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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Jonathan Kabat

Offering therapy in California
License: LMFT
Trauma and abuse
10 years of experience

You have questions. They are in your heart; and therefore, weigh heavily on your heart. They may appear to be unanswerable. Perhaps they are. They may arise in your thoughts or they may not. These questions come in feelings, images, sensations, dreams, and most importantly longings. We very often attempt to satisfy these longings through insufficient means. Our longings go unmet as we do the same things, try the same strategies, without success. You might be asking, "how do I change these patterns?" As a systems therapist I explore with you the vast territory of life in fine detail so you may better recognize the impacts of experience on you and realize your impacts on life. We collaborate on ways to change and I support your practice of developing new approaches to achieve what your heart truly longs for. Therapy is quite like a quest to find the ways you can be the best 'you.' It's a guided quest for navigating challenges, often catastrophes, and finding a way forward towards your heart's calling. I draw from many approaches to integration and revealing wholeness. Because I have found that integrating one's whole being requires approaching life's challenges from many perspectives and trying different methods to facilitate change. I have studied transpersonal and systems approaches to understanding the causes and conditions which arise in our human experience. I have trained in somatic, emotional, and cognitive therapies; which often, integrates the way we sense, feel, and think about our experience. Much of my approach is informed by applied ecopsychology, eco-therapy, and climate psychology. I am particularly interested in working with individual experiencing strong emotional reactions to the changes we are experiencing in the ecological systems and society at this time. I support individuals who are experiencing eco-rage, eco-despair, eco anxiety, all arising from eco-empathy and ultimately returning to a deep care and concern for Earth. The entire world around us; and therefore we as individuals, are going through tremendous changes. Integrating this experience and finding compassion, resilience, and purposeful action is my passion. I will seek to assist you in finding your personal way towards your own clarity and purpose. Jonathan Kabat LMFT 129217

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George Calvin

Offering therapy in California
Trauma and abuseAnger managementSelf esteemCareer difficultiesDepression
24 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 24+ years of professional experience providing individual and family therapy with teens and adults. I have experience in helping clients with trauma and abuse, anger management, motivation, self-esteem, and confidence, & career difficulties, life changes and transitions and helping to develop happiness. I work with my clients to create an open, safe and positive environment where thoughts, feelings and ideas 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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Michele Kahn

Offering therapy in California
Relationship issuesIntimacy-related issuesSelf esteemCareer difficultiesCoping with life changes
25 years of experience

I am licensed in Arizona with 25 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with relationship issues, intimacy-related issues, motivation, self-esteem, and confidence, & career difficulties. I believe that you are the expert on your story and have many strengths that will assist you in overcoming things that challenge you. I have many years of experience in the creative arts and like to incorporate different tools . I believe everyone has the ability to make a wonderful life for themselves. Sometimes we need help! 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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Leslie Westbrook

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseSelf esteemDepressionCoaching
5 years of experience

As a compassionate and empathetic therapist, my primary mission is to guide my clients on their path to healing from trauma. I believe that everyone deserves the opportunity to regain their sense of well-being and happiness, and I am deeply committed to helping them achieve this. With a warm and nonjudgmental approach, I create a safe space for my clients to explore and process their traumatic experiences. I understand that each individual's journey is unique, so I tailor my therapeutic interventions to their specific needs. Through our work together, you can expect to find solace, strength, and a renewed sense of hope as you embark on a transformative journey towards healing and growth. My ultimate goal is to empower clients to overcome their trauma and embark on a path towards renewed well-being and emotional growth. Together, we'll navigate the path to healing, providing support and tools every step of the way. Your journey to a brighter future begins here.

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Darlene Shipp-Estes

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsTrauma and abuseAnger managementDepression
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, coping with addictions, trauma and abuse, & 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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Tracy Bowens

Offering therapy in California
License: LMHC,LPC
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesSelf esteemDepression
10 years of experience

I am a licensed professional with over 10 years of experience in social service and clinical fields. I have worked with children, adolescents and adults in a variety of settings: schools, jails, in-home, in-office and online. My approach is person-centered and solution-focused. No two people are the same, and as such, responses to different treatment approaches and modalities may differ. Therefore, I meet you where you are and work with you to determine what will work best to achieve desired outcomes. I believe we are all powerfully equipped to improve our overall wellbeing.

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Graciela Dunn

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesGriefSelf esteemDepression
20 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 20 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress, anxiety, relationship issues, coping with grief, coping with loss, motivation, self esteem, & confidence. I also have experience working with 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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Jamie Rempis

Offering therapy in California
Relationship issuesGriefIntimacy-related issuesSelf esteemDepression
4 years of experience

Hi there! My name is Jamie and I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in California with 4 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with relationship issues, coping with grief, coping with loss, intimacy related issues, motivation, self esteem, & confidence. I also have experience working with 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. I am honored to walk with you to find healing and achieve your goals. Please note: I am unable to see clients that are using Kaiser Southern California insurance. If you are have this insurance, please select a different provider- even if you are not using this insurance with BetterHelp.

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Christina Tyhurst

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesFamily conflictsParenting issuesAnger management
10 years of experience

I am a licensed clinical social worker in California privileged to have 10+ years of professional work experience providing various therapies to my wonderful clients. After earning my bachelors degree in psychology at UC Davis, I worked at a school that served children with a primary diagnosis of autism. While I was a member of a team that helped teach 8-10 year old boys various skill acquisition tasks, I learned a great deal in this line of work as well. The program was loosely based on applied behavior analysis where we focused on using positive reinforcement to teach various competencies and decrease maladaptive coping skills. Following this I began providing ABA services in home for kids with autism aged 3-7yo. I worked helping kids learn more daily living skills, school readiness, behavior modification, and more. I then had a short stint as a nanny (and definitely used my behavior modification knowledge to my advantage). Following that I earned my MSW at the University of Southern California where I had an internship as a school counselor (and earned my PPSC), and at a partial hospitalization program at UCLA’s neuropsychiatric hospital working with families with kids who struggled with school for various reasons. Upon graduation I went back to ABA as a supervisor and managed a caseload of 10-15 families with children on the autism spectrum providing case management, parent training, staff training, program planning, behavior modification strategies and most importantly, doing all of this while building a strong and positive rapport with my clients and their families. Since 2017 I’ve shifted my focus to working with adults and focusing on relationship and life skills such as boundaries, mindfulness, anger management, assertiveness, how to choose a healthy partner, how to have a healthy relationship, emotion identification, expression, regulation, and communication. I also love exploring how our attachment styles and coherent narratives impact our ability and path of growth. I believe that the relationship between a therapist and a client is one that requires an important fit. It’s ok to shop around to find someone that fits you and if I’m the lucky therapist who works with your personality, then I truly look forward to working with you to improve your life. Taking the first step to sign up for therapy can take courage and I am proud of you for getting started! Your mental health is worth EVERYTHING.

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Valerie Novak

Offering therapy in California
License: MA,LMFT
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesFamily conflictsParenting issuesDepression
10 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 10 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress, anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, & parenting issues. I also have experience working with 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. Taking the first step to sign up for therapy can take courage and I am proud of you for getting started!

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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