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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Karen Cairel

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietyParenting issues
25 years of experience

Hello! I am a licensed clinical social worker in California with 25 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients in a variety of areas. I look forward to working with you to decrease the stress in your life. It is an honor for me to work with clients around issues such as anxiety, life transitions (new parent, job change, caregiver role), parenting stress, infertility challenges, and other areas that are important to you. I work with my clients to create an open and safe environment where thoughts and feelings can be shared without fear of judgment. The professional relationship we build is vital to the success of treatment. Taking the first step to seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process. I look forward to meeting you. :)

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Agustin Vieyra Ornelas

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

I am licensed in California with 8 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 life throws your way. It takes bravery to seek out a more fulfilling and happier life and to take the first steps towards that vision of your life. I am here to support & empower you in that journey.

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Jerylyn Bohlender

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsTrauma and abuseDepression
8 years of experience

I am licensed in California and Tennessee with 8 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, coping with addictions, & trauma and abuse. 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.

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Dr. Karen Vertti

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

I am licensed in California and Florida with 30 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, trauma and abuse, sexual offender treatment, & motivation, self-esteem, family issues including teenage problems, and confidence. I believe that you are the expert in 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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Debra Brittain

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

I am licensed in California with 30 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 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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Michele Tarlow

Offering therapy in California
Family conflictsParenting issuesSelf esteemADHD
29 years of experience

I am licensed clinical social worker residing in California with 29 years of professional work experience. I grew up in New York and moved to California 24 years ago. I have a masters degree n social work, a pupil personnel credential in school social work, and specialize in working with children and their families in all challenges that arise in their lives. I look at the biopsychosocial model and provide a safe place to discuss any issues that may arise in your daily life. I have experience in helping clients with family conflicts, parenting issues, and motivation, self esteem, and confidence. I also have experience working with concentration, memory and focus (ADHD). 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. I look forward to meeting you and helping you through this difficult time no matter how big or small the issue may seem.

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Jaclyn Decarlo

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsSelf esteemDepressionADHD
5 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 5 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with depression, life changes, stress and anxiety. Additionally, I have helped people cope with addictions, and increase motivation, self esteem, and confidence. I have previously worked in substance use treatment, housing first agencies, and with the forensic mental health population. I am LGBTQ+ friendly and have enjoyed working with teenagers in the past. 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 as I believe in meeting each individual where thy are are at. Taking the first step to seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process and am glad you are here.

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Alexander Pena

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesTrauma and abuseDepressionCoping with life changes
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, trauma, abuse, & depression. 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 sign up for therapy can take courage and I am proud of you for getting started!

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Arease Edison

Offering therapy in California
Relationship issuesFamily conflictsAnger managementDepressionCoping with life changes
10 years of experience

I believe the most beautiful thing is our ability to be vulnerable... it's what makes us human. I have found that when you slow down and check in with yourself, you may come across the most amazing person...YOU! Many of us are disconnected from ourselves and it's evident across various life domains. Learning to identify your needs and get them met is your responsibility. Exploring various parts of ourselves increases chances that we will have a more meaningful existence. Much of the work I am blessed to do with clients, is providing them with a safe space to land mentally and emotionally. Understanding the complexities we face in black and brown communities makes this interpersonal work meaningful. Therapy is not taboo and asking for help does not equate to weakness, rather strength and courage. As we become healed, whole and well, we contribute positively to our family, friends and our community. I find meaning in helping others identify their needs and use words not behaviors to get them met... we are deserving of this. I want each person I am called to work with to know they deserve to be authentically seen and validated and we don't need anything outside of ourselves to be whole. Once we are healed from past hurts, we can become whole (lacking nothing) and then practice wellness to stay grounded. Be well. XoXo Dr. Edison

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Haley Flores

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesFamily conflictsSelf esteemCoping with life changes
5 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 5 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress, anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, motivation, self esteem, & confidence. 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 seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process.

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:

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.

In today's fast-paced society, mental well-being has become a cornerstone of a fulfilling life. Amid the daily challenges and stressors that can overwhelm even the most resilient individuals, seeking professional guidance often offers a path to clarity and balance. The journey toward improved emotional health involves understanding personal triggers, embracing self-compassion, and developing effective coping strategies. While self-help books and online resources provide valuable information, nothing compares to the personalized support offered by a qualified mental health professional. One-on-one sessions with experienced experts can help uncover the underlying issues contributing to anxiety, depression, or other emotional hurdles. With a careful and empathetic approach, these professionals tailor their advice to suit individual needs, ensuring that each person receives strategies that work best for their unique circumstances. Whether through cognitive behavioral techniques, mindfulness practices, or other innovative methods, the aim is to foster resilience and empower individuals to take control of their inner lives. For those living in bustling urban centers, engaging in face-to-face sessions in a welcoming environment can be particularly beneficial. Access to a caring clinician provides not only a safe space to explore difficult emotions but also builds a support network essential for long-term recovery. The process encourages self-reflection and greater insight into behavioral patterns that might otherwise go unnoticed. While the journey can be challenging at times, the rewards include enhanced emotional stability, improved interpersonal relationships, and a renewed sense of self-worth. In one notable case, the guidance provided by a highly trained therapist proved instrumental in navigating a tumultuous period. Through structured sessions and tailored interventions, the individual learned to identify stressors and develop healthier responses to adversity. This experience underscored the transformative impact that dedicated support can have on one's overall quality of life. In a region like Texas, community-based initiatives and accessible mental health programs further reinforce the value of professional help. These efforts emphasize early intervention, preventive care, and continuous support, ensuring that more people are equipped to face life's inevitable challenges. Ultimately, investing in mental well-being is an act of self-care that yields lifelong benefits. By embracing professional support, individuals can unlock new levels of emotional resilience and discover pathways to a brighter, more balanced future. Each step taken toward healing represents a commitment to personal growth, enabling a life filled with renewed optimism and strength. Embracing this transformative journey consistently paves the way for deeper understanding, lasting peace, and meaningful personal progress.
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