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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Katie Aab

Offering therapy in California
License: MA ,LMFT
Stress, AnxietySelf esteemBipolar disorderDepression
9 years of experience

Hi! My name is Katie Aab and I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist located in Riverside, California. I have over seven years experience as a therapist, in both the Community Mental Health model and in Private Practice. I earned my Master's degree in Counseling Psychology from California Baptist University in 2013. My experience includes working with individuals with anxiety, depression, relationship issues, self-esteem, career challenges, mood disorders, substance use issues, and OCD. I have also worked with clients who struggle with stress, loss, abuse/neglect, and the frustrations of life. I would describe my approach as empathetic, goal oriented, and client centered. I use Cognitive Behavioral therapy, Solution focused therapy, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy and Motivational interviewing to help my clients set goals and objectives, work through their traumas, and feel empowered once they have met their goals. I enjoy helping people through challenging situations. I provide a warm and non-judgmental environment, allowing us to better work together and reach your goals. Everyone deserves to have someone they can easily talk to; let me be that person for you. I look forward to working with you and guiding you in meeting your therapeutic goals as well.

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(Jerry) Hsing-Lu Kao

Offering therapy in California
License: LMFT,BCBA
Stress, AnxietyGriefDepression
9 years of experience

Telling someone that you barely know over the internet about your darkest secrets can be scary. However, the fact that you are trying out BetterHelp at this moment shows strength and courage. As someone who has gone through the process of seeking help with a professional therapist, I can understand your fears and hesitation. That's why I strive to understand my clients at a personal, heart to heart level. I see the process of counseling as similar to going on a journey, with lessons to be learned and blessings to be celebrated. I hope I can be a useful guide on this personal journey of yours!

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Rajan Christian

Offering therapy in California
License: MA, LMFT
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesFamily conflictsSelf esteemDepression
15 years of experience

My favorite clientele are adolescents, young adults, professionals, couples, and families. I address relational issues, family conflicts, depression, suicidality, underachievement, failure to launch, and lack of meaning or purpose in life. I have extensive experience with adolescents and adults in both non-profit and for profit settings, as well as on an outpatient and inpatient basis. I have worked for non-profit corporations, county behavioral health, school districts, and privately-owned for profit corporations. I am trained in EMDR, Trauma Resiliency and worked directly for several years with suicidal adolescents and adults on a crisis response team.

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Dr. Alisa Bash

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsRelationship issuesSelf esteemDepression
18 years of experience

Are you going through a challenging period in your life? Do you struggle with anxiety, relationship issues, addiction, creative blocks, or insecurities? Do you wonder if there is more to life and how to find lasting peace and happiness, or just balance in your life? I like to work with my clients through a mind, body, spirit approach and believe in health and holistic wellness. I am a certified kundalini yoga instructor and sound healer, as well as a licensed therapist. I am licensed in California with 18 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, coping with addictions, relationship issues, & 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!

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Dr. Skultip Sirikantraporn

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesIntimacy-related issuesSelf esteemDepression
10 years of experience

I am licensed in New York and California with 10 years of professional work experience. As a licensed psychologist and a yoga instructor, I see the healing journey for all of us as holistic, fresh, and full of growing and healing possibilities for both our mind and body. I truly believe in everyone's full potential to create a healthy, happy, and fulfilling life, despite hardships and struggles. In fact, often it is the hardships and struggles that motivate us to get in touch with our strengths to overcome and thrive to live life to the fullest. I would like to have the honor to work with you in discovering ways to create life that is peaceful, meaningful, and joyful for you. My approach is a blend of cognitive behavioral, humanistic, and mind-body integrative interventions with your unique needs and style at the center of my work. I hope to get to work with you on your journey. If you are ready to take that step, I am here to support and empower you. I look forward to working with you!

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Sandra Jones-Mendoza

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

I have been a licensed therapist for over 30 years . As such, I have worked with a variety of clients, many of whom present with feelings of depression, anxiety, and excessive worry secondary to painful life experiences. l work with my clients to create a trustful, open, and safe environment where thoughts and feelings can be shared without fear of judgment. I assist clients in working toward and/or attaining a personal life situation that is emotionally and physically comfortable. I commend you for taking the first step to sign up for therapy as this can take a tremendous amount of courage

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Denise Gutirrez-Miller

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

I am licensed in California and Oklahoma with 23 years of professional work experience. I have experience 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. Taking the first step to seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process. I have worked with many populations, from developmentally disabled to SED teens to adults. I enjoy meeting people and seek to make others' lives better. I would love to work with you and help you become the best version of yourself. I am a born-again Christian and available for those needing to understand themselves according to Scripture.

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Travis Yokota

Offering therapy in California
Parenting issuesSelf esteemDepressionCompassion fatigueADHD
8 years of experience

I have been licensed as a Marriage and Family Therapist in the State of California since 2004. I have experience in helping clients with parenting issues, motivation, self esteem, and confidence, depression, & compassion fatigue. I will create with you an open and safe environment where thoughts and feelings can be shared without fear of judgment. Together we will craft a treatment plan that addresses your unique needs and goals, then navigate the path toward healing and growth.

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Ibeth Valadez

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietyLGBTTrauma and abuseDepressionCompassion fatigue
12 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 12 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress, anxiety, lgbtq+ related issues, trauma, abuse, & depression. Fluent in Spanish, I am able to provide therapy in both English and Spanish, ensuring a comfortable and effective experience for Spanish-speaking clients. 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. 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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Clara Flint

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseSelf esteemDepressionCoping with life changes
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, trauma, abuse, motivation, self esteem, confidence, & depression. I also have experience working with coping with 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. 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.

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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