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.

This is Jesse Moon's avatar and link to their profile

Jesse Moon

Offering therapy in California
License: MA, LMFT,LMFT
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsRelationship issuesTrauma and abuseParenting issues
11 years of experience

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!

This is Amber Atwood's avatar and link to their profile

Amber Atwood

Offering therapy in California
License: MS, LPCC
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsSelf esteemDepressionCoping with life changes
8 years of experience

I am a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor (LPCC). My therapy approach is strength-based aimed to empower and motivate individuals. I have been trained in a variety of approaches incorporating mindfulness based therapy techniques and cognitive behavioral therapy. Additionally, I have had extensive training in narrative therapy which is founded on the premise that “the person is not the problem, the problem is the problem.” Emphasis in treatment is to help individuals increase a greater sense of self-awareness, mind-body connection, and support personal growth. This approach includes developing an improved understanding of current coping mechanisms and behavioral patterns to help identify when feeling stuck.

This is Leslie Patricia Acoca's avatar and link to their profile

Leslie Patricia Acoca

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseGriefIntimacy-related issuesParenting issues
20 years of experience

I am a licensed California Marriage and Family Therapist with 20 years of experience providing therapy to individuals, couples and families. I work with clients to create a warm and trusting environment where they can explore and find solutions for stress and anxiety, trauma and abuse, grief and loss, as well as intimacy and relationship issues. I have extensive experience working clients and families who have lost loved ones to suicide. Taking the first step to creating a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process.

This is Nicole Ladner-Pace's avatar and link to their profile

Nicole Ladner-Pace

Offering therapy in California
Relationship issuesGriefSelf esteemCoping with life changesCompassion fatigue
12 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 12 years of professional work experience. 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!

This is Laurel Lass's avatar and link to their profile

Laurel Lass

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesGriefSelf esteemDepression
22 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 11 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, coping with grief and loss, & 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.

This is Dr. Colleen Kelly's avatar and link to their profile

Dr. Colleen Kelly

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsRelationship issuesFamily conflictsSelf esteem
28 years of experience

My individual clients are struggling with anxiety, getting sober, have long term sobriety, or are expats adjusting to their new country. They are struggling in a relationship, family, or marriage and want to feel connected and joyous with those that they love. I will not sit there and nod and ask, "how does that make you feel?" I am very active in therapy and we will work together to create the life you want. I interweave assessment with psychodynamic, family systems, humor, attachment focused therapy with coaching techniques and Mindfulness to provide personal individualised treatment. I'm a queer therapist married to my husband 29 years with 2 grown kids. I have 31 years in recovery from alcoholism. We are all struggling in life. It's freaking incomprehensible a lot of the time. I truly respect you. I will work collaboratively with you not through some weird hierarchy. You know what is best for you and we will find out exactly what that is so you can live a life of peace, joy, and fulfilment.

This is Briana Brewster's avatar and link to their profile

Briana Brewster

Offering therapy in California
Relationship issuesFamily conflictsSelf esteemDepressionCoping with life changes
4 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 5 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with relationship issues, family conflicts, 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.

This is Belen Barragan's avatar and link to their profile

Belen Barragan

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesFamily conflictsTrauma and abuseDepression
13 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 12 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, 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. Taking the first step to seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process.

This is Damaris Tobar's avatar and link to their profile

Damaris Tobar

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsRelationship issuesTrauma and abuse
4 years of experience

My name is Damaris Tobar and I am a Bilingual (Spanish), Bicultural, Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) based in the San Gabriel Valley, California. I support clients statewide via Telehealth. I work with adults and specialize in anxiety, stress, trauma, domestic violence, and substance abuse. Building relationships is an important part of the therapeutic process and I look forward to being in the community with you. I use components of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Mindfulness, Feminist Therapy, and a trauma-informed approach to help my clients feel grounded and better able to regulate their emotions. I am warm and empathetic, yet honest and direct. I utilize humor to connect with folks. I also provide a holding and safe environment in session. "If you are a therapist and you're not acknowledging how systems of oppression and intersectionality impact mental health, then you're likely centering supremacy and whiteness in your work." -Dr. Ebony

This is Mary Mcfarland Riedel's avatar and link to their profile

Mary Mcfarland Riedel

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietyFamily conflictsTrauma and abuseSelf esteemDepression
4 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 6 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, family conflicts, trauma and abuse, & 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 seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process.

This is Hannah Bernard's avatar and link to their profile

Hannah Bernard

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

I am Hannah Bernard, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) based in California, working with clients statewide via telehealth. I strive to support my clients through life's difficult times by fostering new insights, teaching practical skills, and seeking emotional resources to empower them to make decisions they can be proud of and live in a way that truly reflects who they are. I utilize a flexible approach to understand and respond to the unique needs of each individual. I have discovered that my style and approach work well with adults of all ages. I provide support to clients facing life transitions, medical challenges, grief, a diminished sense of self, and family or relationship issues. Understanding that these experiences often overlap, I also help clients manage symptoms of depression, anxiety, and insomnia. In therapy, I demonstrate empathy, maintain a non-judgmental attitude, and project an authentic demeanor. I understand that a fundamental aspect of the therapeutic process is establishing a safe space and nurturing a supportive relationship to facilitate personal growth. Collaboration is at the core of my practice, as I believe that the therapeutic relationship and a client's active involvement in their own healing process are essential components of successful therapy. I look forward to the opportunity to work with you, promoting positive change and growth on your personal journey toward well-being and fulfillment. I became a therapist driven by a core belief in the strengths and inherent goodness within everyone. My passion is to help people discover and embrace these qualities in themselves. There’s nothing more rewarding to me than seeing individuals feel empowered and confident as they recognize their own potential and worth.

This is Amber Strong's avatar and link to their profile

Amber Strong

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseDepressionCoping with life changesADHD
14 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 10 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, trauma and abuse, depression, & 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!

This is Heather Foster's avatar and link to their profile

Heather Foster

Offering therapy in California
License: LMFT
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesTrauma and abuseSelf esteemCoping with life changes
18 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 18 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, trauma and abuse, & 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!

This is Lidia Gutierrez's avatar and link to their profile

Lidia Gutierrez

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseGriefDepressionCoping with life changes
7 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 7 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress, anxiety, trauma, abuse, coping with grief, & coping with loss. 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. 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.

This is Ashley Yaghoubian's avatar and link to their profile

Ashley Yaghoubian

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietyFamily conflictsTrauma and abuseSelf esteemDepression
14 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 14 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress, anxiety, family conflicts, trauma, abuse, motivation, self esteem, & confidence. I also have experience working with depression. 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.

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.

Find the right therapist for your needs
Match with a qualified therapist