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.

Jennifer Roche-Sheets
I am a Licensed Professional Counselor in California with almost 20 years of experience working in the mental health field. I have worked with clients with a wide range of concerns including depression, anxiety, stress, relationship issues, parenting problems, and career challenges. My counseling style is client-centered and supportive. I believe in treating everyone with respect, sensitivity, compassion, and I honor those that choose to trust me with the details of their mental health journey. My job is to work with you to develop a treatment plan that best suits your needs and concerns. I have been described as passionate and direct. I applaud you for taking these necessary first steps towards a more positive life. I am honored to be part of your journey and forward to working with you! Should you feel in need of urgent help or that you are in crisis at any time during our work together; please call 1-800-273-TALK 24 hours a day; or 911. This forum does not provide any type of emergency services, so I want to be sure you know who to contact if you need immediate help.

Dawn Pesso
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.

Dr. Carol Carrell
I have been a counselor for 30 years with experience in treating clients from 18 months to 98 years. As a professor and supervisor I utilize a variety of modalities and believe that each client is special and unique. One approach does not fit all. I have experience working with depression, anxiety, first responders, professionals, dealing with illness and care giver fatigue, chronic pain, trasuma, abuse and addiction. I have worked with children that have faced difficult health challenges that have not only affected them but their family as well. In addition I have worked with adolescents in the juvenile justice system, learning disabilities, suicidality, LGBTQI issues, trauma and abuse. It is important to establish an atmosphere of trust and safety where adolescents can express themselves and feel heard and accepted. When working with couples it is important to establish an atmosphere that is safe to explore the family issues. I work with couples that have chronic medical issues that have caused stress and communication problems. It is important to address the caregiver fatigue aspect in chronic medical issues. In addition, is important to identify and strengths that each brings to the relationship and how to communicate effectively. Communication is a key element in being able to set goals and move forward in their relationship. I have worked with LGBTQI clients in their process of coming out to their family and community. Therapy is a gift that you give yourself. I look forward to working with you to work towards the change you desire

Ethan Messer
Hello, my name is Ethan Messer, I am a licensed marriage & family therapist with 14 years of experience working in an array of settings within the mental health field. I have worked with clients in such settings as youth groups, YMCA after school & summer programs, adolescent group homes, adult crisis homes, faith-based transitional living programs, Long Term Psychiatric Residential Facilities, as well as working in private practice. I have worked with clients with a wide range of concerns, including; depression, communication and intimacy issues among couples, social anxiety, relationship issues, stress, parenting issues, family issues, emotional issues and anxiety. As a therapist, I am warm, relational, respectful and engaged with my clients. I truly do love walking with others through their trials, their pain and their joy. It is humbling, and an honor to be entrusted with the hearts of others and to be involved in the lives of others. This is a reality that I am constantly aware of as I continue meeting with others in therapy. My approach to therapy is relational, and combines cognitive-behavioral, client centered, solution-focused and emotionally-focused therapy. I work collaboratively with clients during our sessions in order to build a strong therapeutic alliance, to create treatment plans, prioritize goals, and provide free-flowing dialogue, so that they will most accurately meet your specific needs. Therapy takes courage. It is not easy to work towards our own personal growth, or the growth of others in our lives. You have already taken a crucial step in this direction, to which I applaud your efforts. As you continue moving towards wellness and growth in your life, I am here to support you, empower you and to walk with you through this period of your life. I am humbled and honored for the opportunity to meet and work with you.

Dr. Michael Rocco
I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker who has been doing psychotherapy since 1999. I have worked with both individuals and couples, from a NICU setting to hospice:across the life span. My style is warm and interactive, using a variety of methods, whatever it takes to help you achieve your goals. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy is probably the best description of my theoretical orientation. Starting therapy is not an easy task, and my goal is to help you weather the storm, and get you to where you want to be. Take a deep breath, give me a call, and let’s get to work!

Margarita Araiza-Johnston
I graduated with a BA in Sociology/Anthropology and a Minor in French from the University of Redlands. After working with children and families in Illinois and California, I went back to school and earned my Masters in Social Work from Tulane University in New Orleans, LA. I worked as a social worker in Hospice and as a suicide and crisis counselor in Louisiana. I completed a program in the Theory and Practice of Mediation and Theory and Practice of Family Law Mediation. My areas of expertise include assessment, child abuse and neglect, bilingual therapy, family systems, domestic violence, crisis counseling, and suicide prevention. I offer compassionate and insightful therapy for people experiencing a broad range of issues, including LGBTQ+ issues.

Debra Nystrom
I am licensed in California with 30 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, trauma and abuse, and 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 sign up for therapy can take courage and I am here to support you in that process.

Ksenia Krasnikov
I am licensed in California with 13 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, 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 sign up for therapy can take courage and I am proud of you for getting started!

Carol Dubois-Chess
I am licensed in California and Nevada with 25 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, trauma, high functioning autism, abuse, & 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.

Robert Marzio
I am licensed in California with 10 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress, anxiety, relationship issues, anger management, 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 seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process.
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:
- 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 feature
- 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 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.
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