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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Dr. Foresteen Forbes

Offering therapy in California
License: Psy.D.
Relationship issuesFamily conflictsParenting issuesSelf esteem
23 years of experience

Hello and welcome! I am a psychologist licensed in California with over 20 years of experience. I received my BS in Nursing from BIOLA University. I was a Navy Nurse for 31/2 years and served in Saudi Arabia during the Gulf War. I earned my doctorate in psychology from Azusa Pacific University. I worked in a state hospital for 15 years specializing in adults with a history of childhood trauma. I also specialize in relationship issues, parenting problems and personality disorders. My treatment approach consists of Cognitive Behavioral therapy(CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) and Attachment-based therapy and aims to build or rebuild a trusting, supportive relationship that will help prevent or treat anxiety or depression. 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 and to take the first steps toward change. If you are ready to take that step I am here to support and empower you. I look forward to working with you!

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Lisa Lee-Briggs

Offering therapy in California
License: MA,LMFT
Relationship issuesFamily conflictsIntimacy-related issuesParenting issuesDepression
13 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 12 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with relationship issues, family conflicts, intimacy related issues, & 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 seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process. I believe that everybody has their own answers but there are times in our lives when we need assistance in discovering those answers. I take a straightforward approach to that exploration and help people advance in life. I specialize in couple's and family communication where assigning blame is replaced with a clearer understanding of each person and more effective ways to convey meaning. All relationships can be repaired if all members are willing to work towards that goal. I use a wide range of techniques from Cognitive Behavior Therapy to Gestalt techniques as well as a mix of additional therapies specifically suited to the client and the situation. I will find the techniques that fit with you!

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Dr. Annabel Fields

Offering therapy in California
License: J.D.,Psy.D.
Stress, AnxietyAnger managementSelf esteemDepressionCoping with life changes
19 years of experience

Hello, and congratulations on taking a big first step on the path to becoming a happier, healthier you. I help people along their paths with a primary focus, not on your diagnosis, but on the symptoms that are causing difficulty in your daily functioning. In order to do that, we'll utilize interventions from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Client-Centered Therapy, and a variety of other treatment modalities depending on your individual needs. I hold a license in Clinical Psychology from the states of California and Arizona. I received my doctorate in Clinical Psychology from Widener University in Pennsylvania in 2008. I have worked in a variety of treatment settings, which has afforded me the opportunity to work with clients with a wide range of concerns. Some of these concerns include motivation, depression, anxiety, communication issues, anger management, relationship issues (straight or LGBTQIA+, monogamous or polyamorous), as well as issues related to transgender status and gender identity. My therapeutic style is warm and inviting. I am accepting of all individuals regardless of race, religion, gender identity, or sexual orientation. We will work together to develop an individualized treatment plan designed to help move you from where you are on your life path to where you'd like to be. My goal is for each of my clients to feel accepted, seen, heard, and respected throughout our therapeutic relationship.

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Milah Jordan

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesFamily conflictsParenting issuesSelf esteem
4 years of experience

Greetings, My name is Milah Jordan! I have been licensed since 2009, and have a clinical therapy background combined with 17 years of inner city classroom teaching of youth and teens. I have a Masters in Social Work and a Masters in Education. As I am returning to the field of therapy, I seek to utilize my knowledge and expertise of working with youth, parents and families. I believe that you are the expert of your story and that you have many strengths that will assist you in overcoming the things that challenge you - I am simply here to assist. My vision is that you and I can partner together to help you navigate this portion of your life. Thank you for trusting me to be a part of your emotional, spiritual and physical journey to wellbeing. I am excited that you are getting started!

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Pat Staten

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietySelf esteemDepressionCoping with life changesCoaching
25 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 25 years of experience as a therapist, as well as years of experience working for major companies in several different industries. I have experience helping clients with stress and anxiety, work- and career-related issues, and coping with life changes. I treat 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.

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Tanya Carcamo

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseGriefSelf esteemDepression
13 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 13 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. 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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Melinda Meeks

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesGriefIntimacy-related issuesDepression
23 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 23 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress, anxiety, relationship issues, coping with grief, coping with loss, & intimacy related issues. I also have experience working with 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!

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Chelsey Fouts

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

Hi there, I'm Chelsey! I believe the most important aspect of successful therapy is the connection you have with your therapist. My name is Chelsey Fouts and I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW). I want you to feel heard, understood, and valued in our therapeutic relationship. My approach is noticing negative thought patterns and challenging you to believe in your worth. I will help you navigate daily stressors by gaining skills to achieve positive change in your life. I help you to understand how your past experiences influence your present behavior/beliefs. I utilize concepts from Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TFCBT), Solution Focused, and Psychodynamic therapy. Most recently my background has been a focus on processing trauma with youth, specifically childhood abuse. I have years of experience treating anxiety, depression, and PTSD with both youth and adults. My clients would describe me as warm, encouraging, and strengths-based. I meet you where you are and encourage you to share what is most impacting you. I provide guidance and structure to offer you new ways of approaching your challenges. I have been practicing as a therapist for almost six years. I have always viewed people as the most integral part of our world and I am fascinated by how one’s mind works. What continues to drive my work as a therapist is seeing the positive shift in a client’s view of themselves, feeling more confident in their relationships, and overall feeling happier. I view it as a privilege to have a client share their vulnerabilities with me and trust in the process. I want to hear from you what your goals are and how you feel therapy will improve your well-being. I work in a collaborative approach with you to help you identify your goals and steps to achieve these goals. I monitor your progress and check in with you to determine if you feel you are making progress. During our first session, I will spend time learning about what led you to want to participate in therapy and how you have been recently feeling/coping. I will ask questions to better understand your symptoms, stressors, interests, family/friends, and anything you feel is important to know about you. My primary goal is to work toward establishing a connection with you to gain your trust.

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Heather Lopez

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesFamily conflictsEating disordersDepression
11 years of experience

I am licensed in California and New York with 11 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress, anxiety, depression, relationship issues, family conflicts, communication deficits, addiction and eating disorders. I use evidence-based therapeutic interventions such as Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). My goal in treatment is for us to work through the fear and anxiety in order for you to understand yourself on a deeper level, emotionally and behaviorally. I use compassion and take a nonjudgmental stance while balancing change and acceptance by encouraging clients to gently work toward their own individual goals.

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Jaala Freed

Offering therapy in California
Relationship issuesParenting issuesSelf esteemDepressionCompassion fatigue
8 years of experience

I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in California with 8 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with relationship issues, parenting issues, motivation, self esteem, confidence, & depression. I believe in treating everyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion. My therapy style is warm, accepting and supportive. My approach combines solution focused therapy mixed with motivational interviewing and a cognitive behavioral approached. In my work with clients I believe in identifying and uncovering the many strengths that are unique to each individual. Creating a treatment plan that is tailored specifically for your desired goals is key for defining the path of our time together and to get you to your ultimate goals. I will help you create and implement solutions for your goals, while address things that may be getting in the way of you living your best life in your present situation. You have taken a brave step in searching for help in your life. You should be proud. Finding the right match of a therapist is important in that journey. If my style and expertise speaks to you then please reach out.

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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