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.

This is Aviva Euripides's avatar and link to their profile

Aviva Euripides

Offering therapy in California
License: M.A.,LMFT
Stress, AnxietyLGBTRelationship issuesDepressionCoping with life changes
22 years of experience

Hello, I am Aviva Euripides and I am pleased to meet you here. Our clinical work involves tracking and assessing how it assists you in meeting your goals. This solution focused work is thus overall practical but is rooted in academic and clinical rigor. I graduated from the University of California at Berkeley and attended New College of California where the focus was on meeting the clinical needs of a diverse community with relevance and meaning. I have supervised and trained clinicians in treatment settings ranging from the counselor's office to acute mental health facilities. This has led to a deep understanding of clinical work. My specializations include depression, anxiety, life changes, self esteem, career and relationships. These are all human issues and are in need sometimes of clinical intervention as a tool and resource. The work begins with me listening carefully to where the pieces are at in your puzzle at this time. This allows for us to consider rearrangement and repositioning to best work for you. I have extensive experience providing counseling via telephone and online platforms and thus feel quite comfortable doing so. While this may be new to some it may resemble other aspects of life online in significant ways. Like counseling, it just takes some getting used to. I typically have appointments available via live chat between 10 am and 4 pm Monday-Friday and appointments available early mornings and weekends via video/phone session.

This is Kerry Kane's avatar and link to their profile

Kerry Kane

Offering therapy in California
License: LMFT
Stress, AnxietyParenting issuesAnger managementSelf esteemADHD
20 years of experience

Hello! My name is Kerry and I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in the state of California. The majority of my clinical experience has been providing individual and family therapy services to children, adolescents, and families. I have worked with clients with a wide range of concerns including depression, anxiety, low self-esteem, behavior problems, anger management issues and ADHD. I would describe my counseling style as warm, empathic and goal oriented. I use Cognitive Behavioral therapy, Solution Focused therapy, and Motivational Interviewing to help my clients meet their goals. I am non-judgmental, compassionate, a good listener, and use a strength-based approach. I look forward to working with you!

This is Veronica Cruz-Martinez's avatar and link to their profile

Veronica Cruz-Martinez

Offering therapy in California
License: LMFT
Stress, AnxietyLGBTTrauma and abuseParenting issuesDepression
10 years of experience

I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in California and New Jersey with over 18 years of experience working with the LGBTQIA+ community, children and adults with trauma history along with those struggling with suicidal ideation and self-harm, parenting issues, anxiety and depression. I have seen firsthand the difference a caring, empathetic, and attentive adult can make in a person’s life and feel honored when that can be me. For the last 8 years I have worked as a "crisis counselor" and clinician, seeing clients on a regular basis as well as supporting those in and through a crisis. I am able to think quick on my feet and can stay calm in high intensity situations. Throughout this time, I have assessed for safety and danger to self and others due to mental illness and have made determinations as to whether or not someone is in need of psychiatric hospitalization and am certified to make the decision that one needs to enter into a hospital for treatment. On the other side, I have also safety planned with many and have been able to connect people to supports that they need whether it be referrals that fit their current situation, assisting in making a plan to keep them safe and connecting the person to someone whom they feel comfortable with should they be in crisis again. I believe in treating the mind, body, and soul and understand as well as acknowledge, the importance of a healthy lifestyle and why it is important to utilize all the tools we have (or have yet to find) because we all have the power within us to heal, sometimes we just need some help getting there. I believe in the importance of coping skills and can help you find them or strengthen the ones you already have. This can include meditation, exercise, utilizing crystals or essential oils to help heal and calm oneself, and will seek outside supports when needed. I am a firm believer in working within my limits as a therapeutic clinician and have no problem offering referrals when necessary. My overall goal is to continue providing the support, offering guidance, and making a difference in the lives of others, using my expertise in trauma informed treatment and having an open mind.

This is Michelle Garibaldi's avatar and link to their profile

Michelle Garibaldi

Offering therapy in California
License: LMFT
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesFamily conflictsTrauma and abuseDepression
23 years of experience

Greetings, I am happy that you have taken these first, critical steps, toward reaching your goals. I am excited at the prospect of being able to walk with you along your journey. I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in the state of California and have over 15 years of experience in providing services to those who are looking to improve or enrich their lives in some way. I am a clinician who believes in walking with clients along a collaborative path toward betterment. I will help you clearly establish what you would like to improve and/or what you envision for your future. I have a warm and empathic counseling style, combined with a variety of counseling approaches that are active and result-driven. Using techniques from Cognitive Behavioral therapy, narrative therapy, solution focused therapy, we will help you get where you would like to go. I specialize in issues involving family problems, parenting issues, relationship issues, abuse and survivor work, grief work, trauma, and issues affecting children and adolescents. Congratulations on taking that all-important step of researching how to improve your life journey. I truly hope we can walk together toward a future of balance, stability, and satisfaction.

This is Dr. James Fishback's avatar and link to their profile

Dr. James Fishback

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesIntimacy-related issuesAnger managementCoping with life changes
33 years of experience

Hello, my name is Dr. Fishback, a licensed psychologist. It takes courage, curiosity, and commitment to reach out for help. I know because I have experienced my own psychotherapy, and it took a lot of work and a lot of truth about myself. I have done therapy work in California for the last 33 years, with many different people, children, teens, young and older adults, in places including my offices, schools, courts, prisons, outdoor settings, and online, with males and females, and with many different races, This has given me some deep experience and insight into humans and a large cross-section of our society. I have many years of experience in helping clients with stress, anxiety, depression, relationship issues, intimacy, abuse, and simply not knowing where U are going in life. I find that helping people solve their problems is a marvelous challenge for me. I work very hard for my clients, and I am honest with them, including if they seem to miss seeing something important. My therapy style is to be there for my clients in their way -- do they want me to primarily listen, or help problem-solve, or empathize in the moment, it's their call... But I also find that people who do improve their issues always work harder than me. With some guidance it is the client who figures things out and has the ah-ah experiences, not the therapist. Otherwise, the client can never fully own their own insight and understanding, and go on to reliably and accurately manage their own life problems. Those are my goals. I work on all weekdays except Fridays, so I can see clients on most days. In addition, I find that I can help others best when I communicate with them by live video or phone… (I don't do live chat, except messaging between sessions, because I am too slow a typist). You can read more about my background, education, experience, and therapy approach on this website. I would look forward to work with you on your issues, Dr. Fishback

This is Ramon Suarez's avatar and link to their profile

Ramon Suarez

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietyFamily conflictsParenting issuesDepression
10 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 8 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety & 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.

This is Lauren Martin-Culp's avatar and link to their profile

Lauren Martin-Culp

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesParenting issuesSelf esteem
20 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 20 years of psychotherapy counseling experience. I customize sessions based on clients' needs with my background and extensive training in Interpersonal Neurobiology. I have experience as a professional teacher of all levels, school counselor, birth and postpartum doula, holistic bodyworker, filmmaker, published author, artist, writer, speaker at conferences, and parent. I have been professionally trained in natural health, supplements, and nutrition. I'm so glad that you have taken the first step by reaching out. I listen carefully, deeply and customized tools and strategies with you to find real experiential solutions. My clients tell me that they appreciate how I remember important details their stories. Together we work to create a mindful safe environment without evaluation.

This is Sylvia Fernandez Rangel's avatar and link to their profile

Sylvia Fernandez Rangel

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsRelationship issuesTrauma and abuseAnger management
16 years of experience

I am a therapist licensed in California with more than 17 years of experiences in clinical practice. I work with clients who experience a wide range of symptoms and concerns, including depression, anxiety, anger, relationship issues, addictions, parenting problems, career challenges, sexual issues, and daily stressors. I have also worked with individuals who have dual/diagnosis and diagnosis and people who have experienced trauma and abuse. My therapy style is warm and interactive, yet also direct and honest. I believe in treating everyone with respect, sensitivity, compassion and understanding and do not believe in stigmatizing labels. My approach combines cognitive-behavioral, humanistic, client centered psychodynamic and rational-emotive therapy. I tailor our dialog and treatment plan to meet your unique and specific needs. It takes courage to seek a more fulfilling and happier life and to take the steps towards change. If you are ready to take that step, I am here to support and empower you.

This is Leroy Thompson's avatar and link to their profile

Leroy Thompson

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesTrauma and abuseAnger managementSelf esteem
21 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 21 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, trauma and abuse, & anger management. 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.

This is Megan Lawrence-Ferreira's avatar and link to their profile

Megan Lawrence-Ferreira

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietyParenting issuesSelf esteemDepressionCoping with life changes
8 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 8 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress, anxiety, parenting issues, motivation, self esteem, confidence, & depression. I also have experience working with coping with life changes. 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 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.
Find the right therapist for your needs
Match with a qualified therapist