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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Dina Vineberg

Offering therapy in California
License: LPCC,MH
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesTrauma and abuseGriefDepression
6 years of experience

Hi There! I am a dual licensed professional counselor in both Florida and California State. My last twenty years of direct support positions working with a myriad of populations and ages has included counseling adolescents in high schools and foster care agencies, newly homeless, pregnant women in a non-profit agency (suffering from depression due to domestic violence), chronically mentally ill patients in hospital care, elderly clientele in an adult care facility, adults facing trauma and grief, and all ages on a crisis and text line. Through all these experiences I have been extremely humbled by so many people allowing me to enter their worlds. As a therapist, I utilize a person-centered approach using warmth, compassion, and and humor to understand each person I meet. I am especially attuned to those suffering loss or trauma, as I personally have lost two family members to depression. These losses have given me a special gift to help heal those around me and compel me to soften the anxiety, depression, or confusion of those who need it. I especially try to help people become more resilient in their lives since I have had to personally be this way and not to succumb to the hardships I have had to face. Rather than letting these hardships define me, I have wanted to connect with others and provide support for others facing life struggles. On a personal level, I am especially connected to nature and animals and have been an avid animal rescuer my entire life. I look forward to hearing YOUR story.

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Lesley Hilp

Offering therapy in California
License: MA ,LMFT
Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseSelf esteemCompassion fatigue
6 years of experience

Hello there! Thank you so much for perusing my profile. I am so proud of you for taking this step towards healing. A little bit about me: I am a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with six years of experience working with children, families, couples and teenagers. I have worked in community based health and have collaborated with individuals and families on coping with issues such as depression, Posttraumatic Stress Disorder, parenting challenges, anxiety, substance abuse, setting boundaries and building autonomy, confidence and resilience. My philosophy to therapy is client centered, focusing on building trust, rapport and emotional safety within the therapeutic space. My aim is to create an open and warm environment where individuals feel comfortable and safe to freely express themselves. I believe the primary agents of change are self-compassion, awareness, affect regulation and resiliency. I would be honored to work with you to build new behaviors and mindsets that can offer you relief and a deeper understanding of patterns so you can heal and thrive in all realms of your life.

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Aldemar Martinez

Offering therapy in California
License: LCSW,CCTP
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsTrauma and abuseParenting issuesDepression
30 years of experience

I am a licensed clinical social worker (LCSW), with 25 years of experience in the field of mental health. I also have a degree in Psychology, with I believe compliments my clinical and social work skills to formulate a more complete and wholistic approach to therapy. Additionally I am a Certified Trauma Professional, and use Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) as my primary theoretical approach to trauma. I believe that each individual brings into his/her therapy experience a unique set of skills, which I encourage to identify through Narrative Therapy. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy is another form of psychological treatment, which I often use with my clients to identify maladaptive behavioral patterns, and replace them with healthy habits to achieve a sense of healing. Finally I believe in the human connection., which is the power to positively influence one another. I welcome you and commend you for taking charge of your life through therapy!

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Colter Diehl

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesGriefDepressionCoping 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, relationship issues, coping with grief and loss, & 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. 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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Candace Delis

Offering therapy in California
License: LPC
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesFamily conflictsBipolar disorderDepression
6 years of experience

I am a Licensed Professional Counselor with a Master of Arts in Community Counseling from Lakeland University and a Bachelor of Science in Sociology from the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point. I work to create a safe, comfortable and accepting environment for my clients. I have previously worked in crisis intervention as well as group therapy settings and like to focus on providing positive support for my clients. I've been told I'm not the "typical" therapist type - I have tattoos and a pretty progressive viewpoint, and I also work really hard to be relatable to my clients. I'm married and have an 18 year old stepson. The rest of my family is made up of 3 rescue dogs, 3 adopted cats, and we recently reached what I call the "livestock level" of quarantine and got chickens and goats. It's a pretty full house. I have worked with adolescents, adults, and couples. I have worked with a wide range of issues, but some of my areas of specialization include: emotional regulation (anger, anxiety), depression, self-esteem building, bipolar disorder, PTSD, grief and loss, assertiveness building, marital issues and relationship building skills. I also have experience with end of life care. My counseling style is interactive, and I believe in treating people as individuals and not labeling them with their mental health issues. You are not your illness, it is only a small part of who you are. I believe in treating people with the same respect, sensitivity, and compassion as I would like to be treated. My approach combines cognitive-behavioral, client-centered, and solution focused counseling. I will do my best to tailor our conversations and treatment plan to meet your unique and specific needs. It takes courage to seek support and take steps towards making a change. Life can throw us curveballs and unexpected circumstances can arise with even the best of planning. If you are ready to take that step I am here to support you and help you find the tools that will help you succeed. I look forward to working with you! My current hours are (all are CST): Mondays 9am-8pm Tuesdays 8am-8pm Wednesdays 8am-8pm Thursdays 8am-8pm Fridays 8am-7pm Saturdays 8am-4pm Some Sundays upon request

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Maria Guzman Gutierrez

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietyFamily conflictsSelf esteemCoping with life changesCompassion fatigue
11 years of experience

I am a licensed professional in California with over a decade of experience. My expertise includes assisting clients with stress and anxiety, family conflicts, motivation, self-esteem, confidence, and coping with life transitions. I believe that you are the expert of your own narrative and possess unique strengths that will help you navigate challenges. Taking the first step toward a more fulfilling and happier life requires courage, and I am here to support you in this journey.

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Syed Shayan Mehdi

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesGriefSelf esteemCompassion fatigue
3 years of experience

I've had a spiritual near-death experience, lost my loving mother to Cancer, immigrated as a child, lived under an oppressive regime in the Middle East as a minority, experienced complex family dynamics and through it all still believe that we are all meant to shine our light in this world. You may be reading this while at your lowest point in life but don't worry, I'm here to guide you back to your true self ("Remember Who You Are"). I'm a compassionate therapist who believes in the transformative power of healing through a holistic approach. With a deep understanding of the mind-body-spirit connection, I will successfully guide you through your journey of inner peace, emotional well-being & personal growth. My therapeutic approach combines evidence-based practices with mindfulness techniques, allowing you to explore your inner child, cultivate self-awareness, and develop effective coping strategies to address challenges such as anxiety, trauma, and depression. What can clients expect to take away from sessions with you? I provide a safe & nurturing space where you can explore your inner child & develop a sense of inner peace. By cultivating mindfulness & awareness, you'll learn to observe your thoughts and emotions without judgment, gaining a greater understanding of your patterns and triggers. I firmly believe that true healing lies in self-discovery and the cultivation of one's inner wisdom. In our sessions, you will embark on a journey of self-exploration, guided by the principles of mindfulness and spirituality. Together, we'll uncover underlying beliefs, patterns, and traumas that may be contributing to your anxiety, trauma & depression. We'll create a therapeutic journey that honors your unique experiences and supports your transformation toward a more fulfilling & balanced life. What treatment methods and tools do you utilize? Acceptance and Commitment (ACT) Attachment-based Cognitive Behavioral (CBT) Dialectical Behavior (DBT) Existential Family Systems Forensic Psychology Integrative Mindfulness-Based (MBCT) Motivational Interviewing Person-Centered Positive Psychology Solution Focused Brief (SFBT) Strength-Based Trauma Focused Explain to clients what areas you feel are your biggest strengths. I would say my ability to connect with you on a deep level & being able to carry your vulnerability where you feel heard & understood is my gift as I guide you & inspire you toward a solution to your life's problems. I'm grounded, spiritual & honor good values. I used to work in the Tech field so I'm aware of how "perfect" your life might feel to the outside world however chaotic things may be on the inside. I've provided therapy in prisons, schools, non-profits, government offices, hospitals, hospices & psychiatric institutions so my "well-rounded" experience prepares me for any issue you may present to me. My name means "Light" so my greatest gift to you is us shedding a 'light' on your problems and finding compassionate solutions to help you overcome all your challenges in life.

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Shannan Faust

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsTrauma and abuseSelf esteemDepression
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, 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 sign up for therapy can take courage and I am proud of you for getting started!

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Yasmin Lluveras

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietyLGBTRelationship issuesAnger managementDepression
24 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 24 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, lgbtq+ related issues, relationship issues, & 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. 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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Lisa Bahar

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsFamily conflictsAnger managementDepression
20 years of experience

I am licensed in California and specialize in Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) which are skills that help clients work through anxiety, interpersonal conflicts, emotion dysregulation, and distress tolerance. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, coping with addictions, family conflicts, & anger management. 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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Jana Pitts

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesGriefSelf esteemCoping with life changes
15 years of experience

I am a Doctor of Psychology and a practicing Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in the state of California. I have over 18 years of professional work experience in the field of behavioral health. My areas of expertise include (but are not limited to) helping clients who have performance-related issues, work stress, relational concerns, grief and loss, & life transition problems. I believe human beings operate at optimal levels when mind, body, and spirit are in balance. I also know that it takes courage to be willing to explore oneself and implement new strategies to improve. I am here to provide a listening ear & accountability for you in that journey.

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Dr. Estrella Ramirez

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietyLGBTSelf esteemDepressionCoping 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, anxiety, lgbtq+ related issues, 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.

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Sandra Leon

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

I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in California, and I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, motivation, self-esteem, and confidence, depression, & 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. I use a short-term, solution-focused modality, with the goal of ensuring you feel confident to use the tools you've learned in therapy. Disclaimer: Due to conflict of interest, I will not accept clients with Kaiser Permanente health insurance. Thank you for understanding.

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Eva Galvan

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietySelf esteemCareer difficultiesCoping with life changesCompassion fatigue
25 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 25 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress, anxiety, motivation, self esteem, confidence, career difficulties, & coping with life changes. I also have experience working with compassion fatigue. 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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Heather Custodio

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesSelf esteemCareer difficultiesCoping with life changes
3 years of experience

I am a licensed professional in California with three years of experience. My expertise includes helping clients navigate stress, anxiety, relationship challenges, motivation, self-esteem, confidence, and career difficulties. I also specialize in supporting individuals through life transitions. My approach focuses on creating an open, safe space where clients can share their thoughts and feelings freely, without fear of judgment. Seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage, and I am here to support and empower you as you take those first steps toward meaningful change.

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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