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.
Yanina Lambert
Are you feeling sad? anxious? Issues with your children's behaviors? concentration issues? Stress with your relationships? or just need to vent? Please, take the first step towards a solution and reach out today. I am dedicated to provide you with a comfortable therapeutic environment and with the support for you to overcome your challenges. I believe that with the appropriate guidance and support people can improve their well-being and the quality of their relationships. I love what I do and I I have experience working with diverse populations. I am bilingual in English/Spanish. I am licensed as a Marriage and Family Therapist and I enjoy working with people and assisting them find alternative ways to live a happy and satisfying life. EMDR Trained. Experience assisting individuals, couples, children and families making transitions and finding solutions to personal and relationship issues. Adolescents and children with behavioral/conduct problems as well as individuals experiencing anxiety, depression, trauma and adjustment issues. Experienced with Latino as well as Caucasian populations. I will provide you with the tools to self-reflect, to learn more about yoursef and to build on your strengths. I am committed to YOUR WELL-BEING and to help you find new skills to manage, to overcome challenges and to make decisions that lead to positive feelings and more fulfilling relationships.
Alexis Wimer
Hi there! My name is Alexis, I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) in the state of California. I have been working as a mental health professional since 2016 in a non-profit setting with individuals from all different walks of life. Much of my experience conducting therapy includes providing individual and family therapy, in-office and online, in an outpatient setting. I have worked with and am comfortable working with clients presenting with depression, anxiety, relationship and parenting issues, teen concerns, and a wide range of challenges including grief/loss, insomnia, trauma, abuse, behavioral issues, as well as personal growth, adjustment issues, and crisis. I am trained and competent in working with folks who have experienced homelessness, chronic or severe trauma, or have self injurious thoughts or behaviors. My hope for our therapeutic relationship is to meet you "where you are". I am a believer that you are the expert of your own life and therefore should play the leading role in decision making. When working with clients I often use modalities such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Solution Focused Therapy (SFT), and Motivational Interviewing (MI), however I also use Narrative approaches and mindfulness techniques. My hope is to support others in finding what makes their life worth living. I strive to create a safe, non-judgmental, and supportive space so that you are able to work through challenging situations, emotions, or behaviors. You are not alone! My Educational Credentials include: - Licensed by the State of California, Board of Behavioral Sciences (BBS) - Alliant International University Masters in Marriage and Family Therapy To further my education I am regularly seeking trainings, seminars, and conferences to expand my knowledge and expertise. I love to read and explore new topics to better serve my clients. I look forward to starting this journey with you!
Dr. Kristi Hottenstein
Whether you’re experiencing difficult times or new adventures, I’m here to help. I have been a licensed professional counselor in the state of Michigan since 2009. I am the practitioner/owner of Compass Counseling & Coaching, PLLC, a member of the Michigan Mental Health Counselors Association and was appointed to their board in 2021. I have a doctorate in higher education administration from the University of Toledo, a masters in Counseling from the University of La Verne and a bachelors in Sociology from Alma College. I provide counseling for individuals, couples, and teens, as well as provide college selection coaching. I have a very holistic approach to counseling because no two people are the same. I see each client as an individual requiring their own unique approach. I use a variety of counseling techniques, encouraging self-awareness and the acceptance of one’s own responsibilities in their personal journey. I believe the more we know ourselves, the better we can respond to situations.
Amanda Chavez
I am licensed in California with 12 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with relationship issues, family conflicts, & trauma and abuse. I also have experience working with intimacy related issues. 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.
Ramón Matos
I am licensed in California with 15 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with lgbt+-related issues, relationship issues, trauma and abuse, & 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. 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.
Katherine Carter
Hello! I am licensed in California with 24 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with many issues that affect their day to day enjoyment of life, including stress, anxiety, relationship issues, depressed mood, low self esteem, grief, and spirituality. 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 and I am here to support you in that process. I look forward to connecting with you!
Patricia Riley
I am licensed in California with 25 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, & parenting issues. 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.
Fred Lombardo
I am licensed in California with 35 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, & 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 seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process.
Patrice Levy
I am a licensed social worker in NY, NJ, PA, WA, CA, IL, and CO as well as a Credentialed Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Counselor with 12+ years of professional clinical experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, family issues, adolescent/teen specific issues, coping with addictions, trauma and abuse, & motivation, self esteem, and confidence. 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. Feel free to check out my professional site for additional info about me as a clinician: https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/therapists/patrice-m-levy-commack-ny/1081272
Sandra Galvan
I am licensed in California with 12 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, family conflicts, & motivation, self esteem, and confidence. 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. 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.
Sara Ramirez
I am licensed in California with 7 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, coping with grief and loss, & 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!
Margaret McIntyre
I am licensed in California with 30 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, lgbtq+ related issues, family conflicts, & motivation, self esteem, and confidence. 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.
Christina Connery
I am licensed in California with 10 years of professional work experience. I have worked in a variety of social services settings including helping clients with stress and anxiety, trauma and abuse, coping with grief and loss, & parenting issues. Through my own life experiences and passions I have found that I enjoy using my skills, education and compassion to support individuals in navigating a complex world. I work with my clients to create an open and safe environment where thoughts and feelings can be shared without fear of judgment. I believe in a humanistic approach where we start by building rapport so you feel comfortable and safe to share your life. From there I continue the therapeutic process to help you work through our treatment goals. Taking the first step to sign up for therapy can take courage and I am proud of you for getting started!
Sharon Carroll
You look at your life and find it’s not what you hoped for and dreamed of. The do anything and be anyone attitude you once had has either diminished or disappeared altogether. The relationship you believed would enrich your life and even complete you hasn’t been what you expected. At least a part of you has disappeared and you want to get the lost parts back. You long to be seen, heard, understood and valued. I have helped individuals and couples reimagine their lives and create a more authentic and full life. That can be you, too. I will create a safe, nonjudgemental space where you can share, explore and heal. I want to get to know you; help you discover and clarify your goals for counseling; and collaborate with you to heal hurts, reveal strengths, and find a more meaningful life. I will vary my approach to meet your needs, what resonates with you, and what will help you reach your unique goals. I work with male and female clients both individually and as couples. My clients are of varying ages, sexual orientations, and religious backgrounds. I have also facilitated a number of groups with varied focuses, including grief, careers-in-transition groups, and the Daring Way™. (The Daring Way™ is based on the work of Brene Brown, PhD, in the areas of wholehearted living, vulnerability and shame resilience.) My greatest joy comes from helping clients work through or overcome relationship difficulties, walk through grief and loss in its varying forms, move through various life transitions, and build the resilience that will aid them in meeting future challenges. My formal education includes an MA in Psychology from Houston Christian University, an MBA from Rice University, and a BS in Business Administration from the University of Southern California. In addition to the various counselor trainings that are listed in my profile, I am also a Certified Life Coach. I look forward to having the opportunity of getting to know you and sharing a piece of life’s journey!
Cristobal Lopez
I am licensed in California with 16 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress, anxiety, trauma, abuse, & 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!
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:
- 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 featur
- 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 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.
Popular cities in California
- Los Angeles, CA
- San Diego, CA
- San Jose, CA
- San Francisco, CA
- Fresno, CA
- Sacramento, CA
- Long Beach, CA
- Oakland, CA
- Bakersfield, CA
- Anaheim, CA
- Santa Ana, CA
- Riverside, CA
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