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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Lisa Lucius

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

I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist since 2009 in the state of California. I have experience working with many different populations and cultures. I have worked with moderate to severely mentally ill individuals as well as those who enter therapy to work on personal growth issues. I practice non judgement in life and it shows in my sessions. I rely on my experience and various techniques that are evidenced based and have been shown to work including CBT, DBT, and Motivational Interviewing Techniques. I like to educate and work with people on mindfulness techniques, inner child work, and assertive communication when it is useful. This is a passion of mine.

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Alfred Gomes

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

Hello and welcome to my profile. First, I'd like to express recognition to you for taking the first step to addressing what concerns, challenges, and issues that may be happening for you. It takes courage to take the first step of reaching out for assistance to increase your quality of life. We live in an ever changing world and as human beings we are constantly evolving and adapting to change. Life can be overwhelming, unpredictable, and challenging. I would love the opportunity be of help to you in your journey to feel better, healthier, and motivated. I have many years of experience working with youth, families, and individuals. I am truly passionate about helping others gain introspective knowledge about themselves in an effort to heal past traumas, gain self-confidence, increase self-love, reignite passions, set and work toward SMART goals, and shift perspectives. I use a variety of modalities. I individually customize treatment approaches to each client I work with. I am a professional who offers a clean, relaxed, comfortable, confidential, safe, positive, therapeutic setting for you to express yourself free from critical judgement. I consider myself a kind, friendly, attentive therapist. I will do my best to provide you with consistent, quality care and treatment throughout our time working together.

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Dr. Carol Suter

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesTrauma and abuseIntimacy-related issuesDepression
34 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 35 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with relationship issues, trauma and abuse, & intimacy related issues. The methods I use include traditional talk therapy, Energy Psychology (EMDR, Tapping, and The Emotion code) as well as Clinical Hypnosis. 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. Because I am semi-retired my available times are limited. Also, I do not work with court cases. I hope you can find what you need. Dr. Carol Suter

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Dr. David Roy

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseAnger managementSelf esteemDepression
40 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, trauma and abuse, anger management, & 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. 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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Katherine Hughes

Offering therapy in California
License: LCPC
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsGriefSelf esteemDepression
9 years of experience

My focus is working with individuals. I am an experienced Baby Boomer having endured multiple losses and difficult life transitions. I have tremendous empathy for those trying to maneuver life's valleys. My style is attentive, respectful, and non-judgmental. I have earned two Masters degrees and four Post-Masters, all to better help clients. If you desire to change aspects of your life, you can start a journey in therapy and explore the answers you may already hold. Clients often have the answers, but they just need to process them. I was taught to listen 80 percent and reflect 20 percent during a session. This is because a therapy session is all about you. It is your time to explore your fears and dreams and how you hold the key to make meaningful changes. Let's be honest, though, it is not easy to open up to a stranger. But, once you start walking, a new you will be waiting to soar.

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Cecilia Samartin

Offering therapy in California
Relationship issuesGriefParenting issuesSelf esteemCoping with life changes
20 years of experience

I am a licensed mental health professional (LMFT) with over twenty-five years of clinical experience working with people from diverse backgrounds, facing a wide spectrum of issues, and life challenges. Over the years, I've learned that pain is not only unavoidable, but necessary for growth and healing to occur. Our "mistakes" become our best friends if we're willing to learn from them. Utilizing a client centered narrative approach , I assist my clients in finding meaning in the midst of their suffering (a critical step in alleviating pain) so they can move on confidently with their relationships, their work, their dreams and aspirations. It is an honor and a privilege to walk alongside my clients during this highly creative process. And it is my greatest joy to witness their growth and healing.

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Frances Kong

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietyFamily conflictsParenting issuesDepressionCoping with life changes
13 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 13 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, family conflicts, parenting issues, & depression. 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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Patrick Borch

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietyLGBTGriefSelf esteemCoping with life changes
14 years of experience

I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker based in the Bay Area, California. My experience comes from providing clinical and behavioral change counseling to adults with a variety of presenting concerns, including stress/anxiety, depression, coping with life changes, grief/loss, smoking cessation and other health-related behavior change, family relationships, and LGBT-related issues. I approach the therapeutic relationship with an acute sensitivity and respect for multi/cross cultural factors. I have clinical experience working with adults of all ages, socioeconomic backgrounds, genders, sexual orientations, ethnicities, and religious traditions. I have provided clinical and behavioral change counseling primarily in the health care setting, including acute care hospitals, research centers, and medical clinics. I believe we are all products of our closest relationships, environment, family systems, cultural background, and society. Every previous moment has led to the present one. I strive to treat the therapeutic relationship and you with compassion, respect, and warmth. My therapy style and approach draw influences from Mindfulness Therapy, Client-Centered Therapy, Strength-Based Therapy, Nonviolent Communication, and Motivational Interviewing. My top priority is to meet you where you are and to adjust my approach to what will work best for you as we work together to meet your goals. Whether you are working toward personal growth and insight or symptom-relief and improved functioning, my hope is that we can work collaboratively together to achieve it! It takes a lot of strength and courage to work towards a more fulfilling and happier life. If you are ready to take that step, I am here to support and empower you.

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Karen Conklin

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietySelf esteemCareer difficultiesCoping with life changes
20 years of experience

Hello and welcome to the first step to living the life you want to be living. I have 14+ years of life experience, living on both coasts and the Midwest too, one marriage, a son and daughter, a BA in Advertising and a MA in Clinical Psychology, a Middle School counselor, and psychotherapist to our War Veterans, a Marriage and Divorce Mediator. I have helped thousands with grief and loss, stress and anxiety, depression and anger, self esteem and silencing negative self talk, by learning to come from a place of love and growth versus fear, which keeps us stuck in a vortex. I provide the readily attainable tools for change. And I am honored to share my compassion in supporting you on your journey. Sincerely, Karen Conklin

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Melinda Meeks

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesGriefIntimacy-related issuesDepression
23 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 23 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress, anxiety, relationship issues, coping with grief, coping with loss, & intimacy related issues. I also have experience working with 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 sign up for therapy can take courage and I am proud of you for getting started!

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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