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.

Alfred Carter
Do you want to overcome the obstacles preventing you from being your best self? My name is Alfred Renard Carter and I'm a Licensed Psychotherapist. My clinical experience and specializations are Depression, Anxiety, Stress management and relationship dynamics (couple/marriage/family). I take a strength-based approach to empower you to overcome the psychological and emotional distress you're experiencing. I'm eclectic from a theoretical standpoint. However, I lean towards Cognitive Behavioral and Humanistic Existential theories as a base treatment modality. I believe in allowing your needs intrapsychic needs to determine the theoretical approach and interventions most suitable for your treatment. While my education and professional experiences provide me the competence to provide effective treatment, I don't profess to be an expert on you. You're the expert on your life journey. My role as your therapist is to walk with you through your past as well as present challenges to alleviate the psychological symptoms and barriers preventing you from overcoming its impact on your well-being.

Maureen McEachen
I am an LCSW specializing in life transitions, grief and loss. Having relocated 20 years ago to California from the Washington, DC area where I primarily focused on mental health and depression, I began to concentrate on the importance of coping and supporting healthy navigation of life's challenges. I received a specialty credential in Hospice and Palliative care with an emphasis on helping individuals and families through serious illness and the loss of a loved one. I would be honored to talk through part of your life's journey with you!

Renette Herrera
I am a marriage and family therapist licensed in California. I have over 13 years experience in counseling families, children, teenagers and individuals. I have worked with a wide range of concerns including anxiety, depression, parenting issues, relationship problems, trauma, ADHD, Autism Spectrum Disorder and Mood Disorders. My counseling approach is person centered and solution focused. I am eclectic in my approach and use other modalities as well in therapy such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Motivational Interviewing, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Mindfulness, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), and Matrix Model for addiction. I pride myself in treating everyone with respect and compassion. My counseling style is interactive, warm and understanding. I meet my client where they are in their emotional journey. We work together to address challenges and change negative perceptions that do not serve them well. Helping you become more confident, joyful and create a peaceful life. I believe in creating a space where we can have difficult conversations and you feel heard and understood. It takes a lot of courage and strength to reach out and ask for additional support. I thank you for giving me the opportunity to be part of your journey and trusting me with you most pressing issues. I look forward to working with you!

John Alilovich
Hello my name is John Alilovich. I am a Licensed Professional Therapist in California. I worked for over fifteen years for our county mental health department with children and families. I focused on areas of substance addiction, domestic violence, marriage and relationship issues, various forms of abuse, parenting issues, and LGBTQ families. I concurrently started working in my private practice where I continue seeing an array of clients going on 40 years now. My style of therapy is warm and personal. I work by getting to know you as a person since you are the expert on your own life. Together, we can jointly come up with goals and solutions that are going to work for you. I will treat you with sensitivity, respect, and warmth by getting to know you as a unique individual. I like to use Emotion Focused Therapy, Internal Family Systems, mindfulness, and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. By getting to know you, we can figure out which modalities are going to be most beneficial for you. Seeking therapy is not an easy decision to make, and I want to commend you for wanting to create a better life for yourself. I would love to support you and be part of your journey towards the goal of a more fulfilling life.

Neil Martin
I am licensed in California with 25 years of professional work experience. I work solely with clients dealing with porn and sex addiction. I am nonjudgemental and I treat everyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion. 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. I am here to support you in that process.

Joanne Nitchman
I am licensed in California with 8 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!

Freddie Williams
I'm an Arizona and California Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with 12 years of professional work experience. Also, I'm a Licensed Independent Substance Abuse Counselor, specializing in addictions. I AM EXPERIENCED IN HELPING MALE ADULTS ONLY (18 -75 YEARS OLD) who are struggling with Substance Abuse and Co-Occurring Disorders, Stress, Anxiety, Depression, Mood Disorder and Anger Management. I work with my clients to create an open and safe environment where thoughts and feelings can be shared without fear of judgment. My approach includes highly effective Cognitive Behavioral (CBT), Dialectical behavioral (DBT), and Solution Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT). With my extensive experience and knowledge, I am confident in my ability to help you overcome your challenges and achieve your goals. 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.

Jennifer Kemp
I am licensed in California with 14 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, motivation, self esteem, and confidence. I believe in treating everyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion. Life is short and should be happy. We all have challenges. My treatment approach is to have a sense of humor and collaborate with the client. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy are two of my favorites. We all have the ability to choose how we will think and respond to the hurdles in life. My approach is to help client's develop strategies that are customized for them. I want each client to feel like there is a game plan and they can make progress.

Adrian Romo
I am licensed in California and Nevada with 16 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress, anxiety, relationship issues, trauma, abuse, motivation, self esteem, & confidence. I also have experience working with 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 sign up for therapy can take courage and I am proud of you for getting started!

Gillermina Alvarado
I am licensed in California with 9 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress, anxiety, trauma, abuse, motivation, self esteem, confidence, & depression. I also have experience working with coping with life changes. 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 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:
- 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 feature
- 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 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.
Popular cities in California
- Los Angeles, CA
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- Anaheim, CA
- Santa Ana, CA
- Riverside, CA
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