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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Carrie Bican

Offering therapy in California
License: MS,LMFT
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesGriefCareer difficultiesCoping with life changes
9 years of experience

Welcome! I believe "Hardships are a detour not a dead end" so I thank you for having the strength to reach out. I started working with most in need populations while attending California Lutheran University, where I graduated with a Master of Science in Counseling Psychology with an emphasis in Marital and Family Therapy. I am currently a Licensed Marriage and Family therapist in California. Working as a school based-counselor in ventura county school system and primary clinician in psychiatric, I have experienced the complexities of family relationships, stress and anxiety, grief and loss, phase of life changes, work related issues, motivation, self-esteem, adjustment disorders and of course persistent diagnosis as well such as Depression. I am compassionate for how we experience the world as an individual and in the collective. I am a person-centered therapist who uses an integrated approach to working with individuals. This allows for a more personal experience instead of the same set curriculum for all. Even though I pull knowledge from all theories and practices, I use Family Systems Theory, Solution Focused, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Attachment Theory and Mindfulness practices often. I can also help you strengthen coping skills, life skills, independent living skills and awareness or insight skills. I appreciate Carl Jung's perspective that there is not a linear path in life or in psychology. We often need to look at life and self from different angles and with many different strategies. I honor your consideration of having me as part of your life and space. I look forward to working with you!

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Sara Markham

Offering therapy in California
License: MA, LMFT
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesEating disordersSelf esteemDepression
3 years of experience

Combining empathy and intuition to understand every person and each situation, my goal is to support my clients with the compassion and genuine care that they deserve, taking into account their struggles, goals, hopes, desires, and histories. For me, it’s about building quality, unique and profound relationships with my clients, allowing me to give them the confidence to show them that change is, in fact, possible. I understand that every person is unique. Using a combination of therapy techniques, I am able to really meet my clients on a personal level, helping them clarify goals, find their self-confidence and become effective and intentional with their relationships. With a Masters in Marriage and Family Therapy and licensed in the state of California (44317), I have worked as a Marriage Counselor and Therapist for over 15 years, guiding individuals toward their goals, and watching as they achieve amazing strides in their relationships, in their workplace, and in their lives. We aim to work on communication skills, opening doors and creating effective ways to voice needs so you can be truly understood in all aspects of your life. Because of the approach I use, my experience, knowledge and passion for every client, I am able to empathize and understand each on a deeper level, allowing every client to feel change, even after the very first psychotherapy session. That is because I believe it’s not just about you and me, you and your spouse, or you and others, it’s about building a quality relationship with yourself, allowing for more clarity, understanding and appreciation. In this way, you can truly make the changes you wish to see, and see the improvements you never thought you could reach. This research is valuable for working with the clients I work with to foster new insight into their concerns and find solutions. The quality of the therapeutic relationship and empathic attunement lead those with relationship issues to think about their issues and how they need to change their interactions. Clients with eating disorders are supported in their search for understanding the function of their eating disorder and are guided through their recovery. As they recover, they will be able to think more clearly as their brains are getting the nourishment they need to stay healthy. Teens are unique in the kind of attunement they need and what they respond to. Through years of working with teens, I have been able to find a way of building rapport with them to influence change. When they feel understood and heard, they can make positive steps. I have been utilizing principles of research on the brain and the power of the mind in changing the structure and function of the brain. Through focusing attention on our internal world we are able to gain empathy and understanding for others allowing them to feel empathic attunement. Feeling attuned to can help one gain insight and understanding into their own internal processes which can cause one to change stuck and dysfunctional ways of relating. This process called Mindsight can actually change the course of your relationships and integrate areas of your history, beliefs, or trauma that weren’t integrated before. When we are able to modify our internal world we can change our patterns of relating to a more harmonious way of interacting. The therapeutic relationship is the conduit for increasing Mindsight and being able to look at the areas that are in need of the most attunement. Therapy with empathic attunement gives clients what they need in order to create change which is empowering for clients. This research is valuable for working with the clients I work with to foster new insight into their concerns and find solutions. The quality of the therapeutic relationship and empathic attunement lead those with relationship issues to think about their issues and how they need to change their interactions.

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Dr. Connie Zimmerman

Offering therapy in California
License: Ph.D.
Stress, AnxietySelf esteemDepressionCoping with life changes
10 years of experience

I am a licensed clinical psychologist in the state of California. I am also a married mother of two college age daughters. My areas of focus are anxiety, depression, stress management, women's issues and young adult issues. I use a client-centered and solution-focused approach to counseling and therapy, based on a cognitive-behavioral model of emotions and behavior. Client-centered means that I strive to provide a warm, compassionate and judgment-free environment. Solution-focused means that we will focus on specific problems or goals, and work toward developing skills and strategies to solve those problems and reach those goals. Cognitive-behavioral means that we will examine how your thoughts and beliefs affect your feelings and actions. Research shows that CBT is the best available drug-free approach for most psychological problems. It is my belief that everyone can benefit from examining how their thoughts affect how they feel about themselves and the world around them. Clients tell me that finding the right therapist and starting therapy can be a stressful and intimidating process. It takes a certain kind of intelligence to know how and when to reach out for help, and courage to follow-through. If you are struggling, but are ready to achieve your full potential and lead a life that is fulfilling and meaningful then I would be honored to work with you.

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Ramon Suarez

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietyFamily conflictsParenting issuesDepression
10 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 & depression. 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.

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Ronald Rockenbach

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseAnger managementDepression
32 years of experience

I believe people can change and prosper when life challenging circumstances occur. Change can be tough when an individual holds on to old distorted views of themselves, situations and/or behaviors that keep them stuck. When someone is experiencing a mental health problem or crisis, it may be difficult for them to take the necessary steps to put things into perspective by themselves. My strength is creating an environment that allows clients to feel comfortable, supported, and engaged. This helps people to open up and talk about themselves, behaviors and experiences they may otherwise keep secret or suffer with silently in shame. The support provides a safe place to help them challenge their irrational thoughts and be open to new ways of thinking. My preferred therapy modalities are cognitive behavioral and family systems, but will use other approaches to meet the need of the client. I am licensed in California with 32 years of professional work experience. I have treated clients for depression, anxiety, anger management and trauma. I have worked in multiple, diverse mental health treatment settings, including private practice, treating such issues as drug/alcohol abuse, victimization, suicide prevention, anger management, family conflict and reunification, juvenile sex offending and conduct disorder. As a Mental Health Clinic Director and Supervisor (combined 20 years) I managed teams of clinical staff including psychiatrists, therapists, and substance abuse counselors. In addition, as a mental health master trainer, I provided ongoing mental health training to clinical, medical and program staff. I am a Licensed Marriage Family Therapist with a Master of Arts degree in Social Science with an emphasis in Marriage and Family Therapy . On a personal note, I am married to the woman I met in college. Together, we have raised three children who are now establishing their own families. In my free time, I lead an active life and have been an avid mountain biker for 20 years. Time spent outdoors and with my family bring me great happiness and a sense of balance. I believe 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 begin therapy can take courage and I am proud of you for getting started.

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Cynthia Kruk

Offering therapy in California
Stress, Anxiety
4 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 3 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety. 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.

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Cynthia Alcaraz

Offering therapy in California
Relationship issuesFamily conflictsParenting issuesCareer difficultiesCoping with life changes
15 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 15 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with relationship issues, family conflicts, parenting issues, & 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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Adrian Quintero

Offering therapy in California
LGBTGriefSelf esteemCoping with life changesADHD
3 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 3 years of professional work experience. I specialize in providing compassionate and collaborative support to individuals navigating the complexities of LGBTQ+ identities, grief and loss, self esteem, ADHD management, and caregiver stress. My practice is rooted in creating a safe, nonjudgmental, and affirming space where clients can explore their experiences and emotions freely. It takes courage to seek support and be open to new ways of looking at ourselves and our struggles. I am here to support and collaborate with you on your journey.

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German Ortiz

Offering therapy in California
Trauma and abuseParenting issuesSelf esteemCareer difficultiesCoaching
15 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 15 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with trauma and abuse, parenting issues, motivation, self esteem, and confidence, & career difficulties. 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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Stephanie Lane

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

I am licensed in California with 22 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, motivation, self esteem, and confidence, & depression. 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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Natarajan Gowda

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesGriefDepressionCoping with life changes
25 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 25 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress, anxiety, relationship issues, 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.

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Timea Tenkei

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseAnger managementSelf esteemCoping with life changes
19 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 19 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, trauma and abuse, anger management, & motivation, self esteem, and confidence. 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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Lois Craig

Offering therapy in California
License: PCC
Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseSelf esteemDepressionCoping with life changes
12 years of experience

Welcome and thank you for checking out my profile. I am available to work with an adult population, and as a licensed therapist, I am sensitive to the fact that sometimes people’s lives are not going the way they would like. And for some, they are not even sure why. This, and many other issues interfere with our self-satisfaction, happiness, sense of safety and our relationships. My experience lies with helping people to sort through their experiences and to understand where and how they can make needed changes. My primary approach to therapy is to use EMDR and somatic interventions with my clients gain awareness of what stands in their way of healing their traumas. My experience also includes working with anxiety and depression, OCD, DID , stress and behavioral issues along with a range of other problems.

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Randi Halcon

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseSelf esteemDepressionCoping with life changes
12 years of experience

Hello, I am Randi and I have been helping people work through life challenges since 2012. I received my Masters Degree in Marriage and Family Therapy from California Lutheran University. Most of my experience comes from working with adults as they navigate symptoms of depression, anxiety, addiction, trauma, relationship challenges or just wanting to become a better version of themselves. I view therapy as a collaborative relationship where I am helping people find resolution in their current struggles. I approach therapy as a place where we can work together to reach goals that are established early on in therapy. I utilize a person centered approach in session combined with various therapy modalities including CBT, Solution Focused, Motivational Interviewing and EMDR. Using these interventions and modalities in session we will work towards gaining insight and better coping skills that will help achieve therapy goals and extend new methods of coping towards better functioning for the future. When you leave sessions with me my hope is that you have better insight, tools to help decrease any negative feelings, and feel more confident in your ability to manage challenges that life throws our way.

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Natashia Leonard

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesGriefDepressionCoping 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, anxiety, relationship issues, coping with grief, coping with loss, & depression. I also have experience working with coping with life changes. 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!

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.

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