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.

Dr. Monica Dremann
I am a licensed psychologist in California. I have been providing psychotherapy on and off since 2008 along with living life. I have worked with clients with a wide range of concerns including depression, anxiety, trauma, relationship issues, parenting, ADHD as well as LGBTQ+ individuals. I work interactively using different disciplines such as cognitive-behavioral, psychodynamic, and mindfulness or a combination. I believe when you engage in therapy you are giving yourself a gift. It may not always be pleasant however the outcome can be amazing. I look forward to working with you where you decide to begin.

Matthew "Matt" Daues
Hi, my name is Matt Daues and I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in the States of Missouri and California. I help others with a variety of issues including anxiety, depression, Bipolar Disorder, Schizophrenia, and older adult issues. My counseling style is pretty laid back. I take a holistic approach to helping individuals which means I take the whole person into consideration including emotional and physical health issues, and social-economic issues. I collaborate with individuals to help you make your own choices and develop your own goals to improved health. I use aspects of Motivational Interviewing, Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy, Mindfulness, Solution-Focused Therapy and relaxation techniques. Mindfulness and meditation exercises can even be done in session. My job as a therapist is to listen to you, help you develop goals and assist you in finding solutions and feeling better.

Krystal Bates
I know, for many people, it takes a great deal of courage to seek professional help and I would like to take a moment to honor and commend you for taking the first step in your journey of healing. Finding the right therapist to help facilitate and support your journey is of utmost importance in getting effective and lasting results. With this in mind, I have provided some information about me in order to help you decide if my experience and style is the right match for you. I have worked with individuals, children, and families from a wide range of backgrounds throughout my career. However, I specialize in treating women struggling with anxiety, life transitions, self-love, and healthy relationships. In addition, as a biracial woman of color, I especially enjoy helping people work through multicultural concerns. I deeply honor each person's individuality and unique life experiences. For this reason, my treatment method is tailored to fit the needs of each individual I work with. The feedback I have received from clients is that they find me to be warm, empathetic, laidback and light-hearted. My clients have also told me that they appreciate my honest, direct, yet compassionate communication style. When working with me, you can expect a respectful, open and non-judgmental setting. I believe each individual is the expert on their own life and I view our working relationship as a collaborative partnership. I am simply here to provide empowerment, insight and support in your healing process. Psychotherapy can be very beneficial, but only if you are committed to putting in the work. As the old saying goes, “You get out what you put in.” With that said, as your therapist, I vow to be your biggest cheerleader along the way. I am here for you, I believe in you, and I look forward to witnessing you achieve all of the therapeutic goals you set or yourself! Best wishes, Krystal

Lucille Estrada
I am licensed in California with 19 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, motivation, self esteem, and confidence, depression, & coping with life changes. 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!

Sandra West
I am licensed in California with 25 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, trauma and abuse, coping with grief and loss, & 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!

Lilia Gonzalez-Joly
I am licensed in California with 16 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with relationship issues, family conflicts, trauma and abuse, & motivation, self-esteem, and confidence. I work with my clients to create an open and safe environment where thoughts and feelings can be shared without fear of judgment. 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.

Judith 'Judi' Shaffer
I am licensed in California and Massachusetts with 29 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 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!

Dr. Ann 'Annie' Vance
I am licensed in California and Hawaii with 26 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, trauma, and abuse, as well as, helping with motivation, self-esteem, and confidence. 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 seek a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. You've started the journey, I am here to support you in that process. I continue to grow and learn through Continuing Education Courses. I have a Doctorate in Christian Counseling Psychology to support Faith-based clients who want that, and respect those who only want secular psychology.

Karla Garcia-Cordova
Hello My Name is Karla and I am a Licensed Marriage and Family therapist. I am of Mexican and Salvadorian descent and grew up in Highland Park. I am a passionate about providing support and guidance in people's journey of healing. I believe every individual has the ability to search within and find healing through therapy. I consider myself to be eclectic I take from different approaches to fit each individual. I have experience working with CBT, narrative, and family systems to name a few. I am open to working with all individuals, couples and families. I have vast experience in working with depression and anxiety as well as grief work. I provide a safe and open space for clients to feel comfortable processing their emotions and experiences. Throughout my life I knew that I had a mission to be of service and help people in some capacity. That mission lead me to become a therapist and help people heal through therapy.

Lindy Johnson
As a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, I care deeply about helping individuals find healing and restoration within relationships. With experience addressing stress, anxiety, relationship challenges, family conflicts, compassion fatigue, and professional growth through executive coaching, I am committed to supporting your well-being. I believe in the incredible potential for mental, emotional, and relational health when we engage in the heart work and hard work necessary for growth. My approach is to meet you exactly where you are, walking alongside you to create a path forward that honors your unique journey and needs. Reaching out for support is a courageous step, and I am grateful for the opportunity to provide a safe, empathetic space where you can process, reflect, and grow. Together, we can explore how past experiences shape your present, empowering you to move toward freedom, restoration, and wellbeing. It would be a privilege to support you on this 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
- San Diego, CA
- San Jose, CA
- San Francisco, CA
- Fresno, CA
- Sacramento, CA
- Long Beach, CA
- Oakland, CA
- Bakersfield, CA
- Anaheim, CA
- Santa Ana, CA
- Riverside, CA
Find your state
- Alabama
- Alaska
- Arizona
- Arkansas
- California
- Colorado
- Connecticut
- Delaware
- District of Columbia
- Florida
- Georgia
- Hawaii
- Idaho
- Illinois
- Indiana
- Iowa
- Kansas
- Kentucky
- Louisiana
- Maine
- Maryland
- Massachusetts
- Michigan
- Minnesota
- Mississippi
- Missouri
- Montana
- Nebraska
- Nevada
- New Hampshire
- New Jersey
- New Mexico
- New York
- North Carolina
- North Dakota
- Ohio
- Oklahoma
- Oregon
- Pennsylvania
- Rhode Island
- South Carolina
- South Dakota
- Tennessee
- Texas
- Utah
- Vermont
- Virginia
- Washington
- West Virginia
- Wisconsin
- Wyoming