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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Elizabeth Baxt

Offering therapy in California
License: LMFT
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesParenting issuesSelf esteem
40 years of experience

Hello, let me introduce myself to you. I am a therapist who is dedicated to work with clients motivated to improve their lives. Are you a client who want to learn how to think more clearly, make better decisions, and avoid drama? Call me if you want a guide who will help you improve your relationships, reduce your stress, and create a more fulfilling life. My goal for my clients is to help them improve their attitudes so they will feel better about themselves and obtain the life that they desire. I work with clients who believe that they can change and grow and want to improve their lives. I design the therapy to meet each person's needs. The best therapy is creative and interactive. I am trained to use art and guided imagery in addition to talk therapy. My clients walk away from a session feeling they have learned something about themselves and have been given skills to solve their problems. I value each client I work with. I believe that together we can learn from each other. At this time I am working with clients through telemedicine in Oregon and California.

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Dr. Ettie Bailey

Offering therapy in California
License: LMFT
AddictionsTrauma and abuseSelf esteemBipolar disorderDepression
10 years of experience

I am a marriage and family therapist licensed and working in the state of California, I also hold a doctorate in marriage and family therapy. Clinical experience includes anxiety, depression, addiction, issues related to gender/sexuality, trauma, abuse, and adjustment disorders. The youngest client I have worked with was 5 years of age and the oldest was 73. Given the extensiveness of my experience, there is no topic I will not address if it is the need of my client. I believe respect is crucial in the therapeutic relationship and approach my client’s with compassion, sensitivity, and warmth. My core theory of change is Strategic with certification as a Trauma Focused-Cognitive Behavioral Therapist, and I incorporate, cognitive behavioral therapy, narrative therapy and the humanistic approach. Additionally, I utilize the Alpha-Stim (biofeedback) for severe and persistent depression, anxiety, PTSD, and insomnia if this treatment modality is appropriate for my client. I tailor the treatment plan and therapeutic dialogue to meet your specific needs and work hard to ensure your unique needs are met. Engaging in therapy is scary and I applaud you for taking the necessary steps towards change. If you are ready, I am here to support and empower you. I look forward to working with you.

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Shannon Amabile

Offering therapy in California
License: LMFT
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesFamily conflictsGriefCoping with life changes
8 years of experience

Hi there! I’m Shannon and I’m a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) based in Los Angeles, California. I have been working with creative clients in entertainment since 2015. I have extensive experience supporting the nuanced social and emotional challenges creative professionals face. I aim to help clients navigate the emotional experience of interacting with the “machine” of entertainment and the culture it’s built on and around, so they can cultivate a meaningful and joyful quality of life. I strive to empower clients to process and resolve interpersonal and personal struggles, heal from the pain that echoes from those struggles and prepare clients to feel confident and equipped to meet and overcome future challenges. I like to use solution-oriented models with a focus on behavioral interventions, to hopefully bring clients a sense of relief as soon as possible and help empower them to make the changes they want to make. I'm passionate about working from a curiosity based, non-judgemental stance and feel privileged to provide space for clients to tell their stories and feel heard. My work centers on cultivating hope, promoting self-trust by enabling self-discovery, self-identification and self interpretation as well as improving communication skills and building mindfulness and de-escalation skills in moments of crisis. I like to empower clients to value that they are the expert in their lives and validate their ability to be the agent of change. I have worked in educational, residential, corporate and production related settings as well as in office and virtually. I have experience supporting clients who face depression, anxiety, challenges in romantic relationships, child rearing, parenting issues as well as personal growth and adjustment/transition issues, including grief/loss, long term maintenance and recovery from addiction, past personal and family of origin related trauma and abuse, interpersonal relational struggles in personal life and collaborative career relationships. The modalities I use in psychotherapeutic treatment are Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Narrative Therapy, and Solution-Focused Therapy. I also utilize Bowen Family Systems, Existential Therapy and Trauma Focused CBT.

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Janet Giles

Offering therapy in California
License: LMFT
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesFamily conflictsParenting issuesDepression
21 years of experience

Hello My name is Janet Giles and I am a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in California. My experience has been in a variety of clinical settings over the past 20 years. I have also taught psychology courses as an adjunct professor for National University in their counseling program. Courses include Lifespan Development, Child and Adolescent Development, Theories of Personality and Psychopathology. It can be intimidating to take the first step toward personal growth and healing, so I congratulate you for your courage. It is my goal to create the most comfortable and safe environment for our work together. Some areas of expertise include parenting, relationship issues, victims of abuse and domestic violence, anxiety and depression. I have worked with people that just need some extra support as they face a new life challenge, as well as those suffering great loss and hardships. My approach varies due to the issue of focus. I primarily utilize a combination of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Client and Strength Based, and Mindfulness interventions. However, other modalities are drawn upon if indicated. I am also an artist and have been accepted into several art exhibitions. I try to bring my sense of creativity into the therapeutic process. I also enjoy sewing, knitting and a good game of chess. It is my belief that the therapeutic relationship is vital to the success of treatment. I look forward to our meeting and will be honored to join you on your journey toward wellness and a more fulfilling life.

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Debra Pintel Steiner

Offering therapy in California
License: LCSW
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesFamily conflictsGriefDepression
10 years of experience

I am a retired social worker formerly with Alameda County Child Protective Services. I provided family counseling to families in the child welfare system. I have also provided individual therapy for adults with mental health and chronic physical health issues. Currently I provide individual therapy for adults with depression, anxiety, and relationship issues. I seek to develop a trusting relationship with my clients so that they can air their emotions and concerns, and begin to see life from a new perspective.

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Ashley Robinson

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesFamily conflictsGriefDepression
6 years of experience

Therapy can be intimidating and scary. My goal is to create an authentic, safe, calm, fun, and comforting environment where clients can develop tools to navigate life's many obstacles and stressors. Using Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Strengths-based Therapy, Mindfulness, and Motivational Interviewing, we will focus on your overall well-being and work towards creating a happy, healthier you. I specialize in working with BIPOC facing challenges such as depression, anxiety, grief and loss, life transitions, family conflict, relationship issues, stress, work stress, and chronic illness.

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Janelle Chiu

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietyGriefSelf esteemDepressionADHD
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 grief and loss, motivation, self esteem, and confidence, & 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. 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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Megan Quinn

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietyParenting issuesDepressionCoping with life changesCompassion fatigue
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, parenting issues, depression, & 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. 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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Cynthia Young

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietyGriefSelf esteemDepressionCoping with life changes
25 years of experience

I am licensed in California and Florida with 25 years of professional work experience. 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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Christine Downing

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesTrauma and abuseParenting issuesSelf esteem
4 years of experience

Welcome! I am a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor, and I am committed to creating a comfortable and empowering space where you can freely share your story and tackle life's challenges. My goal is to help you work through whatever it is that brings you to counseling. Together, we'll explore your past, boost your self-awareness, and develop skills to support your emotional well-being. I specialize in helping clients with stress, anxiety, self-esteem, relationship issues, past trauma and abuse, and parenting challenges. As a certified partner trauma therapist with a focus on betrayal trauma from infidelity, sex, and porn addiction, I offer tailored support for those affected by partner betrayal and adult children of sex addicts. I look forward to connecting with you and embarking on this journey together, where we will navigate the path of healing and growth in a nurturing and supportive space.

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Tanya Hill

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietyFamily conflictsGriefSelf esteemDepression
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. 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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Veronica Gibson

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesTrauma and abuseParenting issuesSelf esteem
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, relationship issues, trauma and abuse, & 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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Amanda Roman

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietySelf esteemDepression
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. 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 seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process.

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Lynn Novatt

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietyParenting issuesSelf esteemCoping with life changesCoaching
17 years of experience

I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, as well as a professional Life and Leadership Coach, based in Los Angeles. With 17 years of experience as both a therapist and a coach, I offer an unparalleled blend of knowledge, tools and insights. Clients reflect to me my acute listening skills, empathetic approach and calm demeanor. My intention is to serve you in feeling deeply seen, completely safe, and fully supported as you have made the courageous decision to seek therapy. I see our time together as a sacred space for your healing, and the work we do together can be a springboard for your growth. In addition to my Marriage and Family Therapist license, I have a Master’s Degree in Spiritual Psychology from the University of Santa Monica. I have done my own deep therapeutic work which allows me to meet my clients where they are; no gimmicks, just deep, authentic listening, so that I can reflect back what I see and hear. My style and approach is one of encouragement, compassion, and optimism, as well as honest feedback. I strive to create a safe space where my clients can relax their body and their mind (their thinking,) allowing them to see possibility for themselves. Through this new lens, clients can gain clarity, get creative and take action in their lives. My therapeutic approach involves Cognitive-Behavioral therapy, Learned Optimism, Mindfulness, Positive Psychology and Gestalt. If my clients agree to do homework/grow-work, I utilize question prompts, worksheets, audios, videos, articles and books. I acknowledge you for taking the first step in your growth and empowerment by signing up for BetterHelp. And, I also know that this is a process; the work of personal growth and development is not for the faint of heart. And, here you are, so good for you! Keep going!

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Nancy Ramirez

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietyGriefIntimacy-related issuesSelf esteemCoping with life changes
10 years of experience

I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in California with several years of experience supporting adults through life’s challenges and transitions. I specialize in helping individuals navigate stress, anxiety, grief, intimacy-related concerns, self-esteem, and personal growth. My approach is holistic, person-centered, and strength-based, blending somatic, humanistic, and transpersonal therapeutic techniques to guide you toward embodying your most vital and authentic self. I believe in treating everyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion. Our work together will be tailored to your unique needs and aspirations, creating a space where you feel heard, understood, and empowered. Taking the first step toward a more fulfilling and balanced life takes courage, and I’m here to support you every step of the way.

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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