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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Randolph (Randy) Beasley

Offering therapy in California
License: M.A., M.A. LMFT 120092
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesBipolar disorderDepressionCoaching
5 years of experience

Hello! Welcome to the BetterHelp community! My name is Randy Beasley I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist here in California. I have been providing psychotherapy and emotional growth services for a wide variety of issues within a number of roles for the past 10+ years. A little bit about me, I graduated with my Bachelor of Science Degree in Business from Biola University and completed a Masters Degree in Theology from Liberty University. I was pursuing a Doctoral Degree in Theology when I felt therapy was a better way for me to help people. I completed my Master of Arts Degree from Touro University in Marriage and Family Therapy. Previously I worked as a pastor and Christian camp director developing curriculum and teaching. I have experience working with addiction, foster services, wraparound, competency restoration, and couples/family therapy having worked within community-based clinics, substance use treatment facilities, a state hospital, and jail. I have received training in trauma-focused cognitive behavioral therapy, managing adaptive practices, interpersonal therapy, The Gottman Method, as well as being a certified Mandt trainer (crisis intervention) and strength deployment inventory (motivational values psychometric) facilitator. I would describe my approach as goal-oriented and client-centered. I use solution-focused therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, and an existential therapy approach to foster awareness while developing pragmatic solutions to problems. Goals are developed together and focused on changing patterns of thinking or behaviors driven by unmet needs, when these change we frequently change how we feel. I believe healing hinges on the relationships you develop and progress ultimately follows an individual conquest of fear and acceptance of responsibility. I hope to make that journey with you.

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Thomas Lyon

Offering therapy in California
License: LMFT
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesAnger managementDepressionCoping with life changes
23 years of experience

Hello and thank you for looking at my profile and considering me for doing therapy together. My name is Tom Lyon. I am a Marriage and Family Therapist licensed in the state of California since 1998. My personality is generally warm, sensitive, gentle, and caring. My nature is to treat everyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion. But with this comes the responsibility to not be afraid to work with you on the seemingly overpowering experiences of your life. The type of therapy I practice is called Depth Psychotherapy and it refers to helping people work through deep inner processes within themselves that affect them personally and in relationship with others. I help engage the various parts of a person’s self that have been neglected, hurt, undeveloped, unappreciated and hidden away. I provide a safe, non-judgmental space where you will experience being heard and understood. In collaboration, we will listen deeply to utilize your thoughts, feelings, thoughts, intuitions, and sensations, all of which offer valuable insight into parts of your inner wisdom. Our sessions are where you can explore your struggles as well as your dreams and desires. As painful and confusing experiences are explored in a safe way, you can connect more honestly and compassionately with your struggle, becoming the true person you want to be. I want to hear your story, and about what is bringing you to this therapeutic conversation. While I can facilitate helping you find specific solutions that you may be looking for, I provide therapy with a holistic view to listen and see you and accept everything you wish to discuss, to hear your story. I will tailor our therapeutic time together to develop a beneficial treatment plan to meet your unique and specific needs. As with many things in life, therapy may be too intense for you, or I may not have the skills to work as effectively with you as I would like, or for some other reasons. Through our interaction, we may come to the conclusion that we would not be able to work together therapeutically to achieve your goals. Hopefully, we will have a better idea about this during our first session. But as the adage says . . . "nothing ventured, nothing gained." The development of your personality, your own uniqueness, to engage the world in a useful, purposeful, meaningful way in psychotherapy is often a courageous undertaking and I am hopeful that we can develop a trust and rapport to confidently help you grow in a process that unfolds over time. It may be one of the most unique, and at times most difficult, collaborations of your life and together we can explore your hopes and goals, determine the pace of your work, and explore the stories, struggles, and questions you bring into a session. I look forward to working with you! Tom

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Amanda Butler

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietyGriefParenting issuesSelf esteemCoping with life changes
7 years of experience

I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) registered with the California Board of Behavioral Sciences (BBS) and have 7 years of professional work experience. My expertise includes assisting clients with various challenges such as stress, anxiety, adjustment to new medical diagnoses, parenting issues, teen pregnancy, attention difficulties, general motivation issues, self-esteem, coping with life changes, and more. I firmly believe in treating every individual with respect, sensitivity, and compassion. I will customize our dialogue and treatment plan to meet your unique and specific needs. Taking the first step toward seeking a more fulfilling and happier life requires courage, and I am here to support you throughout that journey. My live sessions are conducted on Saturday and Sunday mornings. For non-live messaging I respond within 24 hours.

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Meridian Brady

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsGriefCoping with life changesADHD
5 years of experience

Hello. I'm so glad you're taking the first step to getting support! Life can be challenging and it helps to have someone navigate it with us. I am an LMFT in California that has worked in numerous settings with diverse populations so all are welcome. I have experience in helping clients manage stress and anxiety, addictive behaviors, low self esteem and ADHD as well as cope with life changes, chronic illness and grief & loss. Artists, those with ADHD or HSP, folks in recovery and people living non-traditional lifestyles are particularly welcome. I believe in treating everyone with respect and compassion and have an open, friendly, curious and interactive approach. (I am originally from the east coast so while I am warm, I can also be direct for those who want that.) I will tailor our sessions and treatment plan to meet your unique and specific needs. Taking the first step to seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage and I'm here to support you on your journey.

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Dale Hamilton

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesTrauma and abuseGriefDepression
29 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 29 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 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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Melissa Mendez

Offering therapy in California
License: LMFT
Relationship issuesFamily conflictsGriefIntimacy-related issuesDepression
11 years of experience

I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in the state of Indiana. I received a bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Purdue University and a master’s degree in Marriage and Family Therapy from Christian Theological Seminary. I have had the opportunity to work in and gain knowledge from a diverse collection of settings that include elementary, middle and high school, hospital chaplaincy department, private practice and private agency working with families in the child welfare system. Each of these settings have provided me with hands on experience working with individuals and families in crisis, as well as those who are faced with navigating some of life’s challenges such as divorce, loss, and addiction. As a Marriage and Family Therapist, I love a systems approach, understanding that we do not exist in a vacuum, but rather are part of larger systems. I take a non-judgmental, warm approach to therapy and I believe in tailoring my therapy towards my clients individual needs. Together we will establish goals and design a path towards a healthier way of being. I draw from a multitude of therapeutic techniques that include Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Solutions Focused Therapy. The first step towards seeking help is often the most difficult. I am excited that you are here and look forward to taking this journey along side you.

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Miriam Guijarro

Offering therapy in California
Stress, Anxiety
6 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 6 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, trauma and abuse, coping with grief and loss, & 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. 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. * Please note I do not provide any letters*

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Shea Phinney

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

I am licensed in California with 23 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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Kimberley Kershaw

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietySelf esteemBipolar disorderDepressionCoping with life changes
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, motivation, self esteem, confidence, bipolar disorder, & depression. I also have experience working with 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. 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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Jennifer Pierce

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietyLGBTEating disordersSelf esteemDepression
7 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 7 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress, anxiety, lgbtq+ related issues, eating disorders, motivation, self esteem, & confidence. I also have experience working with depression. 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:

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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