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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Ellie Trotta

Offering therapy in California
License: MA, LPCC
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesGriefSelf esteemDepression
7 years of experience

I am a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor with six years of experience helping clients with a variety of issues, including depression, anxiety, OCD, self-esteem issues, addictions, trauma, geriatric issues, career challenges, and chronic mental illness. I also have experience helping clients with trauma due to physical, emotional, or sexual abuse, as well as individuals who "feel stuck" due to emotional turmoil or relationship issues resulting from childhood abuse or abandonment. I graduated with my Master of Arts degree in psychology in 2016 and am currently a PsyD candidate in clinical psychology. I view the therapist-client relationship as something that is highly sacred and treat my clients with respect, sensitivity, and unconditional positive regard. I believe validation and empathy are necessary parts of the therapeutic process and I treat clients with a warm and compassionate approach. My therapeutic approach also includes DBT, CBT, ACT, experiential, client-centered psychodynamic, mindfulness, narrative, inner child work, solution-focused, and humanistic techniques, specifically tailored to the needs of my client. I also help empower my clients to be experts of their own lives; I am the tour guide but this is your therapeutic journey and I will be respectful of working at a pace that is comfortable for you. It takes courage to take these first steps in your therapeutic journey and I want to congratulate you for your decision to prioritize yourself in order to obtain a happier and more fulfilled life. I look forward to working with you. LPCC license 6558 listed as Elishka Trotta

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Anika Garcia

Offering therapy in California
License: MA,LPCC
Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseSelf esteemDepressionCoping with life changes
6 years of experience

"I couldn't heal because I couldn't admit that I was hurt." This is a statement that I personally relate to, and find that it speaks to many first time clients. If you are someone (like me) who values strength, resiliency and a positive attitude you too might be finding it hard to admit the emotional pain of past traumas and their impact upon your daily functioning and relationships. Trusted relationships are the foundation for achieving personal goals and experiencing lasting emotional healing. The client-therapist relationship provides the privacy, objectivity, and intimacy to safely uncover the deepest parts of our being. Together we can explore ways to be more connected to ourselves and others as we seek to live life to the fullest.

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Tishawna Mims

Offering therapy in California
License: MS LMFT
Stress, AnxietyAnger managementSelf esteemCareer difficulties
6 years of experience

Hello! My name is Tishawna Mims and I am a Licensed Marriage and Family therapist (LMFT) with the state of California. I have over 6 years of experience in the mental health field and substance use field. I have worked with various populations within community agencies. I have a passion for helping and welcome the opportunity to meet with you! Now, I do realize that coming to therapy is initially a scary process, but I am here every step of the way providing a safe, authentic, respectful, nonjudgmental and a compassionate environment. My therapeutic approach is client centered and individualize to the person’s need. I am trained in Cognitive Behavioral therapy, Dialectical behavioral therapy, and EMDR. I am also trained in Solution focus therapy and Motivational Interviewing.

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Michelle Clisby

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

I am licensed in California with 10 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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Jennifer Farfan

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietyGriefSelf esteemDepressionCoping with life changes
5 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, 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. 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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Michelle (Sheli) Miller

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietyGriefSelf esteemCareer difficultiesCoping with life changes
18 years of experience

Thank you so much for reading my bio. My name is Michelle (Sheli), and I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and Therapist. I was born and raised in the Bay Area, CA., and I love being able to give back to the communities that gave so much to me. A little about myself: My path to becoming a therapist came from the desire to understand my very own journey in life. At a young age, I was faced with a combination of challenges that I did not understand or know how to navigate. I wanted to sort out what was carried over from childhood experiences, and what I could learn to accomplish as an adult - utilizing my own strengths in conjunction with the skills I had learned while getting through challenging times. I wanted to learn how to build a safe home environment and a stronger mental stability, in order to have healthier relationships with friends, family, partners, co-workers, and most importantly – myself. My Therapeutic Process: I approach the therapeutic relationship and process with the utmost sensitivity, respect, active listening, and lack of judgement. I have experience in various cultural, religious, and ethnic backgrounds in both my personal and professional life, but I believe the best approach is to learn from the client's perspective of their own experiences. I have had great opportunities to work with (and learn from) various populations in all walks of life including older adults, incarcerated youth/adults, college students, LGBTQQIA+, multi-cross cultural families, blended families, and many others who have struggled to feel accepted when they were facing medical, educational, and mental health challenges - or just the everyday struggles and complexity of life. My clinical experience is eclectic - including providing therapy and mental health education to individuals, couples, families, groups, and communities. I have had the privilege of practicing in various settings including domestic violence centers, medical facilities/hospitals, community agencies, youth organizations, and private practice. I use a Strength Based approach, and utilize a combination of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, Mindfulness, Motivational Interviewing, Positive Psychology, and Family Structural Systems along with additional resources to fit your need. Along with my professional education, my own therapy process was a huge part of the education, insight, understanding, and healing I needed to understand how to work in the field of therapy - and provide the most comprehensive assistance to others to the best of my ability. I know that it takes a lot of courage and strength to reach out for assistance at times, and I hope to help you achieve your therapeutic goals, with actionable outcomes, to gain a better sense of overall well-being and continued success.

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Jane Teixeira

Offering therapy in California
Relationship issuesFamily conflictsTrauma and abuseSelf esteemCompassion fatigue
25 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 25 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. 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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Richard Madero

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietyFamily conflictsGriefParenting issuesDepression
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 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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Carol Seigler

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseSelf esteemDepressionCoping with life changes
8 years of experience

Have you experienced a traumatic event that you feel holds you back from the life you so desperately want to live? Do unwanted thoughts and memories prevent you from feeling like you can live a normal and happy life? If you are living with traumatic events from your past, ranging from insult, abuse, humiliation, violence, attachment wounds, or even subtle disappointments, therapy could be a safe space to address these injuries. Through a collaborative approach and taking into account the mind & body, I join my clients on a journey of exploration, growth, and healing.

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Andrea Ziebell

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

Hello, I’m Andrea. My aim is to foster an open and safe environment where thoughts and feelings can be expressed freely- without judgment. Together, we can explore ways during our sessions to tailor your unique concerns and issues, formulate a strategy to achieve the goals you aspire to achieve. During our sessions, I can be the ear you need, a confidential space to share and validation that you are being heard--you're not alone. I'm versed in various therapeutic techniques and will find one that fits you best. If your new to the therapy process, you may want psychoeducation- understanding symptoms, ways to manage them, find coping strategies focusing on your strengths or journaling, homework assignments (OR NOT), create a wellness plan with other activities, practicing effective communication and learn about anger management skills, with solution focused, or CBT. As a California-licensed professional almost 25 years of experience with mental health, substance abuse, negative impact related to legal issues have caused, I'm ready to start alongside your recovery efforts. My therapeutic interest lies from life experiences, exposure working with abused/neglected children and inpatient/outpatient treatment with male/female adults. I look forward to meeting with you.

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Jasleen Randhawa

Offering therapy in California
AddictionsRelationship issuesIntimacy-related issuesParenting issuesBipolar disorder
9 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 9 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with coping with relationship issues, intimacy related issues, addictions, impulsivity, mood issues (depression, bipolar, anxiety) & 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. 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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Megan Hurtado

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietySelf esteemDepression
3 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 3 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress, anxiety, 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.

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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