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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Rosette Schapira

Offering therapy in California
License: Licensed MFT
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesFamily conflictsAnger managementSelf esteem
20 years of experience

Do you find yourself feeling depressed or sad? Do you worry a lot and feel scared? Are you having a difficult time in your relationship? We often hold in our feelings of anger, sadness, fear, and even happiness. This leads to feeling depressed and anxious. People often seek therapy for not living the life they want. Therapy can provide a space to help with life challenges and to achieve healthier relationships. Together, we can begin to explore your feelings and beliefs, which will allow your depression and anxiety to lift. Repairing low self esteem will get you to achieve the things you want. I provide individual and relationship counseling for those who are interested in living their lives from a place of balance, wholeness and compassion. 

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CLAUDIA ULWELLING

Offering therapy in California
License: MA,LMFT
Family conflictsTrauma and abuseParenting issuesSelf esteemCoping with life changes
8 years of experience

Hello, My name is Claudia. A little about me: I graduated in 2013 with a masters degree in psychology and am a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. I work with children, adults and families who have decided therapy could be a source of support. I emphasize the word DECIDE because therapy will work best when -you're ready- for reflection, compromise and, when applicable, open for change. My approach to therapy is strength-based, solution focused and client-centered. Each person's story is unique; therefore, I use multiple treatment modalities to meet each individual's needs. I work collaboratively with clients throughout their counseling process and journey to support them in their healing. Thank you for taking the first step in your healing, and I hope to meet you soon.

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Teresa Cole

Offering therapy in California
License: LPCC
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesFamily conflictsTrauma and abuseDepression
16 years of experience

I am a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor (LPCC) since 2014. I specialize in trauma (EMDR certified), grief and loss, career, disabilities, Autism Spectrum Disorder, depression, anxiety, relationships, life transitions, spiritual issues, etc. I provide counseling for individuals, couples, and families dealing with all types of issues and mental health disorders. My approach is process oriented, solution based, and goal directed while providing psycho-education and resources. I use a variety of modalities that include EMDR, CBT, Motivational Interviewing, Narrative Therapy, Expressive Arts, couples counseling, addiction counseling, etc. I will help you access your inner strength and build tools to cope, grow, and heal.

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Cathryn Charette

Offering therapy in California
License: MS, LMFT
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesTrauma and abuseGriefDepression
5 years of experience

I am a humanistic psychologist. I use an approach that emphasizes an individual's strengths and skills in a wholistic way to address issues that are distressing and limiting in a client's life. I help clients toward self actualization, the ability to better understand self and others, feel confident and secure in their abilities, understand their motivations and personality, address external stressors, and develop personal insight and a life philosophy that guides their decision making and problem solving. I encourage self awareness and mindfulness to help clients respond consciously to events as they unfold, and to remain true to their worldview and values, while negotiating difficult circumstances in this chaotic world. Many of us did not have parenting that taught us conscious healthy boundaries, understanding of self and others, or secure trusting attachment, but these can be learned and amended through therapy. The term "earned security" is a psychology term that denotes an individual who remediates traumatic events, including: childhood trauma, adult trauma, and relationship trauma, and strengthens their core self concept to include greater self esteem, and a strong comfortable attachment system (post traumatic growth). ​ I know this because my experience in self development included all these, as well as a new understanding of self compassion, self acceptance, patience and a process of differentiation of self that allows for both autonomy and deep caring attachment simultaneously. I offer this knowledge in a non judgmental and wellness based framework. I draw from both professional experience and evidence based scientific research. I love to work with people from all walks of life, all ages, and diverse world views and focus on the human commonalities we share, as well as understanding a client's individual and specific experiences, needs, challenges and goals. I am inclusive, and supportive, patient and caring and passionate about helping others.

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Dr. Maisha Haywood Smith

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietySelf esteemCareer difficultiesADHD
12 years of experience

I am licensed in California with more than 10 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, coping with grief and loss, motivation, self esteem, confidence, & career difficulties. 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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Diane Kato

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesFamily conflictsTrauma and abuseSelf esteem
23 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 23 years of professional work experience working with children, youth, adults, families, and couples. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, & trauma and abuse. Life's journey can be challenging with endless wandering paths. Do you feel lost and unable to find your way out? I will walk with you using strength-based, person-centered therapeutic relationship approach utilizing a flexible and creative process. 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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Anita Cooper-Marquez

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesFamily conflictsTrauma and abuseCoping with life changes
9 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 8 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, trauma and abuse. 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 commend you for getting started!

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Patsy Folauo'o

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietyFamily conflictsParenting issuesDepressionCoping with life changes
6 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 6 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, family conflicts, parenting issues, & 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.

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Nehemiah Campbell

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietyFamily conflictsSelf esteemDepressionCoping with life changes
11 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 11 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress, anxiety, family conflicts, motivation, self esteem, confidence, & 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. 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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William Nesbitt IV

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietySelf esteemDepressionCoping with life changesCompassion fatigue
6 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 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.

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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