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.
Amy Torn
Hello! I am a California- and Arizona-licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, with 25 years of experience counseling children, teens, and adults. I have trained and practiced extensively as a cognitive-behavioral therapist, and I also have a passion for mindfulness-based and holistic approaches for greater well-being. As a recovering worrier and formerly fierce self-critic, I find great peace and joy in Eastern and Western spiritual wisdom. I am happy to offer these perspectives to those who are interested. I also love to share self-compassion and mindfulness approaches to better cope with emotions and to address patterns of thought and behavior. In counseling, I encourage people to tune into/trust their intuition; practice greater self-acceptance; release themselves from the burden of limiting beliefs and distressing thought patterns; and find meaning and opportunity in challenging experiences. I offer a Spiritually-oriented, compassionate, research-based, and collaborative approach to counseling. I have a passion and specialty in assisting adults who are experiencing anxiety and those who wish to be more loving/accepting of themselves. I also enjoy helping individuals who are seeking deeper contentment or meaning in their lives and those who are dealing with life changes, including major illness and end-of-life issues. Most of my clinical experience has been counseling in outpatient settings (group and private practice). I have also worked in intensive-outpatient programs, providing cognitive-behavioral and mindfulness therapy. In addition, I am trained in a dream interpretation model developed at the University of Maryland, for those interested in using their dreams to better understand and enhance their waking lives. My other professional interests are: astrology, Spiritual mediumship, Reiki (Japanese energy healing), and functional nutrition (food for mood). Personally, I enjoy hiking, meditation, yoga, learning Spanish, and caring for animals. I lived in Southern California for two decades and relocated to Southern Arizona last year. Thank you for viewing my site. It will be a joy to connect with you!
Mara Bruckner
I am a licensed Marriage & Family Counselor in Southern California with over 22 years of experience working in private practice and county and state funded agencies that offer behavior therapy to young children, teens and adults diagnosed with autistic spectrum disorder. Treatment included play therapy, ABA, social skills groups and guidance for parents. In private practice, I have a great deal of experience with teens and adults with Asperger’s or high functioning autism, as well as teens and adults with anxiety, depression and other disorders associated with adolescence. I also work with adults of any age. I have been certified in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, which is an evidence-based approach that is very effective for numerous problems and disorders including depression, anxiety, phobias, OCD and relationship issues. My counseling style is warm and interactive with some humor inserted at strategic times. I strongly believe that a sense of humor and the ability to laugh does wonders toward lightening the perception of many “heavy” issues. I treat all clients with respect, and can tailor my treatment approach to each individual client’s needs. I use any appropriate combination of cognitive behavioral, psychodynamic, solution-focused and client centered therapy, and I believe in taking a collaborative approach with my clients, allowing them to participate more actively in their sessions. I am greatly looking forward to working with YOU!
Leonard Burns
I have been a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in California since 1990. My background includes a combination of family systems and psychodynamic approaches, seasoned with many years of experience. What I have come to understand over the years is that the bedrock of successful psychotherapy is a strong, honest relationship between therapist and client. Only upon this foundation of trust is change possible. I have many years of experience assisting clients in recovering from complex PTSD, anxiety, depression, relationship issues, cancer survivorship, and finding peace with identity in a world that is often unkind to those whose lifestyles would not be described as traditional. I know from my personal journey that change is possible, while often difficult and terrifying. If you are ready to commit to the journey, I am here to be at your side along the rocky path.
Dr. Diane O'Brien
Do you often find yourself struggling to sort out your thoughts and feelings about events in your life? Have there been times in your life when you have wondered if you have made the right choices or if there are other possibilities for you? We have all experienced life changing experiences that have shaped us into the people we are today. Sometimes, a listening ear is all we need. Other times, more in-depth exploration of thoughts and feelings is needed before you can feel better. Whichever situation fits for you, I am here to help. I have been in practice for over 20 years and have had experience working with a diverse group of individuals, couples, and families. Together, we have explored trauma events and their impact on individuals and families, family relationships, couples’ issues, and depression, anxiety, infidelity, spiritual dilemmas, and other experiences that have an effect on day-to-day living. My experience extends to adults of all ages, including an older population and caregivers. I am open to working with couples who are experiencing issues, particularly in the area of communication. Working with individuals who are in the early stages of dementia or Alzheimer's Disease are a new and interesting population for me. For me, counseling is a passion. Being a counselor is a calling, it encompasses me as a person and as a professional. It is my hope that you will contact me for counseling so that I can be your companion on your journey to a more peaceful and satisfying future.
Marcella Smithson
There are times when we need to explore some growth & healing work. Thankfully the ability to grow & heal is built into our human-nature, a nature that comes alive when receiving the support we need. Therapy is for receiving this support, and in a way that fits with you. And so I trust in this: Creating in your own expressive way a better life is what I know you are able—and meant—to do. Supporting you in discovering this for yourself will be a heartfelt privilege for me. I am trauma-attachment focused and informed. I am trained in EMDR by Curtis C. Rouanzoin,Ph.D. under EMDR Institute, Inc., EMDRIA; Couples - Trained by Susan Johnson, PhD, Emotion-Focused Therapy. I am a certified mindfulness teacher (by Tibet House & Dharma Moon). I am experienced in the field of mental health with over 15 years experience at the public health level, and on the front lines as a therapist. I am trained in evidenced-based techniques. My approach: Unconditional Positive Regard, Humanist, Trauma-attachment focused informed care. You Can Expect From Me: Honesty, Empathy, and an Ally.
Karen Cash
My name is Karen, and I have been a Therapist and Licensed Clinical Social Worker for over 25 years. I have experience in a vast number of areas . I have worked with individuals and couples working on their relationships as well as their challenges of daily living. In todays world, the stresses of Covid and other life events have prompted more Anxiety and Depression than ever. I have a vast amount of working with victims of Trauma, such as Childhood abuse, Sexual abuse, Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault. I am experienced in assisting with these events by developing specific coping skills for my clients, as well as using Trauma Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. Grief Therapy is essential to working through losses such as death of a loved one, loss of a job, health, relationship or pet. Reduction and understanding of these challenges are of great importance, and part of your individualized treatment plan. I believe a good working relationship built on trust and communication is essential for therapeutic intervention. I pride myself in being a great listener, well as empathic to what is going on in your life. I hope that I can be a part of assisting each client with what they would like to see their life evolve into.
Marta Herrera-White
Hello and congratulations on making the first steps towards your healing and transformative journey! If you are ready to take that step, I am here to support and empower you. I am a licensed clinical social worker with 18+ years of clinical experience. I am also a certified Interpersonal Psychotherapist (IPT) and Maternal Mental Health Certified (MMH-C). My approach combines cognitive-behavioral, humanistic, psychodynamic and mindfulness therapy. My therapy style is warm and interactive. 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. I have worked in several clinical settings including nonprofits, hospitals, and schools. I have experience with counseling couples, individuals both adults and youth. I also have experience working with mothers with high-risk pregnancies and postpartum issues, as well as pregnancy loss and pregnancy termination. I have received specialized training in maternal and infant health, as well as women's health and reproductive issues. My goal is to help you on your journey by providing a safe, authentic, non-biased and compassionate healing space with an individualized therapy experience. I look forward to working with you! Marta
Anupama Masih
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,.
George Calvin
I am licensed in California with 24+ years of professional experience providing individual and family therapy with teens and adults. I have experience in helping clients with trauma and abuse, anger management, motivation, self-esteem, and confidence, & career difficulties, life changes and transitions and helping to develop happiness. I work with my clients to create an open, safe and positive environment where thoughts, feelings and ideas 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!
Shannon Williams
I am licensed in California with 15 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, family conflicts, 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. I enjoy advocating and empowering others to advocate for themselves. I look forward to working with each client and am willing to meet you where you are. My work experience has been a combination of Psychodynamic, cognitive behavioral interventions and system approaches to treatment. I joined the BetterHelp team to be able to offer services in a more flexible way than the traditional structure of treatment when it comes to scheduling and choosing a therapist that is right for you. Over the years I have worked with individuals of various ages in community settings, forensic environments and via telehealth. I have also worked with families and groups. My focus at BetterHelp will be individual treatment and tailored as needed. I enjoy face-to-face sessions, however will honor what is best for each client. When that time comes, we will discuss the parameters of availability and what that will look like for us structurally moving forward. Taking the first step to seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process.
Jessica Weiler
I am licensed in California with 10 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, trauma and abuse, & sleeping disorders. 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.
Rachael Sanders
I am licensed in California with 10 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, & intimacy related issues. 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.
Andrea Ziebell
Hello, I’m Andrea. My aim is to foster an open and safe environment where thoughts and feelings can be expressed freely- without judgment. Together, we can explore ways during our sessions to tailor your unique concerns and issues, formulate a strategy to achieve the goals you aspire to achieve. During our sessions, I can be the ear you need, a confidential space to share and validation that you are being heard--you're not alone. I'm versed in various therapeutic techniques and will find one that fits you best. If your new to the therapy process, you may want psychoeducation- understanding symptoms, ways to manage them, find coping strategies focusing on your strengths or journaling, homework assignments (OR NOT), create a wellness plan with other activities, practicing effective communication and learn about anger management skills, with solution focused, or CBT. As a California-licensed professional almost 25 years of experience with mental health, substance abuse, negative impact related to legal issues have caused, I'm ready to start alongside your recovery efforts. My therapeutic interest lies from life experiences, exposure working with abused/neglected children and inpatient/outpatient treatment with male/female adults. I look forward to meeting with you.
Brandie Ajisefinni
I am licensed in California and New Mexico with 7 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress, anxiety, coping with grief, coping with loss, & 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. 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.
Evelynn Hernandez-Brown
I am licensed in California with 10 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress, anxiety, & relationship issues. 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:
- National Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-799-SAFE (7233)
- National Suicide Prevention Lifeline:1-800-273-TALK (8255)
- Crisis Text Line:Text HOME to 741741
- Veterans Crisis Line<:Call 1-800-273-8255 (and press 1) or text 838255. For support for the deaf and hard of hearing community, please use your preferred relay service or dial 711 then 1-800-273-8255.
- Trevor Lifeline(LGBTQ Lifeline): (866)488-7386
- SAMHSA National Helpline: (Substance Use): (800)662-4357
- National Eating Disorder Association Helpline:1-800-931-2237 (M-Th: 9 AM-9 PM EST, Fri 9 AM - 5 PM EST
- Child Help Hotline Call 1-800-422-4453 or use the online chat featur
- National Anti-Hazing Hotline: 1-888-NOT-HAZE (1-888-668-4293)
- Physician Crisis Support Line: Call 1-888-409-0141 if you are a first responder or medical provider experiencing crises related to Covid-1
- Sexual Assault Hotline: Call RAINN at 1-800-656-4673
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.
Popular cities in California
- Los Angeles, CA
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- Fresno, CA
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- Long Beach, CA
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- Anaheim, CA
- Santa Ana, CA
- Riverside, CA
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