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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Meghan Todd

Offering therapy in California
License: MA,LMFT
Family conflictsTrauma and abuseGriefParenting issuesCoping with life changes
4 years of experience

Hello there! My name is Meghan Todd and I am a licensed marriage and family therapist with experience working with children, teens, individuals, and families. I use a strengths-based, warm but direct approach. I pull from different models depending on each client's individual needs. I especially focus on motivational interviewing, solution-focused therapy, narrative therapy, drama therapy, and strategic family therapy. With special training in drama therapy, I bring a uniquely creative lens to all of my work, whether or not you wish to engage with drama therapy in particular. Through it all, I believe in being client-centered and meeting the client where they currently are on their journey. I have familiarity with many areas, including depression, stress and anxiety, coping with grief and loss, and life changes. In the past, I have focused on treating parenting issues, family conflicts, trauma and abuse, and motivation and self-esteem. Please ask me if I can help with whatever you are currently needing! Life is constantly unstable, changing at every moment. I am here to support and guide you through it all. I work to empower you and highlight your strengths, to build up the resiliency that already exists inside you to help you face whatever may challenge you. I will be happy to walk in front of you as a guide, beside you as a companion, or behind you as a supportive follower on your path of healing. Thank you so much for sharing your time and energy with me! I look forward to getting to know you and helping in whatever therapeutic ways I can.

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Jason Wright

Offering therapy in California
License: PhD,LPCC,LPC
Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseAnger managementSelf esteemDepression
26 years of experience

I am a doctoral-level, licensed professional clinical counselor (CA) and licensed professional counselor (VA), with over 30 years of experience working with adults experiencing a diverse range of challenges, from depression, anxiety, OCD and substance use; to PTSD and trauma-related issues (including psychogenic seizures and psychogenic movement disorders). I have published an article on my work with psychogenic seizures in Counseling Today, a publication of the American Counseling Association. My expertise is in providing individual psychotherapy to adults. My counseling style is person-centered, engaging, warm and collaborative. I believe the hallmark of a good therapist is to be a good listener first and foremost, and then to possess the knowledge and expertise needed to apply a broad range of holistic interventions tailored to the meet your unique needs and working style. I utilize cognitive-behavioral interventions, as well as existential/humanistic, solution-focused, motivational, and psychodynamic approaches to help you reach your goals. I have the utmost respect for anyone who is willing to help themselves - a better tomorrow and brighter horizon awaits those who are up for the task, and I am here to help you as you move towards that brighter tomorrow. I look forward to working with you!

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Dr. Annabel Fields

Offering therapy in California
License: J.D.,Psy.D.
Stress, AnxietyAnger managementSelf esteemDepressionCoping with life changes
19 years of experience

Hello, and congratulations on taking a big first step on the path to becoming a happier, healthier you. I help people along their paths with a primary focus, not on your diagnosis, but on the symptoms that are causing difficulty in your daily functioning. In order to do that, we'll utilize interventions from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Client-Centered Therapy, and a variety of other treatment modalities depending on your individual needs. I hold a license in Clinical Psychology from the states of California and Arizona. I received my doctorate in Clinical Psychology from Widener University in Pennsylvania in 2008. I have worked in a variety of treatment settings, which has afforded me the opportunity to work with clients with a wide range of concerns. Some of these concerns include motivation, depression, anxiety, communication issues, anger management, relationship issues (straight or LGBTQIA+, monogamous or polyamorous), as well as issues related to transgender status and gender identity. My therapeutic style is warm and inviting. I am accepting of all individuals regardless of race, religion, gender identity, or sexual orientation. We will work together to develop an individualized treatment plan designed to help move you from where you are on your life path to where you'd like to be. My goal is for each of my clients to feel accepted, seen, heard, and respected throughout our therapeutic relationship.

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Claudia Santiago

Offering therapy in California
AddictionsRelationship issuesTrauma and abuseSelf esteemDepression
11 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 10 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with coping with addictions, relationship issues, trauma and abuse, & 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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Sandra Perry

Offering therapy in California
License: MS, LMFT, AAMFT Approved Supervisor
Relationship issuesFamily conflictsTrauma and abuseGriefParenting issues
21 years of experience

I am a marriage and family therapist licensed in the state of North Carolina. I have worked for eighteen years in the area of mental health, in which the role of family relationships is central. I have worked with clients on a wide range of issues including childhood trauma, behavioral and emotional disorders, anxiety, divorce, domestic violence, parenting, family conflict, loss, and grief to name a few. Open communication is very important to the successful outcome of therapy. You will be encouraged to discuss your issues in a safe and caring environment, in order to develop strategies and skills to reach your goals and cope with difficult situations. A counseling plan will be highly specific to your needs. I look forward to working with you!

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Shahnaz Sadeghi

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietyParenting issuesDepressionCoping with life changesADHD
17 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 17 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, parenting issues, depression, & 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.

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Christina Harrison

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsTrauma and abuseSelf esteemDepression
9 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 8 years of professional work experience, and 6 years prior experience as a paraprofessional in the field of addiction treatment. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, trauma and abuse, 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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Diane Kato

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesFamily conflictsTrauma and abuseSelf esteem
23 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 23 years of professional work experience working with children, youth, adults, families, and couples. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, & trauma and abuse. Life's journey can be challenging with endless wandering paths. Do you feel lost and unable to find your way out? I will walk with you using strength-based, person-centered therapeutic relationship approach utilizing a flexible and creative process. 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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Erike Apolinar

Offering therapy in California
Trauma and abuseGriefParenting issuesAnger managementDepression
8 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 8 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with trauma and abuse, coping with grief and loss, parenting issues, & anger management. 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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Lilian Honanian

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietyGriefDepressionCoping with life changesADHD
17 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 17 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, & concentration, memory. I also have experience working with focus (adhd). 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!

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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