Finding a therapist in California can be challenging. Even in some of the biggest California cities, concerns about cost or a lack of available providers can make finding an in-person therapist 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. From young adults needing help managing ADHD to seniors struggling to heal from past events, therapists can help adults of any age navigate the challenges in their lives and learn 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.

This is Naomi Smith's avatar and link to their profile

Naomi Smith

Offering therapy in California
License: MI LMSW 6801078790, CA LCSW 130555
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsRelationship issuesFamily conflictsDepression
24 years of experience

My name is Naomi Smith. I am a licensed master social worker with 24 years of experience in working in mental health and also providing therapeutic services to Individuals. My primary focus as a clinician is helping my clients meet their needs and build their confidence. As a therapist, I have the skill to compassionately listen, be non-judgmental, and at all times provide support, encouragement and empowerment. My approach to therapy is simple: “Restoring peace, one day at a time, one piece at a time.” My commitment to my clients is to be open and honest in all my communication and to help each client reach their personal goals. The process of change is a heart issue and that change can only come from within. I believe every client has a purpose to fulfill and the ability to realize that purpose in their present life. This is why I enthusiastically use Person-Centered Planning with clients. In order to be successful, a client must be willing, dedicated, and committed to accomplishing their individual plan. My commitment as a therapist is to help guide, impart, and facilitate that change process. The integrity of my character and words are of the highest standard. My communication is honest and open. I am excited and privileged to be a part of your journey to change, success, and a future that looks much brighter. I look forward to working with you! SPECIALTIES • Bi-polar Disorder • Depression • Anxiety • Grief and Loss • Self-Esteem • Anger Management Also experienced in: Spiritual Counseling, Emotional Issues, Behavioral Issues, Substance Abuse, Life Application Coach, Forgiveness, Communication Problems, Caregiver issues and Stress, Abandonment, Co-dependency, Guilt and Shame. Clinical approaches: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Motivational Interviewing, Solution-Focused Therapy, Person-Centered Therapy, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, Mindfulness, Psychodynamic Therapy Years of Experience: 24

This is Elaine Pritchard's avatar and link to their profile

Elaine Pritchard

Offering therapy in California
License: CA LMFT 94183
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsTrauma and abuseSelf esteemDepression
10 years of experience

My heart’s calling is to work with people who are striving for a more joyous and fulfilling life, and to help them deal with the hard issues that stand in the way of happiness. I obtained an MA in Counseling of Psychology and a BA in Psychology, to better understand those I strive to help. I hold ANSA and CANS certificates, as well as an ACT Trainer certificate I use my innate qualities of humor, compassion, understanding, caring, and listening spirituality to work with men, women, individuals, teens, and families. My approach to mental healing is that I walk alongside my clients, and help them navigate the difficult path towards a healthier and more enjoyable life. I use theories from CBT, Motivational Therapy, to talk therapy. People say that I’m easy-going, empathetic, and look at things a little differently outside the box to find new paths to fulfillment. My areas of interest include trauma, depression, anxiety, PTSD, addiction, spectrum disorders (autism), codependency, betrayal, grief, life transitions, teen and women’s issues, and spirituality. I love going to movies and am a huge fan of the Boston Red Sox. My bucket list includes trips to places as far-flung as Australia and Dollywood.

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

Carolina Thompson

Offering therapy in California
License: CA Psychologist 32333, TX Psychologist 37055
Stress, AnxietyGriefDepressionCoping with life changes
13 years of experience

I am a Licensed Clinical Psychologist with 13 years of combined training and professional experience. I'm experienced in helping clients with strategies and skills for effectively responding to stress and anxiety. I’m also experienced in treating issues of depression; and navigating difficult, stressful periods of change and transition in life. Furthermore, I have training and experience in Christian-based therapy, including integrating Christian-spiritual principles into the therapy process, upon request. I believe you have many strengths that lend to your resilience in overcoming challenges. Choosing to participate in therapy is a courageous step of initiative in moving toward positive change in your life. I am here to support & empower your growth and healing process.

This is Chelsa Watkins-Jordan's avatar and link to their profile

Chelsa Watkins-Jordan

Offering therapy in California
License: CA LCSW 130088, GA LCSW CSW007698
Relationship issuesFamily conflictsParenting issuesSelf esteemDepression
9 years of experience

I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with over thirteen years of experience and a proud graduate of Clark Atlanta University in Atlanta, Georgia which is where I am originally from. I have worked with clients with a wide range of challenges experiencing depression, anxiety, relationship issues, parenting challenges, trauma, and everyday life stressors. If you made it to my page, you are courageous and I’m excited to start this journey with you! Most people seeking counseling may naturally experience anxiety and shame around discussing personal and private issues that affect their daily lives, which is why it is always my goal to create a safe judgment-free environment promoting a healthy therapeutic relationship between myself and my clients. Communication is my gift! I believe in having "real conversations" in the most compassionate and empathic way possible, thus creating trust, awareness, healing, and change. I also enjoy challenging my clients and holding them accountable for making changes necessary to achieve their desired goals. My approach includes cognitive-behavioral, psychoeducation, mindfulness and solution-focused therapy, and brief crisis intervention. I do not believe in a cookie-cutter plan as it relates to therapy, I assist my clients with co-developing practical steps and ways of identifying pragmatic solutions to combat future challenges tailored to their personal needs. If you feel that you need immediate help, please reach out to the Georgia Crisis and Access Line at 1-800-715-4225 or National Suicide Prevention Hotline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255).

This is Alexis Reid's avatar and link to their profile

Alexis Reid

Offering therapy in California
License: CA LMFT 125880
Stress, AnxietyFamily conflictsSelf esteemCoping 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 and anxiety, family conflicts, & 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.

This is Susan Clark's avatar and link to their profile

Susan Clark

Offering therapy in California
License: CA LMFT 121989
Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseGriefSelf esteemADHD
9 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 9 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress, anxiety, trauma, abuse, coping with grief, coping with loss, motivation, self esteem, confidence, concentration, & memory. I also have experience working with focus. I specialize in working with young children, adolescents, and young adults who are navigating trauma, victimization, sex trafficking recovery, or common childhood behavioral challenges. My goal is to create a safe, comfortable, and even fun experience, where young people feel seen, heard, and supported. I use evidence-based approaches tailored to the unique needs of each client, always with the goal of fostering resilience, healing, and growth-no matter how big or small the issue may seem. I'm passionate about early intervention because childhood and adolescence are pivotal stages of development-when challenges first arise, but also when we have the best opportunity to help. Supporting young people at this stage can make a lasting difference in their lives, and it's an honor to walk that journey with them. Taking the first step to sign up for therapy can take courage and I am proud of you for getting started!

This is Dr. Anna Gray's avatar and link to their profile

Dr. Anna Gray

Offering therapy in California
License: CA Psychologist PSY31257
Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseAnger managementSelf esteemDepression
20 years of experience

I am a licensed psychologist in California with 20 years of professional work experience in the mental health field. For the last seven years I have been working as a prison psychologist at California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation in the psychiatric inpatient program. Through this experience I have gained an extensive knowledge base in treating trauma, complex trauma, self-harm, suicidal ideation and suicidality, serious mental illness, and severe personality disorders. In general, I find that clients seem to open-up quite easily in working with me. Receiving mental health treatment works best when a trusting relationship between practitioner and client is built on a platform of confidentiality and a non-judgmental approach to each client. I also believe that not one size fits all in creating a working relationship and a little creativity that is often not taught in schools is used to meet the needs of each individual person. While most of us have the common experience of facing life’s phases and challenges each person has their own subjective experience and perception that needs to be validated. It takes courage to seek out a more fulfilling and happier life and to take the first steps towards change. I am here to support & empower you in that journey.

This is Christine Block's avatar and link to their profile

Christine Block

Offering therapy in California
License: FL LMHC Mh16966, CA LMFT 42751
Stress, AnxietyLGBTRelationship issuesCareer difficultiesCoping with life changes
20 years of experience

I am licensed in California and Florida with 20 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, coping with addictions, trauma and abuse, & 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. Taking the first step to sign up for therapy can take courage and I am proud of you for getting started!

This is Karen Camese's avatar and link to their profile

Karen Camese

Offering therapy in California
License: CA LMFT 99165
AddictionsFamily conflictsTrauma and abuseGriefCoping with life changes
20 years of experience

I am licensed in California with over 20 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with coping with addictions, family conflicts, trauma, abuse, coping with grief, & coping with loss. I also have experience working with 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 on that journey.

This is Freddie Williams's avatar and link to their profile

Freddie Williams

Offering therapy in California
License: CA LMFT 106687, AZ LMFT LMFT-15693
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsRelationship issuesDepressionCoping with life changes
12 years of experience

I'm an Arizona and California Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with 12 years of professional work experience. Also, I'm a Licensed Independent Substance Abuse Counselor, specializing in addictions. I AM EXPERIENCED IN HELPING MALE ADULTS ONLY (18 -75 YEARS OLD) who are struggling with Substance Abuse and Co-Occurring Disorders, Stress, Anxiety, Depression, Mood Disorder and 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. My approach includes highly effective Cognitive Behavioral (CBT), Dialectical behavioral (DBT), and Solution Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT). With my extensive experience and knowledge, I am confident in my ability to help you overcome your challenges and achieve your goals. 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 Joseph Tillman's avatar and link to their profile

Joseph Tillman

Offering therapy in California
License: CA LCSW 7697
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsTrauma and abuseGriefDepression
40 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 40 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, coping with addictions, trauma and abuse, & 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 seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process.

This is Dr. David Sommers's avatar and link to their profile

Dr. David Sommers

Offering therapy in California
License: CA LCSW 6263
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsRelationship issuesCareer difficultiesDepression
40 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 40 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress, anxiety, coping with addictions, relationship issues, & 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. 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 Sophia Dyer's avatar and link to their profile

Sophia Dyer

Offering therapy in California
License: CA LCSW 126475
Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseParenting issuesSelf esteemDepression
5 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 5 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress, anxiety, trauma, abuse, parenting 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.

This is Karen Hoyt's avatar and link to their profile

Karen Hoyt

Offering therapy in California
License: CA LMFT 23636
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesGriefDepressionCoping with life changes
30 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 35 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress, anxiety, relationship issues, coping with grief, coping with loss, & 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 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 BetterHelp therapists in California does not offer diagnostic or medication management services in therapy.

Why do people choose to work with a licensed counselor or therapists?

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, working with:

  • Challenging situations or life stressors
  • Eating disorders requiring therapy
  • Anxiety disorders in need of therapeutic support
  • Depression or depressive mental health conditions
  • Adjustment issues in need of therapeutic support
  • Emotional support for a terminal illness
  • Chronic pain emotional support
  • Grief therapy
  • Personality disorders
  • Trauma therapy
  • Relationship conflicts and mental health concerns

Finding a therapist in California 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 therapy site. If you are in life-threatening danger, call 911. If you require support for a crisis, reach out to the therapy 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 therapy with a licensed therapist cost?

Mental health professionals can differ in price. Forbes found that the average cost of in-person California therapy in the US is around $100 to $200 per hour. Pricing can also vary based on your location. 

BetterHelp offers payment plans of $65 to $100 per week. 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.

Is it possible to find a therapist, counselor, or psychology practitioner that offers affordable therapy?

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.

What can a psychologist help me with in therapy?

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 in-person or online therapy with a therapist in California?

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.

Are online therapy sessions 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