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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Daniel Barrera

Offering therapy in California
License: MA,LMFT
Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseSelf esteemDepression
10 years of experience

Hello, my name is Daniel Barrera and I am a licensed marriage and family therapist (LMFT). I earned my master’s in clinical psychology from Hope International University in Fullerton, CA. I have ten years in the inpatient / counseling field focus in the areas of anxiety, depression, daily stressors, PTSD, developing coping strategies, and young adult concerns. My therapy approach includes cognitive behavioral therapy, person-centered and solution focused. I believe that changes may only occur when we are honest with ourselves and willing to open our minds to explore new life strategies that can take us down a better path to change and happiness. The future is ahead, let it begin today.

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Maria "Esperanza" Guzman

Offering therapy in California
License: M.S., LMFT
Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseParenting issuesAnger managementDepression
15 years of experience

I love being a helper. I help clients identify and process their thoughts, feelings and identify barriers to their success and well being. The end goal of therapy for my clients is to be able to take their new life tools and knowledge, and to be able to independently apply them and maintain the progress they made. I have successfully helped clients struggling with loss, abandonment, depression, anxiety, parenting, anger and family conflicts. Helping clients take control over their lives. I have over 15 years of experience working as a psychotherapist helping young adults, parents and families develop and work toward their own goals. Because each client is unique with unique needs, so must the treatment interventions be. My approach to addressing your issues depends on the problem and your needs. We can focus on a problem and together find solutions, or we can process deep emotions that are difficult to manage. We can address relational issues such as parent/child relationships, family relationships, social and work relationships, or the relationship with yourself. All in a safe and friendly space.

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Nancy Satterwhite

Offering therapy in California
Relationship issuesFamily conflictsTrauma and abuseGriefParenting issues
10 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 10 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with relationship issues, family conflicts, trauma and abuse, & coping with grief and loss. 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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Megan Egner

Offering therapy in California
Parenting issuesDepression
10 years of experience

I am licensed in California and Washington with 10 years of professional work experience. 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.

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Silvie Wilson

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseGriefSelf esteemDepression
11 years of experience

I am licensed in California with over 10 years of professional work experience. I have extensive experience working with teens and young adults, as well as Spanish speaking clients. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, trauma and abuse, coping with grief and loss, building motivation, self esteem, and confidence. My specific area of interest is in using somatic (body awareness based) approaches to find individualized strategies to help my clients overcome fears, traumas, negative beliefs, abuse, and other struggles that affect people and stop them from reaching their potential. I also utilize various respected personality tests (such as Meyers-Briggs and Enneagram) to gain a deeper understanding of my clients, and help them make sense of their experiences. I have also studied astrology and can offer insights pertaining to that depending on my clients preferences. 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. My goal in therapy is always to empower you, shine a light on your unique strengths, and help you to gain belief in your purpose and faith in your future. It takes courage to open up and ask for help to seek out a more fulfilling and happy life, and to take the first steps towards a change. I am here to support & empower you in that journey.

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Nicole Stalker

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesSelf esteemCompassion fatigueADHD
14 years of experience

I am a licensed clinical social worker licensed in Colorado and California with 14 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, motivation, self esteem and confidence, child behavior, grief and loss, & compassion fatigue. My therapy approach is warm and interactive. I believe in treating everyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion. My approach is client-centered and solution-focused. 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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Ariane Willis-Smith

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietyDepression
3 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 & 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 sign up for therapy can take courage and I am proud of you for getting started!

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Margarita Colon

Offering therapy in California
Trauma and abuseGriefAnger 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 trauma and abuse, coping with grief and loss, 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! I am a strength-based therapist who believes that everyone deserves to be treated with respect. I also work from a psychodynamic approach and incorporate motivational interviewing in my therapeutic relationship style. I know how important the decision to start a therapeutic process is, and I am proud of you for taking the first steps into this journey. We will work together to make this experience a life-changing one. See you soon!

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Emily Courney

Offering therapy in California
LGBTRelationship issuesTrauma and abuseIntimacy-related issuesSelf esteem
3 years of experience

Emily Courney is a licensed marriage and family therapist in California with 3 years of clinical experience. Emily has a background in research and academia as well as a specialization in sex therapy. In addition to her training as an LMFT, this specialization means she is equipped to work with issues ranging from severe sexual trauma to gender/sexual orientation issues, as well as common intimacy concerns. During your sessions, you will work with Emily J. Courney, LMFT to increase self-awareness surrounding long-standing patterns in order to nurture congruence between your internal world and outward actions. Emily's approach is influenced primarily by existentialist, psychodynamic, and attachment theories. In other words, she will work through several combined approaches in order to help you identify how your past experiences have shaped the way you interact with the world today. Emily has worked with clients from diverse backgrounds and cultures, as well as families and individuals of all ages. She is experienced in helping her clients through self-esteem issues, identity exploration, intimacy issues, anxiety, depression, grief, addiction, LGBTQ+ issues, and sexual trauma. Collaboratively, you will work toward goals you set together, celebrating achievements along the way.

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Leslie LaMay

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

Hi there! My name is Leslie and I'm so excited to meet you. I am a licensed professional in California (LCSW 123946). My areas of expertise include working with the impacts of trauma and abuse, stress and anxiety, relationship issues, motivation, and self esteem. During my day job, I oversee a therapy program for teens and young adults at a local non profit. I believe in treating everyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion - and my sessions will always be a safe space. My approach is humanistic and person-centered, and I customize my chosen interventions based off the individual needs that we'll identify together. 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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Amada Battista

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsSelf esteemDepressionCoping with life changes
10 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 10 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, coping with addictions, motivation, self esteem, and confidence, & depression. 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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Matthew Breuer

Offering therapy in California
AddictionsLGBTBipolar disorderDepressionADHD
8 years of experience

Howdy! ???? I am licensed in California & Wisconsin with over 8 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with coping with addictions, lgbtq+ related issues, bipolar disorder, & depression. 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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Penny Gifford

Offering therapy in California
License: MS, LAC, LCPC
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsSelf esteemDepressionCoping with life changes
27 years of experience

Your recovery begins here. I seek to help adults in individual sessions to integrate new and healthy skills to gain self-empowerment and improve your life. Whether you struggle with mental health issues or change of life issues the goal is to provide a supportive therapeutic environment to empower you to grow and make effective changes in your life. Creating a collaborative, non-judgmental and positive atmosphere is a crucial piece to your healing process and change. I have extensive experience with the following conditions: anger management, anxiety & stress, co-dependency, family discord, eating disorders, grief & loss, life purpose & transition, mood disorders, obsessive compulsive disorders, post- traumatic stress disorders. I employ treatment through integrative counseling by drawing on behavioral therapies, psychodynamic therapy & humanistic therapies to help you learn, grow and heal by guiding you through a directive and solution focused process.

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Robert Black

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

I am licensed in California with 5 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress, anxiety, relationship issues, 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. 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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Maria Favela Castro

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

I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist specializing in trauma-informed, culturally responsive therapy for individuals, couples, and families. My approach is grounded in cultural humility and evidence-based practices, including EMDR and CBT, and I provide therapy in both English and Spanish. I work with clients across a range of backgrounds, helping them feel respected, understood, and empowered in their healing journey. Throughout my career, I have focused on supporting individuals with a variety of needs, from personal and relational challenges to more complex issues such as substance use disorders and co-occurring mental health conditions. In addition to individual and family therapy, I facilitate group sessions, lead crisis interventions, and collaborate with community resources to offer comprehensive, long-term support. I also have a strong foundation in child and family services, where I’ve worked extensively with youth and adults experiencing trauma, behavioral challenges, and life transitions. My goal is to create a safe, nonjudgmental space where clients can openly explore their struggles and receive guidance tailored to their unique strengths and circumstances. Whether you’re seeking to overcome personal challenges, improve family dynamics, or navigate a difficult transition, I am here to support you with compassion, empathy, and dedication. Together, we’ll work toward achieving your mental health and wellness goals, building resilience and hope for the future.

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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