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 Dr. Jared Wilke's avatar and link to their profile

Dr. Jared Wilke

Offering therapy in California
License: PsyD
Stress, AnxietyFamily conflictsAnger managementDepression
7 years of experience

I am a licensed Clinical Psychologist in the state of California, with over 7 years of experience counseling individuals, couples and families. I completed my Doctor of Psychology degree from the California School of Professional Psychology at Alliant International University. I have worked with individuals, couples, and families in helping those overcoming difficulties in their lives. My experience also includes psychological evaluation and several years of inpatient work with those who have severe mental illness. Choosing someone who has the clinical expertise to deal with your specific concerns is an important decision. I combine this expertise with personal and caring treatment. My goal is to successfully assist in the adjustments and transitions that may be necessary for you, your significant other and your family. I specialize in individual, family, and couples therapy.

This is Cindee Oswald's avatar and link to their profile

Cindee Oswald

Offering therapy in California
License: LCSW
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsLGBTTrauma and abuseSelf esteem
11 years of experience

Welcome! Thank you for taking the time to explore what growth opportunities might be in your future. You might be looking for a change, struggling with an important aspect of your life or just wanting a person to validate and share your story with. Finding the right person to ride along on this journey with you is very important. I want to provide you with some information about me in order to help you decide if my experience and style is the right match for you. I have been a social worker for more than 10 years. I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in California and Arizona. I have experience working with children, adolescents, parents, military veterans and their families from all different backgrounds, all over the world, who are struggling with a wide variety of challenges. Most of my experience has been working with people who are struggling with anxiety, trauma, depression, LGBTQ+ issues, substance abuse, the challenges of parenting, the challenges of being connected to or in the military, foster care and adoption issues. I have been told from clients that I am nurturing, nonjudgmental and accepting of them. I can be expected to stand with you through what ever struggles you are facing and assist with deeping the connection you have with yourself in order to create the peace and life you want. I will always provide a positive framework but honestly provide you feedback. I am a person-centric therapist that will let you set the goals you want to work towards. We will be working at your speed of emotional safety. I will try to push you to rethink some of the limits you place on yourself so you can step into who you want to be. You are the one that will be doing the hard work. I will just be navigating you with a nurturing heart through the process. Think of it as if you are the person in the driver seat and I am the person in the passenger seat with the maps ready to provide navigation. Most of my availability is in the evenings and weekends, but I do check my messages at least twice a day. I will do my best to respond to you within 24 hours. It takes courage to ask for help and discover a more peaceful and happier life. If you are ready to take that step I am here to support and empower you. I would be honored to work with you.

This is Anthony (Tony) Roach's avatar and link to their profile

Anthony (Tony) Roach

Offering therapy in California
License: MSW,LCSW
Relationship issuesFamily conflictsGriefParenting issuesAnger management
17 years of experience

Hi my name is Tony, I am an LCSW in the State of California. My experience includes over 16 years of experience in various mental health settings. These include community mental health, private psychiatric facilities, doing mobile crisis work and working in multi-disciplinary teams focused on military families. Additionally, I have extensive knowledge working with individuals associated with Child Protective Services. These include foster parents, bio-parents and their children. I have provided therapeutic services in the California State Prison System and in a county jail. My approach is very respectful, nonjudgmental and client-centered. I meet you where you are emotionally, and most importantly, where you are ready to start. My belief is that you are in control of this journey, but not alone. I remain with you to find solutions to life’s difficulties and healing, and to celebrate your successes. My approaches include Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Solution Focused Therapy, and Mindfulness. I also work with addiction issues, anger management and parenting issues. Reaching out for help is not always easy and takes courage. Taking this first step is the beginning of a journey towards achieving your goals. I am here to support, encourage and empower you. I look forward to talking with you.

This is Dr. Katherine (Kate) Bergam's avatar and link to their profile

Dr. Katherine (Kate) Bergam

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietySleeping disordersSelf esteemCareer difficultiesADHD
22 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 22 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with isolation, depression, and anxiety, insomnia, stress, self love, life purpose & coping with symptoms. 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!

This is Rita "Elizabeth" Kovacevich's avatar and link to their profile

Rita "Elizabeth" Kovacevich

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesTrauma and abuseGriefDepression
40 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 40 years of professional counseling experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, trauma, coping with grief and loss and life transitions. I also have extensive experience working with couples to understand their dynamics and improve their relationship in terms of communication, level of closeness, sharing and intimacy. I believe that you are the expert in your own life story and that you inherently have many strengths that can assist you in overcoming life’s challenges. I am here to help you discover and build upon these strengths as well as empower you along your journey. I look forward to meeting you.

This is Cynthia Solomon's avatar and link to their profile

Cynthia Solomon

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsGriefSelf esteemDepression
15 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 15 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, coping with addictions, coping with grief and loss, & 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. 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 Michael Gerber's avatar and link to their profile

Michael Gerber

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietyGriefAnger managementSelf esteemCoping 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 and anxiety, coping with grief and loss, anger management, & 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. 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 Shari Sinwelski's avatar and link to their profile

Shari Sinwelski

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesTrauma and abuseGriefSelf esteem
26 years of experience

I am licensed in California with over 30 years of experience in mental health. I help clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, trauma and abuse (including sexual assault and domestic violence) & coping with grief and loss. I have worked with many people who are experiencing thoughts of suicide or a suicide attempt as well as those who care about someone who is dealing with those concerns or who has lost someone to suicide. I also love to help people with life transitions such as exploring a new career or life goal. 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 empower you in that process.

This is Rachel Valencia's avatar and link to their profile

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!

This is Ibeth Valadez's avatar and link to their profile

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.

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