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.
Rachel Fuller
Congratulations! It takes courage to ask for help. Hopefully we can work as a team to improve your perspective, way of thinking and overall approach to live. My name is Rachel Fuller and I am a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor practicing in Southern California for the past 5 years. I grew up in the Philadelphia/ New Jersey and graduated with my Masters from the University of Pennsylvania. As a result I have the benefit of an East coast straightforward and honest approach mixed with SoCal creativity and compassion. Life has changed for everyone over the past few months on a small or large scale. As with any disruption, many people are experiencing any number of emotions : anxiety, loss, uncertainty or depression. It is essential during this time that we maintain human connection and communicate our thoughts, desires, needs and feelings. I hope to provide support for clients of any age who are struggling, want to learn more about themselves or simply need someone to listen. I don't have a "cookie cutter" approach to therapy- I value feedback and flexibility to find the best fit for my clients. I look forward to meeting you!
Ranee Sahachartsiri
My name is Ranee and I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with over 13 years of experience in the Behavioral Health/Social Work field. My work experience includes working with individuals age 18 and up, who struggle with issues in phase of life, family of origin, grief and loss, trauma, anxiety, depression, and stress. I implement a culturally-competent, client-centered, and strengths-based approach to foster a safe environment to facilitate discovery of one's potential to learn about themselves and grow from past experiences, and to not allow the past to define their future potential. Each person has the ability to draw from their resilience and inner strengths to develop coping tools to achieve the best version of themselves. I generally respond to messages in the evenings and am available for early morning sessions during the weekends, with some availability on Fridays and weekday evenings. I am honored to be selected to partner with you on your journey to wellness, recovery, and peace within yourself.
Eryn Patchett
I am an independently licensed marriage and family therapist in the state of New Mexico and California. I have been licensed since 2005, and a supervisor for other therapists since 2011. I received my Bachelors in Psychology from the University of New Mexico, and my Masters from California State University Fullerton. I started my career in mental health in 2002 after receiving my Bachelor's and worked as a case manager and behavioral health tech prior to and while obtaining my masters degree. I have worked in a number of diverse number of settings, including outpatient clinics, treatment foster care, and residential treatment and supervised residential treatment centers, group homes and day treatment programs. I've worked with individuals of all ages, families, and adolescents, and most recently seniors. I've specialized in treating those with anxiety, depression, mood disorders, domestic violence, trauma, and those at-risk. During my career, I have worked as a therapist, Clinical Supervisor, Clinical Director, COO and most recently as an Executive Director. All the roles have been extremely rewarding but none more than working 1:1 with individuals seeking out therapy. Currently, I am focusing on those with adjustment disorders, anxiety, depression, parenting support, relational issues, and trauma. I work diligently as your partner to tailor therapy to meet your individual needs. Therapy is designed to meet you where you are. You'll be heavily involved in developing the therapy goals and I'll tailor my approach to meet your needs. My goal is to allow you to reach your personal, family, and professional goals. We'll identify your strengths and build upon them to meet your identified needs to work towards you becoming the best version of yourself. I look forward to working with you on your journey! Specific therapeutic interventions include: CBT (cognitive behavioral therapy) DBT (dialectical behavioral therapy) Psychodynamic Therapy Talk Therapy Strength Based Narrative Therapy
Tracy Cameron
I am licensed in California with 26 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, & trauma and abuse. 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.
Natalie Eden
I am dedicated to providing you with confidential, compassionate & personalized treatment to meet your individual needs & goals. Focus is on empowering you to make better decisions, gain more insight, and embrace the challenges of life. Focus is on restoring and developing a person’s dignity, strengths, and God-given talents for problem-solving, personal growth, and achievement. I am a fully licensed counselor with two advanced degrees. I have been in private practice for 10 years treating clients who present with a wide range of challenges. Prior to that I worked as a counselor at an outpatient behavioral health clinic at a major hospital in downtown Chicago, Illinois providing individual and group therapy to persons of all ages diagnosed with a wide variety of emotional challenges. My studies have also included extensive coursework in addictions and motivational interviewing. I have experience and training in treating anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorders and grief. As a fully licensed clinical professional in the states of Illinois and Pennsylvania, I have a Masters of Arts in Clinical Psychology from The Chicago School of Professional Psychology with a 4.0 GPA. Other degrees include a Master’s degree in Business Administration from James Madison University in Harrisonburg, VA as well as a Bachelor’s degree in English /Communications summa cum laude from Campbell University. I am married with two adult children. My hobbies include travel, writing, genealogy and art.
Kelly Gesker
My name is Kelly Gesker and I'm a nationally licensed therapist. I currently live in Montana. You can take a look at my profile to learn a little bit more about my background and approach. Please also feel free to ask questions. Online counseling is fairly new and new to me. I felt a strong connection to what is troubling you and believe that I could help you work through these issues. My counseling style is pretty laid back. I have been described as supportive, caring, and compassionate, with a pretty good sense of humor. I like to focus on identifying your strengths and helping you to maximize them to overcome your obstacles. I'm here to help you sort through the things that are difficult right now, and offer you a safe place to be open and honest without fear of judgment. You have taken the first and most important step by reaching out for help. I have been working with individuals and families for over 25+ years. You can read more about my background, education, experience, and counseling approach by clicking on my name on this page. I generally check messages here a few times per day Mon-Sat and respond as quickly as I can. I do appreciate your patience when it takes a bit longer at times, as I may be tending to other clients or professional/personal responsibilities. I'm sorry you are having a tough time right now, but I'm really glad you are reaching out. I'd like to help you work on the struggles you are facing; and offer you a safe place to explore your thoughts and feelings. It sounds like you have a great deal going and that this might be impacting your mood and energy. Once you respond to this message, I will send you some additional general information about how this online counseling process works, and then we can get started. Should you feel in need of urgent help or that you are in crisis at any time during our work together; please call 1-800-273-TALK 24 hours a day; or 911. This forum does not provide any type of emergency services, so I want to be sure you know who to contact if you need immediate help. You are not alone. Things can and will get better. I'm really looking forward to working with you!
Cecilia Sandoval Serna
I am licensed in California with 17 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, anger management, 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!
Suzanne Klekner
I am licensed in California with 15 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!
Antonio Medrano
I am licensed in California with 3 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with lgbtq+ related issues, 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.
Barbara Spear
I am licensed in California with 18 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with trauma and abuse, coping with grief and loss, parenting issues, & depression and anxiety/PTSD. I gained experiences even more when I was made supervisor of a foster family agency for troubled teens with mental health issues . I worked on the other side when I was placed in charge of the juvenile detention with mental health. I spent time on the Crisis Ward supervising staff and clients to insure that all necessary steps were taken to prevent suicides. I went to Texas from California to assist Katrina evacuees for a month and spent 3 years. 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 takes courage and I am proud of you for getting started! Please go and pick a time slot that works for you and I will be seeing you soon. Barbara
Aseel Ross
I am licensed in California with 10 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, & 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 seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process.
Tina Kelley
Tina Kelley is an LMFT in California with over a decade of professional experience. She has experience working with children, teens, young adults, members of the LGBTQ+ community, parents, and those on the autism spectrum, and their families. She supports her clients moving through feelings of depression, and anxiety, codependency, family conflicts, and burnout. Tina uses an integrative and trauma informed approach to therapy.
Nothizile Jullian Ncube-Kearley
I am licensed in California with 4 years of professional work experience. 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.
Evelyn Saavedra-Funes
Hello, I'm Evelyn! I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT 52303) in California. I have been serving children, adolescents, adults and families of various ethnic and cultural backgrounds for over 17 years. I aim to work collaborately with those I serve to improve their quality of life and overall functioning. I utilize a Client-Centered approach, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, Narrative Therapy, Solution-Focused, trauma-informed/focused approach and a family systems approach. I specialize with working with children, adolescents, parents and young adults. I also work with adults and families. I treat diagnoses such as anxiety, depression, trauma, grief and loss, interpersonal relationship struggles and phase of life issues, as well as several other diagnoses. When working with me your voice will be heard and privileged. You will have a protected space that is non-judgmental and protected. Treatment will be centered on your needs and goals to improve your overall emotional and relational functioning. I take on a collaborative approach with goal setting with clients. We will identify your current stressors and symptoms and identify what changes you want to make to improve your functioning and quality of life. You can expect to share about your symptoms and the impact they have on your daily functioning. I will ask about what you want to focus on in treatment and how you want your life to improve. We will also discuss your treatment plan and treatment goals. I will answer any questions about how we will go about reaching your goals.
Natashia Leonard
I am licensed in California with 6 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress, anxiety, relationship issues, coping with grief, coping with loss, & depression. I also have experience working with coping with life changes. 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 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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- Anaheim, CA
- Santa Ana, CA
- Riverside, CA
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