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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Dr. Carlyn Werderman

Offering therapy in California
License: Psy.D.
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsTrauma and abuseParenting issuesDepression
14 years of experience

I completed my Master's and Doctoral degrees at the California School of Professional Psychology at Alliant International University in Los Angeles. I offer my clients an individualized, empowering, values-based, and solution-focused therapeutic approach, which derive from several therapeutic approaches, such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Dialectical-Behavioral Therapy, Schema Therapy, and Motivational Interviewing. My previous clinical experience includes working with children, families, and adults in school, outpatient/community mental health, and residential treatment settings. I specialize in working with those who experience mood disorders, anxiety, trauma, anger, chronic pain, substance use, relationship, sexual health, and LGBT-related issues. I also specialize in working with high-conflict families, parental alienation and family reunification cases. I look forward to getting to know more about you and see if we are a good fit!

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Jennifer Philips

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietyFamily conflictsGriefParenting issuesCoping with life changes
8 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, family conflicts, coping with grief and loss, & parenting issues. 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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Brandy Malloy

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesSelf esteemDepressionCoping with life changes
7 years of experience

I am Licensed Clinical Therapist in California. I have worked with clients with a wide range of concerns including stress management, anxiety, depression, relationship issues, establishing boundaries, self esteem issues, grief/loss, caregiver stress, and life transitions. My therapy style is collaborative . I believe in being truthful with my clients. I believe in treating them with respect and compassion. My approach combines cognitive-behavioral therapy, problem solving therapy, and acceptance commitment therapy. However, I’m able to tailor sessions and treatment plan to meet your unique needs. It takes courage to seek out a more fulfilling and happier life. Making a decision to take the first steps towards a change can be scary. I am here to support and empower you in that journey.

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Matthew Heimark

Offering therapy in California
License: LMFT
Stress, AnxietyLGBTRelationship issuesGriefDepression
6 years of experience

Listening is an art and a science. I listen attentively without judgment and without jumping to conclusions. The therapeutic alliance between clinician and client is what makes this work so meaningful. The “talking cure” is transformational, often leading to a greater sense of personal choice and freedom. I’m a psychodynamically-trained psychotherapist who is a part of the LGBTQ+ community, and also practice mindfulness and meditation. I enjoy working with individuals and couples. Above all, I am a human that meets people where they are. I employ an evidence-based mindset and practical interventions to address a variety of concerns and ailments. My clinical orientation is eclectic; tailored to best meet you where you are now, addressing your needs whether relationship-specific, intimacy-related, career-focused, something more abstract or not yet determined. I generally employ a depth-oriented perspective, with the belief that your past affects your present. Examining this brings awareness to developed patterns that may not serve you well. While acknowledging depression, anxiety, trauma, and other life transitions and opting not to view them through a prescribed one-size-fits-all lens, we work together to remedy these areas that ail you. I believe that most theoretical orientations can provide benefit to client populations, whether psychoanalytically-informed, humanistic, relational, existential, or perhaps from a non-Western way of thinking. You are a unique individual. I am dedicated to you and your wellness - not a predetermined set of criteria or ideals from any specific school or way of practicing. I am warm, real, in-the-room, and always “with you” in session. When working with couples, I dedicated in helping you find better ways to communicate effectively with one another and repair intimacy within your relationship. Are you at a crossroads and considering reaching out? My goal is to empower you with the tools and insight necessary for you to experience a more fulfilling way of living and the opportunity for transformative change. I welcome you to take the first step and reach out to me to schedule a time for us to talk.

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Shannan OConnor

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesFamily conflictsIntimacy-related issuesSelf esteem
5 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 5 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, & intimacy related issues. 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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Milah Jordan

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesFamily conflictsParenting issuesSelf esteem
4 years of experience

Greetings, My name is Milah Jordan! I have been licensed since 2009, and have a clinical therapy background combined with 17 years of inner city classroom teaching of youth and teens. I have a Masters in Social Work and a Masters in Education. As I am returning to the field of therapy, I seek to utilize my knowledge and expertise of working with youth, parents and families. I believe that you are the expert of your story and that you have many strengths that will assist you in overcoming the things that challenge you - I am simply here to assist. My vision is that you and I can partner together to help you navigate this portion of your life. Thank you for trusting me to be a part of your emotional, spiritual and physical journey to wellbeing. I am excited that you are getting started!

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Jennifer Rodriguez Morrow

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseGriefSelf esteemDepression
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, trauma and abuse, coping with grief and loss, & 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 seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process.

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Lindsay Hutchins

Offering therapy in California
AddictionsRelationship issuesTrauma and abuseIntimacy-related issuesSelf esteem
28 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 28 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with coping with addictions, relationship issues, trauma and abuse, & intimacy related issues. 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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Melanie Bien

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseSleeping disordersCoping with life changesCompassion fatigue
14 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 14 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, trauma and abuse, sleeping disorders, & 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 seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process.

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Victoria Villa

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesTrauma and abuseSelf esteemDepression
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 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 seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process.

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Briana Brewster

Offering therapy in California
Relationship issuesFamily conflictsSelf esteemDepressionCoping with life changes
4 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 5 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with relationship issues, family conflicts, 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 seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process.

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Aya Okumura

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietyGriefSelf esteemDepressionCoping with life changes
20 years of experience

I am licensed in California with over 20 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, coping with grief and loss, motivation, self esteem, and confidence, & 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 seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process. *Please note that if you are in need of a counselor to write official documentation for disability, Social Security, FMLA, parole officers, courts of law, or employers, I do not offer this service to clients.

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William "Keith" Jones

Offering therapy in California
License: MA,LPCC
AddictionsRelationship issuesTrauma and abuseSelf esteemCoaching
8 years of experience

Hello, I'm therapist, Keith Jones . I am a LPCC with extensive experience with Substance Use Disorder issues. My passion is in the area of performance which has lead me to counsel individuals, athletes, artist, students, professionals, executives , groups and teams. This person- centered approach has been successful in helping clients identify their strengths, and to address the areas that keep them from their top performance. Together we will device a treatment plan and practice that will help you reach your goals and and let you be your best self.

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Lisa Amarant

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietyAnger managementSelf esteemBipolar disorderDepression
15 years of experience

I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in California with 15 years of professional work experience in community mental health. I believe in treating everyone with dignity, respect, and compassion. I take an empathetic approach to therapy while also respectfully challenging negative thought patterns. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, anger management, motivation, self esteem, and confidence, depression, & bipolar disorder. I utilize various therapeutic approaches such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Solution-Focused Therapy, and Narrative Therapy among others to best meet your specific needs. We will work together to develop treatment goals 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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Ruth Gillis

Offering therapy in California
Relationship issuesTrauma and abuseIntimacy-related issuesSelf esteemDepression
24 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 24 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with relationship issues, trauma and abuse, intimacy related issues, & 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. 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 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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