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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David Meza

Offering therapy in California
License: MSW,LCSW
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesTrauma and abuseSelf esteemDepression
16 years of experience

I am grateful for the opportunity to serve people struggling with anxiousness distress, depression, and trauma related conditions. My clinical goal is always to help build a therapeutic relationship that is supported by trust, authenticity & compassion. This is your safe and confidential space to heal your emotional and mental wounds. I am all about tailoring my treatment approaches to best meet your therapeutic needs. I want you to know you are not alone, and I really look forward accompanying you throughout your healing journey. My experience of 15 yrs. is working with adults, children & families, crisis management, and mental health services for military veterans. My specialties include compassion inquiry for trauma healing & wounded parts work, stress & anger management, Acceptance & Commitment therapy, Internal Family Systems & depression management. I am only allowed by California Licensing laws to serve California residents.

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Christina Harris

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesFamily conflictsDepressionCompassion fatigue
9 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 9 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, & 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. 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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Sloane Harris

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesTrauma and abuseDepressionCoping with life changes
9 years of experience

I am licensed in California and Georgia with 8 years of direct counseling experience and over 19 years of being in the helping profession. I enjoy helping people adjust to new life transitions such as parenthood, school issues, work/life balance, coping with a medical diagnosis, facing infertility, grief and loss, and trauma. 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.

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Maribel Contreras

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseSelf esteemCareer difficultiesCoping with life changes
20 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 20 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. 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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Alease Rossi

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsSelf esteemDepressionCoaching
6 years of experience

I am licensed in California with a specialization in military culture and 6 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, coping with addictions, 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 sign up for therapy can take courage, and I am proud of you for getting started!

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Christi Bell

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietyLGBTRelationship issuesTrauma and abuseDepression
3 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 3 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, lgbtq+ related issues, relationship issues, & trauma and abuse. 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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Dr. Sara Marsh

Offering therapy in California
LGBTRelationship issuesGriefParenting issuesCoping with life changes
38 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 38 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with relationship issues, LGBTQ related issues, coping with grief and loss, & parenting issues and aging concerns. 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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(Louise) Karin Wiese

Offering therapy in California
License: LMFT,MA,BEd Hons. BA Psych
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesFamily conflictsTrauma and abuse
6 years of experience

Well done for reaching out for help...your first step towards healing! As a licensed marriage and family therapist we will work together on resolving conflicts, and learning new coping skills for the stressors you are experiencing. I also specialize in couple counselling, infidelity and betrayal issues, blended families, divorce and single parenting. I have a passion for empowering individuals to reach their unique potential. I am creative in helping clients find their strengths in challenging situations by applying effective therapeutic and inter-personal skills. I use an eclectic approach embracing CBT, solution focused therapy and EFT and Gottman method for couples. I have a MA in Clinical Psychology, BA Psychology, BED post grad in School Guidance and counseling, Mediator and Divorce Mediator, Teacher Certification and EMDR Cert. I am South African; I have lived and worked in many multicultural settings which has equipped me with compassion and understanding for differences in culture and beliefs. My life experience as a wife, mother, grandmother and educator, has been beneficial in broadening my understanding as a professional in my career as a licensed therapist. Remember : whatever the problem, there is always hope, a new day and a new beginning.... Psychology Today Listing: (Louise) Karin Wiese https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/therapists/karin-wiese-springfield-mo/489831 EMDR certificate

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Evan Thomas

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietyFamily conflictsTrauma and abuseParenting issuesAnger management
4 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 8 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress, anxiety, family conflicts, trauma, abuse, & parenting issues. I also have experience working with 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. 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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Cindi Robinson

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietyFamily conflictsParenting issuesAnger managementCoping with life changes
10 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 10 years of professional work experience assisting teens and adults with various mental health challenges. I have experience in helping clients with stress, anxiety, family conflicts, parenting issues, anger management, & managing 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. My approach is client centered and solution focused. I recognize that taking the first step to seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support you in your 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:

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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