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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Alison Chrun

Offering therapy in California
License: MA,LMFT
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsFamily conflictsSelf esteemDepression
8 years of experience

Hello, my name is Alison Chrun, MA, LMFT. I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist based out of California. I enjoy helping clients with a wide range of concerns including depression, anxiety, relationship issues, parenting problems, coping with addiction, stress and career challenges. I also help individuals who have suffered from trauma and emotional abuse. My therapeutic style is warm and understanding. I believe in meeting my clients where they're at and allowing them to move at their own pace while simultaneously challenging them to work towards their treatment goals. My approach combines solution-focus, cognitive-behavioral, humanistic counseling and a heavy focus on mindfulness. I believe in molding every therapeutic approach to the needs of each specific client. My availability on the text boards is sporadic. You will hear back from me generally within 24 hours unless I am scheduled to be on leave, which you will know about ahead of time. I do become more active on the text boards in the evening time and can engage in a back and forth text exchange at times. I offer Live Chats, Video Sessions and Live Phone Sessions. If you are in need of an appointment sooner than my availability, please feel free to mention it to me on the boards and I can attempt to fit you in. Reaching out for support is the first step in healing and also one of the hardest. This process can feel overwhelming and difficult. I am happy to walk this path of healing with you and look forward to speaking with you soon.

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Muneerah Uqdah

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

Hello. My name is Muneerah Uqdah and I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker who has been providing individual and family counseling to children, teenagers, and adults for over 9 years. I have worked in a variety of setting such as community mental health agencies, juvenile justice system agencies, private practice and community health centers. I have my Master's of Social Work from the University of Southern California. I have utilized an array of treatment approaches such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Solution Focused Therapy, Child--Parent Psychotherapy, Trauma Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Dialectical Behavioral Therapy. Taking the first step to seek professional help can be difficult and daunting but that first step is all you need to start your healing journey. I am passionate about helping others get through life's toughest challenges and stressors whether it be how to resolve that conflict at work or school to struggles with trauma, depression and anxiety or to gain more self awareness and insight. Through a client centered and collaborative approach, I will work with you to accomplish your goals, gain insight, and help you become the best version of yourself. No matter where you are in your journey, I offer a safe and non judgmental space for my clients to express themselves openly and freely. I hope you allow me to help you through your transformation. The journey is yours and I look forward to taking it with you. Let's do this!

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Dr. Maura Castellanos

Offering therapy in California
License: PsyD
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsAnger managementDepressionCoping with life changes
12 years of experience

Hi I’m Dr. Mo (she/her). I started my career in mental health as a chemical dependency technician in a dual diagnosis treatment facility. over 10 years ago. I quickly realized I wanted to do more to help and went back to school to get my masters degree in clinical psychology with an emphasis in marriage and family therapy and then my doctorate in clinical psychology. I gained experience in a variety of clinical settings including but not limited to private practice, community clinics, hospitals, and correctional settings. I have worked with children, adolescents, and adults providing psychological assessment and intervention services for a wide array of psychological concerns. I have assisted diverse clientele presenting with issues including abandonment issues, alcoholism, anger, anxiety, caregiver stress, compassion fatigue, depression, existential crisis, family of origin issues, intellectual disabilities, isolation, life changes, parenting issues, postpartum depression, relationship issues, stress, substance abuse, trauma, women's issues, and young adult concerns. I work from a client-centered approach valuing the authentic whole person and collaborating with them in order to meet their treatment needs. I use a multidimensional integrative approach planning treatment to address the needs of the unique person in front of me. I look forward to getting to know you.

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Mayra Castro

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseParenting issuesSelf esteemDepression
9 years of experience

Welcome to Better Help. I am pleased you are visiting this site and taking the first step to become the best you. I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in California and I have over ten years of experience working with children, adults, and families. I have been providing individual therapy, couples therapy, family therapy, and group therapy for over six years. I specialize in depression, anxiety, personality disorders, trauma, self-esteem issues, communication, relationships issues, and parenting issues. I use a client centered approach and provide a judgement free zone. I also use a strength-based approach which helps you work towards meeting your treatment goals. My primary approaches include Trauma Informed Practice, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Didactical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), and Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR). I look forward to joining you in your journey.

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Andrea Blatchley

Offering therapy in California
License: MA,MFT
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesFamily conflictsParenting issuesCoping with life changes
15 years of experience

I am licensed in California with almost 20 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, & 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. 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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Melinda Clark

Offering therapy in California
Anger managementCoping with life changes
7 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 5 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with anger management & coping with life changes. 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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Christina Banks

Offering therapy in California
Stress, Anxiety
3 years of experience

I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in the state of California that works with "Women" with anxiety, stress, feelings of sadness, senior/elder/retirement challenges, young adult challenges, stress and anxiety while in college, and adjustment to chronic illness. Previously, I worked in an outpatient clinic for nine years assisting adults cope and adjust to chronic illness and the social and emotional issues related, such as loss of career and/or formal lifestyle. These issues were addressed by using healthy coping strategies and stress reduction techniques. I also practiced mindfulness and cognitive behavior therapy at the clinic. I utilize a strength-based approach, which emphasizes the positive qualities of a person as well as their strengths. I am a compassionate therapist that practices with empathy, validation, gentleness, and understanding. I will meet you wherever you are in your journey to recovery and will tailor therapy for your unique needs.

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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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Dr. Sara Marsh

Offering therapy in California
LGBTRelationship issuesGriefParenting issuesCoping with life changes
38 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 38 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with relationship issues, LGBTQ related issues, coping with grief and loss, & parenting issues and aging concerns. 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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Frances Nedjat-Haiem

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietyGriefCoping 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 stress and anxiety, coping with grief and loss, & 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. 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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Ramadevi Hao

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietyGriefSelf esteemDepressionCoping 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 stress and anxiety, trauma and abuse, coping with grief and loss, & motivation, self esteem, and confidence. Thank you for visiting and taking your time to read my profile. I believe we all have potentials, and it is my job to bring out that hidden potential that has been lacking or not acknowledged in your current situation. I utilized strength-based approaches to connect with my clients without pathologizing their problems, while building on their inner resources and agency within. I use different approaches that would best fit my client's goals and needs for change. I believe in meeting your needs and personalizing your treatment based on your life story and unique experience. 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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Dr. Barbara Levy

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesGriefSelf esteemDepression
9 years of experience

I am a licensed psychologist in California with a total of 14 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, depression, relationship issues, coping with grief and loss, motivation, self-esteem issues, and lack of confidence. I believe that you are the expert of your story and have many strengths that will assist you in overcoming things that challenge you. Taking the first step toward seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process.

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Whitney Paine

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietyFamily conflictsTrauma and abuseAnger managementDepression
6 years of experience

Do you ever feel overwhelmed with stress, hopelessness for the future or are struggling to cope with difficult emotions? As a therapist specializing in PTSD, depression and anxiety, I work with both adolescents and adults to help them process painful experiences and move toward a life of balance and resilience. Whether you’ve experienced a recent event or you’re navigating the long-term effects of past trauma, I offer a safe, compassionate space where you can explore your emotions, build coping skills, and reclaim your sense of self. Having family members with severe mental illness and personal experience with trauma myself, I am no stranger to PTSD, depression and family stress. I am comfortable and confident helping clients with a range of barriers to living a healthy and fulfilling life. I have been described as warm, relatable and a strong advocate for my clients. Beginning therapy is a vulnerable process and I am here to help support you along your journey.

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Jacqueline Valdovinos

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

I am bilingual Spanish licensed in California with 10+ years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, coping with addictions, trauma and abuse, & 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. 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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Jennifer Pfeiffer

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issues
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 & relationship issues. 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.

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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