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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Melissa Morais Parr

Offering therapy in California
License: LMFT
Stress, AnxietyParenting issuesDepression
11 years of experience

Hello, I am a Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist in the state of California and have an online therapy practice. I completed my Masters in Marriage and Family Therapy from Alliant International University in 2009. I have worked in various settings including outpatient, school-based, and residential, and have provided therapy to a diverse group of clientele on a wide-range of concerns. I specialize in providing therapy to individuals, teens, couples and families who are struggling with life stressors, relationship concerns, parenting difficulties, depression, and anxiety. I approach therapy by looking at each person as part of a larger family system. The way we each grow up influences our thoughts, feelings, and behaviors throughout our life. Some of these influences are positive and others can cause us difficulties and get in the way of the person we want to be and the relationships we want to have. I utilize a combination of CBT (Cognitive-Behavior-Therapy), Psychoeducation, and Mindfulness practices within my therapy in order to help my clients obtain knowledge and develop skills to assist them in difficult times. I believe we all have the ability to grow and overcome our personal difficulties and life stressors to live the life we want to have. Therapy is a great tool to help one learn more about themselves and guide them to a better and happier self. I’m excited to be on this journey with you!

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Troika Jackson-Grillo

Offering therapy in California
Family conflictsTrauma and abuseGriefSelf esteem
13 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 12 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with coping with grief and loss. 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!

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Dr. Katherine Phillips

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsRelationship issuesDepressionCoping with life changes
12 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 10 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, coping with addictions, relationship issues, & 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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Claudia Figueroa

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseAnger managementSelf esteemDepression
12 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 12 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, trauma, depression, anger management, self esteem, and confidence. 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.

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Suzanne Pugliese

Offering therapy in California
Relationship issuesParenting issuesSelf esteemCareer difficultiesCoping with life changes
14 years of experience

I am licensed in California having worked in the mental health field since 2009. I have experience in helping clients with relationship issues, anxiety, depression, parenting issues, motivation, self esteem, & career difficulties. 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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Robyn Ramsay

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesTrauma and abuseIntimacy-related issuesADHD
20 years of experience

I am a California Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor with 20 years of professional work experience. I have experience in successfully helping Teens, Couples, and Adults of all ages with stress and anxiety, obsessive thinking (OCD), relationship issues, family conflicts, abandonment issues, depression & trauma and abuse. I treat all my clients with respect, sensitivity, and compassion. It takes courage to take that first step toward seeking a more fulfilling and happier life . I am here to support you in that process. I will meet you on your journey toward better mental health and tailor our sessions and treatment plan to meet your unique and specific need by drawing from my eclectic variety of sources : • Attachment theory • Cognitive Behavioral (CBT) • Developmental Model for Couples • EMDR • Emotionally-Focused Therapy • Exposure Response Prevention (OCD) • Family Systems • Gottman Relationship Method for Couples • Internal Family Systems (IFS) • Positive Psychology • Strength-Based Therapy

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Terri Faith

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesSelf esteemDepressionCoping with life changes
15 years of experience

I received my PhD in 2015 and have been licensed in California for 9 years with a total of 15 years of professional work experience in Psychology. I have a wide range of experience in different settings, using an array of modalities. Anxiety, OCD, relationship issues,, couples counseling, self esteem and depression have become my main focus. I feel that self love is the greatest medicine and an important foundation for a healthy mindset. I work with my clients to create an open and safe environment where thoughts and feelings can be shared without fear of judgment. Support and empowerment are one of the main focuses in my practice, as is mindfulness and cognitive behavioral therapy mixed with Buddhist Psychology. These practices can enhance your ability to take control over the thoughts that create anxiety and depression, as well as emotions like anger. It also allows you to really get to know your true self. Like Socrates said, Know Thyself My life experience and education are important, but it’s working with people from all walks of life and making a huge difference in people’s lives that gives me the greatest pleasure.

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Sneha Carr

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesSelf esteemDepression
7 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 7 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress, anxiety, relationship issues, motivation, self esteem, & confidence. I also have experience working with depression. 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. (Due to conflict of interest, please no Kaiser Permanente patients.)

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Gerald Marcus

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsDepressionCoping with life changesADHD
40 years of experience

I am licensed in California and Delaware with 40 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress, substance abuse issues, anxiety, motivation, self esteem, confidence, depression, coping with life changes, & concentration, memory. I also have experience working with focus (adhd). 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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Kassaundra Gutierrez-Thompson

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietySelf esteemCareer difficultiesDepressionCoping with life changes
4 years of experience

I am a licensed therapist in California with six years of direct therapy experience and over 4 years of diverse professional expertise spanning education, human resources, and social work. My passion lies in helping individuals, from adolescents to mature adults, navigate life’s complexities with greater confidence and resilience. I specialize in supporting clients facing challenges such as stress, anxiety, depression, motivation struggles, self-esteem issues, career transitions, and life changes. In my work, I integrate evidence-based approaches within a psychodynamic therapeutic model with personalized strategies to empower you in achieving your goals. Additionally, I draw upon personality development frameworks, such as the Enneagram, to provide deeper insight into your core strengths and unique potential. My approach is grounded in the belief that you are the expert of your own story and possess innate strengths that can guide you through life’s challenges. Taking the first step of starting Therapy to create a more fulfilling life takes courage, and I am here to walk alongside you in that journey. Whether you're facing uncertainty, seeking personal growth, healthier relationships, or striving for greater emotional well-being, my goal is to provide a supportive and empowering space where you can explore your potential and create meaningful change. Let’s work together to help you build the life you deserve—one step at a time.

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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