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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Patricia Sumlin

Offering therapy in California
License: LMFT
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesFamily conflictsTrauma and abuseDepression
25 years of experience

Hi there, It takes grit and fortitude to do what you’re doing. Searching for a therapist is a big decision and maybe you’ve reached the point where you realize you can’t do it alone, and need support to work through the frustrations, challenges and struggles you are facing in your life right now. As you read my profile, you’ll notice my professional experience spans over 20 years and my training background covers a wide range of diverse topics. My clinical approach combines psycho-dynamic as well as other modalities like DBT, and systems theory to insure you have access to the most update-to-date information available. While adhering to confidentiality, ethical and legal standards, the individualized treatment approach I employ draws from the latest evidence-based practices, emphasizing a supportive insight-oriented, practical and common sense, straightforward style. I am committed to building an honest, respectful and collaborative alliance with you, to develop a sustainable capacity for continued trust and effective skill building. I make every effort to balance ego and humility, and pride myself on being honest, direct, and non-judgmental so you know you are believed, taken seriously, feel valued, and know you matter. It entails establishing boundaries, and striking a balance between recognizing the impact of confusion, anguish, conflict, suffering and turmoil to acknowledging and benefiting from understanding, insight/education, advice and feedback. The bottom line is; you gain the tools and coping skills necessary to regulate emotions, become mindful and insure that you gain confidence and competence in your ability to achieve a sense of personal safety, security and stability. My areas of expertise include working with diverse, multicultural clients including both Native American and Native Alaskan populations. I have worked in private practice, created an outpatient clinic providing DBT groups for both men and women diagnosed with borderline personality disorder. I was the clinical director of a medical behavioral health setting focusing on chronic illness, a homeless shelter providing mental health, substance abuse and HIV+ AIDS treatment services, an all-men’s dual diagnosed residential program, a trauma informed treatment program in the 56 Yupik villages of Alaska, a recidivism re-entry program for ex-offenders from San Quentin and Folsom State Prisons. I also worked in the 1st hospice in the United States, providing death and dignity counseling services to terminally ill patients and bereavement counseling for families. Currently, my focus is on, although not limited to, working with individuals living with depression, anxiety stemming from trauma histories, recovering from traumatic bonding/narcissistic abuse, and adults on the autistic spectrum who desire a need to understand Asperger’s and the impact it has on their lives and relationships. Also, treatment services for the LGBTQIA community; individuals with a wide range of concerns about sexual orientation, gender identity, sexual fluidity, the coming- out stages, intimacy social stigma, family/relationship conflict, parenting issues, employment concerns and advocacy approaches for the human rights campaign for civil rights. Most importantly, I am passionate about addressing visible, and invisible disability issues, the neuro-diversity of ADD/ADHD, Dyslexia, and the need to address the fundamental issues of disability rights, learning styles, inclusiveness, ableism, workplace bullying and the impact of internalized oppression. What does this all mean for you? I would like to think, it demonstrates my competence and gives you some degree of confidence in my ability to help you achieve greater resiliency, authenticity, and happiness in your life. Chances are you are doing the best you can and you can do better. That's where your ingenuity, willingness, motivation, and commitment come into play. There are lots of reasons for you to consider entertaining the thought of on-line therapy. It is an effective way to navigate through your problems on your timetable, and support really makes a difference. It gives you the opportunity to start an action plan, get the help you need to stay on track, follow through and meet your goals consistently. It's also an emotional tune-up, putting energy and enthusiasm back into your life, so you are empowered to face reality, generate options, problem-solve, let go of the past and take the risks necessary to move forward. Putting the brakes on wishing things were different, you can break through your fears, self-sabotage, addictions, anger issues and codependency in order to set healthy boundaries and discover what it takes to stand up for yourself, say no, protect your own self-interest and become mindful. Expand your capacity for recognizing the importance of TFK - thinking, feelings, and knowing, the pillars of EI, emotional intelligence. By increasing emotional self-regulation, interrupting escalating patterns of RUI, reactivity, urgency and intensity, you will be able to manage triggers which will help you respond more calmly, giving you the ability to take on and accomplish the daily challenges with poise while not allowing the past to dictate your responses. Just think of that, being grounded and thriving, instead of simply surviving. Sounds simple, it's not nor do I pretend it is. Practice makes progress, there is no perfection. Successes and setbacks are inevitable, so it's one step at a time. Call it an incremental manageable approach to deal with getting impatient, bored, or overwhelmed. It’s not unusual for clients, maybe you included, to feel emotionally vulnerable, fragile, stuck, discouraged, helpless, hopeless and struggling with life-defeating behaviors or suicidal ideation. Regardless of the reasons you seek therapy, it is imperative that you feel understood, supported and can speak freely in order to benefit from the therapeutic experience so you can connect, learn, share, grow and pay it forward. Everything is connected by chains of events, coupled with your vulnerabilities, temperament, and your life experiences while your identity is formed by both narratives, both internal and external. Perhaps it's time you learned to see yourself through kinder eyes, to look at the world from a more neutral stance, recognize that co-perspectives exist, repair and rebuild in some instances vs. re-enacting and repeating, that way, you can accept consequences gracefully, cultivate a willingness to wait, tread softly, play by the rules, make lemonade from lemons, advocate for living, confront and process guilt and shame and recognize that there is no point going to an empty well and expecting water. Accessing online therapy is safe, secure, convenient, confidential, and cost effective. Keep in mind, you can work on understanding your underlying core issues, the impact of trauma, connecting the historical dots of your life, develop a mental health recovery plan, increase focus, concentration, motivation, and simply live without the drama and recurring crisis. Dramatically improve your ability to think and feel more positive and hopeful. It's like a long awaited of breath of fresh air! Instead of being on automatic pilot, you take ownership of your choices by being accountable and responsible, both deliberate, and intentional. Benefit from a trusting relationship with me, built on a foundation of mutual respect that gives you the best chance at personal growth and enhancing your own functioning. Improve your physical, mental and emotional well-being by stepping outside your comfort zone. It's about living with hope, having both meaning and purpose, and identifying and living your own values. Instead of suffering in silence you can live, laugh, learn, lead, love and leave a legacy. It's your opportunity to build a life worth living. I invite you to reach out to me. EDUCATION AND TRAINING BA in Humanities/Social Justice MA in Social Clinical Psychology Dual Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist Trained in EMDR Levels I and II Trained in Palliative Care and Hospice Care Trained in Aging, Grief & Loss, Transitions, Chronic Illness Trained and Nationally Certified in Dialectical Behavior Therapy Trained in Cinema ”Reel” to “Real” Film Group Therapy Trained in Co-Occurring Mental Health and Substance Abuse Treatment/Recovery Trained in Trauma-informed Care and Trauma-specific Practices Trained in Gottman Method Couples Therapy Level I Trained in Multiculturalism, Disability Rights, Ethnic Minorities, Culturally Diverse Populations including Race, Gender, Class, Religion, Power/Privilege and LGBTQIA Orientation/Identity and Coming-Out stages.

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Marjorie Fagan

Offering therapy in California
License: MA,LMFT
Stress, AnxietyGriefSelf esteemDepressionCoping with life changes
14 years of experience

I would like to, first of all, congratulate you on taking the first step toward getting the support you need right now! My name is Marjorie, and I live in sunny Southern California with my partner John, of many years, my three cats, three dogs, and tortoise (who is currently hibernating)...don't we all wish we could do that at times? I have had the privilege of being a 'helper' for almost 13 years now...time really does fly! And, that is another reason for congratulating yourself for seeking help. Time is of the essence! I want to help you work through issues that are holding you back from being your true authentic self! Issues, or struggles that are too big or overwhelming to solve on your own. I know that I am not a fixer, and I don't have all the answers, although I might have a suggestion or two. I have worked in a variety of clinical settings over the years, and with many ethnic populations. I also have Certifications in the Trauma Resiliency Model, Mindfulness Meditation, Play Therapy with Children, and Alcohol and other Drug Counseling! I love what I do and consider it an honor to collaborate, and help you resolve whatever it might be that is holding you back..keeping you stuck! I look forward to working with you!

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Janette Hernandez

Offering therapy in California
License: LMFT
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesFamily conflictsDepressionCoping with life changes
8 years of experience

My name is Janette, LMFT. Through a person-centered approach, I thrive in assisting people address their areas of concern. You are the expert in you and I use my skillset, experience and knowledge base that I have acquired over the past 8 years to work with you. I am a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) under the state of California. I have had the honor of working with adults, youth and families who have had difficulties with life's stressors dealing with relationships, trauma, depression, anxiety and other concerns. Utilizing a combination of theoretical approaches, including, cognitive-behavioral therapy, I collaborate with you to meet you where you are. I specialize in the following areas, however, this list is not exhaustive, if you have a question please reach out. • Anxiety (Social, Generalized, Panic) • Adjustment Issues • Mood Disorders (Major Depressive Disorder) • Trauma & Stress Related Concerns • Problems related to family/interpersonal relationships

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Jose Campos

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesTrauma and abuseGriefDepression
10 years of experience

I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with 10 years of experience of providing therapy for various mental health conditions and from that I believe in the dignity of people and professional treatment is most effective when dignity of the person is at the forefront of therapy. I specialize in treating depression, anxiety, and traumatic stress, in addition to issues embedded in those challenges such as relationship problems, difficulties with a sense of purpose, coping with past abuse, ADHD, and unresolved grief. As your therapist, I will collaborate with you on goals and objectives to achieve while having a therapeutic environment that is inclusive, empathetic, and informative about different mental health conditions or socio-emotional difficulties to empower decision-making about what goals to create and pursue in therapy. Therapy is intended to be individualized to see the whole person and not just the issues that are brought forward. With that said, I want to know what is working for you, and please ask me questions at any point during our time together. Apart of my professional goal is for you to be confident in sharing with me what I can do in assisting you. I look forward to meet you.

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Tim Masters

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseSelf esteemBipolar disorderDepression
5 years of experience

I am licensed as a clinical social worker in Wyoming , Maine, and Ohio with 6 years of clinical work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, depression, trauma and abuse, motivation, self-esteem and confidence, bipolar disorder, OCD, and psychotic disorders. I believe in treating everyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion. Your treatment plan will be personalized to meet your unique and specific needs. Therapy takes commitment and hard work, and I am excited that you have chosen to start down the path to recovery. I look forward to working together!

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Susan DeHaan

Offering therapy in California
License: LCSW
Stress, AnxietyGriefBipolar disorderDepressionCoping with life changes
30 years of experience

I'm a LIcensed Clinical Social Worker with over thirty years experience working in a variety of counseling settings and hospitals with adults, children and families who are experiencing a wide range of issues and problems. During our first meeting, you can expect a brief review of information you've already provided about your personal history and current circumstances and to discuss your reasons for seeking counseling along with the goals you'd like to achieve (if known). Based on the information you provide, we'll develope an agreed upon strategy for obtaining these goals. In addtion, most of the time, at the end of our first meeting, I can give you an estimate of the number of meetings it will take to get there. I have Bachelor's Degress in Psychology and Sociology and a Master's Degree in Social Work. I have taught in my profession at the undergraduate and graduate levels, am an approved Clinical Intern Supervisor and have been a fully licensed clinician for decades. I strive to assist all those who work with me in resolving the issues that have brought them to counseling to ensure they feel benefited by the experience.

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Ashby "Brooks" Larsen

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseGriefSelf esteem
58 years of experience

I am licensed in California and Utah with 24 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, trauma and abuse, & coping with grief and loss. I also have experience working with 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.

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Judith 'Judi' Shaffer

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

I am licensed in California and Massachusetts with 29 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, 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 sign up for therapy can take courage and I am proud of you for getting started!

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Daniel Vigil

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesFamily conflictsSelf esteemDepression
40 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 40 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, & 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!

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Abel Fernandez

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietyParenting issuesSelf 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, parenting issues, & motivation, self esteem, and 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. 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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Patricia Loy

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

I have helped individuals , couples, and families to have better communication and overall better relationships. I have helped individuals with stress and anxiety, trauma and abuse, coping with grief and loss, lack of motivation, self esteem, and confidence. I believe in treating everyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion. I will tailor your treatment 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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Christina Tyhurst

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesFamily conflictsParenting issuesAnger management
10 years of experience

I am a licensed clinical social worker in California privileged to have 10+ years of professional work experience providing various therapies to my wonderful clients. After earning my bachelors degree in psychology at UC Davis, I worked at a school that served children with a primary diagnosis of autism. While I was a member of a team that helped teach 8-10 year old boys various skill acquisition tasks, I learned a great deal in this line of work as well. The program was loosely based on applied behavior analysis where we focused on using positive reinforcement to teach various competencies and decrease maladaptive coping skills. Following this I began providing ABA services in home for kids with autism aged 3-7yo. I worked helping kids learn more daily living skills, school readiness, behavior modification, and more. I then had a short stint as a nanny (and definitely used my behavior modification knowledge to my advantage). Following that I earned my MSW at the University of Southern California where I had an internship as a school counselor (and earned my PPSC), and at a partial hospitalization program at UCLA’s neuropsychiatric hospital working with families with kids who struggled with school for various reasons. Upon graduation I went back to ABA as a supervisor and managed a caseload of 10-15 families with children on the autism spectrum providing case management, parent training, staff training, program planning, behavior modification strategies and most importantly, doing all of this while building a strong and positive rapport with my clients and their families. Since 2017 I’ve shifted my focus to working with adults and focusing on relationship and life skills such as boundaries, mindfulness, anger management, assertiveness, how to choose a healthy partner, how to have a healthy relationship, emotion identification, expression, regulation, and communication. I also love exploring how our attachment styles and coherent narratives impact our ability and path of growth. I believe that the relationship between a therapist and a client is one that requires an important fit. It’s ok to shop around to find someone that fits you and if I’m the lucky therapist who works with your personality, then I truly look forward to working with you to improve your life. Taking the first step to sign up for therapy can take courage and I am proud of you for getting started! Your mental health is worth EVERYTHING.

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Evline Kamarzarian

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesFamily conflictsTrauma and abuseDepression
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, trauma, & abuse. I also have experience working with 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.

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Vicki Barker

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseSelf esteemDepressionCoping with life changes
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, trauma, abuse, motivation, self esteem, confidence, & depression. 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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April Adams Edwards

Offering therapy in California
Relationship issuesSelf esteemCareer difficultiesDepressionCoping with life changes
20 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 20 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with relationship issues, motivation, self esteem, confidence, career difficulties, & depression. 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 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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