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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Dr. Ettie Bailey

Offering therapy in California
License: LMFT
AddictionsTrauma and abuseSelf esteemBipolar disorderDepression
10 years of experience

I am a marriage and family therapist licensed and working in the state of California, I also hold a doctorate in marriage and family therapy. Clinical experience includes anxiety, depression, addiction, issues related to gender/sexuality, trauma, abuse, and adjustment disorders. The youngest client I have worked with was 5 years of age and the oldest was 73. Given the extensiveness of my experience, there is no topic I will not address if it is the need of my client. I believe respect is crucial in the therapeutic relationship and approach my client’s with compassion, sensitivity, and warmth. My core theory of change is Strategic with certification as a Trauma Focused-Cognitive Behavioral Therapist, and I incorporate, cognitive behavioral therapy, narrative therapy and the humanistic approach. Additionally, I utilize the Alpha-Stim (biofeedback) for severe and persistent depression, anxiety, PTSD, and insomnia if this treatment modality is appropriate for my client. I tailor the treatment plan and therapeutic dialogue to meet your specific needs and work hard to ensure your unique needs are met. Engaging in therapy is scary and I applaud you for taking the necessary steps towards change. If you are ready, I am here to support and empower you. I look forward to working with you.

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Regina Phelps

Offering therapy in California
License: LMFT
Family conflictsCareer difficultiesCoping with life changes
9 years of experience

Hello! I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) in the state of California. I have been working in the social services field for approximately 25 years, and have been a licensed therapist since 2012. I have experience conducting individual, couples and group therapy, in both residential and outpatient settings. Clients I see have presented with a variety of challenges, including anxiety, relationship and parenting issues, grief/loss, addiction, trauma, and dealing with life’s transitions. My approach to therapy is person/client centered in nature, meaning that I start new therapeutic relationships by making every effort to meet each person "where they are" and to serve as a support for each individual who is progressing through their own unique process of self-discovery and personal growth. In my work with clients, I use some of the leading psychological modalities, such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), and Solution-Focused Therapy. I will also use elements of Narrative, Strategic, and Family Systems approaches as appropriate. Clinical Approaches: • Solution Focused Therapy • Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) • Motivational Interviewing • Twelve Step support • Psychodynamic Interventions SPECIALTIES • Relationship issues • Stress and Anxiety • Addictions and Codependency • Grief and Loss • Transitions/Life changes Also experienced in: • Parenting issues • Self-esteem • Work w/ Military/Veterans/First Responders My Educational Credentials include: - Licensed by the State of California, Board of Behavioral Sciences (BBS) - California State University, Fresno Masters of Arts in Counseling Psychology - Trained in Psychological First Aid I believe in creating a space where we can have difficult conversations, work on resolving issues and collaborate on treatment plans that are tailored to your personal needs and experiences. I appreciate the courage and motivation needed to reach out for additional support, and I want to thank you for trusting me to assist as you work through your personal challenges. I look forward to working with you!

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Zaya Kuykendall

Offering therapy in California
License: MA,LMHC,LPC
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsRelationship issuesTrauma and abuseDepression
16 years of experience

Do you ever feel like you just need to reset, to get a tune-up so to speak? You are not alone, if you have. Life happens fast! At times it can be hard and we, as mere humans, have to fight to find balance. That balance, reset button, tune-up is within you and as my client I will assist you in finding it. I will take the time to help you reconnect with yourself, regulate your emotions and assess your goals/priorities. Through a collaborative approach, we will share our thoughts, ideas and then decide how to move forward. I encourage openness, honesty - a sense of stability that will help facilitate dialogue and growth. I have an eclectic therapeutic approach with heavy influences of Gestalt, motivational interviewing and Solution Focus therapy. I provide support and feedback - in order to assist clients in addressing obstacles that they may encounter in their lives. I focus on building personal strengths, obtaining ‘closure’ with unfinished business (road blocks) and identifying feelings/emotions. Sessions will work towards a journey of self-awareness. I have been working in the helping field for more than fifteen years, and as a practicing psychotherapist for ten. I have a Bachelors of Science in Psychology (2000) and graduated with my Master of Arts in Professional Counseling in 2004. I have developed a knowledge base and specialization in the areas of domestic violence, child development/parenting, familial discord, women’s issues, and substance abuse throughout the years. I provide therapy with children and adults in individual, group, family, couples and e-therapy platforms. The journey of life is filled with bumps, turns, twist, manholes, road blocks & ditches; whatever the obstacles we face, we MUST stay on the road. We can not give up on self. Only on your personal road, on your journey will you find your inner calm and tranquility...let's make happiness a part of your journey. It is my belief that therapy is mental wound treatment. Just as you would not let a burn on your arm fester with no treatment, you should not let faulty cognitions (stinking thinking), past trauma and other life experiences fester. These mental wounds need care; identification, treatment, plan of care and the ability to heal.

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Marimar Rosa Monge

Offering therapy in California
License: LCSW
Stress, AnxietyFamily conflictsAnger managementSelf esteemDepression
9 years of experience

Hello, My name is Marimar Rosa. I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. I have a Bachelor’s and Master’s Degree in Social Work. I am bilingual (Spanish and English). I provide counseling to couples, families, individuals. The age range that I provide counseling services to are teenagers, adults and elders. I would love to communicate with you to help you establish and achieve goals. This could help us work towards improving the quality your life and relationship. I could also help provide support for conflicts in your work environment and create healthy habits to overcome the tension caused by the Pandemic. I am here to help for those times in life where we feel vulnerable, confused and in need of a guidance. I would be honored to help you in this process of healing and improvement.

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Alexis Tyson

Offering therapy in California
License: LMFT
AddictionsRelationship issuesTrauma and abuseBipolar disorderDepression
9 years of experience

I’m a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist committed to helping individuals pinpoint and solve emotional, mental and interpersonal problems. My work focuses on targeting ineffective behaviors, habits, and beliefs that interfere with your daily life. I believe in taking a collaborative approach to helping clients reach their goals. I have 9 years of experience working with anxiety, depression, trauma and addiction. Under the umbrella of a humanistic, existential, and cognitive behavior-based approach, modalities used in treatment include Client Centered Therapy, Gestalt Therapy, CBT, and mindfulness-based interventions. If you’re struggling to cope with anxiety, trauma, depression or addiction, I can help you navigate these struggles, and together find a path forward. It takes courage to seek a more fulfilling and happier life and to take the first steps towards change. If you are ready to take that step, I am here to support and empower you.

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Rachael Topel

Offering therapy in California
Relationship issuesFamily conflictsParenting issuesSelf esteemDepression
10 years of experience

I am licensed in California, District of Columbia, and Florida with 10 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with relationship issues, family conflicts, parenting issues, 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 sign up for therapy can take courage and I am proud of you for getting started!

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Julie Knight

Offering therapy in California
License: LPC
Stress, AnxietyLGBTSelf esteemDepressionCoping with life changes
30 years of experience

Hi, I am a practicing Licensed Professional Counselor for the past 20 years and have over 30 years working in the mental health field. My experience ranges from working on inpatient psychiatric units and in crisis counseling programs, to providing individual and family therapy. My therapeutic approach is always person centered, strengths based and goal oriented. Whether you are having a crisis in your life, have suffered a loss, are adjusting to changing situations in your life, or are just wanting to be happier and feel better about yourself, I can help you. I have a passion for helping the LBGTQ community, be that helping someone through the coming out process, improve family relationships and develop healthy confidence and self-esteem in a culture that is still sometimes condemning and unsupportive. I like to help family members of LGBTQ folks better understand and improve ways of showing loving support and overcoming any obstacles to being supportive. Another population that I have a passion for helping is Highly Sensitive People. Many people get diagnosed with major mental illnesses due to their symptoms of having difficulty coping with a stressful and chaotic world. Highly Sensitive people, and introverts, are often misunderstood and criticized for being themselves and end up feeling like something is wrong with them, when, in fact, they may just have traits that need to be understood, honored and respected. Our culture tends to value extroversion and toughness, and yet sensitives and introverts are some of the most creative, artistic, kind and empathetic people on the planet. Sensitivity and introversion are not problems or things to change, explain or defend. They are wonderful traits that you can understand better and therefore develop greater confidence and ways of communicating your needs and feelings. If you wonder if you are a Highly Hi Sensitive person, Google search Highly Sensitive Person self test and check out Elaine Aron’s work online. I also enjoy and have experience working with Autism Spectrum folks. I like to help people develop deeper insights and understanding of their unique personality, and using such insight to improve communication, relationships and life choices. I frequently work with people on knowing and understanding their personality typology (based on Carl Jung’s work and Myers Briggs test) and will link you to free online tests to get the information you need to better understand yourself and how you fit with other personality types. This kind of insight therapy will help you throughout your life rather than just focusing on addressing the issues of today. If you can relate to any of this information, I may be a great therapy fit for you and would love to work with you. -Julie

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Nancy Schulz

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

I am licensed in California with 16 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, trauma and abuse, & 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. 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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Wendy Chan

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietyFamily conflictsSelf esteemDepressionCoping 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 stress, anxiety, family conflicts, motivation, self esteem, confidence, & 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 seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process.

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Karen Swanson

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesGriefSelf esteemDepression
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, motivation, self esteem, & confidence. I also have experience working with 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.

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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