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.
Emily Schwimmer
Hello! Good for you reaching out for support today. You are taking a big, worthwhile step! I've been practicing for over 24 years in Sunny Southern California working with adult individuals and couples. My experience is working with mild issues and symptoms around stress, anxiety and feelings of sadness, life transitions and career issues, grief and relationship issues, focusing more on the present and moving forward. I provide a safe space to explore and process the feelings and issues you are experiencing. It's not about getting rid of your feelings but rather learning how to manage them in a more healthy way; learning how to have your thoughts and feelings work together rather than against each other! It's usually best to work through your issues rather than ignoring them or trying to push them aside. I want to help up you live a more joyful life and experience fulfilling relationships. My style would be best described as eclectic. It's based loosely on the foundation of cognitive-behavioral theories and then adapts to each person's unique needs utilizing my experience, empathy and compassion to help you move forward in life. I find that weekly phone calls are the most beneficial with the option of brief messaging in-between appointments if you like. Please do not make any appointments on the platform's calendar before we discuss it. Please note I don't work with EAP subscribers or those submitting bills to an insurance company For those subscribers that are interested, I also focus on the mind-body connection, which includes learning how to live more in the moment. Living more in the moment, rather than being stuck in the past or worried about the future, makes life all the more peaceful and joyful. Mind/body connection exercises for example, include deep breathing, progressive muscle relaxation (tensing and releasing different muscle groups), guided imagery and mindful walking ( a more active form of meditation). All these exercises can help achieve the body's Relaxation Response - physically relaxed and mentally alert. It's what I like to call, "Calm Energy." Research has shown that the Relaxation Response helps in the Reduction of pain, stress, anxiety, fatigue, irritability as well as reducing blood pressure and the stress hormone levels in our bodies. It's been shown to help Increase energy, motivation, productivity and improve decision-making abilities. Although we won't be working face-to-face, you can still learn and benefit from these exercises through instructive emails and/or telephone sessions.
John Johnson
Hello. I appreciate you taking the time to get to know more about me. I have been on planet earth for a long time. I so appreciate having the opportunity to see the consciousness of mankind expand in many ways. And in many ways, it has stayed the same. I would like to think that my life experience has allowed me to experience a range of emotions, trials and tribulations that contributes to my ability to listen and empathize with your situation. The primary trait I bring to the table is that of the wounded healer. I grew up in an abusive atmosphere, and spent most of my life trying to "figure it out". I have experienced many different types of therapy, many of them cathartic and body oriented. I have always found a sense of home in my body. We now know that the heart and the gut both have more neurotransmitters than the brain. I also try to convey the power of Mother Earth to support you on your journey. You are never really alone. The mind is not always the best place to look for solutions, especially for body issues and trauma. Research has proven this to be the case. I have lived in many places, travelled the world, and look forward to spending my elder years sharing what i have learned. I love the West Coast. I grew up in New York City. while there I was a teacher, a dog trainer, a professional dancer, and I performed off off Broadway doing Primal Theatre. I performed for many years doing Playback Theater, a wonderful form where we played back audience member's stories for them. I have been an entrepreneur and business owner for decades, providing tools and information to help people live a happy, healthy, long life. I have coached and worked with many business owners and family businesses. I am confident that I can provide you with a compassionate ear, be a witness to your areas of concern, and help move you towards your goals and aspirations.
Dr. Marva Bourne
Hello. I am a licensed marriage and family therapist with almost twenty years experience working with individuals, couples, and families. In my capacity as a therapist I address issues related to trauma, grief and loss, depression, anxiety, relationship issues, and parenting issues. My education and training includes a a doctoral degree in Marriage and Family Therapy from Loma Linda University, a masters degree in Marriage and Family Therapy, and a masters degree in Education Counseling. My experience has broadened to encompass social work, and in this capacity I have been afforded the ability to work with troubled teens and families who have fostered or adopted children. I work using the modalities of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Trauma Focused Therapy, Solution Focused Therapy, and Emotion Focused Therapy. My area of focus is on the neurobiological effects of early childhood trauma and how this impacts an individual's life trajectory and outcomes. I invite you to take this journey of self-discovery to awareness and healing with me.
Stacy Vitale
I was drawn to the helping profession through my passion for relationships, experiences, and a desire to understand the emotional processes of healing. Life experiences have provided me with an ability to understand common patterns which affect most people in their journeys. I have a passion for emotional healing that improves relation and overall quality of daily experiences for individuals and family. I am a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and have been practicing since 2000. I initially started therapeutic services with under represented minority groups. Focusing on child and adolescents at risk due to lack of resources, and crisis stabilization. After about 11 years I decided to take time off to stay at home with my children. Being a first time mom gave me new perspectives on mental health with first time mothers, depression and anxiety of being a mom whether it is stay at home or a working mother. This prompted me to re educate myself and get experience with perinatal mood disorders. More recently I have been working with young adults transitioning into college. Helping with maladaptive internal and interpersonal psychological dynamics. Utilizing cognitive behavioral approaches to encourage clients to focus on thoughts and behaviors and encourage to make changes. I enjoy engaging in therapy with teens, young adults through older adults who have a desire or need for hope and change. Helping people find connection and improve communication is a privilege for me. My goal is to serve others and make a difference as I assist in the navigation of life challenges. In addition to my training and education I have children of my own and understand the struggles that parents experience along with various dynamics of family relationships.
Eva María Ortiz Elizondo
The decision to seek therapy can be a difficult one. Life is unpredictable and and stressful at times. If you are feeling sad, helpless, anxious, overwhelmed, having difficulty with self-esteem issues, a life transition in your personal/professional life you don’t have to go through it alone. As a clinical therapist I work to make the process comfortable and non judgmental place where growth can take place. Give yourself the opportunity to reflect, challenge yourself and heal whatever is standing in your way. I am licensed in California with 5 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with motivation, self esteem, and confidence, career difficulties, coping with life changes, & executive and professional coaching. I believe in treating everyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion. I am also bilingual, Spanish speaking therapist. 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!
Rodney Lackey
I am licensed in California with 60 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, lgbt-related issues, relationship issues, & anger management. 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!
Betania Hardman
I am licensed in California and Wisconsin. I have 14 years of experience in the mental health field. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, self esteem and confidence issues, difficulties coping with life changes, adjustment issues. 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.
Susan T Lindau
I am licensed in California with more than 20 years of professional experience. I have experience in helping clients with a number of issues including trauma and life stressors. I honor each client and treat with respect, sensitivity, and compassion. I tailor our dialog and treatment plan to meet your own unique goals. It takes courage to take steps towards a happier, fulfilling life. I am here to support & empower you in that journey.
Cindy Claflin
I am licensed in California with 5 years of professional work experience and 3 years as a biblical counselor. I enjoy helping clients with stress and anxiety, motivation, self esteem, and confidence, bipolar disorder, & depression. 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.
Jennifer Davis
I am licensed in California with 8 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 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!
Dr. David Morehead
I am licensed in California with 17 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, trauma and abuse, coping with grief and loss, & anger management. 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!
Leah Szemborski
Each of us was reverently and wonderfully made! But over the course of life many of us have been wounded with injuries that eyes can't see--soul wounds. Those wounds may come from absent or unloving caregivers, bullying, abuse, trauma, neglect, hateful words, injuries or illness, substance abuse, lack of safety, abandonment, rejection, etc. There are many ways a person can be wounded. Those wounds don't just go away, and over time they cause problems in our behavior, thinking, feelings, relationships, families and workplaces. We wonder why this anxiety just won't go away, or why we've sabotaged yet another relationship. We get ugly with the people we love, or feel so out-of-control we don't know what to do. We have unexplained illness and ailments, and the treatments (physical and mental) seem never ending. Yes, these are all symptoms of soul wounds. You are amazing because you have found incredible ways to cope with the difficult and even terrible circumstances you've faced in life! And the good news is that you don't have to live with those wounds forever. Hi. I'm Leah, and I would love to embark on a journey of healing with you. Together we will engage in creative and life-changing interventions, activities and encounters that will help you heal the wounds in your soul, and discover (or rediscover!) the unique and amazing purpose for which you were created! You were meant for so much more, and I would be honored to help you unlock your potential and finally live life to the fullest. I'm going to be honest with you, this is hard work; maybe the hardest work you've ever had to do, but in the end it will all be worth it. What are you waiting for? Let's get started! I am a spiritually integrated therapist and adhere to the American Association of Christian Counseling Code of Ethics, which can be found here: https://www.aacc.net/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/AACC-Code-of-Ethics-Master-Document.pdf
Stephanie Molina
I am licensed in California with over 18 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, coping with addictions, depression, relationship issues, life transitions, 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.
Jasleen Randhawa
I am licensed in California with 9 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with coping with relationship issues, intimacy related issues, addictions, impulsivity, mood issues (depression, bipolar, anxiety) & parenting issues. 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!
Cynthia Clark
I am licensed in California with 7 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress, anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, trauma, & abuse. 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.
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
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