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.

Tim Crosby
I am a marriage and family therapist licensed in California, and I have over 10 years of experience as a psychotherapist. Over the years I have been trained in many evidence-based therapy modalities that help me to be effective in treating depression, anxiety, relationship issues, parenting problems, and anger management. I also helped many people who have experienced trauma with a technique called Trauma Focused Cognitive Behavior Therapy. I believe in empowering an individual's autonomy, meaning that the client is responsible and capable in making their own decisions. I treat client's with respect and equip them to meet life's challenges. My approach combines cognitive-behavioral, narrative, solution-focused, and psychodynamic counseling depending on the client's needs. I can also provide Christian, biblically-rooted counseling to those who want therapy from this perspective. I will offer judgment-free therapy, especially for those often "taboo" topics (i.e. sexuality, pornography, ministry burnout, marital problems, pressure to be perfect). I will empower you to reach your own conclusions, while being full of "truth and grace." I believe the role of a therapist is to equip you, and then "work myself out of a job." That means I believe you have the power to reach your goals and find positive support! I look forward to working with you!

Cindee Oswald
Welcome! Thank you for taking the time to explore what growth opportunities might be in your future. You might be looking for a change, struggling with an important aspect of your life or just wanting a person to validate and share your story with. Finding the right person to ride along on this journey with you is very important. I want to provide you with some information about me in order to help you decide if my experience and style is the right match for you. I have been a social worker for more than 10 years. I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in California and Arizona. I have experience working with children, adolescents, parents, military veterans and their families from all different backgrounds, all over the world, who are struggling with a wide variety of challenges. Most of my experience has been working with people who are struggling with anxiety, trauma, depression, LGBTQ+ issues, substance abuse, the challenges of parenting, the challenges of being connected to or in the military, foster care and adoption issues. I have been told from clients that I am nurturing, nonjudgmental and accepting of them. I can be expected to stand with you through what ever struggles you are facing and assist with deeping the connection you have with yourself in order to create the peace and life you want. I will always provide a positive framework but honestly provide you feedback. I am a person-centric therapist that will let you set the goals you want to work towards. We will be working at your speed of emotional safety. I will try to push you to rethink some of the limits you place on yourself so you can step into who you want to be. You are the one that will be doing the hard work. I will just be navigating you with a nurturing heart through the process. Think of it as if you are the person in the driver seat and I am the person in the passenger seat with the maps ready to provide navigation. Most of my availability is in the evenings and weekends, but I do check my messages at least twice a day. I will do my best to respond to you within 24 hours. It takes courage to ask for help and discover a more peaceful and happier life. If you are ready to take that step I am here to support and empower you. I would be honored to work with you.

Kim Connolly
Hello, My name is Kim. I am a seasoned therapist who has been in the mental health field for over 30 years. Most of that time has been in the nonprofit world. I have had the privilege of working with multitudes of folks, some short term, most long term. In that time, I have worked with a very wide variety of client concerns including personal growth, depression, anxiety, PTSD, attachment disorders, relationship problems, parenting issues, teen issues, grief, loss and coping with physical pain. I have a long history of counseling folks who have experienced physical, emotional, or sexual abuse and everything that now comes with that. And lately everything that has changed with the experiences of COVID, in our school, work and homes. I am a warm, interactive, and empathetic therapist. I respect that all of us have to move through life at our own pace and I will respect that with you. Your pace, where you want to go and how you want to get there. I will be direct and honest with you. I have used many different styles of therapy, depending on what my client needs and what makes them comfortable. Some of these include family systems, solution focused, existential, cognitive and psychodynamic. I also have a great belief in the healing power of loving humor. I think I have been involved in mental health for most of my life. Both of my parents were in related fields. I left my undergrad college my 3rd year to intern in a group home in Nevada City, Ca. From that point on, I worked on and off there while I went to Cal State Chico. I then worked many jobs in the field for several years before and during the time I got my Masters in Counseling at Sonoma State University and my subsequent Marriage and Family Therapy license. These days I live in a beautiful area of Ca. near the ocean. Everyone here seems to have a dog. I have one, but given a choice and the space, I would have more! I’ve always had dogs, growing up with them, then fostering them for a rescue, working with them for a humane society and then boarding them for awhile. There really is NOTHING like 5 dogs in your bed at night! Dogs are wonderful companions, can always make me laugh and are always there when you are feeling down. If I sound like a therapist that would work for you, let’s get started.

Pamela Brider
Clinical Approach: I have a broad range of clinical experience working with individuals, families and groups across the many domains of life and in many clinical areas. I approach treatment from the wholistic approach. I enjoy working in collaboration with a multidisciplinary staff to solve complex traumas and and honored to be able to utilize my clinical skills and God given talent's to help other people thrive and recovery. I utilize and combination of therapeutic modalities including: Motivational interviewing, Trauma Focused CBT, Harm Reduction interventions with populations across all cultures, ages and diverse backgrounds. My Specialties Include: Severe and Persistent Mental Health Conditions The Re-entry Population Depression Bipolar Disorder Individuals with Special Needs Anxiety Disorders Domestic Violence, Behavioral and Discipline Challenges Self-Harm Behaviors, Anger and Stress Management Trauma and Abuse Needs Suicide Assessment and Risk Reduction Chronic Mental Illness Self-image and Self-Esteem Issues

Harout "Harry" Ohannessian
When human beings experience trauma or severe life stressors, it not uncommon for their lives to unravel. My great passion is bringing healing to people who have been through a traumatic/stressful experience. I help my clients who include young adults , couples and families, to find healthy perceptions of themselves and strengthen their relationships so they can know themselves as peaceful, complete, whole and safe. Moreover, I have been practicing psychotherapy since 2014. My approach to therapy is one of deep empathy and exploration. Life is challenging and can bring you overwhelming feelings of anxiety or depression. In utilizing mainly psychodynamic approach to therapy, I will work with you to understand and process experiences that are causing you pain and suffering. Through our work together, you will gain a deeper understanding of yourself, which will ultimately lead to a more fulfilling and gratifying life. Also, I know that no single approach is the right one for very individual, and so I have been trained in range of other modalities including Motivational Interviewing, Person-centered, Relational, Attachment, Cognitive and Dialectical Behavioral Therapies, and Trauma Focused Therapies. My educational background includes a Master of Arts degree MA in Clinical Psychology from Antioch University, Los Angeles. Also, I have a Bachelor of Arts degree in Sociology from the California State University, Los Angeles.

Cathy Simmons
I am licensed in California with 24 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, family conflicts, trauma and abuse, & parenting 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!

Thomas "Tom" Prinz
I am licensed in California with 40 years of professional work experience. Prior to having a private practice as a Marriage and Family Therapist for 35 years I was a school psychologist for 5 years. Currently I volunteer to teach a class on addictions and anger management at City Team, Oakland, Ca., a residential program for men. I have been a volunteer at city team for over 4 years. I have experience in helping clients with coping with addictions, relationship issues, trauma and abuse, & coping with grief and loss, parenting, marriage, domestic violence, anxiety and depression. I have written and published 6 books on personal, parenting and marriage issues. My most recent books are; Changes, one person can make a difference and The first pictorial self help book for men who don’t read. Two other books I have written are: Winning at a Losing Game and The Lost Aspect of Love. I encourage my clients to follow up each session with specific homework that I can provide.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. My wife, Pam, and I have been married for 55 years, we have three adult children and 4 grandchildren.

Tiffany O'Bannon
I am licensed in California with 9 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, motivation, self esteem, and confidence, & coping with 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. 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.

Dr. Alton Carswell
I am licensed in California with 16 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, lgbtq+ related issues, relationship issues, & family conflicts. 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!

Pamela Davis
I am licensed in California with 28 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress, anxiety, motivation, self esteem, confidence, & depression. I have worked for 19 years at schools with students aged 12 and older and very much enjoy working with school aged students. I also have experience working with individuals 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 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.
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