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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Jeff Hartwig

Offering therapy in California
License: MA,PPS,LPCC
Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseGriefAnger managementDepression
12 years of experience

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."

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Alexis Wimer

Offering therapy in California
License: LMFT
Stress, AnxietyFamily conflictsTrauma and abuseParenting issuesDepression
4 years of experience

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!

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Dr. Billie Ivra

Offering therapy in California
Relationship issuesFamily conflictsSelf esteemCareer difficultiesCoping with life changes
30 years of experience

I am a licensed psychologist in California with over 30 years of professional work experience. I have helped clients with a variety of concerns, including relationship issues, family conflicts, childhood trauma, problems with motivation, self-esteem/confidence and career difficulties. My experience has come from a wide variety of settings, including private practice, community mental health-outpatient and inpatient, school administration, and prison populations. I have provided individual, couple, family and group therapy to adolescents and adults. In terms of my personal approach to therapy, I understand that when people are seeking therapy, they ultimately want to live a happier and more gratifying life. I provide a safe place for you to feel unjudged, listened to and supported. We work together to help you gain clarity and insight into your current personal issues and when appropriate, insight into childhood influences. You will set obtainable goals and learn skills to help you to accomplish them and move forward in your life. I believe you are the expert of your story, and you have many strengths that will assist you in identifying and overcoming things that challenge you. Taking the first step in seeking a happier life takes courage and I am here to support you in that process.

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Amanda Butler

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietyGriefParenting issuesSelf esteemCoping with life changes
7 years of experience

I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) registered with the California Board of Behavioral Sciences (BBS) and have 7 years of professional work experience. My expertise includes assisting clients with various challenges such as stress, anxiety, adjustment to new medical diagnoses, parenting issues, teen pregnancy, attention difficulties, general motivation issues, self-esteem, coping with life changes, and more. I firmly believe in treating every individual with respect, sensitivity, and compassion. I will customize our dialogue and treatment plan to meet your unique and specific needs. Taking the first step toward seeking a more fulfilling and happier life requires courage, and I am here to support you throughout that journey. My live sessions are conducted on Saturday and Sunday mornings. For non-live messaging I respond within 24 hours.

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Terumi Pettas

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesTrauma and abuseDepressionCoping with life changes
5 years of experience

The following contains important information about my professional services and policies. Please read the entire document carefully and ask me any questions you have regarding its contents. Introduction I, Terumi Pettas, am a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (lic.# LMFT48914) registered with the State of California Board of Behavioral Sciences. I earned my Master's Degree in Clinical Psychology with a specialization in Addiction Studies from John F. Kennedy University in 2005. I am a member of the California Association for Marriage and Family Therapists. Please feel free to ask questions at any time about my background, experience and professional orientation. About the Therapy Process It is my intention to provide services that will assist you in reaching your goals. We are partners in the therapeutic process. As partners, we will work together to develop a plan for your treatment. Based on the information you provide to me and the specifics of your situation, I will offer feedback and recommendations regarding your treatment and progress. Over the course of therapy, I will attempt to evaluate whether the therapy provided is beneficial to you. While I hope our work together will be effective, the amount and length of treatment varies from patient to patient. I am unable to predict how long you will be in therapy or guarantee a specific outcome or result of our work together. The length of therapy sessions are determined based on each individual’s needs but are generally 45 minutes a session. Typically, sessions are scheduled once per week, at the same day and time each week. Consistent attendance contributes greatly to a successful outcome. Questions Regarding Fees All inquiries regarding fees and subscription should be made directly with BetterHelp. I do not have access to or knowledge about client subscription or fee structure. Your Right to Confidentiality As a psychotherapy patient, you have a right to confidentiality with respect to information related to our work together. Accordingly, information shared between us will generally remain confidential. Exceptions to Confidentiality In certain, limited instances, the law requires me to disclose information pertaining to my work with you. For example, as a therapist I am required to report suspected child, elder, and dependent adult abuse. Similarly, in the event that I believe you present a serious and imminent danger to yourself, another person, or the public, I may be required to disclose information to emergency medical services, law enforcement, and/or another third party that can help to reduce or prevent that danger. Confidentiality and Treatment of Minors If a minor’s parent(s) or guardian(s) give consent for me to treat the minor, I typically provide the parent(s) or guardian(s) with general updates about the minor’s treatment. These updates may include the minor’s diagnosis, treatment plan, progress in therapy, session attendance, or similar information. However, I generally do not share specific details about the minor’s treatment or what the minor has shared with me during sessions unless: 1) the minor gives me permission to disclose such information and I believe the disclosure would be clinically appropriate; or 2) the minor is experiencing a crisis or other emergency circumstance that would authorize me to break confidentiality. If the minor consents to their own treatment, the law generally prohibits me from communicating with their parent(s) or guardian(s) without written authorization from the minor unless the minor is experiencing a crisis or other emergency circumstance that would authorize me to break confidentiality. Please feel free to reach out to me if you have questions about these policies or if you would like to discuss them further. Confidentiality and Couples / Family Therapy If you are participating in couples or family therapy, please be aware that, in most circumstances, the law prohibits me from disclosing confidential information and records regarding the unit of treatment’s services unless all identified patients provide written authorization to release the information. Urgent / Emergency Communications I am unable to provide 24-hour crisis service. If you are ever experiencing a medical or psychiatric emergency or if you are facing an emergency involving a threat to your safety or the safety of someone else, please call 911 to request emergency assistance. In the event of a mental health crisis, you may also call the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline by dialing “988.” Termination of Therapy The length of your treatment and the timing of the eventual termination of your treatment depend on your clinical needs, the specifics of your treatment plan, and the progress you make towards achieving your treatment goals. While I hope you will find our time together beneficial and meaningful, I cannot guarantee the specific outcome(s) or result(s) your treatment will yield. You may discontinue therapy at any time. If one of us determines you are not benefiting from treatment, we can discuss treatment alternatives. These alternatives may include, among other possibilities, changes to your treatment plan, referrals to other therapists, and/or termination of treatment. Social Media Policy: I do not accept or initiate invitations to connect or communicate on any social media site with any current or former client. Questions About My Policies Please let me know if you have any questions about my policies or if you would like to discuss them further. NOTICE TO CLIENTS The Board of Behavioral Sciences receives and responds to complaints regarding services provided within the scope of practice of marriage and family therapists. You may contact the board online at www.bbs.ca.gov, or by calling (916) 574-7830.

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Desiree Alvarado

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsTrauma and abuseSelf esteemDepression
3 years of experience

I am Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) in the states of California and Texas. I have more than 10 years of combined professional experience working in child welfare and abuse, domestic violence, mental health court programs, substance use disorders and complex trauma. As well as working with law enforcement/first responders. *EMDR trained therapist *Certification in Domestic Violence Peer Counseling and Advocacy *Certification in Child forensic Interviewing *Currently working on a Drug and Alcohol Counselor Certification I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, depression, coping with addictions, trauma and abuse, motivation, self-esteem, and confidence. I work within a client centered focus forum and frequently utilize cognitive behavioral therapy. My focus is to help you unravel those thoughts/behaviors that create negative responses in your life and guide you through developing realistic tools that will yield a positive outcome, whatever that may look like to you. 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 establishing rapport and trust with my clients, so they are able to feel as open as needed to unpack things that hinder you from being your best self. Taking the first step to seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support and guide you through that process.

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Corrie Keener

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesTrauma and abuseSelf esteemCoping with life changes
4 years of experience

Are you looking for a Christian LMFT, someone who truly loves Jesus? That's me! This is how I can help you! With your permission, I integrate the Bible with psychological tools. This brings you an opportunity to TRULY heal and reach your goals. I have my Masters degree in Marriage and Family therapy from California Baptist University. I am trauma-trained and love working with those whose pain is interrupting their life. If the past won't go away, or you have a hunch that it might be why you are stuck in your current life, then you are probably right. I want you to know you are not alone; I will walk that healing journey with you. What am I like?: One of my clients once told me, "You're real!" I replied, "Yes, the real me allows you to be the real you." They added, "You genuinely care." And they were right. I care about your pain. What makes you want to do this job...is all this pain too much for you to hear all the time?: No, because I know healing is happening, and I get to watch the process. Who wouldn't want to watch God work in someone's life? In fact, you will find my greatest joy is when you decide to end therapy. Nothing is better than seeing you reach your goals and release the pain! (Although it is sad to say goodbye.) Still nervous to start?: Let's begin if you're tired of circling around the same topics with no progress! We can work as slow or as fast as you want. You set the pace! Also, remember: You can switch to another therapist with BetterHelp if I'm not the right fit for you. Don't worry; if I am not, I'll encourage you to keep looking for your safe person rather than settle.

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Susan Hayatghaib

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesSelf esteemBipolar disorderDepression
25 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 25 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with depression, stress and anxiety, relationship issues, motivation, self esteem, and confidence, & bipolar disorder. 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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Renee Monrad

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsRelationship issuesGriefDepression
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, coping with addictions, relationship issues, & coping with grief and loss. 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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Melissa Filla

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietyGriefSelf esteemDepressionCoping with life changes
12 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 12 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, coping with grief and loss, 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. 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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