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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Tara Boerner

Offering therapy in California
License: LMFT, CDMHRS
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesFamily conflictsGrief
16 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 16 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, & family conflicts. I also have experience working with coping with grief and loss. 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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Emily Vierra

Offering therapy in California
License: LMFT
Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseGriefDepression
13 years of experience

Welcome! My name is Emily Vierra and I'm a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in California. Many of us experience difficulties at different points in our lives and need help to overcome these obstacles. It takes courage to ask for help and I commend you for reaching out. Many of us need a safe place to share our feelings and I am here to help you talk openly without judgment. I approach therapy with respect, compassion, and empathy. I will work collaboratively with you to help you identify your needs and work through these difficult experiences. I have over 13 years experience working with individuals, families, and couples dealing with a wide range of issues in numerous settings. I have experience working with all ages, from very young children to elderly adults. I am currently working with foster children ages 0-18 in an outpatient clinic as well as their parents, foster parents, and other family members. I also am currently working in a private practice setting with children and adults who have been a victim of a crime. This includes sexual/physical abuse, domestic violence, and the death of a loved one. Prior to this, I have experience working at a hospice clinic, an outpatient clinic with individuals, couples, and families dealing with daily life stressors, and a clinic with at-risk children displaying behavioral issues at home/school. These positions have given me extensive experience treating depression, anxiety, stress, suicidal/homicidal ideations, PTSD, trauma and abuse, relationship issues, family conflict, parent/child issues, adjustment disorders, anger management, at-risk behaviors, conduct disorders, self-esteem/self-worth issues, and so forth. I take an eclectic approach with therapy and will tailor my treatment based on your specific needs and goals. I will utilize different modalities including Cognitive-Behavioral, Solution-Focused, Family Systems, Humanistic, Client-Centered, etc. In terms of availability, I check and respond to messages several times a day. I am flexible with my schedule and understand that you may have obligations during the day and am happy to accommodate most schedules, including nights and weekends. I look forward to working with you!

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Shirley Semel

Offering therapy in California
License: MA, LMFT
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesFamily conflictsAnger managementDepression
8 years of experience

Welcome! I am very excited that you have taken the first step to finding the support that you need. I am a licensed marriage and family therapist in the state of California. I have worked with all ages of individuals and have experience facilitating groups dealing with domestic violence, anger management and addiction relapse prevention. I strive to earn your trust through creating an environment in which you will be free to share whatever is on your mind in an atmosphere of compassion and without judgment. One of my passions is to help you live a life in which you are free to explore who you are in every aspect of your life. I want you to know how special you are and that you deserve to live a life that you have always dreamed of. We can do that by looking into the areas of your life that are keeping you stuck for whatever reason and learning what it is that you really gives you joy and contentment in every area of your life. My special interests include helping people deal with addictions and co-occurring disorders, relationship and family issues, helping families dealing with mentally ill loved ones, as well as Christian counseling for individuals and families. I especially take joy in seeing people reach their full potential in life through God’s eyes. But whatever your situation is I want you to be able to share it in a caring and nurturing environment. Once again, I am so excited that you have taken this first step in learning more about yourself in order to have a richer life. I look forward to working with you soon.

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Alexander "Alex" Dannin

Offering therapy in California
License: LMFT
Relationship issuesSelf esteemCareer difficultiesCoaching
7 years of experience

Greetings! It’s my passion and pleasure to support individuals who are looking to make meaningful changes in their life. I believe that our natural state is one of health and balance—feeling at peace, worthy, and capable. Life’s negative experiences can temporarily disrupt this state, leading to negative feelings and emotions. We intuitively sense something is off through our 'negative' emotions such as anger, sadness, or fear. I view all feelings as inherently neutral; they are signals indicating whether we are in or out of alignment with our true selves. Emotions don’t exist in isolation—they serve as guides, bringing our attention to what we believe about ourselves and the situations we encounter. My role is to identify the beliefs underlying these emotions and to help you make the necessary changes in thoughts, behaviors, and actions to restore balance and reconnect with your natural state. In terms of modalities, I draw from a range of approaches including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Solution-Focused Therapy, and Client-Centered Therapy. I’m flexible and adapt my methods to suit each client’s unique needs, rather than fitting clients into a predefined model. I also incorporate principles of Human Design into my practice, using this unique system to provide additional insights into personal strengths, challenges, and life patterns, enhancing the therapeutic process. I am a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) based in San Diego, California, with eight years of experience. I have worked with diverse populations including active-duty military, first responders, corporate professionals, retirees, young adults, and the homeless. Before transitioning to mental health, I worked in various corporate roles in IT and finance. Following my passion, I changed careers to support others on their journey to well-being.

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Bryan Hixson

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietyFamily conflictsGriefDepression
15 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 10 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, family conflicts, & coping with grief and loss. 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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Dorina Stern

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

I am licensed in California with 13 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, depression, relationship issues, trauma and abuse, & motivation, self esteem, and confidence. I believe that knowing yourself is most important factor in healing and in helping you create the life that you want. Taking the first step to seeking a more fulfilling and happier life is a risk worth taking to make the changes for a better life. I am here to support you in that process and make sure that you have a safe and positive healing experience.

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Kristen Silva

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

I am licensed in California and have had 6 years of professional work experience between being a grad student, AMFT, and LMFT. 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 sign up for therapy can take courage and I am proud of you for getting started!

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Megan Kirby

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesSelf esteemDepression
5 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 5 years of professional work experience. I have a broad spectrum of experience working with a variety of different mental health needs and diagnoses including; stress and anxiety, relationship issues, motivation, self esteem, confidence and depression. I work under the belief that all individuals require different levels of support and interventions and it is my job to do my best to fit those needs. I work to ensure that clients feel as though their experiences, goals, and therapeutic needs are valued and addressed. I believe therapy can be beneficial to anyone who wants change, clarity, or understanding and am excited to help you on that journey.

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DeAngela Cooks

Offering therapy in California
AddictionsRelationship issuesFamily conflictsTrauma and abuseCoaching
7 years of experience

"Therapy is a powerful tool for transformation, especially when it honors and integrates ancestral wisdom and diverse ways of knowing. Hi! I’m DeAngela, a Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist committed to creating a welcoming, affirming space for everyone. My approach is focused on supporting individuals through life transitions, cultivating resilience, and fostering personal growth. I welcome clients from all backgrounds who seek a compassionate and healing environment. Together, we can work to uncover strengths and explore paths to resilience and growth.

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Karla Garcia-Cordova

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

Hello My Name is Karla and I am a Licensed Marriage and Family therapist. I am of Mexican and Salvadorian descent and grew up in Highland Park. I am a passionate about providing support and guidance in people's journey of healing. I believe every individual has the ability to search within and find healing through therapy. I consider myself to be eclectic I take from different approaches to fit each individual. I have experience working with CBT, narrative, and family systems to name a few. I am open to working with all individuals, couples and families. I have vast experience in working with depression and anxiety as well as grief work. I provide a safe and open space for clients to feel comfortable processing their emotions and experiences. Throughout my life I knew that I had a mission to be of service and help people in some capacity. That mission lead me to become a therapist and help people heal through therapy.

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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