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. Michelle Beaupre

Offering therapy in California
License: LCSW,PhD
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsFamily conflictsParenting issuesDepression
6 years of experience

I am an individual and family counselor licensed in California and Maine with over five years of experience working as a psychotherapist. I have worked with clients with a wide range of concerns including, anxiety, depression, parent-child conflict, parenting problems, ODD, OCD, and ADHD. I also help those who have experienced trauma, physical and emotional abuse. My counseling style is warm, strength-based and motivational. I believe treating everyone with respect, compassion, sensitivity, and being non-. My therapeutic approach is cognitive-behavioral, motivational interviewing, DBT, and mindfulness. I will customize our dialogue and treatment to meet your unique and specific needs. It takes courage to seek for a more fulfilling and happier life and to take steps toward change. If you are ready, I am here to guide and support you. I look forward to working with you!

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Shaakira McMillon

Offering therapy in California
License: LCSW
Stress, AnxietyGriefSelf esteemCoping with life changesCompassion fatigue
7 years of experience

Hello, Welcome! Thank you for choosing BetterHelp. You have taken an important step toward prioritizing your mental health and wellness. My name is Shaakira McMillon. I am a licensed therapist (LCSW) in the state of California. I have been a Social Worker for 7 years. I am passionate about helping others and creating a safe space for clients and families. Throughout my career, I have assisted clients coping with a wide variety of issues/concerns including but not limited to: Depression, Anxiety, caregiver fatigue, burnout, family conflict, grief, intimacy issues, addiction, and work-life balance concerns. I utilize Motivational Interviewing, CBT, Solution- Focused Techniques, Art, and other therapeutic tools to help clients identify meaningful and achievable goals. I enjoy helping others and would greatly appreciate the opportunity to assist you. It would be a privilege to walk alongside you in healing journey. Please feel free to reach out to me regarding any questions/concerns/inquiries.

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Sherell Taylor-Page

Offering therapy in California
License: MA,LMFT
Stress, AnxietyDepression
11 years of experience

I am Sherell Taylor-Page, a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) in Inglewood, California. I earned my Master’s degree in Counseling Psychology from National University in 2006. My experience includes working with clients in an inpatient residential treatment facility that struggled with the affects of physical abuse, addiction, anxiety, depression, grief/loss, insomnia, and trauma. The journey has been both personally and professionally rewarding. I take an eclectic/integrative approach to therapy. It is important to meet clients where they are and I believe in blending elements of different therapeutic approaches and tailoring them to meet the client’s individual needs. The various treatment approaches I utilize include Client-Centered Therapy, Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), and Family Systems Therapy. I enjoy helping people reach their full potential in an empathetic, warm, and non-judgmental environment. I look forward to working with you and helping you meet your therapeutic goals. I look forward to hearing from you soon!

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Daniel Zarate Lustre

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseGriefDepressionCoping with life changes
7 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 7 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, trauma and abuse, coping with grief and loss, & 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 seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process.

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Annelise Shafer

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesFamily conflictsSelf esteemCoping with life changes
6 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 6 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 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.

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Jennifer Miele

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

I am a Licenced Clinical Social Worker in California who has 3 years experience as a counselor and therapist working with individuals struggling with depression, anxiety, life transitions, and career challenges. I received my certification as a Health and Life Coach about a year ago and I have about a year of experience helping individuals make incremental changes to improve their health. My therapy style is warm and interactive. I believe in treating anyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion. My approach combines cognitive-behavioral, humanistic and mindfulness, with a focus on self-care and stress management. I will tailor our dialogue and treatment plan to meet your unique and specific needs. It takes courage to seek a more fulfilling and happier life and to take the first steps towards change. If you are ready to take that step, I am here to support and empower you.

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Rachel Valencia

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietySelf esteemCareer difficultiesDepressionCoping with life changes
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, motivation, self esteem, and confidence, career difficulties, & 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!

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Clair Figueroa

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietyLGBTRelationship issuesTrauma and abuseSelf esteem
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, lgbtq+ related issues, relationship issues, trauma, abuse, motivation, & self esteem. I also have experience working with confidence issues and motivation. I am certified in EMDR and CPT. therapeutic modalities. 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!

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Rosa Shetty

Offering therapy in California
Trauma and abuse
17 years of experience

I have been in the field of trauma healing and recovery since 2007. I specialize in helping women heal from complex childhood trauma stemming from sexual abuse. I have advanced training in research-based trauma recovery models: EMDR, Havening, Sensorimotor Psychotherapy, Internal Family Systems, and Trauma-Focused Yoga Therapy.

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Apryl Love

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesSelf esteemCoping with life changesCoaching
15 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 15 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress, anxiety, motivation, self esteem, confidence, coping with life changes, executive coaching, & professional coaching. 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!

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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