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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Esmeralda Huizar Leon

Offering therapy in California
License: LCSW
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsRelationship issuesFamily conflictsDepression
3 years of experience

I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in California with over 7 years of experience working as a counselor. I have worked with clients with a wide range of concerns including depression, anxiety, relationship issues, parenting problems, career challenges, domestic violence and substance use. I also helped many people who have experienced physical trauma or emotional abuse. My counseling style is friendly and solution focused. I believe in treating anyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion, and I don't believe in stigmatizing labels. My approach combines cognitive-behavioral, client centered, talk therapy and crisis intervention counseling. I will tailor our dialog and treatment plan to meet your unique and specific needs. It takes courage to seek for a more fulfilling and happier life and to take the first steps towards a change. If you are ready to take that step I am here to support and empower you. I look forward to working with you!

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Maureen McEachen

Offering therapy in California
License: LCSW
Stress, AnxietyFamily conflictsGriefDepression
10 years of experience

I am an LCSW specializing in life transitions, grief and loss. Having relocated 20 years ago to California from the Washington, DC area where I primarily focused on mental health and depression, I began to concentrate on the importance of coping and supporting healthy navigation of life's challenges. I received a specialty credential in Hospice and Palliative care with an emphasis on helping individuals and families through serious illness and the loss of a loved one. I would be honored to talk through part of your life's journey with you!

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David Meza

Offering therapy in California
License: MSW,LCSW
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesTrauma and abuseSelf esteemDepression
16 years of experience

I am grateful for the opportunity to serve people struggling with anxiousness distress, depression, and trauma related conditions. My clinical goal is always to help build a therapeutic relationship that is supported by trust, authenticity & compassion. This is your safe and confidential space to heal your emotional and mental wounds. I am all about tailoring my treatment approaches to best meet your therapeutic needs. I want you to know you are not alone, and I really look forward accompanying you throughout your healing journey. My experience of 15 yrs. is working with adults, children & families, crisis management, and mental health services for military veterans. My specialties include compassion inquiry for trauma healing & wounded parts work, stress & anger management, Acceptance & Commitment therapy, Internal Family Systems & depression management. I am only allowed by California Licensing laws to serve California residents.

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Dr. Sarah Golden

Offering therapy in California
License: Ph.D.,LPCC (CA),LPC (MI)
Stress, AnxietySelf esteemCareer difficultiesCoping with life changes
8 years of experience

Welcome! I am happy you are here and have chosen to reach out for support. I know it can be challenging to take that first step. That takes courage! My name is Dr. Sarah Golden, and I am a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor (LPCC) in the state of California and a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) in the state of Michigan. I am a National Certified Counselor. I earned my graduate degree in Counselor Education and my Ph.D. in Counselor Education and Supervision. I have worked in the counseling profession in a variety of capacities as a counselor and a consultant. As we start working together, I hope to create a space where you can talk and feel heard. We will collaboratively help you navigate some of the challenges and feelings you've expressed and identify some goals you have for counseling. My style is to create a safe, collaborative, and warm environment for clients to explore their thoughts, experiences, and challenges while working toward their personal goals. My counseling approach is integrated and combines a person-centered, humanistic, CBT, mindfulness practices, and solution-focused approach. I look forward to starting this journey with you!

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Jeffrey Robertson

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietyBipolar disorderDepression
9 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 9 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, trauma, autism/ learning disabilities, bipolar disorder, & depression. My most valuable lessons as a therapist have come from people like you, who have a different experience and background to offer than my own. 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. I look forward to getting to know you.

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Tamberly Mott

Offering therapy in California
LGBTRelationship issuesFamily conflictsParenting issuesCoping with life changes
16 years of experience

I am licensed in California and Arizona with 17 years of licensed work experience and have an additional 10 years of related professional experience. I am experienced in short-term, and solution-focused therapy, positive supportive psychology, interpersonal therapy, motivational interviewing, mindfuness based cognitive theapy, acceptance and commitment therapy. All are evidence based therapy which helps with change-in-life transitions, LGBTQQA+-related issues, relationship difficulties, family & social conflicts, as well as emotional and creative challenges. I also have experience in eco-therapy, influenced by the idea that nature helps when talking does not. 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 and empower you in that process.

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John Aaron Foster

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

Hello there! I am licensed in California with 15 years of professional work experience with teens, adults and couples. I have experience in helping clients with stress, life transitions, depression, anxiety, relationship issues, motivation, self esteem, and confidence. I work with my clients to create an open and safe environment where thoughts and feelings can be shared without fear of judgment. My therapeutic approach is built on trust within the relationship we create along with a little humor. I mostly utilize the modalities of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy along with family systems, communication skills work, and mindfulness practices. 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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Kendal Lardie

Offering therapy in California
AddictionsRelationship issuesSelf esteemBipolar disorderDepression
9 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 9 years of professional work experience. I have experience in multiple areas, including addiction, relationship issues, self-esteem building, anxiety, depression, and bipolar disorder. I believe the most important part of therapy is the relationship you have with your therapist, which should be one of respect and understanding. I believe in treating all people with care an compassion. Our sessions will be focused on what you believe the most important concern is at that time, as well as how that ties into your ultimate goal for treatment. I commend you for seeking out help and taking the time to better yourself, and I am excited to be a part of the process.

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Laura Sims

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseGriefDepressionADHD
13 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 12 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress, anxiety, trauma, abuse, coping with grief, coping with loss, depression, & concentration, memory. I also have experience working with 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. 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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Stephanie Cristerna-Casillas

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

Hello! I'm Stephanie Cristerna-Casillas, a bilingual Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist dedicated to fostering a safe and non-judgmental space for clients. My goal is to assist individuals and families in building strong, meaningful, and intimate relationships. I specialize in helping those dealing with anxiety, depression, trauma, life transitions, and family conflicts.I focus on fostering a collaborative and supportive therapeutic environment that is compassionate and empathetic, allowing clients to feel safe, understood, and empowered. While my primary treatment approaches are rooted in Client-Centered Therapy and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), I prioritize meeting clients where they are and tailoring the therapeutic process to suit their individual needs.

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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