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.
Andrew Pari
Girls and women in today's world are given conflicting messages. Your parents told you one thing. Your friends another. The media confused you even more. And now you want something more fulfilling. More fun. More authentic. More…you! You’re afraid of being labeled. The people you date are the ones you are “supposed to,” not who you want. Maybe sex has been painful or unfulfilling and you want to understand why. Your sexual self is yours alone. But how do you sort your truth from everyone else’s? You want something different, but you are not sure how to talk about it. This is YOUR body! You get to decide how you want to Awaken. It’s time to break the Disney stereotype you were taught. Time to find out who you’re supposed to be. Time to learn all the sexual secrets that have been kept from you. You are ready to gain Awareness! You need a safe, supportive space to explore and talk about what you want and who you want to become without fear of being judged or shamed. You can finally live YOUR life! Whatever sex has been (or hasn’t), you can create the sex life you have been dreaming of! It’s time to change. To empower yourself. All you need is knowledge and guidance from someone who knows how to help you meet your sexual self. I am a nationally known therapist, speaker, and advocate for female sexual trauma, healing, and empowerment. I have pioneered open discussion of aspects of sexual trauma that were rarely addressed before. Women are often shamed for having experiences and reactions during unwanted sexual contact that they can't explain or don't understand. These experiences can sometimes end up being expressed in ways that continue that feeling of shame and self-harm, even though they may also feel good. I have spoken around the world at feminist, psychology, sex therapy, and forensic conferences about my work to further support for women whose experiences go unacknowledged. I have developed treatment strategies to address self-harm through sex and the urges and compulsions some women have to take sexual risks that end with more feelings of doubt and confusion. I work with women who are searching for their authentic self, free of societal stereotypes of what women are “meant for” and “supposed to be.” Whether it’s recovering from sexual trauma, exploring new desires, letting go of past relationships, discovering your own body, or diving deeper into understanding what you want, I can help. I know. I understand. And I care. Contact me now and simply say, “I’m ready.” I’m waiting to help you find your happy, worthy, and empowered life.
Daren Casagrande
Hello! My name is Daren Casagrande. Growing up in San Jose, CA I was exposed to a very wide variety of identities, ethnicities, beliefs, and ideas. That wide exposure has really built into me an appreciation and interest in all of the different ways in which people see, experience, and make sense of themselves and the world. Between that and my family’s own brand of dysfunction, psychology became a natural interest for me. My experience and background is in the non-profit realm and is heavily focused on adolescent and transitional-aged youth (16-26) with struggles ranging from homeless, gang involvement, and incarceration all the way to high-pressure, high-stress family/athletic/academic environments and everything in between. I’ve also worked with a wide variety of diagnoses and issues ranging from outpatient care all the way up to needing residential care to achieve health. I love helping people to discover themselves more fully, clarify where they’re going in life, or problem-solve the “stuck points” we all find ourselves in from time to time. I definitely do not think that counseling is for the “sick,” but for everybody throughout different stages of life or levels of need. My experience has generally been that most people wait too long to come to counseling and make the task more difficult for themselves. So take it easy on yourself and seize the day! My approach is a holistic, collaborative, listen-first approach that focuses on simple short-term goals in pursuit of more complex long-term goals. I spend a good amount of time listening and seeking to understand before moving more into the prescriptive phase of counseling where we work more directly on your goals. In session, I am mostly calm, understanding, humorous, and non-judgmental. I am here to help you be the version of yourself that you want to be. I would be honored to join you as a co-problem solver today!
Michael Tidstrand
I specialize in providing compassionate support to individuals navigating a spectrum of mental health challenges. Drawing from both professional training and personal experiences, I understand the complexities of these struggles firsthand. Clients can expect a nonjudgmental and empathetic environment where they can freely express themselves without fear of stigma or shame. My approach is rooted in creating a secure space where clients feel heard and valued. As a licensed Professional Clinical Counselor with a Master's in Clinical Psychology from Pepperdine University, I prioritize active listening, curiosity, and reflection. By employing techniques such as mindfulness and cognitive-behavioral therapy, I help clients explore the intricate connections between their thoughts, emotions, and behaviors. My goal is to empower clients on their journey towards healing and self-discovery. Together, we'll uncover the underlying reasons behind presenting issues, fostering meaningful insights and personal growth. I eagerly anticipate the opportunity to support you in your path towards a more fulfilling life.
Leslie Sigala
I am Licensed Marriage and Family in California for 10 years with experience of individual and family therapy. I have worked with clients with a wide range of experience including depression, anxiety, relationship issues, parenting issues, with experience Child Trauma, Post Partum, Immigration and Domestic Violence. My modalities are psychodynamic therapy, Trauma Focused- CFT, Cognitive, Behavioral, Child Parent Psychotherapy and Infant Parent psychotherapy modalities. My counseling experience is warm and interactive. I am a woman of color, I believe in treating with anyone with kindness, respect and compassion. My approach is to support everyone and to provide a treatment plan to meet your specific needs. I look forward to working with you.
Nataly Perez
I am a family and marriage counselor licensed in California. I have worked with victims of crime, such as domestic violence, including depression, anxiety, relationship issues, and trauma. My counseling style is a person-centered approach. I like to focus on your strengths and work with improving your daily functioning. My goal is to help you meet your goals and heal toward positive change.
Dr. Torrie Piasecki
I am licensed in California with 4 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, trauma and abuse, coping with grief and loss, & bipolar disorder. 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.
Theresa Leal
I am licensed in California with 20 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with family conflicts, parenting 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. Taking the first step to seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process.
Michelle Ely
I am licensed in California and Alaska with 29 years of professional work experience as a social worker and 6 years as an Licensed Clinical Social Worker. I have experience in helping clients with overcoming past traumatic experiences, reducing stress and anxiety, and addressing relationship issues & parenting issues. I also have experience working with clients on anger management. My therapy style is warm, interactive and direct. I believe in treating people with respect, sensitivity, and compassion. I have an eclectic approach to therapy meaning the interventions I utilize are based on the needs of my client and their current situation. 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!
Jessica Milgrome
Hello! My name is Jessica Milgrome, and I have been a licensed mental health clinician for the past 10 years. I am also a Certified Rehabilitation Counselor (Career Counselor) and a Nationally Certified Counselor. My therapeutic approach is centered around the belief that therapy should be the least stressful aspect of your life. I have a very modern, casual style, and I aim to create a supportive and relaxed environment where you can feel comfortable and open. I have a very informal, direct, and casual style of communicating, often incorporating humor into our sessions. I like to ask questions and am happy to direct the session if that’s preferred, or I can simply sit and listen. I appreciate when clients tell me if they are seeking guidance, feedback, or just want to vent. I have worked with clients facing a wide range of concerns, including but not limited to depression, anxiety, ADHD, and relationship issues such as breakups and marital conflicts. I also have experience in managing more severe mental health conditions like psychosis and trauma. My expertise extends to helping individuals cope with grief and loss, as well as addressing anger management issues. In addition to these areas, I focus on the development of interpersonal relationships, helping clients build and maintain healthy connections with others. I provide practical support with job placement and interview skills training, assisting clients in navigating career transitions and enhancing their professional lives. Most importantly, I offer guidance in cultivating self-love and navigating the process of forgiveness. I believe that developing a strong sense of self-worth and the ability to forgive oneself and others are crucial steps toward emotional healing and personal growth. My approach is holistic, addressing both the emotional and practical aspects of my clients' lives to help them achieve a balanced and fulfilling life. To give you an idea of the type of person I am—I'm a massive fan of stand-up comedy (laughing is life), I actually look forward to Mondays because that’s when Spotify releases new Discover Weekly playlists, and "When words fail, let the music speak" is essentially my mantra. Oh, and I have six dogs! As a therapist, my goal is to help my clients become the best version of themselves. Working together, we will improve self-esteem, identify triggers of symptoms, develop and effectively utilize coping skills, explore psychoeducational materials on areas of concern, facilitate and improve family relationships, discuss the effects of psychotropic medications, and develop a strong sense of self. My counseling style is warm and interactive. I believe in treating everyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion, and I do not believe in stigmatizing labels. My approach combines cognitive-behavioral, humanistic, psychodynamic, and rational-emotive counseling. I will tailor our dialogue and treatment plan to meet your unique and specific needs. It takes courage to seek a more fulfilling and happier life and to take the first steps toward change. If you are ready to take that step, I am here to support and empower you. I look forward to working with you! Jessica Milgrome
Dr. Denise Nguyen
I am licensed in California with 15 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, coping with grief and loss, sleeping disorders, & 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 seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process.
Toya Carroll
I am a Christian therapist licensed in California, Illinois and Missouri with 15 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, 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. 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.
Renee Adams
Hello! Thank you for taking the time to learn a little about me. I have been a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in California for 13 years. My professional experiences are vast, much like the fabrics of a quilt. I have experience working within the legal system, mental health, (inpatient/outpatient), and medical/hospital. Working within these systems has allowed for a better understanding of the human condition at its best and its greatest need. My approach to therapy is simple, I believe that you are the expert of your story. You bring many wonderful strengths that we will use to empower you to overcome what is challenging you. It takes great courage to embark on this journey and I'm so glad you are here. Take care!
Manisha Parikh
I am licensed in California with over 6 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, trauma and abuse, parenting issues, & 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. 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.
Shannon Shaffer Peterson
I am licensed in California with 40 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with motivation, self esteem, and confidence, bipolar disorder, depression, & 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.
Natalie Jambazian
Natalie is a compassionate and dedicated therapist with a deep commitment to helping individuals reclaim their lives after experiencing, loss, trauma, anxiety, break-ups, divorces, depression, abuse, anger management, & self esteem. Natalie has cultivated a therapeutic approach that is empathetic, non-judgmental, client-centered, and culturally sensitive. Natalie guides her clients through their healing process by fostering self-awareness, building resiliency, and empowering you to set healthy boundaries. Whether you're seeking healing from past wounds, current ones, clarity in relationships, tools or manage anxiety, I am here to support you on your journey to becoming our most authentic and empowered self. Taking the first step to sign up for therapy can take courage and I am proud of you for getting started!
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
Find your state
- Alabama
- Alaska
- Arizona
- Arkansas
- California
- Colorado
- Connecticut
- Delaware
- District of Columbia
- Florida
- Georgia
- Hawaii
- Idaho
- Illinois
- Indiana
- Iowa
- Kansas
- Kentucky
- Louisiana
- Maine
- Maryland
- Massachusetts
- Michigan
- Minnesota
- Mississippi
- Missouri
- Montana
- Nebraska
- Nevada
- New Hampshire
- New Jersey
- New Mexico
- New York
- North Carolina
- North Dakota
- Ohio
- Oklahoma
- Oregon
- Pennsylvania
- Rhode Island
- South Carolina
- South Dakota
- Tennessee
- Texas
- Utah
- Vermont
- Virginia
- Washington
- West Virginia
- Wisconsin
- Wyoming