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.
Felicia Ponce
I am a Marriage and Family Therapist licensed in California, working in the field since I received my Master’s degree in 2010. I worked for a private non-profit clinic with children (0-18) and their families for five years. I then worked for a high school district providing educationally related mental health services for four years before beginning the journey of practicing independently. I have experience providing treatment for a variety of concerns including depression, anxiety, grief, relational issues, parenting, trauma, abuse, and risk management. I also have experience teaching as an adjunct lecturer in undergraduate and graduate psychology programs at a California State University. The desire for human connection and abnormal psychology have fascinated me since I was a teenager, which resulted in my choice to become a therapist. Each work environment has provided me with knowledge and experience, but also with the honor of being present for clients at their most vulnerable and brave moments. I like to create a sense of safety for clients and draw from a person-centered approach in sessions. This means that I will remain curious about your experience and facilitate discussion which will lead you to discover that you have always held the key to unlock solutions. I also utilize Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Family Systems approach, and Solution Focused Therapy to guide treatment. Maintaining trauma-informed care is essential and I am a Certified Clinical Trauma Professional (CCTP). Every therapist is different. I tend to be somewhat laid back, as I believe clients are the experts on their lives and I want you to know the hour is yours. We will work together as a team to collaborate on treatment goals, addressing challenges, and resolving issues. I believe everyone has mental health. The severity and intensity it needs attention varies throughout our life span, just like most things. It takes courage to ask for help and I feel privileged to be in the position to provide you with support and guidance as you work towards feeling like the best version of yourself. I look forward to working with you!
Chrissy Fraser
Hello my name is Chrissy and I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in the state of California. I earned my MA in Counseling in 2014 and a BA in Psychology in 2002. I have been providing therapy to clients of all ages for six years and I enjoy working with clients from all walks of life. My primary goal as your therapy provider is to help you through the challenges you're facing while ensuring that you feel seen, heard, respected, and empowered. Asking for help does not come easy for everyone so I commend you for having the courage to seek support. I believe every client shows up with a set of strengths that we can build upon together. Your strengths will pave the way to solutions that will get you feeling better and more fully enjoying your life.
Lorne Leach
ABOUT ME Hi, my name is Lorne Leach and I am a Marriage Family Therapist licensed since 2000. I help others deal with a variety of issues including marriage and family problems, anxiety, depression, addictions, grief and coping with life changes. My work has been in a variety of settings including outpatient, residential, addictions rehab, detox, private practice and correctional facilities. The approach I prefer is generally cognitive behaviorally oriented and have had training in several modalities including Motivational Interviewing, Twelve Step Facilitation and Seeking Safety. I take a collaborative approach with clients and believe that ultimately the individual will make their own choices. My job as a therapist is to empower you , help you process and help you develop self help tools. I look forward to the honor of accompanying you in the healing and growth process. SPECIALTIES Addictions Grief Parenting issues Coping with life changes Also experienced in: Stress, Anxiety , LGBT , Relationship issues , Family conflicts , Trauma and abuse , Intimacy-related issues , Anger management , Self esteem , Depression , more... Clinical approaches: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Mindfulness Therapy, Motivational Interviewing Years of Experience: 25 SERVICES OFFERED MESSAGING LIVE CHAT PHONE VIDEO LICENSING LMFT 37168
Dr. Carmen Pulido
I have a doctorate in Clinical Psychology and I provide Cognitive Behavioral Therapy services for a variety of issues including depression, stress, trauma, and substance use problems. Through self-exploration, I can help you learn what has caused some of your habits and ways of acting. Then, if you are ready, we can work on making small and larger changes that will improve your quality of life. For years, I have worked with professionals; these experiences have helped me identify what makes people successful and happy. Let me help you build a better life by showing you how to examine your past and develop a more intentional and meaningful life.
Natalie Andre
I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in both California and Texas with 5 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, trauma and abuse, motivation, self esteem, confidence, and depression. I work with my clients to create an open and safe environment where thoughts and feelings can be shared without fear of judgment. I have genuine unconditional positive regard for others and am very empathic towards life's struggles. Taking the first step to sign up for therapy can take courage and I am proud of you for getting started!
Alejandra Guzman-Valencia
I am a strong believer in meeting individuals where they are at that is, validating and supporting their current stage of change while encouraging them to actively visualize the best version of themselves. Together we will come up with treatment goals and we will work towards that at your speed. The first couple of sessions involve rapport building in which you and I get to know each other and determine if the therapeutic alliance is a good fit. As sessions progress, I will be here to support and encourage you every step of the way while also respecting your right to self determination. I am Alejandra Guzman-Valencia, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. I have worked in a variety of settings and with different populations such as hospitals, schools, outpatient health clinics and with individuals struggling with end of life issues, chronic diseases, anxiety, depression, adjustment disorders, personality disorders and grief amongst others. My practice helps individuals dealing with anxiety, depression, family changes, life circumstances, interpersonal relationship issues and more. Together we will implement therapeutic practices and interventions that best meet your needs.
Adrian Simmons
I am licensed in California with 25 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, & motivation, 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 sign up for therapy can take courage and I am proud of you for getting started!
Jennifer Macias
I am licensed in California with 8 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, lgbtq+ related issues, relationship issues, & intimacy related issues. 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!
Rachel Connelly
I am licensed in California with 15 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with coping with addictions, family conflicts, trauma and abuse, & coping with 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 seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process.
Alicia Garcia
I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in California with over 20 years of professional experience. I specialize in helping clients navigate stress and anxiety, parenting issues, motivation, self-esteem, confidence, and career difficulties. Additionally, I have extensive experience in supporting individuals through life's stressors and changes, providing guidance and tools to manage transitions effectively. I believe in treating everyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion. Our dialogue and treatment plan will be tailored to meet your unique and specific needs. Taking the first step to sign up for therapy can take courage, and it's a significant step towards positive change.
Genevieve Gonzales
I am licensed in California with 8 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with relationship issues, trauma and abuse, coping with grief and loss, & intimacy related issues. I believe in treating everyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion and it is my intention to facilitate healing and resolution to suffering and issues. I do not fully employ the traditional therapy role of validating feelings or beliefs that are not serving you, but instead collaborate with you to find solutions and move your forward away from outdated ways of thinking or being. My specialty is hypnotherapy and understanding how the unconscious mind influences how we feel and how we can heal. I incorporate this modality into all of the resolution and healing work that we will be doing together, whether you are seeking individual or couples sessions. I will tailor our sessions to meet your unique and specific needs. It takes curiosity and courage to seek out a more fulfilling and happier life and to take the first steps towards a change. I am here to support and guide you in that journey.
David Miller
I am licensed in California with 4 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, LGBTQ+ related issues, relationship issues, & motivation, 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 sign up for therapy can take courage and I am proud of you for getting started!
Michelle Pliska
It takes courage to reach out for help. Whether you are experiencing depression, life stressors, or just need someone to listen, I am honored to be trusted with your story. I am licensed in South Dakota with 17 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, lgbtq+ related issues, coping with grief and loss, & depression, and much more. My experience includes work in both clinical mental health and educational settings, including middle and high schools and college. I have a background in juvenile justice systems as well. I offer traditional talk therapy and am registered as a play therapist. Our therapy sessions could include music, art, or other creative expressions to help enhance healing. When you choose to engage in counseling with me, I provide a supportive environment for growth and healing. You will receive unconditional positive regard, safety, and confidentiality. We will do good and meaningful work together to move your life in the direction you want to go. 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.
Adelina Ramirez
I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker 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 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.
Candice Woods
I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in California with over 14 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with managing depression and anxiety, coping with grief and loss, improving motivation, boosting self esteem and confidence. I also have experience helping individuals work through and cope with difficult 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 seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process.
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
- San Diego, CA
- San Jose, CA
- San Francisco, CA
- Fresno, CA
- Sacramento, CA
- Long Beach, CA
- Oakland, CA
- Bakersfield, CA
- Anaheim, CA
- Santa Ana, CA
- Riverside, CA
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