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.
Erin Hamer
Hello! My name is Erin and I am from California. I have been a social worker for over 12 years and have experience working with people from all different walks of life who may be going through some struggling times. I received my Bachelor as well as my Masters of Social Work from Clark Atlanta University (CAU) with a concentration in Health/Mental Health. I understand it can be hard to find a counselor who you feel comfortable speaking with. My approach is empathetic and supportive. The feedback I’ve received from clients is that they find me to be nonjudgmental, relatable and honest. Much of my experience has been working with clients who are dealing with Relationship issues, Family conflict, Anger management, Self esteem, Career difficulties, Woman’s issues, Spirituality and Coping with life changes. I would be a good match for anyone interested in a counselor of color and/or those seeking Christian counseling. I also have experience and am comfortable working with LGBTQ+ issues. I believe at beginning services where you are. I am available to you via phone, video and text depending on whatever is more comfortable for you. A majority of my availability is in the evenings but I can be flexible if needed during the day as well. I really enjoy my work and look forward to helping people learn more about themselves as they navigate through the world. Let us continue to reduce the stigma of mental illness as we grow and empower one another.
Estela Rodriguez Jebril
Welcome to the BetterHelp community! My name is Estela Rodriguez Jebril, I am a Bilingual (Spanish) and Bicultural practicing licensed therapist in California. I am also a transformational coach. I have been providing psychotherapy for a wide variety of issues and populations for 10 years. I graduated from California State University of Long Beach in 2008 with a Master in Social Work. For five years, early in my clinical career, I did in-home family therapy with Medi-Cal recipients. I provide services to the elementary, middle school and high school at risk students and their families to help improve communication, improve problem-solving skills and help heal any trauma the student or family had experienced using a variety of therapeutic modalities. Since 2016, I have been working as an Independent Therapist in private practice and offering coaching, all online to women, families, adolescents and couples. I would describe my approach as goal oriented, and client centered. I use Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Solution Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT). Both modalities are hands-on, practical approaches to problem-solving. CBT treatment usually involves efforts to change thinking patterns and or behaviors. The goals are to change patterns of thinking or behavior that are behind difficult situations, and so change the way they think and feel. This helps people identify faulty or unhelpful ways of thinking and learn better ways of coping with all the stressors life brings. Challenges and painful times are part of the human experience. I understand seeking help can be a vulnerable step to take. Exploring the healing process or enriching one’s personal growth, first and foremost, requires establishing a trusting and an emotional supportive relationship. Change is not easy, and it is possible. If you are ready to take that step I am here to support and empower you. I look forward to working with you!
Dr. Benedicte Last
In my long career as a parent, a therapeutic horseback riding instructor, a school counselor and a psychologist, I have learned the following truths: We are all on our path, always striving to heal ourselves. Emotion is the language of the body, communication to our soul. We can recognize where we need to go, by following our enthusiasm. It is okay to ask for what you need and receive help and encouragement. We learn and heal best through play, making mistakes, and trying again. All situations can be turned therapeutic. You may feel you have lost your way, or that your feelings and emotions are running away with you. You may not know what to do with yourself, or with your child. You may have lost your enthusiasm for life, or don’t know how to ask for what you need. Or maybe you are so afraid of making a mistake. I understand, I have been there, too. And you can find your enthusiasm as well, as a human being, as a parent, as child, a partner, a friend or a co-worker. I can help you find the building blocks you need to build your better life. Let’s talk and play this out together.
Phyllis Trail
Hi! I am Phyllis Trail, LMFT. I am a California-licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, with a nursing background. I help clients master life changes, including stress, anxiety, addictions, illness, grief and loss, depression, and other issues. One of my focus areas has been those who are raising OPKs (Other People's Kids). Another has been Christian Counseling, for those who prefer it. Our lives have largely been affected by what we adapted to as children, when we learned about life from people around us. Sometimes therapy involves sorting those ideas from what my client really wants, and giving them permission to have that. Other times therapy is more present-day, as we tackle current stressors or issues. There are many schools or methods of psychotherapy. I take cues from my clients to find ways they can receive help. I rely on my instincts and our relationship to guide us. I enjoy revealing hope to my clients. I often can see the silver lining that awaits as we venture through hindrances, to reach freedom, peace, and hope. People come to a therapist to sort out problems, to find solutions and ways out. People need hope. They need love, compassion, and empathy; those are my tools and strengths. When people get insight and permission to be themselves and move forward, their eyes light up and their entire face changes. It’s awesome, being free! I’m interested in helping you get free. If my description of therapy appeals to you and your needs, contact me. Let’s see what we come up with! You are the expert of your story, and you have many strengths to assist you in overcoming challenges. I honor you for getting started!
Sydney Tafuri
I am licensed in California with 6 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, coping with addictions, lgbtq+ related issues, & 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.
Michelle Ferrante
I am licensed in California with 17 years of professional experience. My previous clients have struggled with a variety of difficulties including stress and anxiety, trauma and abuse, substance use, and parenting issues. 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 and empower you in that journey. I’m a psychotherapist that pulls from different theoretical orientations. I have also been trained in two evidenced based practices that focus on trauma. I enjoy working with my clients by partnering with them and providing them compassion and acceptance. Everyone struggles and everyone can reach great happiness. I have a strength-based approach and hold hope for your resilience and mental well-being. A couple of initial approaches to therapy: We can do a deep dive into your early childhood and relational experiences, as often times our current struggles are impacted unconsciously by these prior events. AND/OR Equally important is the present, and I do a lot of focus on the “here & now.” The groundwork will be creating a safe environment, so you are able to be vulnerable. An essential component to therapy is your sense of trust so that you can look at patterns, process emotions, and find clarity. As your therapist, I will assist you in working through the issues that have you struggling. I work collaboratively with you to explore and clear away the emotional blockages that can create tension and conflict in your life, negatively affecting you and your relationships with others. I believe each person has an innate ability to get unstuck and heal emotional wounds and it is my role to facilitate that process.
Michelle North
I am licensed in California with 14years of professional work experience in the field. I help clients with anxiety, depression, infertility, relationship issues and I specialize in grief, loss and life transitions. I meet you where you are at in life and assist you on a path to where you would like to go. I will tailor our dialog and treatment plan to meet your unique and specific needs. It takes courage to seek out a more fulfilling life and to take the first steps towards a change. I am here to support & empower you in that journey.
Samantha Laurie
I am licensed in California with 10 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, trauma and abuse, & 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. Taking the first step to seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process.
Phyllis Grannis
Greetings! I'm a licensed therapist from the beautiful state of California, bringing to you 34 years of experience in helping individuals just like you navigate life's challenges. Whether you're grappling with stress, anxiety, relationship dilemmas, parenting challenges, or need a boost in self-esteem and motivation, I'm here to help. My practice creates a warm, open environment where your feelings and thoughts are given the respect and attention they deserve, completely free of judgment. I know the first step towards therapy can seem daunting, and just by being here, you're already winning! I applaud your courage in taking this crucial step. You're not alone in this journey, and I'm here to support you every step of the way!
Chevonna Gaylor
I am licensed in California with 21 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, trauma and abuse, 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. Taking the first step to seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process.
Grace Szeja
Greetings, I am glad you are here today. My name is Grace and I have been a clinical social worker for more then 9 years. I use the pronouns her/she. My clinical experience is in a hospital setting, I have worked with a variety of people (age 5 to 90) with an equally vast range of issues and disorders. I enjoy hearing from people who identify with in the LGBTQ+ community, and anyone from the iGen / Gen Z. I always strive to meet my clients with compassion and respect, regardless of age, skin color, or identification. As we navigate our own path in life, it can be scary, lonely, with the footing unknown. I want to help you traverse your challenges, whatever they may be. Before pursuing a career as a clinical social worker, my passion and work experience is in fine arts. I have faced those challenges of forging your own path when everyone around you offers nothing but obstacles. After obtaining my dream career (comic illustrator) I found that my dream job was not the same as having a dream life. I am fortunate that I was able to explore my other strengths, and found a career in “being the person I wish I had” in my life growing up. Do you struggle making yourself and your needs a priority? Are you living each day to the fullest? Are you letting go of the past and not fearing the future? Are you learning to like and love yourself? Struggling to break a toxic cycle? Have you always wanted to allow yourself to be you? Do you have dreams you're afraid to follow? It's time to let go of what is holding you back, and weight down your heart and spirit. Working from a client centered approach, I utilize many expressive creative art therapies, including zendoodle, zen journal, sand tray, drawing, painting, clay (and more) alongside Cognitive Behavioral Therapy practices (CBT) and Dialectical Behavioral Practices (DBT). I believe that therapy is for anyone who would like to developing new thought patterns, increasing your healthy coping skill, discarding your old beliefs about yourself, and gaining awareness of your internal and external resources. Don't waste another precious day being miserable or unhappy, its time to allow yourself to be free and find joy. If you don't like something, then change it so you do. Life is too short and too precious to waste it to fear, past hurt, or unhappiness. In my free time, I enjoy gardening, distance running, and hiking. I have three cats, and two rabbits. Others would describe me as kind, gentle, and a meme expert. I worked as a fine artist before I became a therapist. I know first hand the grief we place upon ourselves when we live our lives according to the needs and wants of others. We can't change yesterday, but we still have the power to navigate tomorrow. “You have to get a little lost on your way to being found.” Pronouns: she/her
Crystal D'Angora
I am licensed in California with 10 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 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.
Holly Doolittle
I am licensed in California with 20 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, & coping with grief and loss. 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.
Lana Casper
I am licensed in California with 16 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, parenting issues, & depression. 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.
Kendra Paulsen
I am licensed in California with 7 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, career difficulties, 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 seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process.
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:
- 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 featur
- 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 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.
Popular cities in California
- Los Angeles, CA
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- Fresno, CA
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- Long Beach, CA
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- Anaheim, CA
- Santa Ana, CA
- Riverside, CA
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