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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Elizabeth Baxt

Offering therapy in California
License: LMFT
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesParenting issuesSelf esteem
40 years of experience

Hello, let me introduce myself to you. I am a therapist who is dedicated to work with clients motivated to improve their lives. Are you a client who want to learn how to think more clearly, make better decisions, and avoid drama? Call me if you want a guide who will help you improve your relationships, reduce your stress, and create a more fulfilling life. My goal for my clients is to help them improve their attitudes so they will feel better about themselves and obtain the life that they desire. I work with clients who believe that they can change and grow and want to improve their lives. I design the therapy to meet each person's needs. The best therapy is creative and interactive. I am trained to use art and guided imagery in addition to talk therapy. My clients walk away from a session feeling they have learned something about themselves and have been given skills to solve their problems. I value each client I work with. I believe that together we can learn from each other. At this time I am working with clients through telemedicine in Oregon and California.

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Cynthia Tatum

Offering therapy in California
License: MA,LMFT
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsRelationship issuesSelf esteemDepression
8 years of experience

I am a family and marriage therapist licensed in California with over 8 years of experience. I have worked with clients with a wide range of concerns including depression, anxiety, relationship issues, parenting problems, career challenges, and substance abuse issues. I also helped those who have experienced sexual issues and physical trauma or emotional abuse, and those in need of Christian-focused counseling. I have also worked with residential and outpatient clients. My counseling style is warm, interactive, and non-judgmental. I believe that the client is the expert on themselves and therefore won't tell someone what they should do. My approach is primarily solution-focused. Together as a team we will create goals. Not everything works with everyone so it is important to state what you like and don't like in order to create a treatment plan to meet your needs. I want to congratulate you on taking the step to change in order to reach your goals of becoming happier and more free. I look forward to being able to support and empower you on this journey.

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Georgina Cortez

Offering therapy in California
License: Lmft
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesFamily conflictsParenting issuesDepression
13 years of experience

I am a Licensed Marriage and Family therapist in California with 10 years of experience in providing direct mental health and behavioral counseling. I have worked with individuals age 5 to adult with a variety of presenting issues including parent/child relationships, anxiety, depression, adjustment disorders, self-care. My experience is varied and across settings, I have worked with children and adults in their homes, in the community, in school setting in a mental health agency, via telehealth. My therapy style and approach draw influence from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and person Centered therapy. Life as we know it, can be a bit overwhelming at times and once we get caught in the middle of some kind of struggle, it can be difficult to find the way out. The strategies that we once used to cope don't work anymore, and we need a little help learning a new way. I’m here to support, guide and provide you with the tools necessary to overcome the stresses and obstacles, that life may throw at you. I strive to provide a safe, nonjudgmental environment that encourages change and growth; To be reminded of your strengths, skills and abilities; to explore how to best resolve conflict with others; to learn new ways of managing stress and symptoms; to unlearn old habitual and negative patterns; to re-author and reclaim your life; to develop the courage and ability to be fully present in your life.

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Dr. Kym Codallos

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesGriefParenting issuesADHD
20 years of experience

I am licensed in California, Colorado, and Wyoming with 16 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, coping with grief and loss, parenting issues, and substance use disorders. 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!

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Shannae Hart

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesTrauma and abuseIntimacy-related issuesCareer difficulties
6 years of experience

I am an associate clinical social worker in California with 5 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, trauma and abuse, & intimacy related 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. Taking the first step to seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process.

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Maria Holguin

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietyFamily conflictsGriefSelf esteemDepression
12 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 12 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, family conflicts, coping with grief and loss, & motivation, self esteem, and confidence. 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.

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Carole Cassidy

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesTrauma and abuseSelf esteemDepression
12 years of experience

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, & motivation, self esteem, and confidence. 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.

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Ta'Nita Swearingen-Brooks

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesTrauma and abuseSelf esteemCoping with life changes
15 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 15 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, trauma and abuse, & 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. Taking the first step to sign up for therapy can take courage and I am proud of you for getting started!

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Valerie Novak

Offering therapy in California
License: MA,LMFT
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesFamily conflictsParenting issuesDepression
10 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 10 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress, anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, & parenting issues. I also have experience working with depression. 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!

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Melissa 'Elle' Ortega

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesGriefDepressionCoping with life changes
10 years of experience

Hello and welcome. My name is Melissa “Elle” Ortega (she/her) and I am a licensed clinical social worker LCSW (109661), MSW, MPH in California. As a highly skilled and compassionate clinician, I come with a decade-long history of hospital-based care as a medical social worker; supporting patients and their families in both in-patient care and outpatient care settings, including: in-patient psychiatry, emergency medicine, ICU, urgent care, internal and family medicine, nephrology peritoneal dialysis (PD), oncology, palliative medicine, med/surg, NICU, Labor and Delivery (L&D), and Family-centered care (FCC). With such a strong foundation, I understand first-hand the impact of disability on one's mental health, wellness, and relationships with others; and strive to support my clients through it. Through a strengths-based approach, I strive to meet my clients where they are and offer a safe space to be heard, process difficult emotions, and find empowerment. I utilize Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Motivational Interviewing (MI), Solutions Focused Therapy intervention(s), and yes a lens in medical social work in session, to tailor to client’s individual need(s). I truly believe we aren’t meant to live this life alone; and with support, our darkest hours can be met with the light of resilience, if only we are brave enough to ask for help and support. So whether you are experiencing stress, anxiety, relationship issues, coping with grief and loss, and/or depression; I am here to support you in that process. So what do you say? Let’s face it together.

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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