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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Jesse Moon
I am a licensed Marriage Family Therapist in California. This includes the treatment of individuals. I have experience as a practicing psychotherapist and Life Coach. I treat anxiety, depression,post traumatic stress, sexuality, marriage/ relationship issues, stress, addictions, self esteem, career issues and a desire to increase your sense of happiness,well being and personal growth. I have expertise in Anger Management.. My approach is a combination of a humanistic strength based approach as well as cognitive behavioral therapy. In addition I am particularly sensitive to the needs of partners and families of those suffering with addictions and Adult Children of Addicts., ACA's. Treating adults whose parents or partners have significant personality disorders Such as narcissism or borderlines I believe that counseling is an interactive process and needs to be tailored to your particular needs.. I provide a warm, safe space for you to talk about your life and receive support and validation You respond at your own timing and schedule. It takes courage to reach out and take the first steps toward change and inner fullfillment. I am here to support and empower you. I will also provide practical suggestions that can aid you in bettering your circumstances . I look forward to working with you!
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Joy Nussen
Hello and thank you for learning about me! I am a California and Oregon state Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist with over 30 years of experience in a wide variety of settings, working with differing populations and ages. I have helped others who are looking to start or maintain their healing journey or are experiencing obstacles such as depression, anxiety, relationship conflict, addictions and trauma (including multi-generational trauma). My current clinical focus is on individual adult men and women from various ethnic backgrounds. What has become abundantly clear to me, especially since working within a Telehealth format which reaches people far and wide, is that no matter where we are from we all have in common the needs for purpose, meaning and value in our lives. Those who have worked with me on BetterHelp know that I pay close attention to words, love metaphors, and use humor when it is appropriate to do so. My style is warm and actively engaging and my approach pulls from various sources including solution-focused, dialectical behavior, narrative, and experiential therapies. I can't believe it has been 4 years already since I joined BH. I have developed a model "in honor" of this milestone. I hope it brings clarity to you as to how I may approach your situation. I look forward to meeting you: Joy’s CHIPS Model© … Chipping away at human problems Cognitive Distortions - checking in on narratives Communication - listening vs hearing Comparisons - soul killer Compassion - Kindness towards Self? Others? Regret & Resentments Context - environment, culture, religion, health Control - can/can’t (anxiety/panic, codependency, addictions) Healthy Distractions - Skills & Tools Honesty - transparency Humility - gratitude? narcissism? I - Am I making it all about me? codependency? narcissism? I - Interpretations & Assumptions Patience Paying Attention - and Mindfulness Petrified - including fear of feeling better Physical - health, including its cause for MH issues Projection - onto others & forecasting Proof - of assumptions Purpose Self-Awareness Self-Sabotage Substances Support System "Don't cling to a mistake just because you spent a lot of time making it." ― Aubrey de Grey “To live a creative life, we must lose our fear of being wrong.” ~ Joseph Chilton Pearce
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Eva María Ortiz Elizondo
The decision to seek therapy can be a difficult one. Life is unpredictable and and stressful at times. If you are feeling sad, helpless, anxious, overwhelmed, having difficulty with self-esteem issues, a life transition in your personal/professional life you don’t have to go through it alone. As a clinical therapist I work to make the process comfortable and non judgmental place where growth can take place. Give yourself the opportunity to reflect, challenge yourself and heal whatever is standing in your way. I am licensed in California with 5 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with motivation, self esteem, and confidence, career difficulties, coping with life changes, & executive and professional coaching. I believe in treating everyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion. I am also bilingual, Spanish speaking therapist. 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. Julie Anderson Dennis
For over 40 years, I have been serving clients and my community in both California and -- more recently -- Idaho as a psychotherapist, radio talk-show host, college instructor, career and workplace consultant, aging counselor, and child development expert. Being able to recognize the patterns, pain, and issues that prevent people from living healthy lives is an essential skill for any therapist. In my twelve years of academic training and forty years of clinical work, I have fine-tuned this skill and gained a wealth of experience to help my clients achieve lasting, positive changes in their lives. I believe that empathy, trust, and honesty are the cornerstones of the therapeutic process. I further believe that everyone has the capacity for change and self-growth. However, healing and growth can occur only when we feel safe enough to explore the issues that trouble us. Therefore, my goal is to create a supportive environment where clients can explore new ways to resolve their struggles so that they can reach their full potential as professionals, parents, lovers, people. You and I will work actively together towards this goal. By balancing my capacity for analysis with a compassionate heart, I will lend you my strength so that you will have the courage to find you own.
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VaJezatha Payne
I am licensed in California with 15 years of professional work experience. I have experience in assisting clients with life stressors, anxiety, depression, trauma and abuse, low/no motivation, poor self-esteem and low/no confidence. I believe that you are the expert of your story and that you have many strengths that will assist you in overcoming challenges that you are facing. 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. Welcome to behavioral health, where therapy and healing begin.
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Janice Tamkin
I am licensed in California with 30 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. I utilize an eclectic approach to therapy based on the individuals need, drawing from cognitive behavioral and insight-oriented therapies. 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
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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Myriam Nunez
I am licensed in California with 8 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, coping with grief and loss, 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 sign up for therapy can take courage and I am proud of you for getting started! NOTE: If you are a Kaiser Permanente member, I am unable to accept you as a client even though you are not utilizing your healthcare insurance in this platform.
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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.
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Yadira McBurney
I am a bilingual Licensed Clinical Social Worker in California with nearly 10 years of professional experience. I specialize in helping clients navigate stress, anxiety, depression, motivation, self-esteem, confidence, career challenges, and coping with life changes. My approach is warm, non-judgmental, and collaborative, creating a safe space for self-discovery and growth. I tailor our dialogue and treatment plan to address your unique needs, ensuring a personalized and effective therapeutic experience. Taking the first step toward a more fulfilling and happier life requires courage, and I am here to support you every step of the way.
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:
- 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 feature
- 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 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.
Popular cities in California
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