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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Carolina Hernandez

Offering therapy in California
Anger managementSelf esteemCompassion fatigue
7 years of experience

I am a Marriage and Family Therapist licensed in California. I have worked with clients with various concerns including depression, anxiety, relationship issues, and parenting problems. I have worked primarily with at-risk youth and families. My counseling style is warm and interactive. I believe in respect, sensitivity, and compassion. My approach is eclectic and takes from cognitive-behavioral, humanistic, psychodynamic to name a few, as techniques alter based on the client's needs and treatment. If you are ready to take that step I am here to support and empower you.

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Dr. Anna Lee

Offering therapy in California
License: PhD
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsRelationship issuesSelf esteemCoaching
12 years of experience

I am a clinical psychologist licensed in California with over 10 years of experience working as a psychotherapist and university faculty. I have worked with clients in the areas of stress management, performance, depression, anxiety, relationships issues, and addictions. My therapy style is personable, connected, focused, and attuned. My approach combines mindfulness-based, cognitive-behavioral, acceptance and commitment (ACT), existential-humanistic, and Gottman Couples therapy approaches. Warmly, Dr. Anna

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Kimberly Brooks

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

I am a licensed clinical social worker with over 15 years of experience counseling and life coaching. I have worked with clients with a wide range of concerns including depression, anxiety, relationship issues, stress, anger issues, career challenges, grief, and many other challenging issues. I have also helped many people who have experienced diverse types of traumas. My therapy style is warm and compassionate, but direct and honest. I provide a holistic perspective, am interactive and empathetic. I will give you an opportunity to be transparent while providing safety and sensitivity. My approach combines cognitive-behavioral, strengths-based, and solution-focused approaches. I will tailor our dialog and treatment plan to meet your unique and specific needs. It takes great courage to seek a more fulfilling and purpose-driven life and to take the first steps towards change. If you are ready to take that step, I am here to support and encourage you. I look forward to working with you!

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Luis Flores

Offering therapy in California
Relationship issuesIntimacy-related issuesADHD
4 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 5 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with relationship issues, intimacy related issues, & concentration, memory and 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. I also work with specific populations including youth, TAY, teens, and people of color. 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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Theresa Leal

Offering therapy in California
Family conflictsParenting issuesSelf esteem
20 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 20 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with family conflicts, parenting issues, & 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. 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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Burton "Burt" Swaim

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietyIntimacy-related issuesSelf esteemDepressionCoping with life changes
50 years of experience

I am a licensed psychotherapist in California and Utah with over 50 years of professional experience. I have extensive successful experience helping individuals deal effectively with stress/anxiety, depression and helping clients reset and renew their efforts to achieve their life goals. I also have considerable experience helping clients deal with alcohol and drug related difficulties. I also help build and support goal setting, motivation, self esteem and work to increase confidence. This often involves relationship issues, and coping with previous loss, grief. and trauma. The overall strategy is identifying and Challenging the Inner, often unrealized Personal Potential. I work with my clients to create an open and safe environment where thoughts ,feelings and behaviors can be shared without judgment. It takes courage and willingness to seek out a more fulfilling , happier and meaningful life. I have a depth of life experience and a spirit that is a strength and resource in this personal growth. I thoroughly enjoy supporting my clients as they take their first steps towards positive change and healthy progress. Therapy is a collaborative process with clients in setting issues to work on in therapy and setting achievable goals and time setting for their progress. Active client participation in setting therapy goals is essential. I am here to support & empower you in that journey. I am focused on helping you improve your developing comfort, happiness and success in your life. I am All In! I want you to overcome, accept deal with and Improve your :Life whatever the Challenges may be! Note: I have co-produced several Documentary films to Support Full Recovery from alcohol and chemical dependency. "Living Sober Class of '76" was acclaimed by Marty Mann Founder/Director of the National Council on Alcoholism as "The Best Film ever Made in the Field of Alcoholism". It was helpful in remove to some degree the Stigma of Recovery. I have also been a guest faculty in the Summer School on Alcohol Studies at the University of California at San Diego with Topics such as "Intimacy, Sexuality and Recovery. I helped in the Publishing of " I'm Back and I'm Sober" by Chaney Allen Washington. Her book was a Ground Breaking Success with many publications. I assisted the State of Montana with increasing Liquor Taxes to help fund the "Alcoholism Programs of Montana". I was able to serve as a personal consultant to the late Joan Kroc, McDonald Owner regarding her producing treatment and recovery documentary films for her Operation Cork Program. Joan Kroc donated $1,700,000,000 to the Salvation Army prior to her passing. These funds have helped many, many individuals recover from alcohol and drug use and continue to do so. Most recently my wife Shirley and I wrote and published via Amazon, "Rebirth of the Broken Branches'" a True Love Story! It emphasizes the Positive Aspects of Recovery. It is being considered by an Academy Award Winning writer for a televised movie.

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Dr. Stephen Scherer

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseSleeping disordersDepressionCoaching
17 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 18 years of experience as an individual practitioner. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, trauma and abuse, sleeping disorders, addictive behaviors, mood disorders, and problems with communication. I was a college-level instructor for ten years, and as such I have experience in communicating complex ideas in an understandable manner. My work is focused on Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT) and Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), techniques useful for significant behavioral challenges. I am also versed in Behavior Analysis, which is helpful to address problematic habits and the establishment of new, more productive behaviors. If you feel that I might be of help for you, please reach out and we can discuss your needs further.

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Itzia Cruz

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsAnger managementSelf esteemDepression
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, coping with addictions, anger management, & 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. 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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Mie Lynn Tsuchimoto

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesSelf esteemCoachingADHD
24 years of experience

I have been licensed in California with 23 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, motivation, self esteem, and confidence, & executive and professional coaching. 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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Jennifer Rodriguez Morrow

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseGriefSelf esteemDepression
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, trauma and abuse, 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. 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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Andrea Plate

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsCareer difficultiesCoping with life changesCompassion fatigue
18 years of experience

I am licensed in California, with 18 years of professional work experience. For nearly 15 years I ran a residential substance abuse treatment program within the West Los Angeles Department of Veterans Affairs, serving those suffering from homelessness and chronic mental illness. Now working with individuals in the population at large, I do my best to help clients cope with: anxiety, personal and professional setbacks, addiction, major life changes, relationship conflicts and career concerns. I also refine and enhance my practice through teaching social welfare and addiction at a major West Los Angeles university. 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.

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Jaime Pitingaro

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietyLGBTTrauma and abuseSelf esteemDepression
8 years of experience

I am licensed in New York with 8 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, lgbt-related issues, trauma and abuse, & motivation, self esteem, and confidence. 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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Juanita Holmes

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

I am licensed in California and Missouri with 20 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, trauma and abuse, & coping with grief and loss. 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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Xiaoying 'Sharon' Qi

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietyParenting issuesSelf esteemCareer difficultiesADHD
6 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 6 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, parenting issues, motivation, self esteem, and confidence, & 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. 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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Devon Doan Ortiz

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietyFamily conflictsTrauma and abuseAnger managementDepression
26 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 26 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress, anxiety, family conflicts, trauma, abuse, & anger management. I also have experience working with 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 sign up for therapy can take courage and I am proud of you for getting started!

How can therapists in California support you?

Therapists in California 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 California, and one out of five Americans has a mental health condition. Searching for licensed professionals in California 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 does not offer diagnostic or medication management services.

Why are many residents in the state of California working 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 in California, BetterHelp can match you with a licensed professional tailored to your preferences noted when you sign up.

Mental health counselors in California support clients with varying issues, which can include:

  • 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

If you are experiencing a crisis or emergency, don't use this site's online services. 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 commonly asked questions can be found 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.

How do I know if I should get a therapist?

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 in California can allow clients seeking therapy to experience professional help through video, phone, or live chat sessions without commuting to an office.

Does insurance cover 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 safe?

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.

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