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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Rika Lopez

Offering therapy in California
License: LMFT
AddictionsRelationship issuesTrauma and abuseGriefDepression
15 years of experience

Hi, my name is Rika Lopez and I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with almost 15 years of experience working with adults, couples, and families. I am a CSAT (Certified Sex Addiction Therapist) working with those who struggle with compulsive and repetitive behaviors such as pornography addiction, infidelity, "hook up" apps, and other sexually impulsive patterns. Not only do I work with individuals who struggle with these sexually acting out behaviors but also partners who have been betrayed or hurt in their romantic relationships/marriages. As a Christian therapist, I find it also of value to work with faith based clients who feel immense guilt and shame due to their sexual addictions. Sadly many churches do not offer a safe environment for people struggling with sexual addiction to be heard, noticed, or even counseled. This is such a tragic reality. My hope and prayer is that many spiritual communities will begin to expose themselves to real issues and start having difficult conversations with their congregation so people will not silently suffer and drown in their loneliness and isolation. There are tangible and practical resources to help you with your sexual addiction. Aside from sex addiction clients, my work with those who suffer from depression, anxiety, and trauma have allowed me to gain further insight into their world which thus helped me become more effective in providing tools and techniques into their day to day functioning. Thru CBT, IFS, Attachment based, and Systems theory, we can dig into the core of where and how these unhealthy behaviors are coming from. Therapy is a process so there are no quick fixes or changes that happen over night but I guarantee you that as you stay focused and committed, you will begin to see incremental changes in your life. Let's begin this new journey today! You are not alone in this. You are seen, you are noticed, you are heard. Allow me to walk alongside you so that we can begin to unfold your pain and hurt and get the help that you need!

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Dr. Ron Muchnick

Offering therapy in California
License: PhD, LMFT
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesFamily conflictsParenting issuesCoaching
25 years of experience

For the past twenty five years, I have been a licensed marriage and family therapist, a professor and consultant, serving in many professional arenas including director of a counseling center, clinical supervisor, and therapist for individuals, couples, and families. Working from a Systemic perspective, I treat problems such as relationship issues, family conflicts, depression, ADHD, parenting issues, anxiety/stress, depression, and substance abuse keeping in mind how these stressors impact relationships. My additional expertise is in assisting couples and families to improve their relationships, learn positive coping skills and find the flexibility needed to adapt to family life cycle changes including divorce and blended families. My therapy style is warm, comfortable and inviting providing a safe place to air problems and restore healthy mental and emotional functioning. My personal challenge is to connect with people in collaborative relationships which inspire and support my clients to access their strengths, create possibilities, and attain their goals. This commitment transcends my work as a therapist, educator, and consultant. I am also the founder of Parent University, a grant program created for school districts to help parents and their children resolve educational and relationship challenges. I have strong beliefs in the importance of constructive and productive parenting skills and believe that parents provide the leadership for all family members to grow and thrive. I have been a professor at several Universities and a core faulty member at Capella University since 2001, first serving as the Clinical Director of the Counselor Education Program for several years. I have earned several degrees including both a MS and PhD in Marriage and Family Therapy from Nova Southeastern University as well as a MA in Marketing. As a licensed MFT in California, I have been active in the profession for over 25 years in private practice working with individuals, couples and families. My numerous publications and presentations have focused on clinical practice issues and personal coaching. My book Self Coaching, How to S.O.L.V.E. personal and professional problems, reflects my interest in the Solution Focus Brief Therapy model and its use in working with clients. My most recent book At the End of the Day helps the reader connect with their existing strengths and abilities that have become lost in the midst of being problem drenched. By using a Solution focused approach in their problem solving efforts, my clients become able to “remember” their past successes and how to best use their existing abilities and skills to attain their personal goals. In addition to being a Marriage and Family Therapist, I also have over thirty years of sales, marketing, managerial and motivational experience. My career represents both a clinical and business background working in executive positions of major corporations, owning my own beverage distribution company, and growing a large clinical practice (Counseling Solutions). The blending of these various perspectives and talents has allowed me to become an innovator in developing creative organizational environments. I am also the founder of Solution Focus Consulting which specializes in executive coaching, achieving personal excellence, team building and sales and marketing innovations. I look forward to working with you in resolving your existing problem issues and helping facilitate the successful attainment of your goals. SPECIALTIES • Relationship issues • Family conflicts • Depression • ADHD • Parenting issues • Career difficulties • Stress, Anxiety Clinical approaches: Solution-Focused Therapy, Narrative Therapy, Family Systems, Client Centered Years of Experience: 25 ________________________________________

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Elizabeth Owens

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesFamily conflictsTrauma and abuseDepression
20 years of experience

I am a family and marriage counselor licensed in California with over 10 years of experience working as a psychotherapist both privately and in the clinic setting. I have had the honor of working with clients from children to senior adults, couples and groups. In this experience, I have worked with clients who have had visits of depression; anxiety; trauma; family issues; religious crisis; parenting challenges and self-harm thoughts. I have been trained in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR). My preferred approaches include: Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT), Person Centered, Psychodynamic and Family Therapy. Although I do not provide pastoral counseling, I assist clients whom are Christian with issues that may challenge their faith. I pray with clients (at their request) and provide Biblical scriptures as a foundation. My counseling style is warm and interactive and I may challenge clients at times where we both agree may be barriers to moving forward. I do not give advice to clients, but assist them in finding what works for them. Psychotherapy involves hard work, being true to yourself and awareness that real change is done outside of the therapeutic relationship. "Anything you work hard for, you appreciate more." I look forward to working with you!

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Carol Wood

Offering therapy in California
License: MA in Clinical Psychology,LMFT
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesFamily conflictsIntimacy-related issuesSelf esteem
29 years of experience

You re not alone. You don’t have to deal with your current situation without help whether it is hopelessness, anxiety, Pain, grief, loss or indecision. If you feel alone in your partnership or life isn’t what you imagined and you don’t know what you can do to get relief from those sinking, lost or frantic feelings, there are answers. Life can change quite quickly. I am a Reiki Master Teacher so I am able to tune into the needs of my clients on many levels. I give homework for clients who enjoy extra work between sessions. Mindfulness is a focus that I’ve used for many years. Eighteen years with TWA in customer service on the east and west coasts has afforded me an understanding of airline issues and the behavior of many different groups of people under stress from all over the world as well as dealing with solutions to many problems on a daily basis to help people feel better and more control. No one wants to feel powerless. I was on the board of directors of Project Touch in Hermosa Beach and California Marriage and Family Therapists South Bay/Long Beach. I was under contract with South Bay Youth Project as well as Beach Cities Health District providing therapy to individuals, couples and families for decades. I care about people and love my work.

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Thurma Stewart

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsRelationship issuesFamily conflictsTrauma and abuse
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, coping with addictions, relationship issues, & family conflicts. 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 an extensive background in working with vulnerable and specialized populations. We all deserve opportunities to rediscover joy, happiness, and harmony with self and others. Taking the first step to sign up for therapy can take courage and I am proud of you for getting started! I look forward to speaking with you and supporting your therapeutic journey.

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Dr. Swanzetta Sheriff-Saunders

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesGriefParenting issuesSelf esteem
25 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 25 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, coping with grief and loss, & parenting issues. 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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Rochelle Van Driel

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietyGriefDepressionCoping with life changesCompassion fatigue
10 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 11 years of professional work experience. I have worked in the school systems with children of all ages, and extensively with caregivers and seniors. I am not currently working with children at this time. I have experience in helping clients with stress, anxiety, grief and loss, depression, life transitions, senior life transitions and caregiving issues. I work with my clients to create an open and safe environment where thoughts and feelings can be shared without fear of judgment. I want to help connect you with your unique strengths to support you through your personal transitions and challenges. Taking the first step to sign up for therapy can take courage. Let's work together to instill hope during your journey toward successful resolution, life satisfaction, and healing. "If we don't change the direction we are going, we will arrive at the same place, always." - Chinese Proverb

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Julia Alperovich

Offering therapy in California
LGBTRelationship issuesTrauma and abuseIntimacy-related issuesCoaching
19 years of experience

I am a direct and pragmatic person with a warm and empathetic demeanor. With over 15 years of experience, I am adept at identifying the underlying causes of ongoing distress and dysfunction. My goal in working with clients is to help them develop understanding and insight about the origins of their problems so that they can utilize and enhance their current strengths to bring about growth and healing. In addition, I am actively involved with various research communities to remain current with the newest and most effective treatment modalities. I specialize in treating adults with issues of intimacy, attachment, and sexuality. I have extensive experience in working with sexual addictions and partners of sex addicts. I also successfully treat sexual trauma, relationship problems, and infidelity. My approach is sex positive and open-minded to various forms of sexual expression. I hold the belief that people are resilient and that they possess the strength and wisdom to heal seemingly irreparable wounds. I use my expertise, directness, and warmth to support my clients through their treatment and to help them manage their pain in their healing processes.

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Ariana Kiefer

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesSelf esteemCareer difficultiesCoping with life changes
12 years of experience

Thank you for checking out my profile, my name is Ariana Kiefer a seasoned therapist. I can treat a wide-range of mental health issues and phase of life issues. I pride myself in being an extremely approachable therapist. I always cultivate a warm and welcoming setting for my clients and explain the therapy process step-by-step. I strive to make the therapy process easy and one in which the client looks forward to each session.

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Ranique Hopkins

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

Ranique Hopkins is a Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist based in southern California. She combines nurturing support with direct guidance to empower her clients and facilitate their growth and healing. Ranique tailors her mental health services to each individual’s preferences and personal needs. She understands that emotional well-being is crucial, akin to the air we breathe. Ranique does her best to create a safe, non-judgmental, and open environment to aid her client’s in working towards desired outcomes and goals. Ranique uniquely focuses on both the mind and body. She employs cognitive behavioral therapy, trauma-informed care, and somatic therapies to promote overall wellness.

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 BetterHelp therapists in California does not offer diagnostic or medication management services in therapy.

Why do people choose to work with a licensed counselor or therapists?

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, working with:

  • Challenging situations or life stressors
  • Eating disorders requiring therapy
  • Anxiety disorders in need of therapeutic support
  • Depression or depressive mental health conditions
  • Adjustment issues in need of therapeutic support
  • Emotional support for a terminal illness
  • Chronic pain emotional support
  • Grief therapy
  • Personality disorders
  • Trauma therapy
  • Relationship conflicts and mental health concerns

Finding a therapist in California 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 therapy site. If you are in life-threatening danger, call 911. If you require support for a crisis, reach out to the therapy hotlines below:

Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

Some of the most commonly asked questions about therapy can be found in the section below.

How much does therapy with a licensed therapist cost?

Mental health professionals can differ in price. Forbes found that the average cost of in-person California therapy in the US is around $100 to $200 per hour. Pricing can also vary based on your location. 

BetterHelp offers payment plans of $65 to $100 per week. 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.

Is it possible to find a therapist, counselor, or psychology practitioner that offers affordable therapy?

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.

What can a psychologist help me with in therapy?

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 in-person or online therapy with a therapist in California?

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.

Are online therapy sessions 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.

In today's fast-paced society, mental well-being has become a cornerstone of a fulfilling life. Amid the daily challenges and stressors that can overwhelm even the most resilient individuals, seeking professional guidance often offers a path to clarity and balance. The journey toward improved emotional health involves understanding personal triggers, embracing self-compassion, and developing effective coping strategies. While self-help books and online resources provide valuable information, nothing compares to the personalized support offered by a qualified mental health professional. One-on-one sessions with experienced experts can help uncover the underlying issues contributing to anxiety, depression, or other emotional hurdles. With a careful and empathetic approach, these professionals tailor their advice to suit individual needs, ensuring that each person receives strategies that work best for their unique circumstances. Whether through cognitive behavioral techniques, mindfulness practices, or other innovative methods, the aim is to foster resilience and empower individuals to take control of their inner lives. For those living in bustling urban centers, engaging in face-to-face sessions in a welcoming environment can be particularly beneficial. Access to a caring clinician provides not only a safe space to explore difficult emotions but also builds a support network essential for long-term recovery. The process encourages self-reflection and greater insight into behavioral patterns that might otherwise go unnoticed. While the journey can be challenging at times, the rewards include enhanced emotional stability, improved interpersonal relationships, and a renewed sense of self-worth. In one notable case, the guidance provided by a highly trained therapist proved instrumental in navigating a tumultuous period. Through structured sessions and tailored interventions, the individual learned to identify stressors and develop healthier responses to adversity. This experience underscored the transformative impact that dedicated support can have on one's overall quality of life. In a region like Texas, community-based initiatives and accessible mental health programs further reinforce the value of professional help. These efforts emphasize early intervention, preventive care, and continuous support, ensuring that more people are equipped to face life's inevitable challenges. Ultimately, investing in mental well-being is an act of self-care that yields lifelong benefits. By embracing professional support, individuals can unlock new levels of emotional resilience and discover pathways to a brighter, more balanced future. Each step taken toward healing represents a commitment to personal growth, enabling a life filled with renewed optimism and strength. Embracing this transformative journey consistently paves the way for deeper understanding, lasting peace, and meaningful personal progress.
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