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 Krystal Johnson's avatar and link to their profile

Krystal Johnson

Offering therapy in California
License: LCSW,MSW
Relationship issuesGriefSelf esteemDepressionCoping with life changes
8 years of experience

My name is Krystal Johnson, and I'm a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in the state of California. I earned my Master of Social Work degree, specializing in Children, Youth and Families, from California State University, Hayward, in 2011 and received my Licensure in 2015. I've worked in many different settings with individuals and families who have a variety of personal issues such as depression/anxiety, stress, family problems, trauma/abuse, relationships/parenting and more. Throughout the years as a clinician, my experience has taught me that the most important aspect of counseling by far is the connection, rapport and comfort you feel with the person you choose to share your most vulnerable thoughts. My goal is to provide insight, techniques, and tools (to work on and practice in between sessions) that you can use in making changes in your life. Most importantly, I will work with you at a pace that you are comfortable with to ensure we are moving toward the goals that you make for yourself. I look forward to encouraging you, empowering you, guiding you, and even challenging you at times. A little bit about me- wife and mother of 3, Licensed Zumba Instructor, Musician, & love to scrapbook!

This is Carri Barish's avatar and link to their profile

Carri Barish

Offering therapy in California
License: LMFT,LPCC
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesParenting issuesSelf esteemCoping with life changes
6 years of experience

Are you feeling depressed? Overwhelmed? Anxious? Confused? Difficulties communicating effectively? Problems with relationships? Stressed out? Want easy to understand support you can use right away? I offer easy to understand support you can use right away and it includes making the most of your time, strengths and resources How I work is that I focus on the outcomes you are looking for. It’s a collaborative effort and I listen to what it is you need support with that session on that day - and the take-aways that support You. I use what is often referred to as a multi-modality approach. Primarily, I use CBT, cognitive-behavioral therapy, DBT, dialectical behavior therapy, both proven to be very effective for people. They address how our thoughts impact our feelings which then impact our behaviors. And also how to better manage distress and emotions and while improving relationship skills. In addition I utilize Solution Focused Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, and Adlerian Therapy. Solution Focused therapy helps keep you focused in the present, thinking about solutions, and on specific actions you can take towards the outcomes you are looking for. Motivational Interviewing keeps you motivated and as you work with your strengths creating daily successes of all sizes. Adlerian theory helps eliminate outmoded or negative imprints from childhood that are weighing you down or are triggering feelings of guilt, fear, and resentment. When you look at these it helps reduce any default or go-to reactions and behaviors that keep you in situations and relationships that you want to improve or get out of – and as time goes by - wonder why you things don't change. The advantage of this approach is that I am able to select from a variety of theories and utilize what will be most useful for you and your particular situation or circumstance. We will start with whatever you think most important, create a plan you can start on, and come up with at least one thing you can begin doing differently, or stop doing, until your next session, and go forward from there. I am here to help! Get it touch with me now - yes now is a good time for me too! If I don't get back to you within an hour, I will within 24 hours unless you contact me over the weekend and then I will get back to you the following Monday.

This is Esther Kennedy's avatar and link to their profile

Esther Kennedy

Offering therapy in California
License: MSW,LCSW
Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseSelf esteemDepressionCoping with life changes
35 years of experience

Hello and welcome to taking the first steps to changing your life situation. My name is Esther Kennedy and I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, LCSW. I have been in the field of behavior health for over 30 years. My direct services have been providing support to adults, children and adolescents. My expertise is in the areas of; outpatient therapy, individual, family, group, psycho-social assessments, social-emotional development, crisis intervention, case management services, substance misuse/abuse, adaptive life skills and client advocating. Additionally, I have worked with clients on a wide range of concerns such as anxiety, depression, ADHD, parenting concerns, relationship problems, family conflicts, domestic violence, coping with life changes, poor social skills, anger management and trauma induced issues to name a few. My counseling approach combines Client Center Therapy, Mindfulness, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Solution Focused Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, and a Faith-Based Counseling approach. I take pride in my style of a non-judgmental attitude, cultural sensitivity, being warm and caring, being an empathetic listener and responding empathetically can help you work through challenges and life’s issues. If you want to experience more effective ways of coping with life stressors please consider partnering with me to achieve your desired goals.

This is Dr. Megan Tsang 's avatar and link to their profile

Dr. Megan Tsang

Offering therapy in California
License: PsyD
Stress, AnxietySelf esteemDepressionCoping with life changes
16 years of experience

I am a clinical psychologist in the state of California, and I have been licensed since 2009. I have trained and worked in a variety of settings helping individuals with a range of concerns including depression, anxiety, stress, adjustment disorders, as well as other mental health diagnoses such as bipolar disorder. I enjoy helping and supporting others through challenging episodes in their life. My therapy style can be described as judgment free and supportive yet goal oriented and solution focused. The approaches to therapy that I often utilize include cognitive behavioral therapy, solution focused therapy, and client centered therapy; however, depending on the presenting concerns and goals may sometimes utilize an analytical or existential approach. I think that seeking out support takes courage, and my goal is to create a safe and welcoming experience. I look forward to working with you.

This is Michelle Clisby's avatar and link to their profile

Michelle Clisby

Offering therapy in California
Relationship issuesFamily conflictsSelf esteemDepressionCoping with life changes
15 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 10 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with relationship issues, family conflicts, 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 seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process.

This is Jasmine Ortiz's avatar and link to their profile

Jasmine Ortiz

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsRelationship issuesTrauma and abuseSelf esteem
15 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 15 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, coping with addictions, relationship 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. I am also Bilingual in English and Spanish.

This is Linda Rojas's avatar and link to their profile

Linda Rojas

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseSelf esteemDepressionCoping 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, trauma and abuse, 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 seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process. *Please note that I do not provide any letters.

This is Hong Zhang's avatar and link to their profile

Hong Zhang

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesTrauma and abuseGriefParenting issues
5 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 5 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 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.

This is Michael Miller's avatar and link to their profile

Michael Miller

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietyAnger managementSelf esteemCoping with life changesCompassion fatigue
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, anger management, motivation, self esteem, and confidence, & 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.

This is Michelle Filippi-Robb's avatar and link to their profile

Michelle Filippi-Robb

Offering therapy in California
License: LPC
GriefDepressionCoping with life changes
24 years of experience

I’m a therapist with over 20 years of experience and specialized training in grief therapy. I help people navigate all the messy, complicated emotions that come with grief—and let’s be honest, grief doesn’t just happen when we lose someone we love (including animals). It can also show up after a breakup, a job, a friendship, or even during major life transitions and crisis. Whatever your grief looks like, I’m here to support you as you figure out how to move forward. On a personal note, I was born with a birth defect, spina bifida and use a wheelchair full-time, which gives me a unique perspective on navigating life as a person with a disability. I understand some of the complexities and curveballs that come with it, and I’m here to provide a compassionate, understanding space for anyone on a similar path. My therapy style is laid-back and conversational. I use Person-Centered Therapy, which means I trust that you’re the expert in your own life, and I’m here to help you find your own answers. I also incorporate Brief Solution-Focused Therapy for when you’re looking for more immediate, practical tools. A few fun facts about me: I work from home, so you might hear or see one of my four dogs in the background. I love animals (and talking about them), and over the past few years, I’ve worked with many people grieving the loss of their furry (or feathered) family members. I’m also a firm believer that therapy should be a space where you feel comfortable and understood—no judgment, no pressure, just support. If you think I might be a good fit for you, I’d love to help you on your journey. And if for some reason I’m not the right therapist for you, I’ll do my best to help you find someone who is.

This is Dr. Craig Landry's avatar and link to their profile

Dr. Craig Landry

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseSelf esteemDepressionCoping with life changes
27 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 24 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, trauma and abuse, motivation, self esteem, and confidence, & 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 sign up for therapy can take courage and I am proud of you for getting started!

This is Xiaoying 'Sharon' Qi's avatar and link to their profile

Xiaoying 'Sharon' Qi

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietyParenting issuesSelf esteemCareer difficultiesADHD
6 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 6 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, parenting issues, motivation, self esteem, and confidence, & career difficulties. 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 jonathan castro's avatar and link to their profile

jonathan castro

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesSelf esteemDepression
11 years of experience

I have been a therapist in the state of California with about 11 years of experience. I have experience and history in working with clients who struggle with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, motivation, self esteem, and confidence, & depression, and more! I have worked in various spectrums of therapeutic settings, ranging from psychiatric hospitals, private practice, as well as county crisis clinics. I like to inform clients of that history to reassure them that I can handle whatever they are struggling with, and that my most important thing as your therapist is making you feel seen, safe, heard, and like you are making progress. I go into therapy with the mindset of a team effort. I have an eclectic style of therapy that I like to work around and create for each client I am working with. I also like to add some sarcasm and humor, because whats struggle without some laughter? I believe in treating everyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion. I also want to take a moment and say how much courage it takes to reach out for help, especially in a therapeutic setting. I hope to be able to help you accomplish the various goals you may have.

This is Karina Cooper's avatar and link to their profile

Karina Cooper

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietyParenting issuesSelf esteemCareer difficultiesDepression
13 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 13 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress, anxiety, parenting issues, motivation, self esteem, confidence, & career difficulties. 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. 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 Penny Sullenger's avatar and link to their profile

Penny Sullenger

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietyAnger managementSelf esteemDepressionADHD
16 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 16 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress, anxiety, anger management, motivation, self esteem, confidence, depression, & concentration. I also have experience working with focus (ADHD). I primarily work with school age children and young adults. I have experience in working with transgender individuals. 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.

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.

Find the right therapist for your needs
Match with a qualified therapist