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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Kasimu-Richard Harley

Offering therapy in California
License: LMFT,Ed.D.
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesFamily conflictsTrauma and abuseDepression
27 years of experience

I am an American with African roots who grew up in Pennsylvania. My journey to become a Licensed Marriage Family Therapist in California is a composite of all the life experiences that I have had privilege of having. I am a husband, father, brother, uncle, and son who has served in the United States Marine Corps (USMC) during the Vietnam Era. I am a student of life and the opportunities it provides individuals to rise above adversity and trauma. For more than two decades I have helped individuals and groups address the intrinsic social and emotional barriers that hinder their ability to thrive. A core belief that I have is we are all born, ‘Awesome’ and oftentimes we encounter pivotal events in our lives that cause our personal and emotional growth to become stunted. I served as a mental health therapist in both outpatient and residential treatment facilities serving adolescents and adults with substance use and mental wellness issues. My work in educational settings focused on removing socio-emotional barriers that impeded student learning. In addition, I provided stress reduction and work-balance coaching to teachers and administrators. The treatment approach that I utilized is systemic and eclectic. Using cognitive therapy, motivational interviewing, and mindfulness practices I can help individuals work through depression, anxiety, grief, trauma, and loss, etc. Let us work together to empower you to “Walk in Your Awesomeness”.

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William Martinez

Offering therapy in California
License: LCSW
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesGriefIntimacy-related issuesDepression
15 years of experience

I bring 20 years of experience of working with adults, youth and their families when in crises and experiencing pain. I have worked with individuals who have experienced trauma, depression and anxiety. I work alongside you to better understand your situation or your feelings, so that we can develop a care plan which will help alleviate any anguish or suffering. My passion lies in helping families and couples with their communication, utilizing practical and realistic interventions that will strengthen their bond and help them achieve their goals. I also work with couples who are experiencing miscommunication issues and are striving to better understand their partners. My expertise's also lie in working with families that are struggling and who have children who are excessively fearful, angry or sad. I work alongside them to help them overcome difficult transitions in life (death, unexpected changes, family crises). I have a sensitivity to youth who identify as gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender or with special needs. I use evidenced based practices such as the Gottman Method for couples, Trauma Focused Cognitive Behavior Therapy, Dialectical Behavior Therapy, and Cognitive Behavior Therapy as a framework for progress. However, I find that my life experiences of working with kids/teenagers as a Big Brother, Boys Scouts and youth support groups have allowed me to better understand youth.

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Anupama Masih

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesTrauma and abuseParenting issuesDepression
20 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 20 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, trauma and abuse, & parenting issues. I have done faith-based Therapy for Christian clients . 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. I also speak fluent Spanish,.

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Michelle Ely

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesParenting issuesAnger management
6 years of experience

I am licensed in California and Alaska with 29 years of professional work experience as a social worker and 6 years as an Licensed Clinical Social Worker. I have experience in helping clients with overcoming past traumatic experiences, reducing stress and anxiety, and addressing relationship issues & parenting issues. I also have experience working with clients on anger management. My therapy style is warm, interactive and direct. I believe in treating people with respect, sensitivity, and compassion. I have an eclectic approach to therapy meaning the interventions I utilize are based on the needs of my client and their current situation. 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 sign up for therapy can take courage and I am proud of you for getting started!

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Dianne Martin

Offering therapy in California
Relationship issuesGriefAnger managementCareer difficultiesDepression
15 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 15 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with relationship issues, confidence and motivation, depression and anxiety & career difficulties. Healing occurs in relationships, and 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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Bryan Williams

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesFamily conflictsSelf esteemDepression
4 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, relationship issues, family conflicts, & 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. 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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Andrea Throndson

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsRelationship issuesGriefDepression
14 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, coping with addictions, relationship issues, & 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. I have expertise in grief, addictions and trauma. I also am certified in DBT. 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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Vanessa Hernandez

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietySelf esteemDepressionCoping with life changesADHD
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, motivation, self esteem, and confidence, depression, & coping with life changes. 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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Zehra Dos Santos

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietySelf esteemDepressionCoping with life changes
3 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 3 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, motivation, self esteem, and 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. 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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Carolyn Williams

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

I am licensed in California with 27 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, 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. I have experience treating trauma and all types of abuse. Taking the first step to sign up for therapy c.an take courage and I am proud of you for getting started!

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Carol Seigler

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseSelf esteemDepressionCoping with life changes
8 years of experience

Have you experienced a traumatic event that you feel holds you back from the life you so desperately want to live? Do unwanted thoughts and memories prevent you from feeling like you can live a normal and happy life? If you are living with traumatic events from your past, ranging from insult, abuse, humiliation, violence, attachment wounds, or even subtle disappointments, therapy could be a safe space to address these injuries. Through a collaborative approach and taking into account the mind & body, I join my clients on a journey of exploration, growth, and healing.

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Jennifer Greene

Offering therapy in California
Career difficultiesCoaching
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, motivation, self esteem, and confidence, career difficulties, & executive and professional coaching. 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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Shannon Flaherty Gibbons

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesParenting issuesSelf esteemCoping with life changes
26 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 26 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, 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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Frances Bennett

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietyFamily conflictsGriefSelf esteemCoping with life changes
5 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 5 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress, anxiety, family conflicts, coping with grief, coping with loss, motivation, self esteem, & confidence. 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. 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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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.

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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