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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Donny Simpson

Offering therapy in California
License: LMFT
AddictionsLGBTRelationship issuesFamily conflictsTrauma and abuse
6 years of experience

My name is Donny Simpson. I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. I graduated with a Master's Degree in Marriage and Family Therapy from Grand Canyon University in 2012 and Bachelor's Degree in Human Services from Cal State Fullerton. I was most recently a Child Welfare Social Worker and continue to manage Social Workers in Children and Family Services. I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and I have worked with clients with a broad range of issues, including anxiety, depression, stress management, relationship/marital and family problems, work-related stress and issues unique to the LGBT community. I also specialize in working with families involved in the Child Welfare system including reunification and/or adoption. It is my priority to maintain a judgment-free space, a space that is challenging but comforting, and a process that is enlightening as well as retrospective. My approach to therapy is laidback and conversational while providing goal-directed treatment using a combination of Cognitive and Solution Focused Therapy. I take a collaborative and supportive stance in my approach to therapy and I have been told that I am comfortable to be with and easy to talk to. All treatment is planned with the goal in mind and progress is made toward reaching that goal. I look forward to working with you!

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Dr. Arthur Magana

Offering therapy in California
License: Ph.D.
Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseGriefParenting issuesDepression
26 years of experience

My name is Dr. Art Magana, and I am a licensed clinical psychologist practicing in Sacramento California. I have been working in the field of mental-health for over thirty years and have been licensed since 2002. I believe I have a strong foundation in the field of psychology, benefiting from training at the University of California, Antioch University, and at the School of Professional Psychology in San Francisco. I have balanced this background with early doctoral work at The Institute for Integral studies in San Francisco as well as years of training and workshops which allow me to consider myself as a multi-modal therapist, drawing upon various schools of thought which inform my worldview and understanding of human nature. I have worked in the field of child protection, Early Child Development and Infant Toddler Mental Health, Foster Care and Adoption, inpatient psychiatric, as well as years as a social worker and a supervisor for social service programs. I have been on staff at numerous counseling centers over the years and worked with a broad range of clients and their presenting problems and needs. I have practiced at the Institute for Bi Polar Spectrum Disorders in Folsom California .This background has given me a unique experience and perspective to look at the whole person beyond the confines of the patient therapist interaction. My approach as a psychologist includes genuine respect for all my clients and a desire to help them. I try to hear beyond their words to take in the person's emotional reality , their strength, and their sense of trust and safety as they move forward. I feel that humor has an important place in the healing and growing process. The research backs me up. I am a father, a husband, a teacher and a Latino therapist. I'm comfortable working in conversational Spanish however my writing skills...well not so much. Thank you for taking a moment to tell you about myself. Now it's your turn! I hope we have the opportunity to work together.

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Nancy Satterwhite

Offering therapy in California
Relationship issuesFamily conflictsTrauma and abuseGriefParenting issues
10 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 10 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with relationship issues, family conflicts, 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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Sonya Young

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietySelf esteemDepressionADHD
5 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, motivation, self esteem, and confidence, & depression. I also have experience working with concentration, memory and 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. 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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Samy Selim

Offering therapy in California
AddictionsFamily conflictsTrauma and abuseDepressionCoping with life changes
11 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 12 years of professional work experience. Prior to attaining my LMFT I gained value experience working in foster care, education and investigating elder/dependent abuse. I have experience in helping clients with depression, anxiety, family conflict/systems, trauma and abuse. In addition, I am familiar with recovery modalities necessary to overall wellbeing. I work 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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Dr. Daisy Obetsanov

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietySleeping disordersSelf esteemCompassion fatigue
24 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 25 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, sleeping disorders, motivation, self esteem, and confidence, & 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! My caseload is pretty full, and I typically see clients weekly for 45 minutes.

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Crystal D'Angora

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesTrauma and abuseSelf esteemCoping 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 and anxiety, relationship issues, trauma and abuse, & motivation, self esteem, and confidence. 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.

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Dr. Andrea Shirley

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietyLGBTRelationship issuesFamily conflictsSelf esteem
27 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 27 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, lgbtq+ related issues, relationship issues, & family conflicts. 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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Dr. Ray Armstrong

Offering therapy in California
Relationship issuesTrauma and abuseGriefSelf esteemCareer difficulties
20 years of experience

Hello, I am licensed in California with 20 years of professional work experience. My therapeutic philosophy is that individuals need to be a part of their own solutions. Each person is an expert of their own life; not anyone else. I strive to empower clients to feel that their successes come from themselves and are the result of their own dedication and hard work. I work with individuals, couples, and families. I work with many different modalities, but really feel Narrative therapy and Solution focused are ones that instill hope, encouragement and a chance to alter perspectives and the overall "script / narrative." I try to stay away from diagnostic labels and work well with those who don't appreciate categories. I do not start labeling or plugging you into a pre -existing program. I won't put you in a "clinical" diagnostic box. As a Narrative and Solution Focused therapist, we focus on strengths you already have & build on current resources. We don't just talk about the problems over and over. Sessions are focused on making life more fulfilling, comfortable, meaningful, and enjoyable. I offer a very safe, judgement -free zone, compassionate & caring environment. Thank you very much or taking the time to read a bit about my approach.

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Megan Murphy

Offering therapy in California
Trauma and abuseGriefCareer difficultiesDepressionADHD
7 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 6 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with trauma and abuse, coping with grief and loss, career difficulties, & 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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Elba Olmedo

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietyGriefSelf esteemCareer difficultiesCoping with life changes
18 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 18 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress, anxiety, coping with grief, coping with loss, motivation, self esteem, confidence, & career difficulties. I also have experience working in 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. 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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Rachel Fan

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietySelf esteemDepressionCoping with life changes
4 years of experience

Hello, My name is Rachel Fan. I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in California with 4 years of therapeutic experience and almost 10 years total of professional exposure to various people groups and needs. I have helped others with stress, anxiety, motivation, self-esteem, confidence, depression, & coping with life changes among others. I believe that you have been equipped with what is necessary so that you can overcome the challenges in this life. It takes courage to acknowledge the difficulties in this world and humility to take the first steps towards change. I am here to support & encourage you in that journey. In our time together, I will provide support through a biblical Christian worldview. It's important that your values and beliefs are in a safe place. My use of a client-centered approach desires to meet you where you are at while also providing (hopefully) helpful truths to point you in the right direction. I enjoy using components from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, Solution-Focused therapy, among others and I want you to get the best therapist fit. Feel free to schedule a session with me if you are interested in further discussing where you're at and what you'd like help with. Please reach out if you have any questions or concerns. What matters most is that you get the care you need. I hope the best for you whichever you choose. All the best, Rachel

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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