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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Ying Kam

Offering therapy in California
License: LCSW
AddictionsGriefParenting issuesSelf esteem
12 years of experience

With over 10 years' experience, I have worked with diverse clients from children to elderly, experiencing a wide range of issues, including depression, anxiety, bipolar, schizophrenia, ADHD, drugs and alcohol additions, relationship issues, and a broad spectrum of mental illness. I have worked across various setting, including outpatient clinic, inpatient hospital, community, in-home, and within school settings. According to your needs, we may use different interventions, including cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT), motivational interviewing technique (MIT), solution-focused therapy models to provide empathetic supportive and yet directive, counseling style to empower you to explore and resolve ambivalence and enhance motivation for positive change in your life. My role as psychotherapist is to guide you to take a closer look at your thoughts, feelings, and actions, while walk along side with you on your journey of positive changes. I look forward to helping you in the best ways I can.

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Jennifer Baumgardner

Offering therapy in California
License: LCSW
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesGriefDepression
14 years of experience

Life can be full of challenges, and there are times when working with an understanding counselor can really help you through those tough times. I want to be here to help you if you are going through one of those times right now. I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in California with over 10 years of experience working as a therapist. I have worked with clients from diverse backgrounds, with a wide range of ages, and with many different concerns. I have experience with teens, veterans, and adults in all stages of life. I have worked with people who are struggling with depression, anxiety, relationship issues, parenting problems, career challenges, life transitions, grief, infertility and pregnancy loss, and maternal mental health. My counseling style is warm, supportive, and client-centered. I believe in treating everyone with respect, dignity, sensitivity, and compassion. My approach largely combines cognitive-behavioral and humanistic counseling, but I also pull from other theoretical models as needed. I will tailor our dialog and treatment plan to meet your unique and specific needs. I am here to help you get what you want out of the counseling experience. It takes courage to reach out for help and to make changes in your life. If you are ready to take the first step and start that journey, I am here to help. I look forward to working with you!

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Stephanie Singer

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesFamily conflictsSleeping disordersCoping 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, family conflicts, & sleeping disorders. 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 seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process.

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Teresa Cole

Offering therapy in California
License: LPCC
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesFamily conflictsTrauma and abuseDepression
16 years of experience

I am a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor (LPCC) since 2014. I specialize in trauma (EMDR certified), grief and loss, career, disabilities, Autism Spectrum Disorder, depression, anxiety, relationships, life transitions, spiritual issues, etc. I provide counseling for individuals, couples, and families dealing with all types of issues and mental health disorders. My approach is process oriented, solution based, and goal directed while providing psycho-education and resources. I use a variety of modalities that include EMDR, CBT, Motivational Interviewing, Narrative Therapy, Expressive Arts, couples counseling, addiction counseling, etc. I will help you access your inner strength and build tools to cope, grow, and heal.

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Grace Lee

Offering therapy in California
License: MSW, LCSW
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsRelationship issuesTrauma and abuseDepression
21 years of experience

I have a Master of Social Welfare and am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in Southern California and have been practicing for the past 21 years. I have experience working with many diverse populations including hospital setting including end of life and crisis, geriatric (elderly), transitional aged youth (16-25 years old), substance use counseling, severely and persistently mentally ill, those with moderate symptoms, working professionals, and adults. I have eclectic style and I am trained in EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing). I have seen the power of EMDR at work with trauma and severe trauma, domestic violence, phobias, abandonment issues, relationship issues, grief, and more. I hope to be able to work with you on your journey to healing!

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Shannan Katz

Offering therapy in California
License: LPCC
Stress, AnxietyLGBTRelationship issuesIntimacy-related issuesDepression
11 years of experience

I help you weather the storms of change in times of difficulty, stress, and loneliness. I am a listening ear and a sounding board for your thoughts and ideas. As a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor, I will work with you to gain insight into your thoughts and feelings and help you to make progress toward your goals. You can feel free to be yourself and share what is on your mind and in your heart. I have experience working with clients struggling with a wide variety of mental health concerns, including relationship problems and difficult life transitions. Clients who simply wish to improve their communication skills and mental wellness are welcome as well. I have a post-graduate certificate in sex therapy and I welcome clients from the LGBTQIA community, as well as any clients who wish to discuss their sexuality in counseling. I use a heart-centered approach in therapy and aim to provide a kind and supportive environment free from judgment and censorship. If you prefer a more direct approach, I am glad to give structured feedback as well. I will work with you to make the changes you want a reality. Please note that I am NOT a crisis counselor and the modality I use is not a good fit for clients struggling with self-harm or suicidal urges or behavior.

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Jaqueline De Leon Urias

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietyFamily conflictsSelf esteemCoping with life changesCompassion fatigue
6 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 6 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, family conflicts, motivation, self esteem, and confidence, & 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 seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process.

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Susan Graf-Cote

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesTrauma and abuseIntimacy-related issuesBipolar disorder
24 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 24 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, trauma and abuse, & intimacy related 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!

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Lydia Yonan

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesFamily conflictsTrauma and abuseDepression
5 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 5 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, & trauma and abuse. I believe in treating everyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion. I will tailor our dialog and treatment plan to meet your unique and specific needs. Taking the first step to sign up for therapy can take courage and I am proud of you for getting started!

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Shannon Flaherty Gibbons

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesParenting issuesSelf esteemCoping with life changes
26 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 26 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, 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.

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Steven Goings

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsLGBTRelationship issuesSelf esteem
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, coping with addictions, lgbtq+ related issues, & relationship issues. I am particularly skilled at working with issues related to diversity and inclusion and various spiritual belief systems. I work with my clients to create an open and safe environment where thoughts and feelings can be shared without fear of judgment. It takes courage to seek out a more fulfilling and happier life and to take the first steps towards a change. I am here to support & empower you in that journey.

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Gisela Casabella

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietyLGBTRelationship issuesSelf esteemDepression
24 years of experience

I am a licensed Psychotherapist in California with 24 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress, anxiety, lgbtq+ related issues, relationship issues, motivation, self esteem, & confidence. My focus is primarily in teenagers, young adults, and couples. I also have experience working with 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!

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Heather Custodio

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesSelf esteemCareer difficultiesCoping with life changes
3 years of experience

I am a licensed professional in California with three years of experience. My expertise includes helping clients navigate stress, anxiety, relationship challenges, motivation, self-esteem, confidence, and career difficulties. I also specialize in supporting individuals through life transitions. My approach focuses on creating an open, safe space where clients can share their thoughts and feelings freely, without fear of judgment. Seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage, and I am here to support and empower you as you take those first steps toward meaningful change.

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Arease Edison

Offering therapy in California
Relationship issuesFamily conflictsAnger managementDepressionCoping with life changes
10 years of experience

I believe the most beautiful thing is our ability to be vulnerable... it's what makes us human. I have found that when you slow down and check in with yourself, you may come across the most amazing person...YOU! Many of us are disconnected from ourselves and it's evident across various life domains. Learning to identify your needs and get them met is your responsibility. Exploring various parts of ourselves increases chances that we will have a more meaningful existence. Much of the work I am blessed to do with clients, is providing them with a safe space to land mentally and emotionally. Understanding the complexities we face in black and brown communities makes this interpersonal work meaningful. Therapy is not taboo and asking for help does not equate to weakness, rather strength and courage. As we become healed, whole and well, we contribute positively to our family, friends and our community. I find meaning in helping others identify their needs and use words not behaviors to get them met... we are deserving of this. I want each person I am called to work with to know they deserve to be authentically seen and validated and we don't need anything outside of ourselves to be whole. Once we are healed from past hurts, we can become whole (lacking nothing) and then practice wellness to stay grounded. Be well. XoXo Dr. Edison

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Natalie Jambazian

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesTrauma and abuseAnger managementSelf esteem
9 years of experience

Natalie is a compassionate and dedicated therapist with a deep commitment to helping individuals reclaim their lives after experiencing, loss, trauma, anxiety, break-ups, divorces, depression, abuse, anger management, & self esteem. Natalie has cultivated a therapeutic approach that is empathetic, non-judgmental, client-centered, and culturally sensitive. Natalie guides her clients through their healing process by fostering self-awareness, building resiliency, and empowering you to set healthy boundaries. Whether you're seeking healing from past wounds, current ones, clarity in relationships, tools or manage anxiety, I am here to support you on your journey to becoming our most authentic and empowered self. 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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