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.

This is Joshua Siskin's avatar and link to their profile

Joshua Siskin

Offering therapy in California
License: LMFT,BA,MS
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsRelationship issuesFamily conflictsDepression
17 years of experience

I have been working as a mental health professional for 14 years. My approach is solution focused. I am not primarily concerned with how or why your present challenge developed, but rather will assist you in finding a way forward. I hope to elicit and reinforce your positive attributes and competencies and help you to access your inner strength. My goal is that you should feel better about yourself and life in general with the completion of our session together. Your ability to change or improve your situation depends on your desire to do so. My job is to awaken that desire within you.

This is Dr. Henry Venter's avatar and link to their profile

Dr. Henry Venter

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesTrauma and abuseGriefSelf esteem
25 years of experience

I’m a psychologist with more than 25 years of experience. I love counseling and working with individuals and couples. The joy of discovering a solution for a problem with someone and see them grow and thrive excites me. No one is perfect and at times, we all need help. It is a mistake trying to solve problems alone. I see counseling as the undiscovered gem in human functioning – far too many people miss the opportunity of working with a trained and skilled counselor to aid them on the journey to figure out a plan through their challenge. I’m glad you are considering this option and there is a reason that you are reading my profile. I would love working with you.

This is Sarah Ochsner's avatar and link to their profile

Sarah Ochsner

Offering therapy in California
AddictionsFamily conflictsTrauma and abuseDepression
7 years of experience

I graduated with a Bachelors in Counseling/Psychology at William Jessup University and a Masters in Marriage and Family therapy at Western Seminary. I am licensed in the state of California as a Marriage and Family therapist as well as a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor. I enjoy working with an individual who wants help. However, perhaps they feel stuck and they want someone to help them process things so that they can accomplish their goals. I use a client-centered approach with a warm and compassionate style. I believe that often times people know what they need but sometimes they also want support along the way to achieve their full potential. My hope is for my clients to feel happy and successful. I am excited to help you on your journey to lasting change. I have experience working with client's who struggle with depression, anxiety, trauma, and as well as working with the whole family unit. I am a busy mama of two. Therefore, I currently only have availability for sessions on nights and weekends. These sessions are approximately 30 minute in duration. I am licensed in California. Please note client's need to be in the state of CA during the session. Please know I value self care. I lead by example and take most holidays off to be with my family. If you have any questions about membership please contact the Customer Success Team.

This is Rhonda Robertson's avatar and link to their profile

Rhonda Robertson

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsRelationship issuesTrauma and abuseDepression
4 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 4 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, coping with addictions, relationship issues, & trauma and abuse. 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!

This is Jessica Whittington's avatar and link to their profile

Jessica Whittington

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietyFamily conflictsGriefDepressionADHD
10 years of experience

I am licensed in North Carolina with 10 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, family conflicts, coping with grief and loss, & 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 seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process.

This is Dr. Susan Fleming's avatar and link to their profile

Dr. Susan Fleming

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsRelationship issuesFamily conflictsDepression
18 years of experience

I have worked with families and children for 18 years. I work with children from 3 years old to 22 years old in educational settings stuggling with social skills in educational settings. My specialized area is in high functioning autism and coping skills. I work with adults that have a difficult time with coping skills and anger management. Areas of a high anxiety, depression and grieving issues are areas of expertise as well. I am licensed in California with 18 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, coping with addictions, 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 seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process.

This is Rosemarie Cameron's avatar and link to their profile

Rosemarie Cameron

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesFamily conflictsParenting issuesDepression
15 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 15 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress, anxiety, and depression. Also relationship issues, family conflicts, & parenting issues. 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.

This is Kyra Smith's avatar and link to their profile

Kyra Smith

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesDepressionCoping 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, & 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 sign up for therapy can take courage and I am proud of you for getting started!

This is Monique Hicks's avatar and link to their profile

Monique Hicks

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseGriefDepressionCoping with life changes
12 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 12 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, trauma and abuse, coping with grief and loss, & depression. 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.

This is Ashley Perkins's avatar and link to their profile

Ashley Perkins

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietyIntimacy-related issuesSelf esteemCareer difficultiesCoping with life changes
8 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 8 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, intimacy related issues, motivation, self esteem, and confidence, & career difficulties. My educational background is BA Sociology from UC Riverside and MSW from Columbia University. I have worked closely in community activism, community organizing, women's health, mental health, and herbalism. I am a public speaker, community event planner and organizer, radio/podcast personality, tv personality, and herbalist. Empowerment is my approach to every avenue that I interact with, and therefore I believe that everyone can achieve growth if that is what they truly wish to achieve and work towards. I have lived and worked in different areas of the United States and have also lived abroad while working within the field of herbalism.

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.
Find the right therapist for your needs
Match with a qualified therapist