate and effective. I aim to create a relaxed, safe, and supportive environment for my clients. By building rapport and providing active listening I strive to ensure that each client feels heard, respected, and valued. While I am empathetic, non-judgmental, open, honest, and personable, I can also take a more direct approach when communicating with my clients who prefer that style.

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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