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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Percival Fisher, Jr.

Offering therapy in California
License: MSW, LICSW, LCSW
Stress, AnxietyLGBTTrauma and abuseDepressionCoping with life changes
15 years of experience

Greetings, Everyone! I'm Percival Fisher, Jr., but you can simply call me "Percy." With 13 years of experience, I've been dedicated to providing both individual and group psychotherapy. My goal is to assist you in achieving your therapy objectives by creating a safe, warm, and interactive space to explore your presenting issues. I bring expertise in addressing a range of challenges, including depression, anxiety, anger, trauma, "coming out"/LGBTQIA-related issues, and family conflicts. To tailor the therapeutic experience to your unique needs, I employ a diverse set of treatment modalities such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Psychodynamic Psychotherapy, Trauma-Informed Therapy, Harm Reduction, Motivational Interviewing (MI), Crisis Intervention, and Relational Therapeutic techniques. As a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) in Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Florida, North Carolina, California, Oregon, Arizona, Washington (LICSW), and West Virginia (LICSW), I am also a Board Certified Diplomate in Clinical Social Work (BCD) by the American Board of Examiners in Clinical Social Work. Additionally, I hold certifications as a Certified Complex Trauma Professional (CCTP-II) from the International Association of Trauma Professionals and a Certified Case Manager (CCM) from the Commission for Case Management Certification. Beyond psychotherapy, my background spans behavioral health research, HIV/AIDS education and counseling, teaching, medical social work, and leadership. During my leisure time, I indulge in watching Marvel series on Netflix, psychological thrillers, reading, traveling, engaging in conversations about current events related to mental health, and staying active through workouts. I eagerly anticipate the opportunity to work with you and support your journey. Take care! Percival Fisher, Jr., MSW, LCSW-C. LICSW, LCSW, BCD, CCTP-II, CCM

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Cynthia Tatum

Offering therapy in California
License: MA,LMFT
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsRelationship issuesSelf esteemDepression
8 years of experience

I am a family and marriage therapist licensed in California with over 8 years of experience. I have worked with clients with a wide range of concerns including depression, anxiety, relationship issues, parenting problems, career challenges, and substance abuse issues. I also helped those who have experienced sexual issues and physical trauma or emotional abuse, and those in need of Christian-focused counseling. I have also worked with residential and outpatient clients. My counseling style is warm, interactive, and non-judgmental. I believe that the client is the expert on themselves and therefore won't tell someone what they should do. My approach is primarily solution-focused. Together as a team we will create goals. Not everything works with everyone so it is important to state what you like and don't like in order to create a treatment plan to meet your needs. I want to congratulate you on taking the step to change in order to reach your goals of becoming happier and more free. I look forward to being able to support and empower you on this journey.

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Jennifer Jones

Offering therapy in California
License: MSW
Self esteemCareer difficultiesBipolar disorderDepression
12 years of experience

Hello! My name is Jennifer. I am interested in Arts, Spirituality, Traveling, Education, Synchronicity, Intuition, Animals, Nature, and Adventure. I feel that life is a journey and when we are in the process of therapy; briefly, we walk this journey together, me alongside you as you travel along your individual path. Working together, my approach is flexible and going with the flow with what works best for you. I'm willing to meet and support you in reaching your desired destination, wherever you're at on your journey. I took a therapy style test where I tested as having a therapeutic style that is supportive and nurturing. I believe in empowering you to have the life you want. Do you want to… * feel more connected? * be more present in your life? * have more meaning? * improve your relationships, communication, and connections with others? * feel empowered and achieve your goals? I can help. I believe we all deserve to reach our highest potential. I think it is good to reflect on our lives and to readjust to make our lives better. I believe in integrating mindfulness into our daily and weekly lives. Sometimes we are held back because of a difficult past or current life's events or trauma. I believe that in a good therapeutic relationship with an unconditional acceptance that we may achieve a lot together. I will walk alongside you in your own life journey path. Overall, I have a relational style in my therapeutic work. Meaning my focus is on the therapeutic relationship. I feel this relationship style can better help you transform your life. I believe that empathy and compassion are powerful change agents. I see this relationship as one based on unconditional positive regard, focusing on a client's strengths. My therapeutic style uses cognitive-behavioral approaches as a base, although I have an eclectic approach overall. I am interested in Narrative Therapy. I have even helped people with dream analysis. Improving your life is of the utmost importance. I am a California licensed clinical social worker with more than 18 years of experience in the mental health field. I have six years focusing on individual therapy. I have two master's degrees, one in clinical psychology from California School of Professional Psychology (now called Alliant International University), and another in social work from San Jose State University. I'm a certified trainer in WRAP (Wellness Recovery Action Plan), as well as a certified Intentional Peer Support Trainer. Having worked in a variety of settings, my experience includes community mental health, corrections, mental health drop-in centers, residential treatment, mobile crisis response work, and inpatient settings. I have worked with individuals who are experiencing a wide range of concerns, including trauma, depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, ADHD, clutter issues, mild to moderate eating disorders, and psychosis. I also have more than 18 years of management experience in behavioral health working within the county. I also have a background in client empowerment and patient's rights advocacy. I have worked with a wide range of mental health diagnoses from mild to moderate to severe mental illness. I have also been a Health Educator for Kaiser Permanente and taught the following classes: Improving Your Sleep, Couples Communication, Anger Management, Managing Anxiety, Depression, and Stress. My focus has been working with adults, including young adults and older adults in individual therapy. I believe in customizing treatment to meet the client's needs. I will work with you to help you create a better life that works for you. We will focus on areas that you want to improve, as well as on ways to reach your potential, improve relationships, and achieve your goals. I would love the opportunity to work with you so that together we can create and make your life better! Let me know if you have any questions or would like to talk to me more. I understand that finding the right therapist is a process. Finding a therapist that fits you can take time. I support you on this journey of self-discovery. Overall, I want you to feel self-confident to do what's best for you.

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Ariana Pantoja Perez

Offering therapy in California
Relationship issuesSelf esteemCareer difficultiesCoping with life changes
13 years of experience

I am licensed in California with over 13 years of professional work experience. I am bilingual English and Spanish. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, motivation, self esteem, and confidence, & career difficulties. 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 seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process.

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Maribeth Capen

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsSelf esteemDepressionCoping with life changes
12 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 12 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, coping with addictions, motivation, self esteem, and confidence, & 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 takes courage. I am here to support you in that process.

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Cassandra Vetter

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesFamily conflictsSelf esteemCoping with life changes
14 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 14 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, & 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. 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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Susan Hallett

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietyGriefSelf 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, anxiety, coping with grief, coping with loss, motivation, self esteem, confidence, & depression. I also have experience working with 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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Diana Mathis

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseParenting issuesSelf 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, anxiety, trauma, abuse, parenting issues, 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 seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process.

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James Clifford

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

I am licensed in California with 40 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress, anxiety, relationship issues, trauma, abuse, motivation, self esteem, & confidence. 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!

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Elizabeth (Lizzy) Campbell

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietyLGBTTrauma and abuseParenting issuesDepression
6 years of experience

It is a brave step to begin therapy. Dedicating the time, energy, and resources to tend to yourself is both a big commitment and challenging work. Therapy can be a space that helps us create change and generate insight into our feelings, behaviors, and relationships. I believe deeply in the importance of creating a safe space while also building a strong therapeutic alliance. The healing/growth process is not always the most comfortable but there is nothing more empowering than taking our power back. If you are ready to begin taking good care of yourself, I can help you along that path. My therapeutic style is warm, collaborative, realistic, and empathetic. I have had the distinct privilege of serving individuals, couples, and families from a diverse range of backgrounds. I specialize in trauma therapy in children and adults and enjoy an experiential approach to healing. I have experience working with domestic violence, sexual assault, and human trafficking survivors. I am trained as a child and adolescent trauma professional and I am also skilled in assisting in an array of clinical issues including chronic stress and anxiety, trauma, ADHD, depression, mood disorders, various personality disorders, Adoption concerns (Birthparents, Adoptive Parents, and Adoptees), esteem, and self-worth, along with academic and employment challenges. I welcome LGBTQIA+ and BIPOC communities into my practice.

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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