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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Ralph Monroy

Offering therapy in California
License: LMFT
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesFamily conflictsTrauma and abuseDepression
7 years of experience

My approach is friendly, relaxed, and motivational. Along with providing therapy for relationship complications and mental disorders, I am also a youth soccer coach where patience, understanding, and teamwork are must haves. I have worked with several folks with various diagnosis and have found success by applying a Cognitive Behavioral approach or at times a Rational Emotive Behavioral approach. Another strength of mine is trauma processing, where I apply Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR). I am light hearted and work hard to ensure good quality sessions, while maxing out the abilities of the folks who see me. I currently hold a Masters Degree in Marriage and Family Therapy and undergraduate studies in Social Science. My experience ranges from crisis interventions, to dealing with critical diagnosis such as Schizophrenia, and Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), to working with sleep disturbances and anxiety disorders.

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Lynnetta Hawkins

Offering therapy in California
License: MS,LMFT
Stress, AnxietyIntimacy-related issuesSelf esteemBipolar disorderDepression
12 years of experience

Hi! Welcome to my page! I can't wait to meet you and learn what brought you to BetterHelp! I received my Masters degree in 2012 at the University of Phoenix and am close to completing my ASSECT certification in sex therapy through The Buehler Institue. I have worked with many different populations over the passed 12 years, and most of my experience has been helping individuals, couples, and families overcome obstacles related to anxiety, depression, personality disorders, eating disorders and major mental illnesses such as bipolar disorder and schizophrenia. I have also helped a lot of individuals and couples with sex related problems (non-traditional relationships, kink, painful sex) and relationship obstacles. I began working for the the county in which I reside in 2013 where I assessed people to determine if they met criteria to be detained due to being a danger to themselves, a danger to others, or gravely disabled (unable to care for their basic needs due to mental illness). I soon began working as part of a treatment team on the psychiatric unit where people detained were provided crisis stabilization and I now manage this unit. I have provided private practice services both in person and online for the past 3.5 years. Outside of managing an inpatient unit, I love utilizing my skills and experience to help increase optimism and passion toward developing a more "glass half full" perspective, no matter what the obstacle or circumstance. Feeling better is not necessarily possible overnight, but with the right tools, therapeutic chemistry, and work, better IS possible! Can't wait to meet you :)

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Tracy Dawson Valerio

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietyParenting issuesSelf esteemDepressionCoping with life changes
20 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 20 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with relationship issues, parenting issues, motivation, self esteem and confidence, & career difficulties. 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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Glenn Jacob-Oviatt

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietyAnger managementSelf esteemDepressionADHD
5 years of experience

My name is Glenn Jacob-Oviatt (he/his) and I am a Social Worker licensed in California. For the past five years, I worked at an adult mental health inpatient facility, organizing and leading groups focused on anxiety reduction, DBT skills, anger management, mindfulness, communication skills, and self-expression through art and writing. I specialize in working with adults who experience anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, and challenges adjusting to stressful life events. I also have a passion for writing and narrative-focused therapy and utilize a person-centered approach to therapy with elements of mindfulness, CBT, DBT, and ACT. My goal as a therapist is to accompany you and nurture your growth as you develop insights, engage in practices to enhance your well-being, and challenge unhelpful thinking patterns.

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Dr. Michelle White

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseDepressionADHD
7 years of experience

I am a licensed clinical psychologist in California with 7 years of professional work experience. I had two years working in private practice and two years in community mental health in offering individual and group psychotherapy, and psychological assessment services in diagnosis ADHD, Autism, depression, intellectual developmental disorder, general anxiety disorder, and OCD. I received training in providing trauma-sensitive clinical services within a psychodynamic theoretical framework that draws from object relations and attachment theory. I also utilize cognitive behavioral therapy. I have experience in helping clients with anxiety, relationships struggles, and trauma. 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 takes courage. Warm regards, Dr. Michelle

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Gabrielle Gray

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesTrauma and abuseAnger managementSelf esteem
3 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 3 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, trauma and abuse, & anger management. 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.

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Angela Phillips

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

I’m a licensed California therapist with over a decade of practice experience. I have helped 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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Lydia Meroll

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietyLGBTTrauma and abuseGriefCoping with life changes
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, lgbtq+ related 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. 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.

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Donna Dennerlein

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

I am licensed in California and Hawaii with 10 years of professional work experience. 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.

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Stephanie Mew

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietySelf esteemDepressionCoping with life changesCompassion fatigue
7 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 7 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, motivation, self esteem, and confidence, & coping with life changes. I also have experience working with compassion fatigue. 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.

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Elizabeth Kotkin

Offering therapy in California
License: LMFT
AddictionsTrauma and abuseGriefSelf esteemDepression
35 years of experience

My name is Beth Kotkin. I am a Licensed Marriage and Family therapist in New York and California with more than 30 years experience. I spent half of my career in the San Francisco Bay area, working with families impacted by alcohol and drug issues, as well as trauma survivors and those with depression. I also specialize in inner child work and those who struggle with codependency and family of origin issues. I trained with John Bradshaw and designed and directed one of his programs in the Bay Area. I moved back to my home town of NYC in 2009 and have been working with clients in both New York and California since then. I would describe my approach as warm, empathic and collaborative. I will listen to your needs in a nonjudgemental atmosphere, and tailor my approach to meet what works for you individually. I utilize a motivational approach with an emphasis on finding mutually agreed-upon goals and solutions. I am focused on providing counseling to individuals and families who are touched by alcohol, drug or other addictive problems. I also specialize in treatment for abuse and trauma survivors. I have experience with adults in a supportive strength-based trauma-informed approach. My specialties include depression, grief, anxiety, drug and alcohol abuse and recovery, codependency, survivors of abuse and trauma, and healing the inner child.

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Carmen Gonzalez-Ball

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesParenting issuesSelf esteemCoping with life changes
5 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 5 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, 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 sign up for therapy can take courage and I am proud of you for getting started!

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Jessica Gomez

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseSelf esteemDepressionCoping with life changes
5 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 5 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, trauma and abuse, motivation, self esteem and confidence, & depression. 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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Laura Sims

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseGriefDepressionADHD
13 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 12 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress, anxiety, trauma, abuse, coping with grief, coping with loss, depression, & concentration, memory. I also have experience working with focus (adhd). 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.

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Michael Morris

Offering therapy in California
LGBTRelationship issuesParenting issuesSelf esteemADHD
5 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 5 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with lgbtq+ related issues, relationship issues, parenting issues, motivation, self esteem, confidence, & concentration, memory. I also have experience working with focus (adhd). 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.

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:

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.

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