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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Mary Allen

Offering therapy in California
License: LCSW
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesFamily conflictsSelf esteemDepression
31 years of experience

Hi, I have been a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) in both Wisconsin (8198-123) and California (29109) for 27+ years. I am also licensed in North Dakota (6242) and Nevada (10384-C). I have worked with clients having a wide range of concerns including depression, anxiety, relationship issues, OCD and ADHD, military life, discrimination/bullying, emotional and physical abuse/trauma, PTSD, responder issues, parenting problems, and, grief. My counseling style is direct, warm, compassionate, goal focused, and, interactive. The "fit" has to feel right for the client or their goals will not be realized. My approach combines several evidenced-based approaches some of which include cognitive-behavioral, psychodynamic, humanistic, and rational-emotive. You will set the goals and together we will explore the treatment approach that will meet your specific and unique needs. You've made that difficult first step-reaching out. Congratulations-that's not easy! I look forward to working with, supporting and empowering you!

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Phyllis Trail

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsGriefDepressionCoping with life changes
27 years of experience

Hi! I am Phyllis Trail, LMFT. I am a California-licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, with a nursing background. I help clients master life changes, including stress, anxiety, addictions, illness, grief and loss, depression, and other issues. One of my focus areas has been those who are raising OPKs (Other People's Kids). Another has been Christian Counseling, for those who prefer it. Our lives have largely been affected by what we adapted to as children, when we learned about life from people around us. Sometimes therapy involves sorting those ideas from what my client really wants, and giving them permission to have that. Other times therapy is more present-day, as we tackle current stressors or issues. There are many schools or methods of psychotherapy. I take cues from my clients to find ways they can receive help. I rely on my instincts and our relationship to guide us. I enjoy revealing hope to my clients. I often can see the silver lining that awaits as we venture through hindrances, to reach freedom, peace, and hope. People come to a therapist to sort out problems, to find solutions and ways out. People need hope. They need love, compassion, and empathy; those are my tools and strengths. When people get insight and permission to be themselves and move forward, their eyes light up and their entire face changes. It’s awesome, being free! I’m interested in helping you get free. If my description of therapy appeals to you and your needs, contact me. Let’s see what we come up with! You are the expert of your story, and you have many strengths to assist you in overcoming challenges. I honor you for getting started!

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Michelle North

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

I am licensed in California with 14years of professional work experience in the field. I help clients with anxiety, depression, infertility, relationship issues and I specialize in grief, loss and life transitions. I meet you where you are at in life and assist you on a path to where you would like to go. I will tailor our dialog and treatment plan to meet your unique and specific needs. It takes courage to seek out a more fulfilling life and to take the first steps towards a change. I am here to support & empower you in that journey.

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Kyra Smith

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesDepressionCoping with life changes
5 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 5 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, & depression. I also have experience working with coping with life changes. 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!

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Joshua Helman

Offering therapy in California
LGBTCoping with life changesCoachingCompassion fatigue
10 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 10 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with lgbtq+ related issues, relationship issues, trauma , & compassion fatigue. 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!

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Gary White

Offering therapy in California
LGBTRelationship issuesTrauma and abuseGriefCareer difficulties
36 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 36 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with lgbtq+ related issues, relationship issues, trauma and abuse, & coping with grief and loss. 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!

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Kendra Paulsen

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietyCareer difficultiesDepressionCoping with life changesCompassion fatigue
7 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 7 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, career difficulties, depression, & 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. 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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Kimberley Kershaw

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietySelf esteemBipolar disorderDepressionCoping 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, anxiety, motivation, self esteem, confidence, bipolar disorder, & depression. I also have experience working with coping with life changes. 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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Melissa 'Elle' Ortega

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

Hello and welcome. My name is Melissa “Elle” Ortega (she/her) and I am a licensed clinical social worker LCSW (109661), MSW, MPH in California. As a highly skilled and compassionate clinician, I come with a decade-long history of hospital-based care as a medical social worker; supporting patients and their families in both in-patient care and outpatient care settings, including: in-patient psychiatry, emergency medicine, ICU, urgent care, internal and family medicine, nephrology peritoneal dialysis (PD), oncology, palliative medicine, med/surg, NICU, Labor and Delivery (L&D), and Family-centered care (FCC). With such a strong foundation, I understand first-hand the impact of disability on one's mental health, wellness, and relationships with others; and strive to support my clients through it. Through a strengths-based approach, I strive to meet my clients where they are and offer a safe space to be heard, process difficult emotions, and find empowerment. I utilize Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Motivational Interviewing (MI), Solutions Focused Therapy intervention(s), and yes a lens in medical social work in session, to tailor to client’s individual need(s). I truly believe we aren’t meant to live this life alone; and with support, our darkest hours can be met with the light of resilience, if only we are brave enough to ask for help and support. So whether you are experiencing stress, anxiety, relationship issues, coping with grief and loss, and/or depression; I am here to support you in that process. So what do you say? Let’s face it together.

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Dr. Karen Rabin

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesGriefDepressionCoping with life changes
40 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 40 years of professional work experience. I have a PhD in clinical Psychology. I primarily do Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Insight Therapy I have experience in helping clients with stress, anxiety, relationship issues, coping with grief, coping with loss, & depression. I also have experience working with coping with life changes. 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 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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