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.
Jeana De Lay
I have been practicing therapy for over 16 years and enjoy working with men, women, children and couples. I have had success working with clients who have had past trauma and/or transitional issues and utilize forms of long and short term therapy for adults, helping them all to find their voice. I strive to be a warm, caring and understanding counselor to help clients feel comfortable and safe with the process of counseling. In addition, I teach parenting skills, helping parents find ways to interact, communicate and discipline their children at different stages of the child's life in a loving and consistent manner. I am also a Life Coach and for me, coaching creates a bridge from where you are now to where you want to be. Coaching is a goal-oriented processes, working on identifying personal development issues which connect the client to their goals, helps them find the ways to let go of their past stumbling blocks, help them achieve their future life goal, and moving them onto their successful path. I work with my clients to create a specific plan, which could involve some homework assignments tailored for the client to move forward to realize their vision and ultimate life goal. In working with clients I want to help them find ways to discover their path toward a more successful and positive future. I want to assist the client in defining their treatment goals, which involves an increased sense of well-being, relationship building, improving communication levels, changing behavior patterns and ultimately helping them find their “a-ha momentâ€.
Lisa Wyatt
If you're here, it's likely because you're feeling confused or torn up about how to handle some part of your life, and it's affecting you in a way you wish it wasn't. I want to help you get past that, and get to a place where you're feeling more confident about your ability to manage the difficult situations you come across, whether it's with your family, in your relationships, or at work. I'm a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in California, and I've practiced therapy for over fifteen years. During that time, I've worked with people dealing with the stresses and anxieties of life, parents experiencing difficulties with their children, people struggling with addiction in either themselves or loved ones, survivors of trauma and abuse, and even fellow workers in the helping professions who are facing burnout. In working with clients, the number one thing I like to help them see is that it's normal to react to what is happening around you. It's human nature to have an emotional response to events in your life. What comes after that emotional response is often what people want to change, and where I come in. I can offer you a neutral opinion on the situation you are facing, and then work with you to find a solution that is realistic for your life. What works for you may not be what works for others, and that's okay. I use a Person-Centered approach overall, which means you set the tone for all of our interactions. I also like to use Strength-based techniques, which focuses on what you are doing well already and builds on it; Cognitive-Behavioral techniques, which looks at how our thoughts influence our behaviors; and Gestalt techniques, which allow us to look at your difficulties from different perspectives. I use an assortment of techniques from other approaches as well. I will always do my best to individualize my work to your specific needs, and empower you to make the changes you want to see in your life. You've already made one in reaching out for help, and I look forward to working with you.
Heather Brooks
We all do the best we can, with what resources are available to us at any given time. A lack of resources or support, can make difficult times all the more challenging. Do you feel alone, overwhelmed, heartbroken, trapped or flawed? Through a supportive therapeutic process, my goal is to help clients discover and build upon their own inner strengths and resources. I know it takes courage to seek services, so I strive to create a nurturing, non-judgmental, honest, and respectful atmosphere. I believe in working together to create individualized solutions to the problems in your life. I've always been passionate about working with grief/loss/bereavement. I specialize in helping clients work through their grief process and find emotional completion; saying goodbye to any unmet hopes, dreams, and expectations that they wish were different, better, or more. My goal is helping clients live their best life possible. I pull from a variety of approaches in order to best suit my client's individual needs. I am influenced by client centered, strength-based therapies, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), and Dialectical (DBT). Over the past two years I have spend most of my time transitioning to more solution focused practices that aim at symptom relief/reduction in dealing with the overwhelming pressures of every day life. Anxiety, depression, high expectations, trying relationships, job pressures, and drug addiction/substance abuse have been areas of focus. I look forward to providing support with whatever your needs may be.
Kristina Gonzalez
I am licensed in California with 9 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, trauma and abuse, bipolar disorder, & depression. I have provided psychotherapy services at domestic violence and sexual assault clinics, psychiatric hospitals, mobile crisis units for families and adults with neuro-developmental disorders, and with military Veterans of varying ages struggling with social, psychological, and physically disabling conditions. Areas of special interest for me include, but is not limited to: generational traumas and attachment patterns. My approach is eclectic, using Motivational Interviewing techniques to develop change behaviors, and will help you build on skills and strengths you already possess. I provide education on skills from Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), and utilize a Trauma Informed approach. Psychotherapy I provide is primarily based on Interpersonal and Narrative therapy models. You are the expert of your story and may already have many strengths that will assist you in overcoming events and experiences 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.
Elizabeth O'Malley
I am licensed in California with 6 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, & family conflicts. I also have experience working with parenting issues, especially parenting children with moderate to severe mental health challenges. 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.
saundrea young
I am licensed in California (LCSW) with over 40 years of professional clinical knowledge and practice. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety related to Phase-of-Life issues, medical diagnosis and treatment issues, and grief and loss. I also work have expertise in the areas of aging, caregiving. I am committed to treating everyone with unbiased respect, sensitivity, and compassion. I tailor the dialog and treatment plan to meet your unique and specific needs. I recognize that taking the first step to sign up for therapy requires courage, insight, and strength. It is my privilege to help you investigate and nurture those inner strengths.
Maria Littleton
I am licensed in California with 13 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, motivation, self esteem, and confidence, & 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.
Kaisha Keith
I am licensed in California with 15 years of professional work experience. I have expertise helping clients with stress and anxiety, addictions, trauma and abuse, & grief and loss. 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!
Sylvia Fernandez Rangel
I am licensed in California with 13 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, coping with addictions, relationship issues, & trauma and abuse. 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 seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process.
Jeanine Spear
I am a licensed therapist in California and North Carolina. I have 24 years of Licensed counseling experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress, anxiety, trauma and abuse, domestic abuse, spiritual abuse, and loss, including patriarchy used in religious settings to harm women. 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!
Shawna Bally
I am licensed in California with 11 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with building self esteem, 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. 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.
Myriam Nunez
I am licensed in California with 8 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 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! NOTE: If you are a Kaiser Permanente member, I am unable to accept you as a client even though you are not utilizing your healthcare insurance in this platform.
Chris (Christopher) McKillop
Hi, my name is Chris McKillop and I am a licensed counselor in California, Maine and North Carolina. I currently reside in California. I have been involved in the area of mental health and developmental disabilities since 1993. I received my Masters in Counseling in 2004 from the University of North Carolina in Charlotte. I have worked in community-based settings, group homes and transitional housing settings, as well as working as a school counselor for 2 years and a Juvenile Court Counselor for 6 years. I strive to promote an atmosphere of trust and acceptance where clients feel safe, supported and validated. That trust and security will facilitate challenging thoughts, assumptions and beliefs that can be self-defeating and counterproductive to growth and having a life worth living. I believe the therapeutic relationship is the most important aspect of therapy, as it is the foundation upon which all other specific skills and techniques are based. Without that open and trusting relationship, the specific skills and techniques will be far less effective. I primarily use a Cognitive Behavioral Therapy focus, with elements of Behavioral Activation, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and Motivational Interviewing (MI). I strive to be adaptive and flexible in approach, working with the client’s strengths to best address the client’s concerns.
Aimee Severe
I am licensed in California with 30 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, & motivation, self esteem, and confidence. I also have experience working with coping with life changes. I am an LGBTQ ally therapist. 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!
jorge sandoval
I am licensed in California with 12 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress, anxiety, relationship issues, motivation, self esteem, confidence, & career difficulties. 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:
- National Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-799-SAFE (7233)
- National Suicide Prevention Lifeline:1-800-273-TALK (8255)
- Crisis Text Line:Text HOME to 741741
- Veterans Crisis Line<:Call 1-800-273-8255 (and press 1) or text 838255. For support for the deaf and hard of hearing community, please use your preferred relay service or dial 711 then 1-800-273-8255.
- Trevor Lifeline(LGBTQ Lifeline): (866)488-7386
- SAMHSA National Helpline: (Substance Use): (800)662-4357
- National Eating Disorder Association Helpline:1-800-931-2237 (M-Th: 9 AM-9 PM EST, Fri 9 AM - 5 PM EST
- Child Help Hotline Call 1-800-422-4453 or use the online chat featur
- National Anti-Hazing Hotline: 1-888-NOT-HAZE (1-888-668-4293)
- Physician Crisis Support Line: Call 1-888-409-0141 if you are a first responder or medical provider experiencing crises related to Covid-1
- Sexual Assault Hotline: Call RAINN at 1-800-656-4673
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.
Popular cities in California
- Los Angeles, CA
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- Fresno, CA
- Sacramento, CA
- Long Beach, CA
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- Bakersfield, CA
- Anaheim, CA
- Santa Ana, CA
- Riverside, CA
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