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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Liesal Miller

Offering therapy in California
License: LMFT
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesParenting issuesDepressionCoping with life changes
17 years of experience

Hello! My name is Liesal Miller and I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in the states of California and Texas. With over 13 years of experience, I have worked with children, adults, and families from a variety of settings including home healthcare, community mental health, addiction treatment, and private practice. My areas of specialization and interest include managing anxiety and depression, parent training, parent-child relationship challenges, women’s issues, young adult life, and challenges of special needs youth. Knowing the courage it takes to seek help, I like to build upon client strengths to develop a safe, caring environment for exploring life’s challenges. I believe taking the time to intentionally reflect upon the past and present will help create an intentional future. Building a trusting therapeutic relationship with accountability will help you to take steps on a new path of healing, growth, and action. I use a variety of therapeutic modalities including, but not limited to: cognitive-behavioral therapy, narrative therapy, and solution-focused therapy to help clients develop change and make positive progress in their life.

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Lourdes Mayes

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsGriefAnger managementDepression
16 years of experience

Hi, I am a bilingual English/ Spanish licensed clinical social worker in California with over 12 years of experience in the mental health field. I have the honor of working with clients with a wide range of concerns including depression, anxiety, grief and loss, PTSD, anger and stress management, parenting issues, and couple relationship challenges. I strive to create a safe, non-judgemental and comfortable environment so we can work together to gain insight into the various contributions to your feelings and problems. We will work on strategies that allow you to address the root causes of your problems, improve communication skills, build empathy & respect, learn effective problem-solving & conflict resolution skills, and strengthen connection, including intimacy. Very soon you will discover yourself and about the changes you can make to propel yourself forward. As long as you are open to sharing as well as accepting what is shared with you, this process of exploring can be highly rewarding, and it will also set up for success down the road. I’m looking forward to working with you!

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Dr. Marva Bourne

Offering therapy in California
License: DMFT, LMFT
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesTrauma and abuseGriefDepression
9 years of experience

Hello. I am a licensed marriage and family therapist with almost twenty years experience working with individuals, couples, and families. In my capacity as a therapist I address issues related to trauma, grief and loss, depression, anxiety, relationship issues, and parenting issues. My education and training includes a a doctoral degree in Marriage and Family Therapy from Loma Linda University, a masters degree in Marriage and Family Therapy, and a masters degree in Education Counseling. My experience has broadened to encompass social work, and in this capacity I have been afforded the ability to work with troubled teens and families who have fostered or adopted children. I work using the modalities of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Trauma Focused Therapy, Solution Focused Therapy, and Emotion Focused Therapy. My area of focus is on the neurobiological effects of early childhood trauma and how this impacts an individual's life trajectory and outcomes. I invite you to take this journey of self-discovery to awareness and healing with me.

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Karen Cash

Offering therapy in California
License: MSW,LCSW
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesParenting issuesSelf esteemDepression
15 years of experience

My name is Karen, and I have been a Therapist and Licensed Clinical Social Worker for over 25 years. I have experience in a vast number of areas . I have worked with individuals and couples working on their relationships as well as their challenges of daily living. In todays world, the stresses of Covid and other life events have prompted more Anxiety and Depression than ever. I have a vast amount of working with victims of Trauma, such as Childhood abuse, Sexual abuse, Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault. I am experienced in assisting with these events by developing specific coping skills for my clients, as well as using Trauma Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. Grief Therapy is essential to working through losses such as death of a loved one, loss of a job, health, relationship or pet. Reduction and understanding of these challenges are of great importance, and part of your individualized treatment plan. I believe a good working relationship built on trust and communication is essential for therapeutic intervention. I pride myself in being a great listener, well as empathic to what is going on in your life. I hope that I can be a part of assisting each client with what they would like to see their life evolve into.

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David LaBua

Offering therapy in California
Relationship issuesFamily conflictsIntimacy-related issuesCareer difficultiesCoping 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 relationship issues, family conflicts, intimacy related issues, & career difficulties. 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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Andrea Wang

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietySelf esteemDepressionCoping with life changes
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 grief and loss, 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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Michelle Pliska

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietyLGBTGriefDepressionCoping with life changes
18 years of experience

It takes courage to reach out for help. Whether you are experiencing depression, life stressors, or just need someone to listen, I am honored to be trusted with your story. I am licensed in South Dakota with 17 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, lgbtq+ related issues, coping with grief and loss, & depression, and much more. My experience includes work in both clinical mental health and educational settings, including middle and high schools and college. I have a background in juvenile justice systems as well. I offer traditional talk therapy and am registered as a play therapist. Our therapy sessions could include music, art, or other creative expressions to help enhance healing. When you choose to engage in counseling with me, I provide a supportive environment for growth and healing. You will receive unconditional positive regard, safety, and confidentiality. We will do good and meaningful work together to move your life in the direction you want to go. 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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Eunique LeGuie

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietySelf esteemDepressionCoping with life changesCompassion fatigue
4 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 6 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress, anxiety, motivation, self esteem, confidence, depression, & coping with life changes. 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. 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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Leslie Ro

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesFamily conflictsGriefSelf esteem
5 years of experience

Hello! Welcome to my page. My name is Leslie and I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in California with a master's in Social Work. I am so glad that you are taking this first step! I have helped people of all ages, from 13 into adulthood, and in all stages of life. I have supported individuals who have been enduring depression, anxiety, relationship issues, perinatal mood and anxiety disorder (postpartum depression and anxiety), family transitions, and grief/loss. My approach is a mix of CBT (cognitive behavioral therapy), short term solutions focused therapy, and motivational interviewing. If any of this sounds like something you would like to explore more, please feel free to reach out and see if we're a good fit!

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Carla Martin-Naragon

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseGriefAnger managementDepression
28 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 28 years of professional work experience. I specialize in helping adult survivors of sexually related trauma, child abuse, and other traumatic experiences, overcome their painful past (no matter how long ago it happened). While it's true that we cannot undo history, it's also true that you don't have to stay stuck living in the past. There is a path you can take to reach that beautiful light at the end of the tunnel. If you let me, I'll help you find the strength, wisdom and courage to find it, walk it, and transform your life. I have experience in helping clients with stress, anxiety, trauma, abuse, coping with grief, coping with loss, & anger management. I also have experience working with 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 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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