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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Melanie Reyes
Perhaps you are visiting today to obtain answers to confusion, peace in the torment, clarity from the chaos, healing from the pain. Maybe you just want someone to understand your pain. You might be feeling overwhelmed, exhausted, or hopeless. Whatever your reasoning may be, I am dedicated to help you achieve hope and healing. Thank you for taking the first step to work toward your personal healing journey. I am passionate about understanding, accepting, and empathyzing with my clients. I approach therapy holistically, which encompasses spirit, body, and mind. Through CBT, TFCBT, EMDR, Client-Centered Therapies, Mindfulness, Guided Imagery, Anger Management clients speak of being able to heal from traumatizing experiences, understand self-truths to increase self-esteem, utilize skills to flourish and to prosper in relationships, effectively create lasting growth and change in their lives. If you are looking for someone to walk along side with you in your path to wholeness, hope, and healing, it would be an honor to be a part of that positive change in your life. I look forward to working with you to achieve your healing goals. Please contact me for an individual, couples, family, adolescent, or child therapy consultation today. Melanie Reyes
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William Martinez
I bring 20 years of experience of working with adults, youth and their families when in crises and experiencing pain. I have worked with individuals who have experienced trauma, depression and anxiety. I work alongside you to better understand your situation or your feelings, so that we can develop a care plan which will help alleviate any anguish or suffering. My passion lies in helping families and couples with their communication, utilizing practical and realistic interventions that will strengthen their bond and help them achieve their goals. I also work with couples who are experiencing miscommunication issues and are striving to better understand their partners. My expertise's also lie in working with families that are struggling and who have children who are excessively fearful, angry or sad. I work alongside them to help them overcome difficult transitions in life (death, unexpected changes, family crises). I have a sensitivity to youth who identify as gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender or with special needs. I use evidenced based practices such as the Gottman Method for couples, Trauma Focused Cognitive Behavior Therapy, Dialectical Behavior Therapy, and Cognitive Behavior Therapy as a framework for progress. However, I find that my life experiences of working with kids/teenagers as a Big Brother, Boys Scouts and youth support groups have allowed me to better understand youth.
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Kriss Light
I am a Jungian Certificated Psychotherapist. You will hear the language of Self, Shadow, Anima, Animus and Individuation. Depth Psychology is interested in all ages. All Peoples. All Understandings. "How does it work?" people ask. By making the Unconscious, Conscious. Therapist and patient become curious together, about your life. Psychotherapy is the inner journey towards understanding ourselves. Your journey. By making conscious our unconscious (often complicated) feelings, we project them less onto the world and less onto others. This process, brings self acceptance and peace to the soul. I look forward to sitting with you. Many events in life bring us into therapy. Loss, Transitions, Trauma, Stressors, our Health. We come to a crossroads, not knowing which way is the right way. In Depth Psychology we sort through our feelings, values, and what essentially matters to us. This brings clarity, and we begin to trust the signs of our life, no matter what the challenges have become. My interests are Comparative Religion and Jungian Studies. I am a musician, which helps me support the Creative in you and your journey. Please call me anytime, and I will get back to you within 24 hours. I offer a free phone consult so that we might discern if I would be the right therapist for you. If I am not, I will do my best to provide 3 referrals.
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Cynthia Bracamontes
I am licensed in California with 12 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, trauma and abuse, & parenting issues. 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.
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Sharon Meyers
Hi, I'm Sharon. Whether you feel lost, overwhelmed, or struggling to navigate life's challenges, I am here to help you. I offer a safe space to unpack your emotions, gain clarity, and discover a new path forward. I provide compassionate support, tailored to your needs, helping you find balance, inner strength, and a renewed sense of purpose. I'm a licensed clinical therapist with over 25 years experience specializing in Women's Issues; Pregnancy & Parenting and Adoption Counseling. Looking forward to connecting with you.

DeAnn Bilotta Clark
I am a licensed therapist in California with over 20 years of professional work experience. My experience includes helping clients with stress and anxiety; motivation, self esteem & confidence; and work around coping with life changes and grief/loss. 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!I
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Michele Tarlow
I am licensed clinical social worker residing in California with 29 years of professional work experience. I grew up in New York and moved to California 24 years ago. I have a masters degree n social work, a pupil personnel credential in school social work, and specialize in working with children and their families in all challenges that arise in their lives. I look at the biopsychosocial model and provide a safe place to discuss any issues that may arise in your daily life. I have experience in helping clients with family conflicts, parenting issues, and motivation, self esteem, and confidence. I also have experience working with concentration, memory and focus (ADHD). 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. I look forward to meeting you and helping you through this difficult time no matter how big or small the issue may seem.

Alex Guerrero
I am licensed in California with 20 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress, anxiety, mood, family conflicts, relationships, motivation, self esteem, confidence, & 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.

Jonathan Edwards
I am licensed in Texas with 3 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, anger management, & motivation, self esteem, and confidence. 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.

Nichelle Alva
I am licensed in California with 10 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress, anxiety, lgbtq+ related issues, relationship issues, trauma, & abuse. 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.
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:
- 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 feature
- 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 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.
Popular cities in California
- Los Angeles, CA
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- Fresno, CA
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- Long Beach, CA
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- Bakersfield, CA
- Anaheim, CA
- Santa Ana, CA
- Riverside, CA
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