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.

This is Karen Cash's avatar and link to their profile

Karen Cash

Offering therapy in California
License: MSW,LCSW
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesParenting issuesSelf esteemDepression
15 years of experience

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.

This is Matthew Heimark's avatar and link to their profile

Matthew Heimark

Offering therapy in California
License: LMFT
Stress, AnxietyLGBTRelationship issuesGriefDepression
6 years of experience

Listening is an art and a science. I listen attentively without judgment and without jumping to conclusions. The therapeutic alliance between clinician and client is what makes this work so meaningful. The “talking cure” is transformational, often leading to a greater sense of personal choice and freedom. I’m a psychodynamically-trained psychotherapist who is a part of the LGBTQ+ community, and also practice mindfulness and meditation. I enjoy working with individuals and couples. Above all, I am a human that meets people where they are. I employ an evidence-based mindset and practical interventions to address a variety of concerns and ailments. My clinical orientation is eclectic; tailored to best meet you where you are now, addressing your needs whether relationship-specific, intimacy-related, career-focused, something more abstract or not yet determined. I generally employ a depth-oriented perspective, with the belief that your past affects your present. Examining this brings awareness to developed patterns that may not serve you well. While acknowledging depression, anxiety, trauma, and other life transitions and opting not to view them through a prescribed one-size-fits-all lens, we work together to remedy these areas that ail you. I believe that most theoretical orientations can provide benefit to client populations, whether psychoanalytically-informed, humanistic, relational, existential, or perhaps from a non-Western way of thinking. You are a unique individual. I am dedicated to you and your wellness - not a predetermined set of criteria or ideals from any specific school or way of practicing. I am warm, real, in-the-room, and always “with you” in session. When working with couples, I dedicated in helping you find better ways to communicate effectively with one another and repair intimacy within your relationship. Are you at a crossroads and considering reaching out? My goal is to empower you with the tools and insight necessary for you to experience a more fulfilling way of living and the opportunity for transformative change. I welcome you to take the first step and reach out to me to schedule a time for us to talk.

This is Karen Bergman's avatar and link to their profile

Karen Bergman

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesParenting issuesSelf esteemDepression
11 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 11 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 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.

This is Diana Chambers's avatar and link to their profile

Diana Chambers

Offering therapy in California
Relationship issuesGriefEating disordersBipolar disorderCoping with life changes
34 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 34 years of professional work experience. Most often I have worked with clients coping with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, grief and loss, & unstable moods. I strive to create an open, trusting environment in which thoughts and feelings can be explored without fear of judgment. Taking the first step to sign up for therapy can take courage; I applaud you for getting started!

This is Michelle (Sheli) Miller's avatar and link to their profile

Michelle (Sheli) Miller

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietyGriefSelf esteemCareer difficultiesCoping with life changes
18 years of experience

Thank you so much for reading my bio. My name is Michelle (Sheli), and I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and Therapist. I was born and raised in the Bay Area, CA., and I love being able to give back to the communities that gave so much to me. A little about myself: My path to becoming a therapist came from the desire to understand my very own journey in life. At a young age, I was faced with a combination of challenges that I did not understand or know how to navigate. I wanted to sort out what was carried over from childhood experiences, and what I could learn to accomplish as an adult - utilizing my own strengths in conjunction with the skills I had learned while getting through challenging times. I wanted to learn how to build a safe home environment and a stronger mental stability, in order to have healthier relationships with friends, family, partners, co-workers, and most importantly – myself. My Therapeutic Process: I approach the therapeutic relationship and process with the utmost sensitivity, respect, active listening, and lack of judgement. I have experience in various cultural, religious, and ethnic backgrounds in both my personal and professional life, but I believe the best approach is to learn from the client's perspective of their own experiences. I have had great opportunities to work with (and learn from) various populations in all walks of life including older adults, incarcerated youth/adults, college students, LGBTQQIA+, multi-cross cultural families, blended families, and many others who have struggled to feel accepted when they were facing medical, educational, and mental health challenges - or just the everyday struggles and complexity of life. My clinical experience is eclectic - including providing therapy and mental health education to individuals, couples, families, groups, and communities. I have had the privilege of practicing in various settings including domestic violence centers, medical facilities/hospitals, community agencies, youth organizations, and private practice. I use a Strength Based approach, and utilize a combination of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, Mindfulness, Motivational Interviewing, Positive Psychology, and Family Structural Systems along with additional resources to fit your need. Along with my professional education, my own therapy process was a huge part of the education, insight, understanding, and healing I needed to understand how to work in the field of therapy - and provide the most comprehensive assistance to others to the best of my ability. I know that it takes a lot of courage and strength to reach out for assistance at times, and I hope to help you achieve your therapeutic goals, with actionable outcomes, to gain a better sense of overall well-being and continued success.

This is Yu Tsun Tseng-Brown's avatar and link to their profile

Yu Tsun Tseng-Brown

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseGriefAnger managementDepression
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, trauma and abuse, coping with grief and loss, & anger management. 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.

This is Anna Guha's avatar and link to their profile

Anna Guha

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesSelf esteemDepressionCoping with life changes
6 years of experience

Hello, I'm Anna Guha, an LMFT with six years experience in clinical counseling. I have worked closely with individuals struggling with addiction, depression, anxiety, chronic illness, and relationship issues. I've helped people from age six to eighty-six feel better about themselves and learn how to manage and thrive in change. My therapeutic approach blends person-centered and humanistic therapies, with an existential stance. Our freedom is a mixed-bag, liberating us while weighing us down with responsibility. You are the expert on your life, and your preferences and goals will guide the therapeutic process. I will help you embrace the freedom to create your own meaning and purpose, and help you learn how to navigate life’s challenges with authenticity and resilience.

This is Patricia Pena's avatar and link to their profile

Patricia Pena

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesParenting issuesSelf esteemDepression
26 years of experience

I am a bilingual (Sp/Eng) clinician 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 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!

This is Phyllis Grannis's avatar and link to their profile

Phyllis Grannis

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

Greetings! I'm a licensed therapist from the beautiful state of California, bringing to you 34 years of experience in helping individuals just like you navigate life's challenges. Whether you're grappling with stress, anxiety, relationship dilemmas, parenting challenges, or need a boost in self-esteem and motivation, I'm here to help. My practice creates a warm, open environment where your feelings and thoughts are given the respect and attention they deserve, completely free of judgment. I know the first step towards therapy can seem daunting, and just by being here, you're already winning! I applaud your courage in taking this crucial step. You're not alone in this journey, and I'm here to support you every step of the way!

This is Patricia Nelson's avatar and link to their profile

Patricia Nelson

Offering therapy in California
License: LCSW-R
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsRelationship issuesTrauma and abuseDepression
25 years of experience

I am a Social Worker licensed in California and New York State with over 25 years experience working as a psychotherapist and life coach. I have worked with clients with a wide range of concerns including depression, anxiety, addiction, relationship issues, parenting problems, career challenges, OCD and ADHD. I also helped many people who have experienced physical trauma or emotional abuse. My counseling style is warm and interactive. I believe in treating anyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion. My approach combines cognitive-behavioral, humanistic, psychodynamic and rational-emotive 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!

This is Erika Perry-Dutton's avatar and link to their profile

Erika Perry-Dutton

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietyLGBTTrauma and abuseParenting issuesSelf esteem
16 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 16 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, lgbtq+ related issues, trauma and abuse, & parenting 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.

This is Sushma Patla's avatar and link to their profile

Sushma Patla

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesTrauma and abuseGriefDepression
18 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 18 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, multicultural issues, crisis intervention, intergenerational problems, trauma and abuse, & coping with grief and loss. I work with my clients to create an open and safe environment where thoughts and feelings can be shared without fear of judgment. I am also fluent in speaking and understanding Hindi & Punjabi. Taking the first step to sign up for therapy can take courage and I am looking forward to working with you to achieve your goals. I am proud of you for getting started!

This is Antonio Medrano's avatar and link to their profile

Antonio Medrano

Offering therapy in California
LGBTRelationship issuesFamily conflictsTrauma and abuseCoping 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 lgbtq+ related issues, relationship issues, family conflicts, & trauma and abuse. 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.

This is Justine Walters's avatar and link to their profile

Justine Walters

Offering therapy in California
GriefSelf esteemCoping with life changesCompassion fatigue
8 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 8 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with coping with grief and loss, motivation, self esteem, and confidence, & 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. 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.

This is Sandra Leon's avatar and link to their profile

Sandra Leon

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

I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in California, and I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, motivation, self-esteem, and confidence, depression, & 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. I use a short-term, solution-focused modality, with the goal of ensuring you feel confident to use the tools you've learned in therapy. Disclaimer: Due to conflict of interest, I will not accept clients with Kaiser Permanente health insurance. Thank you for understanding.

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.

Find the right therapist for your needs
Match with a qualified therapist