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 Marez

Offering therapy in California
License: LCSW
Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseAnger managementSelf esteemDepression
28 years of experience

Hello and welcome to BetterHelp! My name is Jesse Marez and I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, licensed in the State of California since 2003. I received my Bachelor's Degree in Psychology from the University of California, Davis, in 1995. I earned my Master's in Social Welfare degree from the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) in 1997 and have worked primarily in clinical settings as a social worker, therapist and a clinical supervisor. Over the years of my practice, I have cultivated an ability to respond to my clients personally and individually while establishing therapeutic rapport by using motivational interviewing, client-centered therapy and Jungian and existential psychology. I draw upon my training and experience to ensure a safe and secure therapeutic space with room for creativity. For example, I like to pull in my knowledge of and passion for Jungian archetypes from Star Wars, Marvel, DC, anime and mythology. However, client-centered means we start with YOU and we begin with where you are and what you need and are asking for. I have worked with children, adolescents, families, and adults facing a variety of behavioral and psychological challenges and issues. Because I have worked in a number of different settings such as a child therapy clinic, an adoptions agency, a psychiatric hospital and a prison, I have experience working across age, gender, race, ethnicity, religion and socioeconomic background. This provides me with the clinical and humanitarian touchstone for my practice. My clinical orientation is cognitive behavioral (CBT) and client-centered therapy with a specialty in Trauma Focused CBT. Having over 8 years of clinical supervisory experience, I am also well-versed in psychodynamic and humanistic psychology. I feel the strongest part of my therapy is something my supervisor told me during my licensure supervision. He said, “Jesse, before your clients care what you have to say, they have to know that you care.” He went on to say that he believed that I have a unique ability to let my clients know I care. As you are looking for the right fit for your needs, I want you to know that I take that advice to heart and use it in every encounter with my clients. SPECIALTIES • Trauma • Mood Disorders • Anxiety and Stress • Family Dynamics and Relationships Years of experience: 25

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Cynthia Cunningham

Offering therapy in California
License: M.S. ,LMFT,Hypnotist
AddictionsRelationship issuesFamily conflictsAnger managementSelf esteem
27 years of experience

I have been a licensed marriage family therapist in California for over 27 years. I am what some people would call a "wounded healer", because I have been sober 35 years. I am also in recovery from co-dependency and love addiction. I believe anyone can change their life for the better, because I have changed mine for the better. If you love someone who does not love you back, I can help you STOP loving them and help you to start loving yourself. If you cannot say no, I can teach you how to say NO in a kind way and mean it. In addition to the areas mentioned above, I can also help you to over come anxiety/panic and depression. I use cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) and psychodynamic therapy to help you to make the changes you want to make in your life. You are always in control of your therapy and you decide I have been in the client's chair, so I know first hand that it takes courage to begin the journey to a better life. You do not have to journey alone ; I will be your companion. All journeys begin with the first step. Take that first step today. I would be honored to work with you.

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Dr. Benjamin Lasky

Offering therapy in California
License: Ph.D.
AddictionsLGBTRelationship issuesFamily conflictsDepression
3 years of experience

I am a licensed psychologist in California and Nevada with over 20 years of experience. I specialize in LGBTQIA issues, my pronouns are ‘he and him.’ I also have worked over 10 years in a psychiatric hospital where I gained expertise with dual diagnosis patients (substance abuse issues + mental health disorder). I was also fortunate enough to work in the adolescent unit of the hospital as well. I earned my Ph.D. from Ball State University in Muncie, Indiana. I am also an educator to graduate students and provide supervision as they pursue their licenses. This helps keep me motivated to stay current with emerging trends in therapy. I mainly utilize cognitive-behavioral techniques as well as client-centered therapy. One of my favorite parts of conducting therapy is seeing diversity and being able to help those in all walks of life. I make no judgments and work hard to see things from the perspective of my clients. I see myself as a facilitator and I help my clients gain insight so they can tap into their strengths. Therapy is serious business, but I always like to use a bit of humor as appropriate. It is very important that everyone I work with feels valued and respected and I fully bring that to each and every session. Thank you for your time and I hope to work with you. Licensed Psychologist PSY 19363 California, PY 0726 Nevada

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Matthew Tapia

Offering therapy in California
License: MA,LMFT,BCBA
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesParenting issuesDepressionADHD
11 years of experience

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.

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Ramón Matos

Offering therapy in California
LGBTRelationship issuesTrauma and abuseCoping with life changesCompassion fatigue
15 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 15 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with lgbt+-related issues, relationship issues, trauma and abuse, & 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. 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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George Calvin

Offering therapy in California
Trauma and abuseAnger managementSelf esteemCareer difficultiesDepression
24 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 24+ years of professional experience providing individual and family therapy with teens and adults. I have experience in helping clients with trauma and abuse, anger management, motivation, self-esteem, and confidence, & career difficulties, life changes and transitions and helping to develop happiness. I work with my clients to create an open, safe and positive environment where thoughts, feelings and ideas 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!

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Maria Madrigal

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesTrauma and abuseGriefSelf esteem
27 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 27 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, trauma and abuse, & coping with grief and loss. I have worked issues of abandonment, shame, identity, rejection and relationship 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 sign up for therapy can take courage and I am proud of you for getting started!

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Natalie Alepin

Offering therapy in California
License: LPCC,LPC,MA
Stress, AnxietyGriefSelf esteemDepressionADHD
27 years of experience

I am a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor in Ohio and California and a Licensed Professional Counselor in Missouri and Arizona with 28 years of experience working in crisis, outpatient and inpatient settings. I have worked with clients from 3 to the 90's with a wide range of concerns including depression, anxiety, relationship issues, parenting problems, anger management, career challenges, existential crisis, and ADHD. I also helped many people with debilitating medical illnesses and chronic pain. I am flexible and available for reality therapy if requested. My therapy style is warm and interactive. I believe in treating everyone with unconditional positive regard. I am respectful, sensitive, and compassionate. My approach combines cognitive-behavioral, humanistic, psychodynamic, mindfulness and rational-emotive therapy. I will tailor our dialog and treatment plan to meet your unique and specific needs. It takes courage to seek a more fulfilling and happier life. You are taking steps towards change and I am here to support and empower you. I look forward to working with you!

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Sally Dunn

Offering therapy in California
AddictionsLGBTTrauma and abuseBipolar disorderDepression
26 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 26 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with coping with addictions, lgbtq+ related issues, trauma and abuse, & bipolar disorder. 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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Van Palmer

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietyGriefAnger managementDepressionCoping with life changes
35 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, coping with grief and loss, anger management, & 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. Prevention, remediation and enhancement of person in situation. My belief is during exploration and discovery, as destructive, inhibiting and nonproductive behaviors must first be identified to favorably impact the future of therapeutic change.

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Hourig Kalajian

Offering therapy in California
License: LMFT
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesDepressionCoaching
3 years of experience

Making the first step toward therapy can be a confusing and challenging experience. With so much emotion involved together we will work to ease your anxieties while offering a calming and safe environment. I believe in a holistic approach to emphasize the need to see the person as a whole, rather than mental health as a separate entity. With this I utilize appropriate interventions to tailor each person’s individual needs and provide a person centered approach throughout therapy. I tackle issues ranging from anxiety, depression, interracial relationships, and more. I have 15 years of experience working with children and adolescents with emotional difficulties in various settings such as schools, homes and in the community utilizing play therapy. I currently work in a school providing therapy to students with emotional disturbances.

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Justin Hartford

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsRelationship issuesGriefDepression
4 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 4 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, coping with addictions, relationship issues, & coping with grief and loss. 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!

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Tiffany Whittington

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsTrauma and abuseSelf esteemCoping with life changes
10 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, coping with addictions, 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 seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process.

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Kathleen Baniwas Sipriaso

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

I am licensed in California with 10 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. 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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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!

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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