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.
Connie Won
Hello, and welcome to BetterHelp! My approach to therapy is psychodynamic, with a particular interest in relationships/codependency, childhood trauma, attachment issues, and loss/grief. I would be honored to hear your story and be a part of your journey.
Dina Vineberg
Hi There! I am a dual licensed professional counselor in both Florida and California State. My last twenty years of direct support positions working with a myriad of populations and ages has included counseling adolescents in high schools and foster care agencies, newly homeless, pregnant women in a non-profit agency (suffering from depression due to domestic violence), chronically mentally ill patients in hospital care, elderly clientele in an adult care facility, adults facing trauma and grief, and all ages on a crisis and text line. Through all these experiences I have been extremely humbled by so many people allowing me to enter their worlds. As a therapist, I utilize a person-centered approach using warmth, compassion, and and humor to understand each person I meet. I am especially attuned to those suffering loss or trauma, as I personally have lost two family members to depression. These losses have given me a special gift to help heal those around me and compel me to soften the anxiety, depression, or confusion of those who need it. I especially try to help people become more resilient in their lives since I have had to personally be this way and not to succumb to the hardships I have had to face. Rather than letting these hardships define me, I have wanted to connect with others and provide support for others facing life struggles. On a personal level, I am especially connected to nature and animals and have been an avid animal rescuer my entire life. I look forward to hearing YOUR story.
Sophia Burton
Welcome! My name is Sophia and I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. You have taken the first step on the journey to building a better life for yourself . Together we will create a space where you can figure out the changes you would like to make in your life to become happier and more fulfilled. In a non-judgmental, compassionate atmosphere we will talk about what has brought you to counseling at this time, review your strengths, explore what is really important to you and build the skills that will enable you to cope with the difficulties of daily living. Every person is unique and I will draw from a variety of treatment modalities that I am experienced in to find the best fit for you. The different types of therapy I use all have in common a focus on building on a person’s strengths to help them let go of what is getting in the way of them living their best life. The therapeutic approaches I use most frequently are: Solution Focused Brief Therapy, Acceptance & Commitment Therapy, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, Mindfulness, and Positive Psychology. I have extensive experience working with young adults, adults, parents and families. I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in both California and Rhode Island. If this sounds like a good fit for you let me tell you a bit about myself. I was born and raised in the United Kingdom and attended Oxford University for my undergraduate degree. I have been in the US for over twenty years and during that time I have lived on the east and west coast and am now settled in California. I completed my Master of Social Work degree at Rhode Island College. I have worked in a variety of settings including a high school, a community mental health center and a group private practice. My experiences of relocating, being lonely, learning to live in a new culture and raising a family all give me first hand experience of how hard life can be. These life events have brought me to a place where I listen with compassion and without judgement. I look forward to working with you.
Autumn Jones
Welcome to Better Help! Making the decision to explore your vulnerabilities with a mental health professional can be difficult. I applaud you for stepping out of your comfort zone and into change and rediscovery. My name is Autumn Jones and I believe that building trust by creating a clinical space free from judgment has allowed me to also create a professional connection and rapport. Some of my most important work has been helping people adjust to change while working through both physical and mental challenges resulting from depression, anxiety, trauma, poor self-image, adjusting to illness and stress. Although I am skilled at using various treatment modalities such as strengths-based therapy, cognitive behavior therapy, motivational interviewing and mindfulness, I maintain flexibility depending on your needs and preferences. This approach enables me to follow your lead to help you meet your desired goals and expectations. I am a licensed clinical social worker in Michigan, California and Florida. I earned a dual degree in Psychology and Sociology and a master’s degree in Social Work. I have committed to a life of discovery and growth, which provided me with the opportunity to travel the world while meeting people with unique cultural differences and traditions. Over the past 13 years, much of what I have learned personally and professionally has been incorporated into my work. I look forward to working with you as you seek clarity and embrace growth. Please feel free to contact me anytime through Better Help. I usually check messages twice each day of the week. I offer messaging, live chat, phone and video sessions with availability during evenings and weekends.
Dr. Paula Alvarez
Greetings! I am a licensed clinical social worker (LCSW) in the states of California, Illinois, and Missouri, and I have a doctorate in Organizational Psychology. I have worked in locked and outpatient mental health facilities for the last 30 years. I facilitated group treatment of domestic violence perpetrators in Spanish and English for eight years. I specialize in treating trauma-related symptoms, anxiety and depression, anger management, geriatric well-being, mental health recovery, cultural diversity issues, and self-esteem issues. My doctorate degree (EdD) In Leadership and Learning with a specialization in Organizational Psychology was conferred on May 27, 2021. I use a client-centered approach (Carl Rogers), and I know that the client is the expert. I tailor my therapy sessions to what the client wants. I used cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) with those who like CBT interventions. I offer homework assignments and bibliotherapy for those clients who want those interventions. I also use Brief-Solution Focused Therapy, Trauma-Informed Therapy, and Motivational Interviewing techniques. I invite you to contact me to see if I am a good fit to help and empower you on your journey to better living.
Anke Kalaiah
Hello there! Welcome to the pages of better help, and welcome to my counselor profile. My name is Anke Kalaiah, I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, and it is my pleasure to be able to introduce myself to you. This year has been extremely tough for so many of us. Anxiety and depression seem to be on an all-time high. Every week or even every day seems to bring on some other uncertainty and challenge - from Pandemics to economic struggles, societal unrest, natural catastrophes like fires and storms, and questions about how to juggle all of our different responsibilities: working from home, caring for others and teaching our children. It seems to become more and more difficult to be able to find security and plan ahead, while at the same time self-care is becoming more important than ever before. All of these issues can feel very overwhelming, and it can feel like we have so many things on our plate that we do not even know where to start. Many people are experiencing sleeplessness, mood changes, stress related issues, relational stress and maybe even somatic symptoms like chronic headaches or pains brought on by the current circumstances. In this challenging situation having a counselor available to reach out and to connect with from the comfort and safety of your own home, 7 days per week can be extremely helpful. I congratulate you for having been brave enough to take the first step in reaching out for help, and I'm looking forward to getting in contact with you to learn more about your individual situation and to assess together and collaboratively with you how I might be able to be of assistance. I have a Bachelor degree in German and Socialpsychology from Ruhr University in Bochum (Germany,) and as an immigrant myself I am very familiar with issues related to immigration, expats, multicultural families and difficulties related to cultural assimilation. I completed my Masters degree in Counseling Psychology at Santa Clara University in CA in 2011, and I received my license as a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in 2014. I have in total over 12 years of clinical experience with clients in a variety of clinical settings, and I have worked with a wide array of clients from diverse cultural backgrounds and all age groups. My focus within the last years has been Trauma and Abuse, Domestic Violence, Sexual Abuse, as well as Family and Marital Conflict, Divorce, Coparenting Problems, Blended Families and Parenting Problems. My approach to therapy is eclectic. I draw on a variety of therapeutic approaches and modalities to be able to provide my clients with tools and skills that they can use to be able to better master the challenges that they are facing. I work from a client centered perspective, which means that I believe that clients are the best experts on their own lives and should be able to determine the direction and depth of therapy. I utilize a strengths-based and solutions-focused lens to guide my clients in identifying strengths and developing treatment plans that accomplish their goals. Through Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), I assist clients in exploring relationships among thoughts, feelings, and behaviors to aid in discovering dysfunctional thought patterns leading to self-destructive behaviors and beliefs. Using Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), I support clients through developing skills: mindfulness, distress tolerance, interpersonal effectiveness, and emotion regulation with the goal of moving clients towards a life involving the capacity for experiencing joy and freedom. Please reach out to me any time. I am looking forward to working with you.
Marisa Katzman
Hello! My name is Marisa and I am a Licensed Clinical Social worker (LCSW) in the state of California and Licensed Independent Social Worker in the state of South Carolina (LISW). I have ten years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with overcoming/coping with addictions, motivation, self esteem, and confidence, & 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.
Theresa Leal
I am licensed in California with 20 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with 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 seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process.
Colter Diehl
I am licensed in California with 6 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, coping with grief and loss, & 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.
Shannon Hartman
I am licensed in California with 15 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, coping with grief and loss, depression, & 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!
Orneya Bilal
I am licensed in California with 6 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 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!
William "Keith" Jones
Hello, I'm therapist, Keith Jones . I am a LPCC with extensive experience with Substance Use Disorder issues. My passion is in the area of performance which has lead me to counsel individuals, athletes, artist, students, professionals, executives , groups and teams. This person- centered approach has been successful in helping clients identify their strengths, and to address the areas that keep them from their top performance. Together we will device a treatment plan and practice that will help you reach your goals and and let you be your best self.
Michele Caban
I am licensed in California with 35 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, trauma and abuse, & coping with grief and loss. 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!
Sneha Carr
I am licensed in California with 7 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress, anxiety, relationship issues, motivation, self esteem, & confidence. 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. 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. (Due to conflict of interest, please no Kaiser Permanente patients.)
Natasha Mcgee
I am licensed in California with 6 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress, anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, 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. My character has led me to choose counseling as my career: my compassion, genuine eagerness to help people, personal experiences, and ability to empathize with a non-biased view of the emotional pain of others. I am attentive and a great listener and I pride myself on always being authentic.
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