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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Matthew Heimark

Offering therapy in California
License: LMFT
Stress, AnxietyLGBTRelationship issuesGriefDepression
6 years of experience

Listening is an art and a science. I listen attentively without judgment and without jumping to conclusions. The therapeutic alliance between clinician and client is what makes this work so meaningful. The “talking cure” is transformational, often leading to a greater sense of personal choice and freedom. I’m a psychodynamically-trained psychotherapist who is a part of the LGBTQ+ community, and also practice mindfulness and meditation. I enjoy working with individuals and couples. Above all, I am a human that meets people where they are. I employ an evidence-based mindset and practical interventions to address a variety of concerns and ailments. My clinical orientation is eclectic; tailored to best meet you where you are now, addressing your needs whether relationship-specific, intimacy-related, career-focused, something more abstract or not yet determined. I generally employ a depth-oriented perspective, with the belief that your past affects your present. Examining this brings awareness to developed patterns that may not serve you well. While acknowledging depression, anxiety, trauma, and other life transitions and opting not to view them through a prescribed one-size-fits-all lens, we work together to remedy these areas that ail you. I believe that most theoretical orientations can provide benefit to client populations, whether psychoanalytically-informed, humanistic, relational, existential, or perhaps from a non-Western way of thinking. You are a unique individual. I am dedicated to you and your wellness - not a predetermined set of criteria or ideals from any specific school or way of practicing. I am warm, real, in-the-room, and always “with you” in session. When working with couples, I dedicated in helping you find better ways to communicate effectively with one another and repair intimacy within your relationship. Are you at a crossroads and considering reaching out? My goal is to empower you with the tools and insight necessary for you to experience a more fulfilling way of living and the opportunity for transformative change. I welcome you to take the first step and reach out to me to schedule a time for us to talk.

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Reuben L. Nevels, Sr.

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesGriefDepression
10 years of experience

I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in California. I have been in the profession for 16 years with 10 years of clinical experience. I earned my Master's Degree from the University of Southern California School of Social Work (2007). I am a Christian and ordained Elder (Minister). If desired, I am able to incorporate biblical wisdom, spiritual disciplines, and prayer into the sessions for those who request it. I have experience in helping individuals with depression, stress and anxiety, and coping with grief and loss. I also have experience working with relationship issues. I believe in treating everyone with respect and sensitivity. I am calm, compassionate, and non-judgmental. I will tailor our dialogue and treatment plan to meet your unique and specific needs. Taking the first step to sign up for therapy takes courage, and I am proud of your decision to embark on this journey of becoming a better you! I look forward to working you to find ways to enhance your quality of life.

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Bethany Kelley

Offering therapy in California
License: LCSW
Stress, AnxietyLGBTRelationship issuesTrauma and abuseDepression
20 years of experience

Hey there and welcome! I am a Clinical Social Worker with over 20 years of experience working in the Mental Health and Addiction fields. I have worked with clients with a wide range of concerns including depression, anxiety, parenting problems, career/life change, military adjustment concerns, LGBTQ+ and relationship issues. I believe each person is unique and so I use a person centered approach with a very warm, non-judgemental and compassionate style. I believe in treating others with the highest level of respect and dignity. I will meet you where you are and move with you at your pace. I don't believe in stigmatizing labels--the world does enough of that. I acknowledge the courage it takes to seek out answers and create a more rewarding life! I also commend you for your choice in owning the goal to be a healthier YOU! I look forward to joining you on your journey to an improved, happier YOU!

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Melinda Dauer

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsRelationship issuesParenting issuesDepression
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, coping with addictions, relationship issues, & 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. 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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Colleen Kelly

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsRelationship issuesFamily conflictsSelf esteem
29 years of experience

My individual clients are struggling with anxiety, getting sober, have long term sobriety, or are expats adjusting to their new country. They are struggling in a relationship, family, or marriage and want to feel connected and joyous with those that they love. I will not sit there and nod and ask, "how does that make you feel?" I am very active in therapy and we will work together to create the life you want. I interweave assessment with psychodynamic, family systems, humor, attachment focused therapy with coaching techniques and Mindfulness to provide personal individualised treatment. I'm a queer therapist married to my husband 29 years with 2 grown kids. I have 32 years in recovery. We are all struggling in life. It's freaking incomprehensible a lot of the time. I truly respect you. I will work collaboratively with you not through some weird hierarchy. You know what is best for you and we will find out exactly what that is so you can live a life of peace, joy, and fulfilment.

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Nancy Streeter

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

I am licensed in California and South Carolina with 19 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, parenting issues, & 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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Darlene Violas

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesFamily conflictsDepressionADHD
14 years of experience

I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with over 14 years of experience in the clinical field. With a deep commitment to providing evidence-based care, I utilize a range of therapeutic approaches tailored to meet each client's unique needs. Care is centered around creating a warm, compassionate, and non-judgmental space where clients can feel safe to explore their thoughts and emotions. Through collaborative goal-setting and a focus on the client’s strengths, I work to empower individuals to overcome obstacles, build resilience, and achieve lasting change. I am dedicated to helping clients navigate life's challenges with support and understanding.

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Andy Le

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

I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker based in California with over 5 years of experience serving in various capacities such as colleges, non-profits, hospitals, and government. I take a person-centered and systems approach to therapy in a holistic manner to provide opportunities to discover self-determination: voice and choice. I have worked with clients with a wide range of concerns including depression, anxiety, relationship issues, parenting problems, career, and school challenges. I also helped many people who have experienced trauma such as physical abuse or neglect. In my sessions, I provide a non-judgmental environment that comes from a place of calm, compassion, and empathy. I provide an environment that will allow opportunities to increase self-direction and collaboration in exploring different solutions to your issues and goals. It takes courage to seek a more fulfilling and happier life and to take the first steps towards change. If you are ready to take that step, I am here to support and empower you. I look forward to joining you on this journey!

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Dr. Damaris Galarza

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsTrauma and abuseSelf esteemDepression
13 years of experience

Hello, I am a bilingual licensed psychologist in Los Angeles, California with 13 years of professional experience. I work with clients who are experiencing stress, anxiety, addictions, trauma, abuse, motivation, self-esteem, confidence and depression. I have a cognitive behavioral approach and believe it is important for the client to feel empowered by learning different ways to address their concerns. In addition, I conduct psychosocial and cognitive evaluations. If you are interested in identifying, understanding and learning new ways to cope with mental health concerns, I am happy to help!

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Kimberly Lloyd

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietySelf esteem
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, motivation, & self esteem. I also have experience working with confidence. 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 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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