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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Melanie Fikse

Offering therapy in California
License: LPCC
Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseGriefBipolar disorderDepression
12 years of experience

I imagine that if you are here, you are tired of feeling this way.  You may be stuck and unsure how to feel different.  You may have tried so many ideas already and none of them have worked! It takes courage to seek for a more fulfilling and happier life and to take the first steps towards a change. If you are ready to take that step I am here to support and empower you. I am a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor in California with 10 years of experience working with adults. I utilize a trauma-informed approach and through this lens, can assist you with concerns including stress, anxiety, depression, grief, childhood and adult trauma, Bipolar Disorder, and personality disorders.  My approach to therapy is client-centered, collaborative, and strength-based. You will sense my warmth, passion for my work, and feel seen and heard. I consider it a privilege to come alongside you and support people as they navigate life's many challenges and joys.  I believe that each of us has the inner strength necessary to grow and heal and value the work with clients to find and utilize these strengths. I earned my Masters Degree from New York University in New York City, and worked many years there in a community mental health clinic  providing therapy to underserved populations.  I have worked in California for many years now, based out of a rural community, where I can find calm and healing in the quiet and trees. People find me to be compassionate and down to earth, but also able to provide practical skills and interventions. I am skilled in the use of many therapeutic interventions including Cognitive Behavioral therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, EMDR, psychodynamic interventions, motivational interviewing, and mindfulness and meditation.  I am very comfortable working with significant trauma histories and am allied with the LBGTQ community. I look forward to hearing more of your story and working with you!

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Tracey Manning

Offering therapy in California
License: M.A., LPC
Relationship issuesFamily conflictsTrauma and abuseParenting issuesDepression
13 years of experience

Hello! My name is Tracey and I am a License Professional Counselor with a Master's of Art in Community Counseling. During the past 11 years, I’ve worked with many populations including abused and neglect youth, couples and families, as well as active duty service members and veterans. Over the years, I’ve also worked with hundreds of individuals to resolve concerns related to anxiety, depression, suicidality, varies forms of trauma, grief and loss, problematic sexual behavior in children and youth, domestic and family violence, and relationship and marital concerns. My therapeutic approach is client-centered in that I believe my client’s needs matter and that my client is the authority in their own lives and in our sessions. I believe my role in the therapeutic relationship is to assist my client through the development of self-awareness and skill-building. I facilitate this effort by seeking to deeply understand and quickly identify the unmet needs, intentions and motivations behind my client’s problematic behaviors or presenting issues. I am eclectic in my use of treatment modalities as I see the merits and benefits of many different styles and approaches, however I specialized in trauma-informed therapies such as Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT) and Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR). By reading this page you have shown that you are ready and willing to take action towards creating the experiences you desire. So, congratulations on taking steps toward your healing and growth! I look forward to working with you soon.

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Kendall Altheimer

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietyGriefSelf esteemBipolar disorderDepression
8 years of experience

I am licensed in California and Texas with 8 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, depression, coping with grief and loss, motivation, self esteem, and confidence, & bipolar disorder. 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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Nicole Ladner-Pace

Offering therapy in California
Relationship issuesGriefSelf esteemCoping with life changesCompassion fatigue
12 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 12 years of professional work experience. 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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Gail Shurtleff

Offering therapy in California
GriefSelf esteemBipolar disorderDepressionCoping with life changes
30 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 30 years of professional work experience. I'm an ally to the LGBTQIA2s community;I have experience in helping clients coping with grief and loss smf depression. I also understand how bipolar affects families. I've worked with the disabled and disability issues. I also have experience working with faith transitions.I'm familiar with issues surrounding cult involvement. I’m a student of the Enneagram, Iand will use it in working with people if it’s requested. I have spent a great deal of my work doing insight therapy with clients, and I believe life is a journey that unfolds in powerful ways. I believe in treating everyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion. I will tailor our dialog and treatment plan to meet your unique and specific desires. You are your own expert and we can use that to help you get to where you want to go. Taking the first step to seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support your process.

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Alexis Benjamin

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesSelf esteemDepressionCoping 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, motivation, self esteem, and confidence, & depression. I work with my clients to create a safe environment where thoughts and feelings can be shared without fear of judgment. You deserve a safe space to grow. I understand it takes courage and strength to make intentional efforts seek towards a more fulfilling and happier life. I am here to support & empower you in that journey.

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Shelby Farrell

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseDepressionCoping with life changes
11 years of experience

I am a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in California with over 11 years of experience working with individual and families. I have worked with clients with a wide range of concerns including anxiety and depression, abuse and trauma, substance abuse, and confidence and self esteem issues. I work with my clients to create an open and safe environment where thoughts and feelings can be shared without fear of judgment. My therapy style is warm and genuine and I believe in the importance of being truly present and authentic. My approach combines Cognitive Behavioral, Humanistic and Psychodynamic Therapy primarily and I frequently draw from other modalities when appropriate to client clients needs. I tailor our work together to meet your unique needs utilizing the modality that feels most useful and effective. It takes courage to start this process and to ask for help in making a change in your life. I am here to support you and I look forward to working with you!

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Dr. Ciro Visone

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseEating disordersDepressionADHD
10 years of experience

I am a licensed Clinical Neuropsychologist, Health Psychologist, and Military Psychologist with 10 years of experience and a Doctorate of Clinical (Health) Psychology, who takes a neuroscience approach to behavior. I specialize in severe mental illness, including depression, anxiety, trauma, medical illness adjustment, and eating disorders and related issues (i.e. behavioral management of diabetes and weight-loss). I also specialize in neurocognitive disorders, including ADHD, traumatic and acquired brain injuries, and memory disorders of advancing age, dementia, and other neurodegenerative diseases. I work from a biopsychosocial orientation and believe in identifying purpose and meaning in life in order to overcome personal challenges, while helping you address biological causes to your behaviors and emotions. I adjust treatment based on individual differences, with a respect for personal needs and culture, and value your ability to become autonomous and independent in life enroute to your own personal definition of self-actualization. Doing so requires acknowledging your past psychological influences and decisions, their impact on your present state, and an appreciation of how these factors can influence your physical and psychological health in the future.

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Elana Berman

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietySelf esteemCareer difficultiesCoping with life changesCoaching
11 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 11 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, motivation, self esteem, and confidence, career difficulties and coping through 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 available to support you in that process.

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Erica Nolasco

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesFamily conflictsSelf esteemDepression
7 years of experience

My name is Erica Nolasco, I am licensed in California with 7 years of professional work experience. My passion is helping indivduals overcome trauma, divorce, depression, anxiety, self-doubt and addiction. I welcome individuals and families to a safe nonjudgmental space with the goal of providing each client long lasting healing, personal growth and happiness. 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.

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.
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