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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Bethany Minick

Offering therapy in California
License: LMFT
Stress, AnxietySelf esteemBipolar disorder
5 years of experience

Please read FIRST: 1. I am ONLY offering CHAT/AUDIO MESSAGE EXCHANGE therapy at this time. I am not available for video/phone meetings at this time. The PROS of this offering of therapy include: more flexibility for you and I to touch base as needed! :) Chat therapy would include the use of general message exchange, journal entry communication, worksheets and audio message exchange. I am confident that you would receive great services with this structure if you are interested. Ideally, we would touch base 5-10x/week (1-2x/day Monday-Friday). This form of therapy is not intended for crisis situations or if you are experiencing severe mental health symptoms. If at any point I believe that you need more intensive services, I will refer you to receive more intensive services. I understand that this structure is not for everyone, so if you are interested in this structure of therapy, please continue reading and I look forward to meeting you! :) 2. We will not use the calendar feature or book scheduled time slots. Rather, we will plan to touch base during the time frames of 6am-6pm Monday and Friday openly. Hi, and thanks for visiting! My name is Bethany and I am glad to meet you! I was raised in a very eclectic city, thus I have an appreciation for culture, arts, music and outdoor activities! Did I mention I really love food and cooking? I do! I can be described as easy-going, understanding, down to earth and goal-oriented. I find myself constantly thinking about current goals, new goals and old goals. Don’t worry-I also know what it’s like to be kind to yourself when energy isn’t exactly matching goals. We all need a break sometimes! Sometimes we need a break from work, others or even ourselves. My goal is to help you find your path on your journey and help find what uniquely works for you! I have experience working with disadvantaged youth, couples, families, individuals with disabilities, support systems, advocacy, group homes and day programs and helping individuals manage psychiatric symptoms through collaborative efforts. I am able to work with: Symptoms of Depression and Anxiety Feelings of loneliness Grief Trauma Personal processing Interpersonal processing Individuals in caregiving positions Couples and Families My approach to therapy is Person-Centered. I practice Person-Centered and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for individuals. I follow Emotion-Focused Therapy and Gottman Theory for couples. I also have a niche for helping find alternative life strategies and helping to structure healthy routines. I am ready to hear your story and join with you on your personal process! *Note: Option for messaging only: If you are interested in having “live messaging only” therapy as an option, I am open to that and we can discuss what that would look like. *Note: You may send messages in between sessions. I check my mail 1-2 times daily and will respond to your message by 6 PM Monday-Friday. *Note: When it is time to schedule and depending on what time you select, I may also ask you to readjust that time up to 15 minutes if I have a client before or after you. This may be done to ensure that you get the proper time that you deserve. I understand that the service provided through BetterHelp is not intended for crisis situations and urgent needs. In a crisis situation, I agree to call 911 or local emergency services, or visit the nearest emergency room. Information shared with my counselor is confidential except in the following circumstances: If I present as a danger to myself or others, mandated reporting of abuse of children or elders, or if I sign a release of information.

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Renette Herrera

Offering therapy in California
License: MS,LMFT
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsFamily conflictsTrauma and abuseDepression
13 years of experience

I am a marriage and family therapist licensed in California. I have over 13 years experience in counseling families, children, teenagers and individuals. I have worked with a wide range of concerns including anxiety, depression, parenting issues, relationship problems, trauma, ADHD, Autism Spectrum Disorder and Mood Disorders. My counseling approach is person centered and solution focused. I am eclectic in my approach and use other modalities as well in therapy such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Motivational Interviewing, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Mindfulness, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), and Matrix Model for addiction. I pride myself in treating everyone with respect and compassion. My counseling style is interactive, warm and understanding. I meet my client where they are in their emotional journey. We work together to address challenges and change negative perceptions that do not serve them well. Helping you become more confident, joyful and create a peaceful life. I believe in creating a space where we can have difficult conversations and you feel heard and understood. It takes a lot of courage and strength to reach out and ask for additional support. I thank you for giving me the opportunity to be part of your journey and trusting me with you most pressing issues. I look forward to working with you!

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Sue (Susie) Swartz

Offering therapy in California
License: LMFT
Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseGriefDepressionCoping with life changes
10 years of experience

Every client has a story to tell and specific needs that bring them to therapy. Whether its a major life transition, depression, anxiety, trauma, or complicated bereavement, hope is a decision you can choose to form the changes you wish to see. My ideal client is a client who is ready to make the changes they need to live a fuller more meaningful life. I utilize a client centered approach which connects clients to their unique strengths while helping them discover the best versions of themselves. As your therapist it is not lost on me what an incredible honor it is to hold space for people to prepare their mind, body, and soul for this journey. Positive change and growth hinge upon a trusting authentic client therapist relationship. I will help you explore patterns, thoughts and behaviors that are barriers to being your best self. Having worked 16 years in the field of trauma, crisis intervention, victim advocacy, and severely mentally ill adults I have witnessed the best and worst of the human condition. I am privileged to walk beside you on your way to a sustainable path to healing.

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Emily Nielsen

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesGriefIntimacy-related issuesParenting issues
10 years of experience

I am a licensed therapist in California with 10 years of professional experience. I have been helping clients with reducing stress, anxiety, creating healthy relationships, good communication, boundaries, coping with change, sadness, loss, & intimacy related issues. I am a strengths based clinician & believe in treating everyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion. I will tailor our dialog and treatment plan to meet your unique needs. It takes courage to seek out a more fulfilling and happier life and to take the first steps towards making a change. I am here to support & empower you in that journey.

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Rebecca Bell

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesFamily conflictsSelf esteemCoping with life changes
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, relationship issues, family conflicts, & motivation, self esteem, and confidence. 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.

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Dynesha Crooks

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietyGriefSelf esteemCareer difficultiesCoping with life changes
18 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 18 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, coping with grief and loss, 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!

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Orsini Estrada

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

I am licensed in California with 9 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress, anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, & parenting issues. 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 seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process.

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Shaileen Martinez

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

I am licensed in California, Texas, and Minnesota with 5 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress, anxiety, motivation, self esteem, confidence, & depression. I also have experience working with coping with life changes and working with mothers in the peripartum period. 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.

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Fantoya Hill

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsGriefSelf esteemDepression
3 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 3 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress, anxiety, coping with addictions, coping with grief, coping with loss, motivation, self esteem, & 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!

This is Celanire Shangraw's avatar and link to their profile

Celanire Shangraw

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietySelf esteemDepressionCoping with life changesCompassion fatigue
6 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 6 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress, anxiety, motivation, self esteem, confidence, depression, & coping with life changes. I also have experience working with compassion fatigue. 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 BetterHelp therapists in California does not offer diagnostic or medication management services in therapy.

Why do people choose to work with a licensed counselor or therapists?

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, working with:

  • Challenging situations or life stressors
  • Eating disorders requiring therapy
  • Anxiety disorders in need of therapeutic support
  • Depression or depressive mental health conditions
  • Adjustment issues in need of therapeutic support
  • Emotional support for a terminal illness
  • Chronic pain emotional support
  • Grief therapy
  • Personality disorders
  • Trauma therapy
  • Relationship conflicts and mental health concerns

Finding a therapist in California 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 therapy site. If you are in life-threatening danger, call 911. If you require support for a crisis, reach out to the therapy 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 therapy with a licensed therapist cost?

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

BetterHelp offers payment plans of $65 to $100 per week. 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.

Is it possible to find a therapist, counselor, or psychology practitioner that offers affordable therapy?

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.

What can a psychologist help me with in therapy?

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 in-person or online therapy with a therapist in California?

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.

Are online therapy sessions 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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