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. Maria Kim

Offering therapy in California
License: Ph.D. in Expressive Therapies,Board Certified Art Therapist(ATR-BC),Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist(LMFT)
Stress, AnxietyParenting issuesSelf esteemDepression
15 years of experience

I am a marriage and family therapist licensed in California and Illinois over 10 years of experience working as a psychotherapist and art therapist, and am a Ph.D. in expressive therapies. I have worked with clients with a wide range of concerns including depression, anxiety, adjustment, family issues, parenting problems, ADHD, and other life challenges. I also helped many people who have interested in art therapy. My counseling style is warm and interactive. I believe in treating anyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion, and I don't believe in stigmatizing labels. My approach combines cognitive-behavioral, humanistic, and psychodynamic counseling. Most of all, I trust in everyone's capacity to find wisdom within through the counseling. I will tailor our dialog and treatment plan to meet your unique and specific needs. It takes courage to seek a more fulfilling and happier life and to take the first steps towards a change. If you are ready to take that step I am here to support and empower you. I look forward to working with you! Maria Kim, Ph.D., ATR-BC, LMFT

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Cherie Felzer

Offering therapy in California
License: LMFT
Stress, AnxietySelf esteemCareer difficultiesDepressionCoping with life changes
11 years of experience

Life is a journey of continually coming home to ourselves. Come home to yourself. to your soul. I have spent the last 20+ years working and playing with conscious personal growth, traversing pathways of dark and light, with 15+years of dance and movement meditation as my main spiritual practice. Throughout many years of traveling, I have learned so much from life, different cultures, and teachers of indigenous traditions, and finally, moved to the bay area in 2007 to pursue graduate studies in somatic counseling psychology, and complete licensure in Marriage and Family Therapy. Since moving to the bay area, I have deepened my relationships with movement, worked somatically with elders living with dementia, business and law students, women in recovery, war veterans, rites of passage with youth and in nature with children. It has been through these lenses that I learned the most about how to be with, accept, and move through stuckness, struggle, and transition. My personal experiences all inform me, offering a greater perspective, and are woven together with my training to create a truly unique practice for us to explore together the magic of the healing journey. I offer this wisdom and experience to you, from my own struggles, so that you know you don't have to do this alone. In a session, I will be your companion as we explore together the best way for you to move forward. I offer a calm, solid presence and reverence & joy for life, inviting and supporting you to be with and move through stuckness, struggle and chaos, inspiring and guiding you to listen to your body & connect to yourself, others & the earth so that you can find lightness, freedom, and aliveness, and help you live your purpose meaningfully in the world with integrity and authenticity! I am here to remind you of your deep connection to the earth, so that it may be a resource for you in times of need, holding you and guiding you, teaching you how to be gentle with yourself. It would be an honor to be a companion along your path. You have the map. I can help you read it.

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Scott Underwood

Offering therapy in California
License: MSW,LCSW
Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseParenting issuesAnger managementDepression
23 years of experience

I'm an older, more conservative therapist. My first experience in the field was with the Army as a Behavioral Science Specialist in 1984. I have worked in Community Mental Health, Psychiatric Hospitals, private practice, and most recently service mostly active duty Air Force at Nellis and Creech Air Force base. I'm well trained and experienced working with trauma, depression, and anxiety. I can help with problem solving, anger management, and other issues. I am experienced treating people with very serious conditions, and, highly functional people that have hit a rough spot. Counseling does not have to be heavy, serious and intimidating. Under the right circumstances, we can both find humor in a situation and release tension with laughter instead of tears. For the new client, you may have a better experience and have your expectations met if you have an idea what you want out of therapy. With my experience on this site, I have some observations. Some of you very much enjoy the convenience of this platform. And, however you choose to receive counseling, teleconference, phone, or chat, that is what you will get. There are some that enjoy the almost complete anonymity of the internet platform. There are some that are interested in an assessment, diagnosis, and consultation or treatment recommendations based on the diagnosis. There are some that very much want a good listener. If you let me know what you want, I'll lock in. If you change your mind about what you want, I'll be flexible. If you want short-term counseling, let me know the number of sessions, and we'll get as much done as we can. If therapy is going to be a part of your long-term growth, let me know that as well. Of course, there is the possibility that you just want to sample therapy to see what it's all about. I think that's great!

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Dr. Benedicte Last

Offering therapy in California
License: PsyD
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesFamily conflictsTrauma and abuseGrief
9 years of experience

In my long career as a parent, a therapeutic horseback riding instructor, a school counselor and a psychologist, I have learned the following truths: We are all on our path, always striving to heal ourselves. Emotion is the language of the body, communication to our soul. We can recognize where we need to go, by following our enthusiasm. It is okay to ask for what you need and receive help and encouragement. We learn and heal best through play, making mistakes, and trying again. All situations can be turned therapeutic. You may feel you have lost your way, or that your feelings and emotions are running away with you. You may not know what to do with yourself, or with your child. You may have lost your enthusiasm for life, or don’t know how to ask for what you need. Or maybe you are so afraid of making a mistake. I understand, I have been there, too. And you can find your enthusiasm as well, as a human being, as a parent, as child, a partner, a friend or a co-worker. I can help you find the building blocks you need to build your better life. Let’s talk and play this out together.

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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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Maria Luisa Rodriguez

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesParenting issuesDepressionCoping 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, relationship issues, challenges related to parenting, & 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 sign up for therapy can take courage and I am proud of you for getting started!

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Mary Amanda Alls

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietyLGBTDepressionCoping with life changesCompassion fatigue
4 years of experience

I am licensed in Arkansas and California with 4 years of professional work experience. I have been working with children experiencing mental health crises for the past two years and adults with depression and anxiety for the past several years. I have expertise in mindfulness, yoga, crisis de-escalation and compassionate listening. I believe in treating everyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion. Thank you for considering me on your healing journey.

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Jeremy Montieth

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesFamily conflictsSelf esteemDepression
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, relationship issues, family conflicts, & 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!

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Joanna Bifone

Offering therapy in California
License: LCSW,LICSW
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesGriefParenting issuesSelf esteem
25 years of experience

I am committed to providing a safe, supportive and non judgmental space for clients to explore what is causing distress or pain, what may be impeding life satisfaction, as well as ways to improve relationships, build self awareness, and enhance coping skills to navigate life challenges moving forward. Everyone needs assistance at times, and I believe that therapy can provide the space and foundation to better understand ourselves, to heal, and to move forward with a more grounded sense of self. My specialties include assisting individuals who are coping with depression, anxiety, difficulties with self worth, relationship/marital issues, pregnancy/parenthood, fertility/miscarriage, adoption, young adult and life transition issues, cancer, grief and loss, as well as the chaos, upheaval and isolation associated with world events during the past few years. In addition to my clinical experience, graduate work and licensure, I have additional training in couples/marital therapy through the Gottman Institute, and have completed their Bringing Baby Home program. I am also trained in Promoting First Relationships, and hold an Infant Mental Health Certificate through the University of Washington.

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Beverly Corona

Offering therapy in California
Relationship issuesGriefSelf esteemCareer difficultiesCoping with life changes
7 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 7 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with relationship issues, coping with grief and loss, motivation, self esteem, and confidence, & career difficulties. 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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Alissa Hirshfeld

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesGriefDepressionCoping with life changes
26 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 25 years of professional work experience. 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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Paola Cardenas

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesFamily conflictsSelf esteemDepression
4 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 4 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, & 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.

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Jeremiah Buenrostro

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesAnger managementSelf esteemCoping with life changes
5 years of experience

Hello, and welcome to this journey of self-discovery and growth! My name is Jeremiah Buenrostro, and I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) in California. I want to commend you for taking this courageous step—it shows your commitment to building a more fulfilling life. My approach to therapy is holistic and client-centered, focusing on mind, body, and spirit to promote well-being and self-understanding. I tailor treatment to meet each person’s unique needs, helping you work toward long-term healing and personal goals. In our sessions, I often use Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) to help you explore how your thoughts and feelings influence your actions, while building practical coping skills. I also incorporate Problem-Solving and Solution-Focused Brief Therapy to help you draw on your strengths and find solutions. My style is a good fit for adults facing challenges with anxiety, depression, stress, trauma, grief, self-esteem, or substance use. My communication style is calm, flexible, and responsive to non-verbal cues, creating a safe and non-judgmental space for you to explore freely. I believe in a collaborative partnership, empowering you to take an active role in your healing process. Having faced mental health and substance use challenges myself, I know how powerful it can be to overcome barriers and create positive change. My work is deeply meaningful to me, and it’s a privilege to support others through their own journeys. Together, we’ll set goals that feel right for you, breaking them down into manageable steps, identifying potential challenges, and celebrating your progress along the way. Our first session will focus on getting to know each other, exploring what brought you to therapy, and setting expectations for our work together. I look forward to supporting you on this path.

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Kristene Luna

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesAnger managementSelf esteemCoping with life changes
7 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 7 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, anger management, & 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 seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process.

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Shawn Tyras

Offering therapy in California
License: MA, LPC,BC-TMH
Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseSelf esteemDepression
10 years of experience

Welcome! Have you had recent changes to your life or struggling with ongoing mental health issues? Maybe your adolescent is experiencing mood changes, behavioral issues or anxiety. I applaud you for searching for support and I believe that you have come to the right place. It takes courage to seek out counseling and share personal thoughts to get to the live you want. I want to walk beside you where ever you are at this time and help you reach your goals. Here is a little about me and how I plan to support you: I have a master’s degree in Mental Health Counseling from Webster University (2014) and am a Licensed Professional Counselor in South Carolina and Maine. After graduating, I began my career in a community Mental Health Clinic and have worked with children, teens and young adults predominately, but have some older patients that I also love working with. In addition, I work in the On-Crisis portion of this agency. Some of the therapies I use are DBT, CBT, EMDR and Motivational Therapy depending on the client's need. When it comes to small children I do utilize some art and game activities to help them move forward towards their goals and build on their strengths. The clients that I have worked with range from those with depression, anxiety, bipolar, borderline personality disorder, self esteem and trauma issues and celebrate with them as they reached goal after goal. My therapeutic style involves helping you to arrive at insight, strategies, and tools that you can begin using immediately to make positive change in your life. Sometimes we can just sit and talk and when it is needed I love to provide concrete tools wherever possible and help you to have a plan for the following days before our next session, if that is the pace you would like to move at. Most importantly, we are going to make sure we are making progress on goals that you have for yourself. I will be there to guide you, encourage you, possibly even challenge you if I feel you are unknowingly allowing obstacles to stand in your way. You may find it helpful to know that I have a lot of experience being the client in a counseling relationship and I was very nervous at first and need to know that the therapist/counselor was nonjudgmental and I would feel validated and understood when I shared things that I would never share outside of that office. People need to feel that their therapist/counselor treats them as they would expect to be treated if they were on the other side. If this is the kind of relationship you would like to have with your counselor, you’ve come to the right place.

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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