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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Shirley Semel

Offering therapy in California
License: MA, LMFT
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesFamily conflictsAnger managementDepression
8 years of experience

Welcome! I am very excited that you have taken the first step to finding the support that you need. I am a licensed marriage and family therapist in the state of California. I have worked with all ages of individuals and have experience facilitating groups dealing with domestic violence, anger management and addiction relapse prevention. I strive to earn your trust through creating an environment in which you will be free to share whatever is on your mind in an atmosphere of compassion and without judgment. One of my passions is to help you live a life in which you are free to explore who you are in every aspect of your life. I want you to know how special you are and that you deserve to live a life that you have always dreamed of. We can do that by looking into the areas of your life that are keeping you stuck for whatever reason and learning what it is that you really gives you joy and contentment in every area of your life. My special interests include helping people deal with addictions and co-occurring disorders, relationship and family issues, helping families dealing with mentally ill loved ones, as well as Christian counseling for individuals and families. I especially take joy in seeing people reach their full potential in life through God’s eyes. But whatever your situation is I want you to be able to share it in a caring and nurturing environment. Once again, I am so excited that you have taken this first step in learning more about yourself in order to have a richer life. I look forward to working with you soon.

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John Young

Offering therapy in California
License: LCSW
AddictionsLGBTIntimacy-related issuesSelf esteem
25 years of experience

My name is John Young; I earned my license in Clinical Social Work (LCSW) in May of 1999 and promptly set about exploring a wide range of career options both in and out of the therapy field. I have hosted a morning radio show in The East Bay area of Northern California for 24 years, while simultaneously seeing individual clients, consulting with social service agencies, and supervising students in social work agency settings. Additionally, I taught Human Sexuality in the Master's in Social Work program at UMass Global from 2018 to 2023. I have been drawn to Cognitive Behavioral interventions, and solution-based short-term therapeutic styles since early in my career; I enjoy helping clients and their families find solutions to challenges. I've worked with a wide range of individuals, helping people navigate relationship issues, addiction, sexual health and self esteem concerns. I believe strongly in the power of collaboration, proper referrals, and above all, client comfort with the process. I look forward to working with you!

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Gregory Harbaugh

Offering therapy in California
License: LMFT
Stress, AnxietyLGBTRelationship issuesTrauma and abuseDepression
17 years of experience

Hello and welcome! I know from experience that sometimes it takes a great deal of courage to take the step to contact a therapist. So, thank you for reading! I am a graduate of the University of Southern California (also the University of Michigan) with over fifteen years’ experience as a psychotherapist treating individuals, couples/partners, children/adolescents, families and groups. My clinical training was at Saban Community Clinic, treating a diverse array of patients with wide ranging conditions. I enjoyed the team approach at Saban, which included medical and psychiatric practitioners. I have been licensed and in private practice in Los Angeles, CA since 2017. I offer an individualized approach to therapy, beginning by meeting the client where he/she is in the moment according to the client's needs. The goal is for you to be able to express yourself, be comfortable and ultimately realize your human potential and be happy in your own skin. There are many ‘schools’ of therapy. Some useful approaches I have found have been: Person-Centered Therapy: a non-directive, collaborative approach, often called ‘guided discovery’ Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): the relationship between emotions, thoughts and behaviors Solution Focused Brief Therapy: focusing on client strengths, skills and goals Mindfulness Training: being fully present in the moment without judgment Psychodynamic/Self-Psychology: self-identity; developing a healthy understanding of who you are These are brief descriptions. If there is something of interest you know about please let me know and we can discuss. My profession requires 36 hours of continuing education for license renewal every two years. Some common areas of treatment include: • Depression and Anxiety (which often occur together) • Obsessions, Compulsions, Phobias (which tend to have an anxiety basis) • Personality Disorders • Mood Disorders • Trauma and Abuse Survivors; Support and Recovery • Communication/Intimacy; Relationships; Attachment • Living an Authentic Life; Self; Identity • Parenting Support • Grief Counseling • Work and Career issues, Stress Management • Addiction & Recovery (Assessment and Referral) • Eating Disorders (Assessment and Referral) • Cultural Diversity Issues • Sports and Creative Arts Performance Among my skills is complex differential diagnosis. Since many symptoms overlap more than one diagnostic category (and therefore guide treatment planning), a deeper understanding of the client is important. Treatment doesn’t necessarily have to take a long time. CBT and Mindfulness may provide benefits very quickly. If a condition is beyond my scope of practice I will provide guidance and appropriate referrals. In addition to being a psychotherapist, I have substantial interests in the creative arts and am a songwriter and musician myself. I am committed to meeting the client where he/she is in the moment and collaborating on goals to meet his/her needs, provide support and help the client address whatever challenges he/she might face. My approach is to provide warmth, empathy and understanding to help the individual build on his/her strengths and attain the personal growth he/she is committed to accomplishing. Best of luck in your life journey. I look forward to meeting you!

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Monica Garnett

Offering therapy in California
License: LCPC,LAADC,CADTP
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesAnger managementSelf esteemCompassion fatigue
3 years of experience

Hi I’m Monica, Are you feeling stuck, unsettled and ready to regain some normalcy in your life? Are you hoping to become the best version of yourself? Allow me to assist you in becoming more self-aware and regaining more control of your life. I am a licensed counselor for the state of Illinois and a certified substance abuse counselor for California. My experiences have allowed me to work with diverse clientele ranging from children and adolescents to adults with varying needs. My therapeutic style is collaborative and engaging and I assist you in learning to live an enriched and full life. I have fifteen years’ experience working with individuals who needed help with emotional regulation, developing coping strategies, struggling with alcohol, drug or behavioral addictions as well as with individuals or couples needing to enhance their communication skills. I also have several years of experience working with veterans. I offer phone and video sessions for clients who are distancing or quarantined. I have immediate openings for new clients. Allow me to assist you in taking the next step towards living a more fulfilled life!

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Cynthia Kruk

Offering therapy in California
Stress, Anxiety
4 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 3 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety. 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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Julie Wakeman

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesTrauma and abuse
8 years of experience

I am a licensed professional counselor in Tennessee with over 5 years of professional work experience. I have worked with clients with a range of concerns including depression, anxiety, relationship issues, grief and loss, parenting problems, and trauma and abuse. I have treated many people who have experienced physical, emotional, and sexual trauma. I approach therapy from a trauma-informed and empowerment lens. 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. My approach is person-centered and combines cognitive-behavioral, solutions focused, dialectic-behavioral, and acceptance and commitment therapy. In our work together, you should expect to never receive a "one size fits all" approach to therapy from me. Instead we will work together to identify your goals in all aspects of your life (personal, professional, relational, etc.) and how we can help you achieve them. I am here to support & empower you in that journey.

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Dr. LaQuista Erinna

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseDepression
7 years of experience

I am licensed in New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Georgia, Connecticut, North Carolina, Massachusetts, California, and Georgia with over 8 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, trauma and abuse, & 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!

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Tara Rappaport

Offering therapy in California
Relationship issuesIntimacy-related 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 relationship issues, intimacy related issues, & 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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Marianna Evripidou

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietyLGBTRelationship issuesIntimacy-related issuesCoping with life changes
21 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, lgbtq+ related issues, relationship issues, & intimacy related 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 sign up for therapy can take courage and I am proud of you for getting started!

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Glencora King

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesFamily conflictsDepressionCoping with life changes
10 years of experience

I am licensed in California and Colorado with 10 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, & 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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Brittany Shelton

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietyFamily conflictsTrauma and abuseDepressionADHD
4 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 4 years of professional work experience as a therapist,but 15 years in the field of mental health . I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, family conflicts, trauma and abuse, & 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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Carlos Albanil Gomez

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietySelf esteemCareer difficultiesCoping with life changesCompassion fatigue
8 years of experience

“I’m a licensed therapist in California with eight years of experience helping people navigate life’s challenges. I’ve worked with clients facing stress, anxiety, motivation, self-esteem, career struggles, and big life changes. I’m also familiar with compassion fatigue and know how much it can impact your well-being. I know it can feel a little weird (or even scary) to start therapy and open up to someone new, but I’m all about getting to know each client personally (humor included!) and treating everyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion. I’ll shape our conversations and treatment plan to fit who you are and what you need. Taking that first step toward a more fulfilling, happier life takes courage, and I’m here to support you through it.”

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Dr. Heidi Stark-Bank

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietyGriefSleeping disordersDepressionCoping 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, anxiety, coping with grief, coping with loss, sleeping disorders, and depression. I also have experience working with 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. 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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Shawn Tyras

Offering therapy in California
License: MA, LPC,BC-TMH
Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseSelf esteemDepression
10 years of experience

Welcome! Have you had recent changes to your life or struggling with ongoing mental health issues? Maybe your adolescent is experiencing mood changes, behavioral issues or anxiety. I applaud you for searching for support and I believe that you have come to the right place. It takes courage to seek out counseling and share personal thoughts to get to the live you want. I want to walk beside you where ever you are at this time and help you reach your goals. Here is a little about me and how I plan to support you: I have a master’s degree in Mental Health Counseling from Webster University (2014) and am a Licensed Professional Counselor in South Carolina and Maine. After graduating, I began my career in a community Mental Health Clinic and have worked with children, teens and young adults predominately, but have some older patients that I also love working with. In addition, I work in the On-Crisis portion of this agency. Some of the therapies I use are DBT, CBT, EMDR and Motivational Therapy depending on the client's need. When it comes to small children I do utilize some art and game activities to help them move forward towards their goals and build on their strengths. The clients that I have worked with range from those with depression, anxiety, bipolar, borderline personality disorder, self esteem and trauma issues and celebrate with them as they reached goal after goal. My therapeutic style involves helping you to arrive at insight, strategies, and tools that you can begin using immediately to make positive change in your life. Sometimes we can just sit and talk and when it is needed I love to provide concrete tools wherever possible and help you to have a plan for the following days before our next session, if that is the pace you would like to move at. Most importantly, we are going to make sure we are making progress on goals that you have for yourself. I will be there to guide you, encourage you, possibly even challenge you if I feel you are unknowingly allowing obstacles to stand in your way. You may find it helpful to know that I have a lot of experience being the client in a counseling relationship and I was very nervous at first and need to know that the therapist/counselor was nonjudgmental and I would feel validated and understood when I shared things that I would never share outside of that office. People need to feel that their therapist/counselor treats them as they would expect to be treated if they were on the other side. If this is the kind of relationship you would like to have with your counselor, you’ve come to the right place.

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Aaron Rasor

Offering therapy in California
AddictionsRelationship issuesTrauma and abuseParenting issuesDepression
10 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 10 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with coping with addictions, relationship issues, trauma, abuse, & parenting 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 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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