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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Dr. Noelani Rodrigues

Offering therapy in California
License: PhD,LMFT
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesGriefCompassion fatigue
21 years of experience

Aloha & welcome to my page. Do you feel like you have lost your way – that nothing feels quite right – or that the past seems to be repeating itself? My view is that we all begin from a place of wholeness, but we sometimes lose belief in ourselves along the way. I have the depth of professional and life experience to see and work with you as a unique individual. Let me be a support and guide as you navigate the journey to your true potential. My expertise includes a broad range of issues including traumas, anxiety, emotional difficulties, relationships, and divorce related issues. My education includes training in eastern and western philosophies. In my work I use an integrative therapeutic approach and I weave together ancient with modern, east and west for personalized healing of heart-mind-soul. I am licensed in several states; Hawaii, California, Washington, Oregon, Colorado & Utah. I hold a doctorate degree in Clinical Psychology and a master's degree in Marriage, Family & Child Counseling. Start today to begin your journey to a better you. * please note my availability varies from week to week. Therefore, what is displayed on the Better Help site calendar is not accurate. I do have much more availability throughout the week than what is displayed. However, since I have varying availability there was not an easy way to indicate that on the Better Help calendar. So, just check with me : )

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Ashwini Gupta

Offering therapy in California
License: MFT
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesIntimacy-related issuesCareer difficultiesCoping with life changes
20 years of experience

Namaste, my name is Ashwini Gupta and I am Therapist/Intuitive Life Coach specializing in Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) as well as Vedanta and Mindfulness-based practices. With 20 plus of experience helping individuals navigate life's challenges, I am passionate about empowering my clients to live more meaningful and fulfilling lives truly being in touch with the essence of soul identity. Using ACT as my primary therapeutic approach, I create a warm and non-judgmental space where we can work together to address difficulties such as anxiety, depression, trauma, and relationship issues. ACT combines mindfulness, acceptance, and behavior change strategies to guide clients towards psychological flexibility, allowing them to better handle distress and align their actions with their deeply-held values. What is ACT? At its core, ACT is a behavioral therapy: it’s about taking action. But it’s not about just any old action. First, it’s about values-guided action. There’s a big existential component to this model: **What do you want to stand for in life? **What really matters, deep in your heart? **What is the legacy do you want to create for yourself? ACT gets you in touch with what matters in the big picture: your heart’s deepest desires for who you want to be and what you want to do during your brief time on this planet. You then use these core values to guide, motivate, and inspire behavioral change. What is Vedanta? Vedanta is one of the world's oldest philosophies which affirms the oneness of existence and the divinity of the soul. A close look at the word "Vedanta" is revealing: It is the combination of 2 words: "Veda" which means 'knowledge' and "anta" which means 'the goal of'. In this context, knowledge refers to understanding one's own divine nature- meaning and purpose in life

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Christy Stinton

Offering therapy in California
License: LPC,LMHC
Stress, AnxietySelf esteemDepressionCoping with life changes
14 years of experience

I am a licensed counselor, with over 15 years of experience. I have worked with a variety of issues, including infertility, depression, anxiety, self-esteem, trauma, career challenges, and life changes. I have also helped people with parenting, attachment and divorce related issues. I have a warm and interactive style. I believe that real change occurs in a safe and accepting counseling environment. My approach is to combine cognitive-behavioral, developmental and person centered counseling. I will tailor our dialog and treatment plan to meet your unique and specific needs. It takes courage to seek for a more fulfilling and happier life and to take the first steps towards a change. If you are ready to take that step I am here to support and empower you. I look forward to working with you!

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Elizabeth Owens

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesFamily conflictsTrauma and abuseDepression
20 years of experience

I am a family and marriage counselor licensed in California with over 10 years of experience working as a psychotherapist both privately and in the clinic setting. I have had the honor of working with clients from children to senior adults, couples and groups. In this experience, I have worked with clients who have had visits of depression; anxiety; trauma; family issues; religious crisis; parenting challenges and self-harm thoughts. I have been trained in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR). My preferred approaches include: Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT), Person Centered, Psychodynamic and Family Therapy. Although I do not provide pastoral counseling, I assist clients whom are Christian with issues that may challenge their faith. I pray with clients (at their request) and provide Biblical scriptures as a foundation. My counseling style is warm and interactive and I may challenge clients at times where we both agree may be barriers to moving forward. I do not give advice to clients, but assist them in finding what works for them. Psychotherapy involves hard work, being true to yourself and awareness that real change is done outside of the therapeutic relationship. "Anything you work hard for, you appreciate more." I look forward to working with you!

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Kathrina Cauckwell-Rafferty

Offering therapy in California
License: LCSW
AddictionsFamily conflictsParenting issues
10 years of experience

Welcome to Better Help. I commend you for taking a significant step in achieving wellness and your personal goals. Before we begin our work together, I wanted to provide you with some information about myself. My name is Kathrina Cauckwell-Rafferty and I am a licensed clinical social worker in the beautiful state of California. My primary work over the last few years has been in substance use disorders and this has given me ample experience in helping people develop better coping skills, in assisting people to work through previous traumas, repair relationships and find much needed sources of support. I have also worked in specialty programs to provide therapy for youth and their families as well as domestic violence and sexual abuse survivors. I understand it can be challenging to reach out for help or implement change in our lives and behavior. It is my professional goal to provide my clients with the best care possible. I prioritize establishing a safe, non-judgmental space for each person I work with. I want to work with each patient to establish unique goals and treatment plans. I offer messaging, live chat, phone sessions and video sessions. I check messages twice daily, seven days a week. My calendar reflects my standard availability; however, I may have additional time so message me if you have any outside requests. Looking forward to working with you. Kathrina

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Dr. Monica Dremann

Offering therapy in California
License: Psy.D.
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsLGBTDepression
10 years of experience

I am a licensed psychologist in California. I have been providing psychotherapy on and off since 2008 along with living life. I have worked with clients with a wide range of concerns including depression, anxiety, trauma, relationship issues, parenting, ADHD as well as LGBTQ+ individuals. I work interactively using different disciplines such as cognitive-behavioral, psychodynamic, and mindfulness or a combination. I believe when you engage in therapy you are giving yourself a gift. It may not always be pleasant however the outcome can be amazing. I look forward to working with you where you decide to begin.

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Dr. Carole Matlen

Offering therapy in California
License: PhD
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesTrauma and abuseIntimacy-related issuesEating disorders
20 years of experience

I am a licensed clinical psychologist in California for over 20 years . I have a teaching and ministry background that I also bring to help you. I have worked in many different clinical settings that affords me a wide, accepting, thoughtful view of helping people. I have a commitment to helping in the areas of increased levels of anger, anxiety and depression, eating disorders, body dysmorphia, women independence and empowerment, domestic violence (men as well as women as victims), grieving and loss, family dysfunction (conflict resolution, isolation and abandonment, parenting problems ), sexual abuse, emotional and physical trauma, and relationship issues (separation, divorce, death of a spouse). My way of helping is to foster your strengths and self confidence. I have used Cognitive Behavioral (" here and now" reality based) , Humanistic (client-centered) , Psychodynamic( your beginning emotional roots), Mindfulness, Trauma Focused Therapy , Existential Therapy approaches in a combined way that "suits just you." I look forward to working with you , as a team, to help make your life much better!

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Karen Hanson-Meganck

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesFamily conflictsTrauma and abuseDepression
35 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 35 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, & trauma and abuse. 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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Dr. Nancy Liu

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsSelf esteemCoping with life changes
15 years of experience

I am licensed psychologist in California with 15 years of experience providing therapy and psychological evaluations. I've worked in various settings, such as mental health clinics, hospitals, inpatient, and day treatment settings. I have experience helping clients with addictions, adjustment issues, attention/organization problems, body image, mood issues, including perinatal mood, low self-esteem, and stress and anxiety. My approach is eclectic by using elements of Psychodynamic Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Acceptance Commitment, and mindfulness practices. My treatment is individualized and tailored to clients' presenting issues. I work with my clients to create an open and safe environment where thoughts and feelings can be shared without fear of judgment. In the initial phase of therapy, we set treatment goals and outline the purpose of therapy. During the treatment phase, we may explore your thoughts and feelings, learn and practice skills, role-play or work through challenging interpersonal themes, and engage in mindfulness practices. Typical sessions start with check-ins and agenda setting and reviewing worksheets, if applicable. I oftentimes share educational materials and assign worksheets and readings through the chat. Periodically, we will return to your treatment goal(s) to assess progress. I look forward to hearing from you.

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Margaret Calvert

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietyAnger managementDepression
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 addictions, family conflicts, & anger management. 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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Frances Kong

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietyFamily conflictsParenting issuesDepressionCoping with life changes
13 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 13 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, family conflicts, parenting issues, & depression. 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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VaJezatha Payne

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseSelf esteemDepressionCoaching
15 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 15 years of professional work experience. I have experience in assisting clients with life stressors, anxiety, depression, trauma and abuse, low/no motivation, poor self-esteem and low/no confidence. I believe that you are the expert of your story and that you have many strengths that will assist you in overcoming challenges that you are facing. 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. Welcome to behavioral health, where therapy and healing begin.

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Lilia Gonzalez-Joly

Offering therapy in California
Relationship issuesFamily conflictsTrauma and abuseSelf esteemCareer difficulties
16 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 16 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with relationship issues, family conflicts, trauma and abuse, & 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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Carol Mo

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesTrauma and abuseDepressionCoping with life changes
10 years of experience

I am a psychotherapist in California with over 10 years of professional experience in helping people. I have experience in helping clients with stress, anxiety, relationship issues, cultural adjustment problems, trauma, abuse, and depression. I also have experience working with young adults, adults, and older adults of different cultural backgrounds. I use evidenced-based techniques including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing Therapy, Solution Focused Therapy, and Motivational Interview techniques depending on what might be needed to help you reach your mental health or life goals. I look forward to supporting you as you continue to cope with different life changes and challenges. It takes courage to seek out a more fulfilling and happier life. I am here to support you as you take the first steps in that journey of making positive changes. I have a BA in Psychology from the University of California, Berkeley, and a Master of Social Welfare from the University of California, Berkeley. I am also fluent in Cantonese.

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Ingrid Montes

Offering therapy in California
Stress, Anxiety
6 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 6 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress & anxiety. 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. I do not see Kaiser members due to conflict of interest.

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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