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.
Jeff Hartwig
Jeff began counseling youth in public school districts. His present work involves assisting adult individuals with: developing insights and coping skills, overcoming PTSD, anger, anxiety, depression, moving past grief, trauma and loss. His clients include a diverse population within the entertainment industry, medical professionals, social services, and military personnel. In addition, he also worked with athlete's to strengthen their mental focus. Jeff believes in having a non-judgmental approach through the process of listening to his clients. Jeff feels it has been an honor to assist clients in changing their lives. Jeff earned a Masters degree in Educational Counseling from Azusa Pacific University. He then began counseling in school districts, working with youth struggling through challenges of: parental conflict, divorce, ADHD, ADD, social anxiety, impulsive behaviors, stress and sports enhancement. Jeff returned to Azusa Pacific University to earn a Licensed Professional Clinical Counseling degree. He has since assisted adults through their personal struggles such as: anxiety, anger, depression, grief and loss, plus many other diagnoses. Jeff has also assisted individuals who simply desired a person to stand shoulder to shoulder when they desired a nonjudgmental ear. Jeff's belief is " As I assist those that seek me out, I know there are others in that person's life I may never meet. But the help I give will impact more than the person in front of me. That to me is an inspiring feeling."
Mary Baez
Hi my name is Mary Baez. I am a Marriage and Family Therapist registered in the state of California. I have been working in the mental health field for fifteen years in a varieties of settings, giving me a wealth of knowledge on human behavior. Beyond my educational qualifications I have learned and continue to learn from the clients I have had the pleasure and honor of serving throughout my years of clinical practice. The learning never stops and the resiliency of the human spirit is amazing. I also am a clinical supervisor of up and coming therapists. It is of upmost importance to me to build a trusting therapist/client relationship in the beginning of the therapeutic process. This is done by listening with my whole heart in a non-judgmental stance to allow for soulful sharing and feeling heard and understood. My basic approach to therapy is Person Centered, which purports unconditional positive regard. The interventions I use are eclectic and tailored to the unique and individual needs of each client. I work from a holistic and strength based philosophy to assist clients in going within to find their truth and act upon it by living a life worth living based on self-discovery. Clinical Approaches: Trauma Focused Therapy EMDR Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Dialectical Behavioral Therapy Solution Focused Therapy
Tishawna Mims
Hello! My name is Tishawna Mims and I am a Licensed Marriage and Family therapist (LMFT) with the state of California. I have over 6 years of experience in the mental health field and substance use field. I have worked with various populations within community agencies. I have a passion for helping and welcome the opportunity to meet with you! Now, I do realize that coming to therapy is initially a scary process, but I am here every step of the way providing a safe, authentic, respectful, nonjudgmental and a compassionate environment. My therapeutic approach is client centered and individualize to the person’s need. I am trained in Cognitive Behavioral therapy, Dialectical behavioral therapy, and EMDR. I am also trained in Solution focus therapy and Motivational Interviewing.
Dr. Lisa Vaughn
Have you ever felt overwhelmed with life and just needed someone to talk to. Someone to listen and help you make sense of everything? I specialize in hurting individuals, couples, adolescents and families with an emphasis on relationships, depression, anxiety, family dysfunctional strongholds and trauma. Using an Integrative Psychotherapist approach. Which means that I utilize a variety of orientations and therapies to address the client's individual needs. I provide therapy from a Biblical perspective. I foster an environment where the client can be comfortable without feeling judged or concerned about confidentiality . I am an experienced, competent, professional Marriage and Family therapist. Known for a warm, relaxed, comfortable approach. Working with clients from a strength-based affirming perspective. Addressing issues for personal and emotional growth. My focus is authentic Biblical Counseling. Identifying dysfunctional family history strongholds to help the family obtain a visual perspective on life long generational patterns of abuse and negative consequences.
Elizabeth O'Malley
I am licensed in California with 6 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, & family conflicts. I also have experience working with parenting issues, especially parenting children with moderate to severe mental health challenges. 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.
Eryn Keller-Arndt
I am licensed in California with over 7 years of professional work experience. I have previously worked in community mental health settings and hospice. I have experience in helping clients coping with grief and loss, major life transitions, addiction, self esteem, domestic violence, trauma, homelessness, depression, and anxiety. I believe that everyone deserves to be treated with resect, an open mind, and compassion. I feel strongly that therapy should be tailored to fit each person's needs in respect to their desired outcomes, life experiences, and beliefs. My approach includes a combination of humanistic, cognitive, behavioral, and existential therapies, as well as motivational interviewing and trauma-focused techniques. I believe that therapy is a journey in which we work as a team to improve your quality of life. I look forward to working with you to create goals and a treatment plan to meet your unique and specific needs. It takes great strength to reach out for help and you should be proud. I am truly honored to work with you!
Eric Aldaco
I am licensed in California with 14 years of professional work experience. I believe that you are the expert of your life journey 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 life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process. I am a Christian therapist and my approach to therapy is from a biblical perspective. I look forward in meeting you and collaboratively engaging in a strength base therapeutic model in treatment.
Cheri Williams
I am licensed in California with 14 plus years of professional work experience. I specialize in in helping clients with anxiety, stress and depression as well as parenting issues, motivation, self-esteem, confidence and Autism. I also have experience and expertise in treating couples to repair trust, improve communication, and strengthen emotional intimacy. Additionally, I have an understanding of Christian faith-based issues and am committed to providing a compassionate, holistic approach that integrates mental health and faith. Whether you're looking for guidance on personal struggles or relational difficulties, I'm here to walk alongside you, offering practical tools and insights to help you find peace and healing Taking the first step to seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process.
Edwin Hernandez
I am licensed in California with 9 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, motivation, self esteem, and confidence, & career difficulties. I also have experience working with 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.
Christi Bell
I am licensed in California with 3 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, lgbtq+ related issues, relationship issues, & 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.
Marilyn Brodersen
I am licensed in California with 30 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, coping with addictions, depression, relationship issues, & trauma and abuse. 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.
Rose Perez
Welcome and I am so glad that you have decided to take that important first step in reaching out for support. I appreciate you giving me the opportunity to work with you. I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) with the state of California, a Substance Use Disorder Certified Counselor (SUDCC). The treatment approach I primarily use but not limited to is Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT) to assist individuals in recognizing how their thoughts and feelings can influence their behavior. Using CBT, individuals learn how to identify and change destructive or disturbing thought patterns that have a negative influence on behavior enabling them to feel more satisfied with their lives. I also use strength-based perspective; that means working together to find past and present successes and using these to address the challenges currently being faced. I am licensed in California with 12 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, lgbtq+ related issues, anger management, & 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. 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.
Tiffany Cutler
I am licensed in California and Florida with 10 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. Taking the first step to sign up for therapy can take courage and I am proud of you for getting started!
Adekunle Ilori
I am licensed in California with 4 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with trauma and abuse, coping with grief and loss, motivation, self-esteem, and 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. Taking the first step to sign up for therapy can take courage and I am proud of you for getting started!
Frances Bennett
I am licensed in California with 5 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress, anxiety, family conflicts, coping with grief, coping with loss, motivation, self esteem, & confidence. I also have experience working with 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 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
Find your state
- Alabama
- Alaska
- Arizona
- Arkansas
- California
- Colorado
- Connecticut
- Delaware
- District of Columbia
- Florida
- Georgia
- Hawaii
- Idaho
- Illinois
- Indiana
- Iowa
- Kansas
- Kentucky
- Louisiana
- Maine
- Maryland
- Massachusetts
- Michigan
- Minnesota
- Mississippi
- Missouri
- Montana
- Nebraska
- Nevada
- New Hampshire
- New Jersey
- New Mexico
- New York
- North Carolina
- North Dakota
- Ohio
- Oklahoma
- Oregon
- Pennsylvania
- Rhode Island
- South Carolina
- South Dakota
- Tennessee
- Texas
- Utah
- Vermont
- Virginia
- Washington
- West Virginia
- Wisconsin
- Wyoming