Finding a therapist in California can be challenging. Even in some of the biggest California cities, concerns about cost or a lack of available providers can make finding an in-person therapist 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. From young adults needing help managing ADHD to seniors struggling to heal from past events, therapists can help adults of any age navigate the challenges in their lives and learn 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.

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Maria Biasiotto

Offering therapy in California
License: LMFT, RN-BC
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsTrauma and abuseBipolar disorderDepression
30 years of experience

My therapy style is warm, interactive, action orientated and focused. I have experience working with adults, both in Individual and Group Therapy for many years. I believe in treating everyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion. Spiritual/Religious, as well as cultural sensitivity is included in my approach. My approach combines humanistic, cognitive-behavioral/CBT, and brief solution focused therapy. I am here to meet your unique and specific needs. Clients that I have interacted with have included those with issues involving Self Esteem, Complex Trauma, MST, PTSD, CPTSD, Bipolar, Depression, Anxiety, Panic, Substance Abuse, Sexual Trauma, and Domestic Violence and Behavioral issues. These clients over all have reported reduction in unwanted symptoms and improvement in quality of life. A quote I share here was from a client I had been seeing for about a year: "I did not think this could help and one day I realized that it really was helping and I never believed it could." "The Longest journey BEGINS WITH A SINGLE STEP." My Masters is in psychology and I hold a License as a Family Therapist, LMFT. I have a RN and I am Certified in Behavioral Health by the ANCC, RN-BC. Please feel free to ask any questions about my experience, that may be of a help for you.

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Carolina Thompson

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietyGriefDepressionCoping with life changes
13 years of experience

I am a Licensed Clinical Psychologist with 13 years of combined training and professional experience. I'm experienced in helping clients with strategies and skills for effectively responding to stress and anxiety. I’m also experienced in treating issues of depression; and navigating difficult, stressful periods of change and transition in life. Furthermore, I have training and experience in Christian-based therapy, including integrating Christian-spiritual principles into the therapy process, upon request. I believe you have many strengths that lend to your resilience in overcoming challenges. Choosing to participate in therapy is a courageous step of initiative in moving toward positive change in your life. I am here to support & empower your growth and healing process.

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Stefan Bain

Offering therapy in California
License: LCSW
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsLGBTRelationship issuesDepression
30 years of experience

Hello. My name is Stefan Bain and I am a Clinical Therapist (MSW, LCSW, MPH, CST/Certified Sex Therapist) with over 30 years of experience working as a psychotherapist. Educated at UC Berkeley, with post graduate school training at Stanford University and the Veteran's Health Care System. My therapy practice is focused on men, helping men achieve wholeness and wellness. Men's issues with which I work include anger management, addiction, anxiety and depression, trauma, infidelity, parenting, loss, aging, relationships, career transitions, stress, and sex/ sexuality issues, including intimacy issues, performance issues, body acceptance, sexual identity exploration, coming out, healing from sexual trauma, and porn addiction. My therapy style is warm and interactive and my therapeutic approaches are based on best-practice and are evidence-based. I believe in treating everyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion. My approach combines cognitive-behavioral, humanistic, psychodynamic and rational-emotive therapy. I will tailor our dialog and treatment plan to meet your unique and specific needs. One of the main goals of therapy is to provide you with the tools you will need to be successful long after treatment ends; therapy is just one step in your total wellness; the goal is to be whole; however you define it.

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Dr. Debra Bubar

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

I am licensed in California with 40 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, trauma and abuse, & depression. 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 which takes courage. I am here to support you in that process.

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Sylvia Fernandez Rangel

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsRelationship issuesTrauma and abuseAnger management
16 years of experience

I am a therapist licensed in California with more than 17 years of experiences in clinical practice. I work with clients who experience a wide range of symptoms and concerns, including depression, anxiety, anger, relationship issues, addictions, parenting problems, career challenges, sexual issues, and daily stressors. I have also worked with individuals who have dual/diagnosis and diagnosis and people who have experienced trauma and abuse. My therapy style is warm and interactive, yet also direct and honest. I believe in treating everyone with respect, sensitivity, compassion and understanding and do not believe in stigmatizing labels. My approach combines cognitive-behavioral, humanistic, client centered psychodynamic and rational-emotive therapy. I tailor our dialog 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 steps towards change. If you are ready to take that step, I am here to support and empower you.

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Michael Demoratz

Offering therapy in California
GriefDepression
40 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 40 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients coping with grief, loss, depression, & compassion fatigue. I am considered and recognized as a subject matter expert in end-of-life care and have published extensively. I have a series of free videos available on YouTube.be 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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Aaliyah Rashad

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

I am licensed in California with 8 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, motivation, self esteem, and confidence, & depression. I believe that everyone has the ability to move in the direction of their goals and values. As a therapist and coach I see myself as as a facilitator and guide to help improve the alignment between what you want and the reality. You are the expert in your life. We will work as a team to explore cognitive processes and discover alternative ways to help you feel more joy, have better relationships, cope with life's challenges, and feel better overall. I utilize cognitive- behavioral (CBT), and acceptance- based (ACT) strategies infused with mindfulness in order to help clients feel better and live a life of meaning and purpose. I look forward to our journey together!

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Pauline Padrul

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietyEating disordersSelf esteemDepressionCoping with life changes
25 years of experience

Hello! I am a licensed clinical social worker in the state of California with over twenty years of professional work experience in behavioral health treatment. I also have a Master's degree in Public Health with a strong interest in behavioral epidemiology. I have worked with clients who typically present with stress and anxiety, eating disorders, motivation, self esteem issues & depression. I believe that you are the expert of your story and that you have many strengths with which to overcome challenges and build resilience.

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Freddie Williams

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsRelationship issuesDepressionCoping with life changes
12 years of experience

I'm an Arizona and California Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with 12 years of professional work experience. Also, I'm a Licensed Independent Substance Abuse Counselor, specializing in addictions. I AM EXPERIENCED IN HELPING MALE ADULTS ONLY (18 -75 YEARS OLD) who are struggling with Substance Abuse and Co-Occurring Disorders, Stress, Anxiety, Depression, Mood Disorder and Anger Management. I work with my clients to create an open and safe environment where thoughts and feelings can be shared without fear of judgment. My approach includes highly effective Cognitive Behavioral (CBT), Dialectical behavioral (DBT), and Solution Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT). With my extensive experience and knowledge, I am confident in my ability to help you overcome your challenges and achieve your goals. 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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Michael Ames

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

I am licensed in California with 35 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 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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Amanda Gale-Bando

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietyCareer difficultiesCoping with life changesCoachingCompassion fatigue
19 years of experience

TRANSFORMATIONAL HEALING AND PEAK PERFORMANCE My name is Dr. Bando and my passion is helping you thrive using the most efficient and profoundly effective science-backed techniques. My clients perform in the top 1 - 5% of their chosen fields using the silver bullet techniques I teach. I have a Ph.D. in Health Psychology and 19 years of clinical experience. My focus is peak performance through holistic health. This means that I work with you to be the best version of yourself, mind, body and spirit, regardless of your starting point. You decide where you want to go in life and I help you get there through tangible skills and strategies applied expertly by harnessing your strengths and strategically removing obstacles. I help you navigate life with more ease and fulfillment, guiding you through a transformative healing process. You can let go of struggling to work harder and do better. You have the ability to relax, breathe, and enjoy life while being more inspired, productive and fulfilled than you may have ever experienced! Are you ready to transcend your view of what you believed was possible and reach your true potential?

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Beth Ringheim

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietyFamily conflictsGriefSelf esteemCoping with life changes
24 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 24 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress, anxiety, family conflicts, coping with grief, coping with loss, motivation, self esteem, & confidence. I also have experience working with coping with life changes. 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. 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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Tucker Cannon

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietyFamily conflictsParenting issuesSelf esteemDepression
20 years of experience

I’m Tucker Cannon, a licensed psychotherapist here to guide you through life’s most complex and difficult matters. I truly care about my patients’ well-being and promise a commitment to high quality therapy and consultation services individualized to your unique needs. Throughout my career, I have provided a wide range of therapeutic services to children, families, individuals, schools and agencies. Growth toward one's well-being is my number one priority, and I go above and beyond to help each client overcome the obstacles that lead to the pursuit of personal and familial happiness. Get in touch with me today for more information.

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Christine Randall Walker

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesTrauma and abuseSelf esteemDepression
30 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 30 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress/anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, OCD, ADHD, Autism , schizophrenia, schizoaffective disorder, relationship issues, trauma, abuse, motivation, self-esteem, and confidence. I have treated other clinicians who are seeking assistance with their own self-care. I completed a M.Div., MSW and a master’s in clinical psychology and can work with many treatment theories/approaches and diagnoses including the following: CBT, DBT, solution focused, motivational interviewing, ACT, strength based, humanistic, Christian Counseling and MBSR. I also have experience with dynamic and insight-oriented theories/treatments. I am culturally sensitive and aware of the impact of gender, race, class and sexual orientation with every client and situation. Virginia Satir said “Life is not the way it's supposed to be, it's the way it is. The way you cope with it is what makes the difference” Taking the first step to seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process and in your 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 BetterHelp therapists in California does not offer diagnostic or medication management services in therapy.

Why do people choose to work with a licensed counselor or therapists?

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, working with:

  • Challenging situations or life stressors
  • Eating disorders requiring therapy
  • Anxiety disorders in need of therapeutic support
  • Depression or depressive mental health conditions
  • Adjustment issues in need of therapeutic support
  • Emotional support for a terminal illness
  • Chronic pain emotional support
  • Grief therapy
  • Personality disorders
  • Trauma therapy
  • Relationship conflicts and mental health concerns

Finding a therapist in California 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 therapy site. If you are in life-threatening danger, call 911. If you require support for a crisis, reach out to the therapy 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 therapy with a licensed therapist cost?

Mental health professionals can differ in price. Forbes found that the average cost of in-person California therapy in the US is around $100 to $200 per hour. Pricing can also vary based on your location. 

BetterHelp offers payment plans of $65 to $100 per week. 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.

Is it possible to find a therapist, counselor, or psychology practitioner that offers affordable therapy?

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.

What can a psychologist help me with in therapy?

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 in-person or online therapy with a therapist in California?

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.

Are online therapy sessions 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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