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.

This is Daniel Barrera's avatar and link to their profile

Daniel Barrera

Offering therapy in California
License: MA,LMFT
Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseSelf esteemDepression
10 years of experience

Hello, my name is Daniel, and I am a licensed marriage and family therapist (LMFT). I earned my master’s in clinical psychology from Hope International University in Fullerton, CA. With over ten years of experience in the inpatient and counseling fields, I specialize in areas such as anxiety, depression, daily stressors, PTSD, developing coping strategies, fatherhood and young adult concerns. My approach to therapy is rooted in cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), person-centered therapy, and solution-focused techniques. I believe that lasting change occurs when we are honest with ourselves and open to exploring new life strategies that can guide us toward a better path, bringing us closer to change and happiness. The future is ahead—let it begin today.

This is Sandra Hurtado's avatar and link to their profile

Sandra Hurtado

Offering therapy in California
License: LMFT105664
Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseDepression
9 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 9 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, trauma and abuse, & 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.

This is Anupama Masih's avatar and link to their profile

Anupama Masih

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesTrauma and abuseParenting issuesDepression
20 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 20 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, trauma and abuse, & parenting issues. I have done faith-based Therapy for Christian clients . 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 also speak fluent Spanish,.

This is Joseph De Vico's avatar and link to their profile

Joseph De Vico

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietyLGBTGriefDepressionCoping with life changes
25 years of experience

Hello, my name is Joseph De Vico. Let’s talk. We’ll work together until that unsolvable problem is history, until that overwhelming pain is bearable, until the dream future that seems a million miles away is right in front of you. You’ve always been strong, resourceful, and intuitive. I’m just going to help clear away the junk you’re trapped beneath so you can actually feel that way: false beliefs that make life seem harder than it really is; stories about yourself that are so outdated, they have nothing to do with who you are now; distractions that keep you from deciding what is most meaningful to you; power imbalances that take away good things that are rightfully yours. This stuff has to go. What will you feel when you feel better? Peaceful? Hopeful? Whole? Decisive? Free? Seen, validated, grounded, elevated, invigorated, triumphant? Just plain better? When do we start?

This is Richard Alongi's avatar and link to their profile

Richard Alongi

Offering therapy in California
AddictionsRelationship issuesTrauma and abuseIntimacy-related issuesSelf esteem
36 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 36 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with coping with addictions, relationship issues, intimacy related issues, & 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 sign up for therapy can take courage and I am proud of you for getting started!

This is Karen Gudino-Gutierrez's avatar and link to their profile

Karen Gudino-Gutierrez

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietyGriefAnger managementSelf esteemDepression
6 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 6 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping with stress and anxiety, coping with grief and loss, anger management, & 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. 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.

This is Monique Ambrester's avatar and link to their profile

Monique Ambrester

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesFamily conflictsParenting issuesDepression
17 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 17 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, & 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. 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.

This is Dr Yuki Mitsuhashi-Acs's avatar and link to their profile

Dr Yuki Mitsuhashi-Acs

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsRelationship issuesSelf esteemCoaching
13 years of experience

Yuki J. M. Acs, Psy.D., M.S., M.A., Ed.D., LL.M., M.B.A. Dr. Acs is a licensed clinical psychologist trained in psychodynamic and behavioral approaches. He has worked with artists, executives, and psychiatric patients in California with 13 years of clinical work experience. He has worked as a medical psychologist, evaluator, psychotherapist, and counselor. He helps clients with stress and anxiety, coping with addictions, relationship issues, & 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 sign up for therapy can take courage and I am happy to help you get started on addressing the issues bothering you!" Dr Acs trained in psychotherapy and psychopathology as a master's level clinician (M.A. - Marriage and Family Therapy '13, M.S. - Chemical Dependency and Compulsive Disorders '13). As a doctoral level clinician Dr Acs completed further training in psychodynamic approaches and psychological testing (Psy.D. - Applied Clinical Psychology '16) and recently completed a second doctorate in adult learning (Ed.D. - Higher Order Thinking '23) as well as a postgraduate diploma in psychiatry from a medical school. He has worked as a college counselor, neuropsychologist, behavioral psychologist, psychiatric triage, and emergency room clinician.

This is Marisela Calvillo Espinoza's avatar and link to their profile

Marisela Calvillo Espinoza

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietySelf esteemCoping with life changesCompassion fatigue
5 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 5 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress, anxiety, relationship issues, motivation, self esteem, & confidence. I also have experience working with coping with life changes. 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. I am a first generation Latina with some knowledge on cultural challenges we come across ! I bring not only professional experience but personal . I am a very empathetic person and provide my patients with support.

This is Steven Jackson's avatar and link to their profile

Steven Jackson

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietyGriefSelf esteemCoping with life changes
15 years of experience

I am licensed in California and have 15 years of professional work experience. I have experience helping clients with stress, anxiety, grief, loss, motivation, self-esteem, and confidence, as well as coping with life changes. I work with my clients to create an open and safe environment where thoughts and feelings can be shared without fear of judgment. The first step to seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am direct and here to support you in that process.

How can a counselor support you?

Therapists can practice many types of counseling, from marriage and family therapy to cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and dialectical behavior therapy (DBT). They may also assist you with symptoms of depression, stress, or anxiety.

Therapists may help you set and achieve career goals, work on current issues you may be facing, or address your past. Over 32,349,851 people live in CA, and one out of five Americans has a mental health condition. Searching for local licensed professionals may help you find mental health support for personal growth, anxiety disorders, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and other mental health concerns. You do not need a mental health diagnosis to seek support from one of BetterHelp's licensed providers above.  

The mental health field can include psychiatric medication management, online therapy, marriage counseling, couples therapy, clinical social work, licensed counseling, and other mental health services in person and online. Seeing a licensed provider can help you navigate mental health conditions and life circumstances through mindfulness and other specialized techniques.

Please note that a BetterHelp therapist does not offer diagnostic or medication management services.

Why do people choose to work with a licensed counselor?

People reach out for mental health support for a variety of reasons. Many individuals work with a counselor for general life advice, while others may attend therapy for a specific concern. Whether you live in a large city or a smaller county, BetterHelp can match you with a licensed professional tailored to your preferences noted when you sign up.

The mental health therapists in California support clients with varying issues through therapy, such as:

  • Challenging situations or life stressors
  • Eating disorders
  • Anxiety disorders
  • Depression or depressive conditions
  • Adjustment issues
  • Emotional support for a terminal illness
  • Chronic pain emotional support
  • Grief
  • Personality disorders
  • Trauma
  • Relationship conflicts and concerns

Finding a therapist that takes new clients in online therapy can be the first step in finding a treatment plan that works for you. Your therapist can provide a safe space for you to focus on self-care and well-being.

If you're interested in speaking to one of the therapists above or being matched with a counselor in 24 to 48 hours, consider signing up for BetterHelp. BetterHelp has over 35,000 providers, including those listed above.

Emergency services to contact in a crisis

If you are experiencing a crisis or emergency, don't use the BetterHelp site. If you are in life-threatening danger, call 911. If you require support for a crisis, reach out to the hotlines below:

Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

Some of the most commonly asked questions about therapy can be found in the section below.

How much does a therapist cost?

Mental health professionals can differ in price. Forbes found that the average cost of in-person therapy in the US is around $100 to $200 per hour. Pricing can also vary based on your location. 

BetterHelp offers payment plans of $60 to $90 per session, charged monthly in a lump sum. You can also take advantage of this pricing on one of BetterHelp's sister platforms, like ReGain for couples or TeenCounseling for teens aged 13 to 19.

Many therapists may be upfront about their pricing and whether or not they take health insurance from the beginning. Additionally, some in your area may offer a sliding scale plan to allow those with lower incomes to pay less for therapy. However, services online can often save individuals a few hundred dollars per month.

When should I get a therapist in California?

Mental health services and mental health providers may help you navigate various concerns. You do not need a diagnosis or condition to attend therapy; You can discuss grief, relationship concerns, stress, or life changes and ask for general advice. A counselor may help you gain power over your life and emotions while you navigate day-to-day experiences.

Mental health issues don't always present as a crisis. Many professionals provide talk therapy and support for life transitions, skills learning, relationship problems, or life coaching. Online therapy sessions can allow clients seeking therapy to experience professional help through video, phone, or live chat sessions without commuting to an office.

Does insurance cover the cost of therapy?

Different counseling services can vary in cost. Therapists must apply to accept insurance through insurance companies, which may take time and money, so not every therapist offers services through insurance. If you cannot find a therapist that accepts your plan, BetterHelp may be cheaper than visiting an in-person therapist.

Is online therapy the safe option?

Online therapy through BetterHelp and its sister platforms is safe. Therapists are licensed, experienced, and vetted before being contracted with the platform. If you experience any concerns with your therapist, you change your counselor through the platform or app at any time.

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