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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Sharlese Jones

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesSelf esteemCareer difficulties
18 years of experience

I've been doing therapy for over 10 years, helping various needs. I'm a licensed LMFT that has assisted children, teens and families in learning new skills to manage, anger, depression, anxiety, stress, build confidence, self esteem building, transgender issues, and various other situations. It's a joy to walk help people within their search for healing, insight, and empowerment. Sometimes it is hard to access the inner guide we have due to outside influences, fear, doubt, or from being out of alignment. Asking for help is one of the hardest things you can do, but can be very rewarding. As a therapist, I strive to help you connect to your authentic self in order to help you have more for filling experiences on your life journey. I applaud your courage for taking the first steps towards positive change through therapy. 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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Dawn Pesso

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

I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in California. My experience in the counseling field is extensive, varied and spans over 20 years. I am passionate about the field of Psychology, about people, and relationship. For me there is nothing more important than this work, and I consider it an honor and a privilege to be able to do this work with you. My approach is warm and empathic. My goal is to create a safe environment for you to be able to reach your goals. My methodology is Client Centered and Psychodynamic. As it may be called for, I would at times use a Solution Focused, or an Existential approach as well. I work mainly with adults who either have reached some type of a crossroads in their life, or are experiencing a big change in their life.   There is often a loss of an important relationship or unhappiness in a relationship, or sometimes there is a general sense of unhappiness . Sometimes people find themselves questioning where they are in their lives.  Maybe they are questioning themselves, or a relationship, or their career.   Whatever you may be dealing with, we can talk about it and gain the understanding around it that you may need.

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Regina Angelo-Tarango

Offering therapy in California
License: LMFT
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesFamily conflictsTrauma and abuseDepression
17 years of experience

Hello! My name is Regina Angelo-Tarango and I am a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in California. I have 12 years' experience providing therapeutic treatment for individuals, couples and families seeking to address issues stemming from past trauma, relationship problems, grief/loss as well as personal growth and adjustment to major life changes. I have training and/or certifications in the following therapeutic modalities, Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT), Child-Parent Psychotherapy, Reflective Practice and Perinatal Mental Health. I take seriously the trust bestowed on me to provide a non-judgmental space, free from shame and stigma, to address life's dilemmas. My theoretical approach includes Family Systems, Attachment, Narrative and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. I believe in examining multiple factors, including early relationships, health and spirituality, when supporting clients to reach their therapeutic goals and ultimately peace in their life. Taking the first steps towards healing and peace in one's life takes courage and vulnerability. I look forward to working with you and supporting you along your journey.

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Jesse Marez

Offering therapy in California
License: LCSW
Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseAnger managementSelf esteemDepression
28 years of experience

Hello and welcome to BetterHelp! My name is Jesse Marez and I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, licensed in the State of California since 2003. I received my Bachelor's Degree in Psychology from the University of California, Davis, in 1995. I earned my Master's in Social Welfare degree from the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) in 1997 and have worked primarily in clinical settings as a social worker, therapist and a clinical supervisor. Over the years of my practice, I have cultivated an ability to respond to my clients personally and individually while establishing therapeutic rapport by using motivational interviewing, client-centered therapy and Jungian and existential psychology. I draw upon my training and experience to ensure a safe and secure therapeutic space with room for creativity. For example, I like to pull in my knowledge of and passion for Jungian archetypes from Star Wars, Marvel, DC, anime and mythology. However, client-centered means we start with YOU and we begin with where you are and what you need and are asking for. I have worked with children, adolescents, families, and adults facing a variety of behavioral and psychological challenges and issues. Because I have worked in a number of different settings such as a child therapy clinic, an adoptions agency, a psychiatric hospital and a prison, I have experience working across age, gender, race, ethnicity, religion and socioeconomic background. This provides me with the clinical and humanitarian touchstone for my practice. My clinical orientation is cognitive behavioral (CBT) and client-centered therapy with a specialty in Trauma Focused CBT. Having over 8 years of clinical supervisory experience, I am also well-versed in psychodynamic and humanistic psychology. I feel the strongest part of my therapy is something my supervisor told me during my licensure supervision. He said, “Jesse, before your clients care what you have to say, they have to know that you care.” He went on to say that he believed that I have a unique ability to let my clients know I care. As you are looking for the right fit for your needs, I want you to know that I take that advice to heart and use it in every encounter with my clients. SPECIALTIES • Trauma • Mood Disorders • Anxiety and Stress • Family Dynamics and Relationships Years of experience: 25

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Dr. Brenda Davis

Offering therapy in California
License: LCSW,DSW
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesFamily conflictsTrauma and abuseDepression
30 years of experience

I am a licensed clinical social worker in California, Kentucky, Idaho, and Oregon with over 30 years of experience working as a therapist and life coach. I have worked with clients with a wide range of concerns including depression, anxiety, relationship issues, work conflicts, and day to day problem solving. My therapy style is strength based. I believe in treating people with respect, sensitivity, and compassion. My approach combines cognitive-behavioral considering the person in their environment. Often what is needed is a safe place to be heard. I will tailor our dialog and treatment plan to meet your unique and specific needs. It takes courage to seek a more fulfilling and happier life and to take the first steps towards 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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Alfred Gomes

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesFamily conflictsDepression
14 years of experience

Hello and welcome to my profile. First, I'd like to express recognition to you for taking the first step to addressing what concerns, challenges, and issues that may be happening for you. It takes courage to take the first step of reaching out for assistance to increase your quality of life. We live in an ever changing world and as human beings we are constantly evolving and adapting to change. Life can be overwhelming, unpredictable, and challenging. I would love the opportunity be of help to you in your journey to feel better, healthier, and motivated. I have many years of experience working with youth, families, and individuals. I am truly passionate about helping others gain introspective knowledge about themselves in an effort to heal past traumas, gain self-confidence, increase self-love, reignite passions, set and work toward SMART goals, and shift perspectives. I use a variety of modalities. I individually customize treatment approaches to each client I work with. I am a professional who offers a clean, relaxed, comfortable, confidential, safe, positive, therapeutic setting for you to express yourself free from critical judgement. I consider myself a kind, friendly, attentive therapist. I will do my best to provide you with consistent, quality care and treatment throughout our time working together.

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Shannon Fanucchi

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietyFamily conflictsParenting issuesAnger managementDepression
12 years of experience

My belief as a therapist and as a person is that all people, no matter where they are in life, are equipped with the innate ability to experience mental health. I do not see people as “broken”, rather, at some point in life, all people will find themselves “stuck” for one reason or another. My focus is to create a safe environment to educate and support clients while assisting them in meeting and exceeding their stated life goals.

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Christina Fitch

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsTrauma and abuseSelf esteemADHD
3 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 4 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, coping with addictions, motivation, self esteem, and confidence, & executive and professional coaching. I also have a lifetime of experience with ADHD and Autism. 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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Lori Rolf

Offering therapy in California
License: LICSW
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsAnger managementDepressionCompassion fatigue
13 years of experience

I am a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker in Minnesota and California with over 15 years experience working as a counselor and therapist. I have worked with individuals experiencing a wide range of concerns including depression, anxiety, substance use disorder, eating disorder, grief and loss, relationship issues, emotion management, stress, work/life balance, and trauma. My therapy style is empathic and accepting. My approach combines cognitive behavior, dialectical behavior, solution focused and relational-cultural therapy. I believe that therapy is most effective when there is a therapeutic partnership that is genuine, compassionate, empathetic, and supportive of client choices. I respect and value the experiences in your life that contribute to you choosing therapy. Our work together will be based on your individual treatment plan goals with a focus on building skills to create changes in your life. It takes courage and hope to reach out for help. I am honored to be part of your journey toward health and wellness!

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Beatriz Alcazar Alvarez

Offering therapy in California
License: LICSW,CCSP-ADHD
Stress, AnxietyFamily conflictsParenting issuesSelf esteemCareer difficulties
5 years of experience

My name is Beatriz and I'm a Chicana born and raised in California who loves to read, spend time with my family and watch movies. I believe my identity as a first generation BIPOC women influences my work as a practitioner and I try to ensure I am always creating an empowering and healing space for everyone I work with. I have been practicing as a social worker in a variety of settings for over a decade with the last 8 years specifically as a masters level clinician. I enjoy working with diverse populations that might need a little additional support as they navigate challenges that come up in daily life, and believe in the power of owning our own lived experience. I incorporate a blend of narrative therapy, motivational interviewing and cognitive behavioral therapy to my approach, though I tailor each session to the needs of the individual I am working with.

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Craig Bray

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietyLGBTRelationship issuesAnger managementDepression
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, lgbtq+ related issues, relationship issues, & anger management. 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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Joseph Tillman

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsTrauma and abuseGriefDepression
40 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 40 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, coping with addictions, trauma and abuse, & coping with grief and loss. 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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Puneet Kumta

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesTrauma and abuseGriefCoping with life changes
3 years of experience

“I've learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.” M. Angelou Hi, I'm Penny! This quote has been posted in my office for decades, and guides the way I wish to practice therapy. I am a licensed clinical social worker with over twenty years of experience working with children, youth, and adults. I am passionate about supporting clients experiencing anxiety or depression who are willing to work towards their wellness. My faith and personal journey with healing drives my desire to serve others. As a survivor, I understand how we feel when we don’t address our traumas, how we isolate ourselves, how our feelings of disconnection can get in the way of feeling fully present. I know with guidance, support and compassion, we can integrate our parts into wholeness again. I believe that as humans we can change and grow. Through conscious awareness, we hold the power to interrupt automatic thought patterns. By shifting our thoughts and rewriting our narratives, we can be more in control of our feelings and take steps toward lasting change. If you could use a supportive partner in your healing, I am ready to join you.

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Cristobal Lopez

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseDepressionCoping with life changes
16 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 16 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress, anxiety, trauma, abuse, & 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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Jenny Vaz

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietySelf esteemCoping with life changes
11 years of experience

Hi! I'm Jenny. I'm a LMFT in California with 11 years of professional work experience. 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. I was born and raised in San Francisco. I enjoy going to art shows and dancing for fun. I also have a dog, Mia, who I take on adventures and keeps me busy getting my daily steps in : ).

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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