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.
Mazda Lakpour
Hello, My name is Mazda Lakpour. I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in the state of California. My goal is to help people have better relationships, get their feet on the ground and see life as is. My specialty areas are mood and anxiety, anger and stress management, co-occurring disorders, adjustment issues, personal growth and self-esteem. I am experienced with adults, teenagers, couples and families. I utilize an integrative approach of Solution Focused, Cognitive Behavioral and hypnotherapy interventions. I combine elements of psychology, hypnosis, meditation, and imagery with a pledge to always maintain the highest level of integrity, confidentiality, and wisdom. I do this work because I believe that the world becomes a better place when we assist each other towards our individual goals of greater happiness.
Elizabeth "Liz" McDowell
I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) and currently hold licenses in the following states: Idaho, California, Arizona, Utah, and Maine. I’ve provided services to individuals, couples, and families, for more than 16 years, working with various populations, including inpatient and outpatient settings, providing assessments, therapy, and support. I genuinely care about the individuals I work with and appreciate the opportunity to help with life challenges. I tend to use Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Solution Focused therapy, Art therapy, and Motivational Interviewing techniques in sessions. Some of the areas I can help with are, crisis situations, grief and loss, depression, anxiety, attachment issues, traumatic events, relationships, and communication skills.
Claudia Diaz
I am licensed in California with 12 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 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.
Kevin Reilly
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, motivation, self-esteem, and confidence, & 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.
Ivan Foote
I am licensed in California with 22 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, & parenting issues. 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!
Sandra Galvan
I am licensed in California with 12 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, family conflicts, & motivation, self esteem, and confidence. I also have experience working with 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. 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.
Thomas Pugel
I am licensed in California with 20 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, trauma and abuse, & 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.
Dakota Brown
I am licensed in California with 8 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with coping with addictions, lgbtq+ related issues, relationship issues, & family conflicts. 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!
Kevin Graves
I have helped myriad adults, adolescents, and couples navigate neurodivergence (ADHD, autism, learning), gender diversity and LGBTQ+ related issues, racism and oppression, HIV, anxiety, OCD, depression, trauma and abuse, self-compassion and confidence, motivation, & relationship/school/work/financial stress. Queer, antiracist, neurodivergent, disabled, poly-affirming, and bilingual (Spanish), I aim to treat all with respect, sensitivity, dignity, and compassion, & centering minoritized voices. I integrate client-centered, psychodynamic, humanistic-existential, Emotionally Focused (EFT), feminist/queer, collaborative, and Socioculturally Attuned (SCAFT) therapies to aid healing. I am licensed in California with 4 years of experience as a therapist, 8 years in university learning and mental healthcare, with over 30 years of professional experience (e.g., DJ/producer/music industry, IT, and corporate training). 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 change. I am here to support & empower you in that journey.
Suzanne Klekner
I am licensed in California with 15 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, & motivation, self esteem, and confidence. 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!
Jeremy Montieth
I am licensed in California with 10 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, & motivation, self esteem, and confidence. 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!
Beverly Corona
I am licensed in California with 7 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with relationship issues, coping with grief and loss, motivation, self esteem, and confidence, & career difficulties. 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!
Tiffany Cutler
I am licensed in California and Florida with 10 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety. 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!
Melanie McKinney
Hello and welcome, so happy you reached out to make changes for the better in your life. My name is Melanie Mckinney and I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in New Mexico. I was born and raised in New Mexico and received both my undergraduate degree in Psychology and graduate degree in Family and Consumer Sciences. I have been practicing as a therapist for the last 20 years. I take great pride in being able to form strong therapeutic relationships with my clients and make them safe and comfortable in sharing and making the most out of therapy. I have been privileged to work with clients in a private practice setting, community agencies and hospital settings. . My specialties include working with individuals that may be experiencing problems in their relationships, individuals contemplating a divorce or ending a relationship and women’s issues, such as miscarriage and parenting concerns. Using a client centered approach, meaning therapy is about you and your needs and wants. I will listen to you and bring understanding and compassion to the therapy process, allowing healing to begin. Together will find out the most goals you have for positive changes in your life. Using Cognitive Behavior Therapy and Dialectical Behavior Therapy to help you change the way you see and think about issues in your life. we will identify thought patterns that may be holding you back as well as providing strategies to live your life with joy and purpose and stay focused on the present moment. Specialties Stress, Anxiety Relationship issues Family conflicts Depression Coping with life changes Also experienced in: LGBT , Trauma and abuse , Grief ,
Nanette Coleman
Sometimes people need a little help in life to deal with stress, anxiety, depression, and/or behavioral or physical challenges. As life can sometimes knock you down, fate has led you to me to help you navigate your specific challenges. As a California licensed therapist, I have assisted clients in managing their stress and anxiety, getting past their depression, and making behavior changes so that they can regain a sense of control. I also have experience in helping with relationship issues, including but not limited to family, significant others and/or work-related. Coping with grief & loss, motivation, self-esteem/confidence, and disability challenges are just a few areas of my extensive working knowledge. I believe in treating everyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion, and will always encourage free expression. Most of my clients are healthy, successful people who may simply be a bit stuck and want the support of their own personal therapist/coach to work around their challenges; some just need coping skills. As a therapist, I help clients cope with mental, emotional, and physical challenges, create specific therapies and exercises, and develop plans for ongoing care. As a certified life coach, I help people move forward and set personal and/or professional goals to assist them in achieving the life they really want. Together, we can find ways to work around your challenges, whether they be mental, behavioral, or physical. I have an extensive background in the medical/psychological field and have personally dealt with just about every life obstacle you can imagine. It takes more than just book knowledge - it takes experience to effectively assist others. I will tailor your treatment plan to meet your unique and specific challenges. You've already taken the first step by being here; that took courage, and I am incredibly proud of you for getting started. Now, take my hand; I want to help.
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:
- 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 featur
- 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 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.
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
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