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.
Kim Connolly
Hello, My name is Kim. I am a seasoned therapist who has been in the mental health field for over 30 years. Most of that time has been in the nonprofit world. I have had the privilege of working with multitudes of folks, some short term, most long term. In that time, I have worked with a very wide variety of client concerns including personal growth, depression, anxiety, PTSD, attachment disorders, relationship problems, parenting issues, teen issues, grief, loss and coping with physical pain. I have a long history of counseling folks who have experienced physical, emotional, or sexual abuse and everything that now comes with that. And lately everything that has changed with the experiences of COVID, in our school, work and homes. I am a warm, interactive, and empathetic therapist. I respect that all of us have to move through life at our own pace and I will respect that with you. Your pace, where you want to go and how you want to get there. I will be direct and honest with you. I have used many different styles of therapy, depending on what my client needs and what makes them comfortable. Some of these include family systems, solution focused, existential, cognitive and psychodynamic. I also have a great belief in the healing power of loving humor. I think I have been involved in mental health for most of my life. Both of my parents were in related fields. I left my undergrad college my 3rd year to intern in a group home in Nevada City, Ca. From that point on, I worked on and off there while I went to Cal State Chico. I then worked many jobs in the field for several years before and during the time I got my Masters in Counseling at Sonoma State University and my subsequent Marriage and Family Therapy license. These days I live in a beautiful area of Ca. near the ocean. Everyone here seems to have a dog. I have one, but given a choice and the space, I would have more! I’ve always had dogs, growing up with them, then fostering them for a rescue, working with them for a humane society and then boarding them for awhile. There really is NOTHING like 5 dogs in your bed at night! Dogs are wonderful companions, can always make me laugh and are always there when you are feeling down. If I sound like a therapist that would work for you, let’s get started.
Matthew Tapia
Hello! I'm Matt and I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) in Arizona and California. In my life, I’ve seen many people with a broad spectrum of challenges. I’ve also seen that hope and relief are possible. I offer a unique perspective in getting you that help. I enjoy seeing individuals and families solve problems and feel closer together. My experience comes from providing direct mental health and behavioral counseling for kids, teens, and adults with a variety of presenting issues including anxiety, autism, Asperger's syndrome, depression, stress, relationship and family issues, life transitions, parenting, and caregiving issues in a variety of settings. My approach and therapy style draws influence from Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Mindfulness, and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). It is important that you and I work together as a team using a collaborative approach and that I meet you where you are. Previously, I worked in a private practice as a clinician, consultant, and supervisor. I have also worked at a nonprofit mental health clinic as a clinician, supervisor, consultant, and trainer. This background gave me the opportunity to work with individuals, families, and couples with a wide variety of presenting issues. I have supported those dealing with autism, Asperger's syndrome, anger issues, anxiety, depression, PTSD, young adult issues, life transitions, men's issues, parenting, caregiving, substance abuse and at-risk adolescent behavior. I also assist crisis response and first responders through their difficult experiences. I hold a Master’s degree in Counseling Psychology from Santa Clara University and an undergraduate degree in Psychology from San Jose State University. I am also certified by the Behavior Analyst Certification Board as a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) and licensed as a Licensed Behavior Analyst in Arizona. Early in my career, I had the privilege of working with a young couple who were facing significant challenges in their relationship. They had been together for several years but found themselves constantly caught in arguments and unable to communicate effectively. Their frustration and despair were palpable during our initial sessions. As we began our journey together, I witnessed their commitment to each other and their genuine desire to rebuild their connection. Over time, we delved into the underlying issues contributing to their conflicts, exploring patterns of communication, past experiences, and individual needs. One memorable session stands out vividly in my mind. It was a breakthrough moment when they both expressed vulnerability and shared their deepest fears and insecurities. In that moment of raw honesty, walls crumbled, and empathy flourished. It was a turning point in their relationship as they discovered newfound understanding and compassion for each other. Through dedication and hard work, they gradually transformed their relationship into one characterized by mutual respect, open communication, and genuine intimacy. Witnessing their growth and resilience was incredibly rewarding, and it reinforced my belief in the transformative power of therapy and the resilience of the human spirit. This experience deeply informs my approach to therapy, emphasizing the importance of fostering a safe and supportive environment where clients can explore their challenges, discover their strengths, and embark on a journey of healing and growth together.
Chelsy Duffer-Dunbar
I am licensed in California with 7 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, coping with grief and loss, parenting issues, & 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.
Tiffany Griffin
I am licensed in California with 10 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, coping with grief and loss, parenting issues, & 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. Taking the first step to sign up for therapy can take courage and I am proud of you for getting started!
Marley Cohn
I am licensed in California with 10 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, depression, PTSD, substance abuse, relationship 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 sign up for therapy can take courage and I am proud of you for getting started!
Blancandrea Molina
I am licensed in California with 5 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, trauma and abuse, coping with grief and loss, & 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.
Sara Marker
I am licensed in California with 10 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, lgbtq+ related issues, relationship issues, & 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.
Mark Phelan
I am licensed in California with 10 years of professional work experience. I am a Veteran and familiar with PTSD and military life challenges. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, & trauma. 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.
Elizabeth Cowell
I am licensed in California with 6 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, trauma and abuse, & parenting issues. 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.
Paul Jaffe
I am licensed in California with 30 years of professional work experience. I help clients with stress and anxiety, depression, relationships, addictions, and coping with loss and grief. I encourage my clients to view their difficulties from the standpoint of their strengths, and to embrace accountability and truth as the path of personal growth. I offer minfullness techniques and a spiritual perspective to clients comfortable with these approaches. Many people struggle with self-blame and negative self-talk; I support clients in regaining a balanced view of themselves, and to accept that they're neither perfect or hopelessly flawed. A calm dialogue with someone you trust is very helpful in overcoming personal problems. You should congratulate yourself and feel good about reaching out for the help you need to create the life you want. I look forward to soon speaking with you .
Jamie Fowler
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, & 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. Taking the first step to seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process.
Carolina Thompson
I am a Licensed Clinical Psychologist with 13 years of combined training and professional experience. I'm experienced in helping clients with strategies and skills for effectively responding to stress and anxiety. I’m also experienced in treating issues of depression, grief and loss, and life transitions. Furthermore, I have training and experience in Christian-based therapy, including integrating Christian-spiritual principles into the therapy process, upon request. I believe you have many strengths that lend to your resilience in overcoming challenges. Choosing to participate in therapy is a courageous step of initiative in moving toward positive change in your life. I am here to support & empower your growth and healing process.
Monica Webb
I am licensed in California with 5 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress, anxiety, trauma, abuse, motivation, self esteem, confidence, & career difficulties. 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 seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process.
Sheela Alvarado
I am licensed in California with 16 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress, anxiety, coping with addictions, relationship issues, trauma, abuse, and many other issues. I also have experience working with depression. 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.
Debbie Rehman Lux
I am licensed in California with 25 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress, anxiety, relationship issues, eating disorders, motivation, self esteem, & confidence. 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. 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
- San Diego, CA
- San Jose, CA
- San Francisco, CA
- Fresno, CA
- Sacramento, CA
- Long Beach, CA
- Oakland, CA
- Bakersfield, CA
- Anaheim, CA
- Santa Ana, CA
- Riverside, CA
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