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.

This is Sharlese Jones's avatar and link to their profile

Sharlese Jones

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesSelf esteemCareer difficulties
18 years of experience

I've been doing therapy for over 10 years, helping various needs. I'm a licensed LMFT that has assisted children, teens and families in learning new skills to manage, anger, depression, anxiety, stress, build confidence, self esteem building, transgender issues, and various other situations. It's a joy to walk help people within their search for healing, insight, and empowerment. Sometimes it is hard to access the inner guide we have due to outside influences, fear, doubt, or from being out of alignment. Asking for help is one of the hardest things you can do, but can be very rewarding. As a therapist, I strive to help you connect to your authentic self in order to help you have more for filling experiences on your life journey. I applaud your courage for taking the first steps towards positive change through therapy. If you are ready to take that step I am here to support and empower you. I look forward to working with you!

This is Rebecca Hathorn's avatar and link to their profile

Rebecca Hathorn

Offering therapy in California
License: LCSW
Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseSelf esteemDepressionCoping with life changes
17 years of experience

Hello! Welcome to Better Help. You are probably wondering how this can be helpful and/or how is is different than traditional therapy. I wondered the same thing when I was looking into it. Better Help provides a unique experience for someone who may need help but can't find the time that fits into a "normal" schedule, can't find a therapist that is a good fit or maybe someone who isn't ready to be face to face with a therapist but still wants a professional, outside perspective. My name is Rebecca Hathorn and I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in the state of California. I have been working in the helping profession for 26 years and have been a licensed therapist for 20. I spent many years working with foster youth, foster parents and biological parents. I have a great deal of experience working with transition age youth, ages 13-24, and specialize in depression, anxiety, trauma, stress related to work, school, family and relationships as well as grief and loss and attachment disruptions. I recognize the inequities in the world, especially as it relates to people of color and LGBTQ, and the amount of stress and trauma these can cause. I also have experience working with parents . I understand, first hand, the stress of being a working parent and how the anxiety that comes along with parenting impacts all aspects of your life. I believe that the most important aspect of "good therapy" is the relationship that is formed between therapist and client. It is important that you feel comfortable talking with your therapist about everything. In order to do this, you need to feel a sense of trust and genuine acceptance. I consider myself to be a therapist who is "real". I am able to support you in meeting your goals and coming to your own conclusions and I do this through listening and offering reflections and suggestions. You are welcome to message me anytime through Better Help. One of the many great things about this mode of therapy is the frequency with which you can have access to a therapist throughout the day. I usually check messages twice each day, seven days per week. At this time, I only offer messaging and live chat sessions. Please note that what you see in my calendar may not reflect my only availability so you always want to check that out with me through messaging first. I look forward to working with you!

This is Alvin Tan's avatar and link to their profile

Alvin Tan

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietyCareer difficultiesDepressionCoping with life changes
4 years of experience

Hi, I am a licensed clinical social worker in San Diego, California. My primary background experience is in helping clients to regain/increase control over their mental health, via developing increased insight/understanding of symptoms, identifying and utilizing coping skills, developing positive support systems, and increasing ability to problem-solve/navigate challenges. I have worked with adults in multiple settings, including those experiencing active crisis within acute locked psychiatric care, clients coming into an outpatient clinic for mental health services and counseling/groups, clients utilizing substance use disorder treatment individually and in groups, and adult clients with developmental disabilities in the group home setting. Professionally, I've worked both as direct care staff as well as in management and supervisor roles, and have also mentored undergrad and grad students. I'm looking forward to meeting you and offering you support.

This is Lesley Schwam's avatar and link to their profile

Lesley Schwam

Offering therapy in California
License: LMFT
Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseGriefSelf esteemDepression
12 years of experience

My name is Lesley Schwam, I am from Los Angeles, California. I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist LMFT since 2015. I began graduate school in 2009 and started earning my counseling hours toward licensure during graduate school. My work experience varies from working with adolescents prior to licensing, to now working with adults 18 years of age and older. My treatment approach is from a Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Solution Focused Therapy and Narrative Therapy perspective. I believe individuals have the ability to change behaviors daily and I also believe in helping individuals find solutions to help move forward with life goals. I have experience working with Trauma, PTSD, Depression, Anxiety, Panic Attacks, Grief and Loss, as well as Adjustment Disorders and phase of life transitions including finding a new job, a new career, entering retirement, or adjusting to a new role in life. I focus first on self care, coping skills, setting short and long term goals, and learning boundary setting skills, as well as positive communication skills. By setting and reaching goals we learn what we are capable of, and I know each individual person is capable of more than they believe.

This is Teresa Cole's avatar and link to their profile

Teresa Cole

Offering therapy in California
License: LPCC
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesFamily conflictsTrauma and abuseDepression
16 years of experience

I am a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor (LPCC) since 2014. I specialize in trauma (EMDR certified), grief and loss, career, disabilities, Autism Spectrum Disorder, depression, anxiety, relationships, life transitions, spiritual issues, etc. I provide counseling for individuals, couples, and families dealing with all types of issues and mental health disorders. My approach is process oriented, solution based, and goal directed while providing psycho-education and resources. I use a variety of modalities that include EMDR, CBT, Motivational Interviewing, Narrative Therapy, Expressive Arts, couples counseling, addiction counseling, etc. I will help you access your inner strength and build tools to cope, grow, and heal.

This is Bryan Williams's avatar and link to their profile

Bryan Williams

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesFamily conflictsSelf esteemDepression
4 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 4 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!

This is Christie Carol Spahr's avatar and link to their profile

Christie Carol Spahr

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesSelf esteemDepressionCoping with life changes
26 years of experience

I am a LMFT in California with 26 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with getting to know Who You are, practicing self compassion, tolerance, trust & confidence to better manage painful life experience, stress, sadness, melancholy, depression anxiety, relationship issues, existential angst, and refocusing on knowing & believing in Your Self. I work in Humanistic, Existential, Person centered, Motivational, Narrative, spoken word approaches with my clients to create an open hearted ~ open minded safe environment where thoughts, emotions & 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 with respect to support you on that Journey. I graduated from the University of Oregon, have a BA in Religious Studies ~ emphasis on Cultural, Sociological, Indigenous, and Philosophical world view.s Went back to graduate school after being in sports marketing, studying Indigenous cultures in Australia, and U.S. and received my graduate degree ~ MA in Psychology with a speciality in Marriage & Family Therapy. I have been a runner my whole life, have run Marathons around the world, I am grateful for my "lifestyle, as it taught me to Never Give Up, who I Am, realized it's amazing whats thought impossible until it's done, and simply you just can't lie to yourself through the marathon of life or 26 miles 385 yds. I love my work as a therapist & look forward to meeting you.

This is Garysha Youngblood's avatar and link to their profile

Garysha Youngblood

Offering therapy in California
AddictionsLGBTTrauma and abuseSelf esteemCoping with life changes
6 years of experience

Hello! I am Garysha Youngblood, a Licensed Marriage and Family therapist in California. Through my 6 years of experience I've served people within locked, legal and recovery settings. My primary work is to empower clients to achieve the life they want and deserve. Within that work, I have supported people through the following issues: coping with addictions, lgbtq+ related issues, trauma and abuse, motivation, self esteem, and confidence. Let's explore these things with curiosity and compassion.

This is Michelle Santana's avatar and link to their profile

Michelle Santana

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesSelf esteemDepressionCoping with life changes
10 years of experience

I am licensed in California with over 15 years of clinical experience. I specialize in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, 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. 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.

This is Hannah Bernard's avatar and link to their profile

Hannah Bernard

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesSelf esteemDepressionCoping with life changes
3 years of experience

I am Hannah Bernard, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) based in California, working with clients statewide via telehealth. I strive to support my clients through life's difficult times by fostering new insights, teaching practical skills, and seeking emotional resources to empower them to make decisions they can be proud of and live in a way that truly reflects who they are. I utilize a flexible approach to understand and respond to the unique needs of each individual. I have discovered that my style and approach work well with adults of all ages. I provide support to clients facing life transitions, medical challenges, grief, a diminished sense of self, and family or relationship issues. Understanding that these experiences often overlap, I also help clients manage symptoms of depression, anxiety, and insomnia. In therapy, I demonstrate empathy, maintain a non-judgmental attitude, and project an authentic demeanor. I understand that a fundamental aspect of the therapeutic process is establishing a safe space and nurturing a supportive relationship to facilitate personal growth. Collaboration is at the core of my practice, as I believe that the therapeutic relationship and a client's active involvement in their own healing process are essential components of successful therapy. I look forward to the opportunity to work with you, promoting positive change and growth on your personal journey toward well-being and fulfillment. I became a therapist driven by a core belief in the strengths and inherent goodness within everyone. My passion is to help people discover and embrace these qualities in themselves. There’s nothing more rewarding to me than seeing individuals feel empowered and confident as they recognize their own potential and worth.

This is Ana Maria Berryman's avatar and link to their profile

Ana Maria Berryman

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietyGriefDepressionCoping with life changesCompassion fatigue
21 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 21 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress, anxiety, coping with grief, coping with loss, depression, & coping with life changes. I also have experience working with compassion fatigue. 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!

This is Darlene Melendez's avatar and link to their profile

Darlene Melendez

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesFamily conflictsSelf esteemDepression
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, 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 sign up for therapy can take courage and I am proud of you for getting started!

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.

Find the right therapist for your needs
Match with a qualified therapist