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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Alfred Carter

Offering therapy in California
License: LMFT
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesFamily conflictsTrauma and abuseDepression
16 years of experience

Do you want to overcome the obstacles preventing you from being your best self? My name is Alfred Renard Carter and I'm a Licensed Psychotherapist. My clinical experience and specializations are Depression, Anxiety, Stress management and relationship dynamics (couple/marriage/family). I take a strength-based approach to empower you to overcome the psychological and emotional distress you're experiencing. I'm eclectic from a theoretical standpoint. However, I lean towards Cognitive Behavioral and Humanistic Existential theories as a base treatment modality. I believe in allowing your needs intrapsychic needs to determine the theoretical approach and interventions most suitable for your treatment. While my education and professional experiences provide me the competence to provide effective treatment, I don't profess to be an expert on you. You're the expert on your life journey. My role as your therapist is to walk with you through your past as well as present challenges to alleviate the psychological symptoms and barriers preventing you from overcoming its impact on your well-being.

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Stuart Riskin

Offering therapy in California
License: LCSW, CA #22300
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsLGBTRelationship issuesDepression
28 years of experience

Hi, I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker who has been in the helping profession for over 25 years. This has been a second career for me and the journey has been both personally and professionally rewarding! I have taken a nontraditional career path to become a social worker. I started my first career in the entertainment business and then went on a path of personal introspection and growth to become a social worker. My myriad of professional experiences in both the public and private sectors have equipped me with a unique set of skills, a wealth of knowledge, and clinical expertise to aid others in developing life-long wellness. As a seasoned professional, I try not to take myself too seriously. I see every client as a colleague bringing their personal knowledge to our working relationship. Clients are always their own personal expert. Therefore, my approach to therapy is always supportive and respectful and strength-based. Growth and behavioral health can only be achieved by working together from a positive position and the client making a conscious decision to want to change. This will bring about personal growth. I look forward to hearing from you soon!

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Mara Bruckner

Offering therapy in California
License: M.A.,L.M.F.T.
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesFamily conflictsIntimacy-related issuesDepression
22 years of experience

I am a licensed Marriage & Family Counselor in Southern California with over 22 years of experience working in private practice and county and state funded agencies that offer behavior therapy to young children, teens and adults diagnosed with autistic spectrum disorder. Treatment included play therapy, ABA, social skills groups and guidance for parents. In private practice, I have a great deal of experience with teens and adults with Asperger’s or high functioning autism, as well as teens and adults with anxiety, depression and other disorders associated with adolescence. I also work with adults of any age. I have been certified in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, which is an evidence-based approach that is very effective for numerous problems and disorders including depression, anxiety, phobias, OCD and relationship issues. My counseling style is warm and interactive with some humor inserted at strategic times. I strongly believe that a sense of humor and the ability to laugh does wonders toward lightening the perception of many “heavy” issues. I treat all clients with respect, and can tailor my treatment approach to each individual client’s needs. I use any appropriate combination of cognitive behavioral, psychodynamic, solution-focused and client centered therapy, and I believe in taking a collaborative approach with my clients, allowing them to participate more actively in their sessions. I am greatly looking forward to working with YOU!

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Anthony (Tony) Roach

Offering therapy in California
License: MSW,LCSW
Relationship issuesFamily conflictsGriefParenting issuesAnger management
17 years of experience

Hi my name is Tony, I am an LCSW in the State of California. My experience includes over 16 years of experience in various mental health settings. These include community mental health, private psychiatric facilities, doing mobile crisis work and working in multi-disciplinary teams focused on military families. Additionally, I have extensive knowledge working with individuals associated with Child Protective Services. These include foster parents, bio-parents and their children. I have provided therapeutic services in the California State Prison System and in a county jail. My approach is very respectful, nonjudgmental and client-centered. I meet you where you are emotionally, and most importantly, where you are ready to start. My belief is that you are in control of this journey, but not alone. I remain with you to find solutions to life’s difficulties and healing, and to celebrate your successes. My approaches include Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Solution Focused Therapy, and Mindfulness. I also work with addiction issues, anger management and parenting issues. Reaching out for help is not always easy and takes courage. Taking this first step is the beginning of a journey towards achieving your goals. I am here to support, encourage and empower you. I look forward to talking with you.

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America Islas

Offering therapy in California
License: BA,MS,LMFT
Stress, AnxietyLGBTRelationship issuesFamily conflictsDepression
7 years of experience

Bilingual Mental Health Services. Find passion in your life. Be your Authentic Self. LGBTQI2-S Affirmative Therapy. Build your Narrative.

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Heather Tolle

Offering therapy in California
License: LISW
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesDepressionCoping with life changes
5 years of experience

I am a Licensed Independent Social Worker in the state of Ohio with a Master of Social Work Degree from the University of Louisville and four-years post graduate professional experience. After graduating with my master's, I began working in community mental health as a level three treatment specialist and coordinating care between physicians and clients of various ages, genders, sexuality, ethnicities, issues, and level of functioning. For the past two and a half years, I have been working in a private practice setting where I gain more experience in providing psychotherapy to individuals on issues such as depression, anxiety, relationships issues, family issues, grief, adjustment and phase of life issues, and issues of faith and spirituality. I have over 30 hours of training in providing teletherapy and am a Certified Clinical Telemental Health Provider with experience using video and text therapy. My therapeutic style is person-centered and often solution focused while incorporating a cognitive behavioral approach. Past clients have described delivery of therapy as warm, empathic, and down-to-earth, which I believe nurtures a safe and relaxing environment for individuals to identify their thoughts and feelings, as well as gain insight into their issues and solutions to help them resolve issues. It is my belief that even though it is hard to do at times, I believe one of the best methods of healing is to talk and let it all out – all of the hurt, all of the sadness, all of the things that get buried within – and therapy is one of the safest places to do that. I strive to provide a safe, non-judgmental space for adults and couples to reveal, feel, and heal their thoughts and emotions and gain insight and support during difficult times.

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Maria Najera

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsTrauma and abuseGriefDepression
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, coping with addictions, trauma and abuse, & coping with grief and loss. 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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Kayla Mulholland

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietyParenting issuesSelf esteemCoping with life changesCompassion fatigue
5 years of experience

Kayla, a licensed clinical social worker, brings extensive expertise in working with refugee and immigrant populations, as well as systems-involved parents and youth. With a background in clinical therapy with foster youth and their parents in CA, women and children in Mexico and recently arrived immigrant families, Kayla is deeply committed to social justice efforts, recognizing the systemic factors impacting mental health outcomes. Her journey began about 12 years ago in the community mental health sector, working with Latino migrant day laborers in San Francisco. Having lived in Spain and Mexico, where she learned Spanish and closely collaborated with asylum-seeking communities, Kayla has firsthand experience fostering resiliency to improve individual outcomes. Specializing in trauma-informed mindfulness-based care for immigrant and refugee populations, Kayla is motivated by witnessing others' growth and supporting them in creating the lives they desire. She cares passionately about personal development and aims to eliminate taboos and stigmas associated with seeking care, especially for vulnerable populations. Kayla has ample experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, trauma and abuse, parenting issues, & depression. She believes that you are the expert of your story and that you have many strengths that will assist you in overcoming things that challenge you. She looks forward to working towards your own goals, together!

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Bryant Harris

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesSelf esteemCoping with life changesCoaching
3 years of experience

I am licensed to practice in Alabama, California, and Georgia, bringing a wealth of professional experience. With my expertise in dealing with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, motivation, self-esteem, and confidence, as well as helping individuals cope with life changes, I am confident that I can help you tackle any challenges that come your way. I firmly believe that you are the expert in your story and possess the strength and resilience to overcome any obstacle. Taking the first step towards a more fulfilling and happier life requires courage, but I will guide and support you throughout the journey.

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Coryll Walsh

Offering therapy in California
AddictionsRelationship issuesTrauma and abuseParenting issues
4 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 4 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with coping with addictions, relationship issues, & trauma and abuse. I also have experience working with 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. 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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Kathryn Feigin

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesTrauma and abuseSelf esteemDepression
3 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 15 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress, anxiety, relationship issues, trauma, abuse, motivation, self esteem, & confidence. 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. 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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Karen Swanson

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesGriefSelf esteemDepression
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, relationship issues, coping with grief, coping with loss, motivation, self esteem, & confidence. 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.

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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