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. Kathleen Bailey

Offering therapy in California
License: Ph.D,LMFT,CADC II
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsRelationship issuesFamily conflictsTrauma and abuse
20 years of experience

I am a marriage and family therapist licensed in California and Utah with over 23 years of experience working as a Substance Abuse Counselor and 12 years as a Marriage and Family Therapist. I have worked with clients with a wide range of concerns including depression, anxiety, relationship issues, parenting challenges, career transitions, substance abuse issues, addictions, grief and loss , stage of life issues and relational violence. I also helped many people who have experienced trauma or emotional abuse. I provided a holistic approach that includes many spiritual practices and traditions, including Christianity. 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, inner childhood work, family systems theory, dreamwork, EMDR, psycho-dynamic and Jungian psychotherapy. I will tailor our dialog and treatment plan to meet your unique and specific needs. It takes courage to seek for 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!

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Stuart Riskin

Offering therapy in California
License: LCSW, CA #22300
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsLGBTRelationship issuesDepression
28 years of experience

Hi, I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker who has been in the helping profession for over 25 years. This has been a second career for me and the journey has been both personally and professionally rewarding! I have taken a nontraditional career path to become a social worker. I started my first career in the entertainment business and then went on a path of personal introspection and growth to become a social worker. My myriad of professional experiences in both the public and private sectors have equipped me with a unique set of skills, a wealth of knowledge, and clinical expertise to aid others in developing life-long wellness. As a seasoned professional, I try not to take myself too seriously. I see every client as a colleague bringing their personal knowledge to our working relationship. Clients are always their own personal expert. Therefore, my approach to therapy is always supportive and respectful and strength-based. Growth and behavioral health can only be achieved by working together from a positive position and the client making a conscious decision to want to change. This will bring about personal growth. I look forward to hearing from you soon!

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Dr. Samuel Hopper

Offering therapy in California
License: PhD
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesGriefSelf esteemDepression
21 years of experience

Sometimes it takes courage to seek a more fulfilling and happier life and to take the first steps towards change. If you are ready to take those steps, I am here to support you. I am a Clinical Psychologist practicing on the BetterHelp internet platform. My approach to becoming a psychotherapist has been influenced by many years of formal education in psychology, exposure to multiple clinical training perspectives, and perhaps most importantly, my inherent curiosity toward understanding how and why I, and my fellow humans, behave and feel the way we do! When I begin working with you, I will gently attempt to understand how you are feeling both physically and emotionally. You and I will discover how you are feeling in a given moment, with emphasis on the importance of remembering that "feelings change." This will help if, or when, you may feel overwhelmed and alone with depression, anxiety, loneliness, or sadness, etc. You will gradually begin to notice that your feelings, and relationships with family and friends can improve! Over all, this process will enable you to develop greater appreciation for yourself, which naturally leads to greater enjoyment and attachment to others. If this description of how I work as a therapist resonates with what you are looking for as a client, let’s meet in the mode with which you are most comfortable (Text, Chat, or Virtual) and see how it goes. I look forward to meeting you! Dr. Sam Hopper

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Kathleen Pear

Offering therapy in California
License: LCSW
Stress, AnxietySelf esteemDepressionCoping with life changes
14 years of experience

Hello. I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in California. I have experience working in health and mental health care settings, working with adults dealing with depression, anxiety,y, loss, low self-esteem, health concerns, aging, and life-review. My therapy style is non-judgmental, supportive, and compassionate. I want therapy to be a place where you will feel comfortable and safe. I will encourage you to recognize and build on your strengths and successes to improve your emotional well-being and find purpose and joy in your life. My approach to therapy is primarily Supportive Psychotherapy and also draws from Positive Psychology, Cognitive-Behavioral, Psychodynamic, Client-centered, and Existential approaches. My education includes a BA in Sociology from the University of Pittsburgh and a Master's in Social Work from the University of Maryland, where I concentrated on mental health. Your life experiences and past decisions have brought you to where you are today. You stand at the threshold of hope, positive change, and possibilities for the future. You have the power within to make your life better. It is not always easy, but you are not alone!

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Jamie Buongiorno

Offering therapy in California
License: LCWS
Coping with life changes
3 years of experience

Hello and welcome to Better Help! My name is Jamie Buongiorno and I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) based in California. I have ten years of experience working with people making changes in their lives and three years of experience as a licensed clinician. My therapy style is collaborative, non-judgmental and strengths based. When working with clients I strive to make the therapy experience genuine, supportive and specific to your concerns and goals. You are the expert of your life and my job is to assist and empower you as you make positive changes in your life. In my practice I draw from a variety of therapeutic techniques and therapy modalities, including cognitive behavioral therapy, solution focused therapy, internal family systems therapy, mindfulness and attachment theory. Seeking therapy can feel scary and I admire your courage in taking this first step! I would welcome the opportunity to work with you and look forward to connecting with you.

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Betania Hardman

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesSelf esteemCoping with life changesCompassion fatigue
14 years of experience

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.

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Jamie Pereira

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsGriefBipolar disorderDepression
5 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 20 years of professional work experience in the mental health field, medical field and 5 years as a Clinical social worker. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, coping with addictions, coping with grief and loss, mood disorders, trauma, & PTSD. I also specialize in post partum depression, coping and adapting to complex medical diagnosis and co-occurring 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. 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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Holly Adema

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseSelf esteemDepressionCoping with life changes
14 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 13 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, trauma and abuse, motivation, self esteem, and confidence, & depression. I believe in treating everyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion. I believe humans are resilient and capable of great change. It is my goal to offer an empowering, client-centered approach to therapy that is tailored to meet the needs of each individual. 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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Mark Wojciechowski

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesFamily conflictsSelf esteemDepression
11 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, 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. 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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Ruth Larsen

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseGriefCoping with life changesCompassion fatigue
3 years of experience

I am licensed in California with over 20 years experience working with child welfare services. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, trauma and abuse, coping with grief and loss, & coping with life changes. 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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Christine Paulsen

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietyLGBTRelationship issuesIntimacy-related issuesCoping with life changes
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, lgbtq+ related issues, relationship issues, & intimacy related issues. 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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Vanessa Hernandez

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietySelf esteemDepressionCoping with life changesADHD
14 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 14 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, motivation, self esteem, and confidence, depression, & 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 sign up for therapy can take courage and I am proud of you for getting started!

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Elizabeth Kotkin

Offering therapy in California
License: LMFT
AddictionsTrauma and abuseGriefSelf esteemDepression
35 years of experience

My name is Beth Kotkin. I am a Licensed Marriage and Family therapist in New York and California with more than 30 years experience. I spent half of my career in the San Francisco Bay area, working with families impacted by alcohol and drug issues, as well as trauma survivors and those with depression. I also specialize in inner child work and those who struggle with codependency and family of origin issues. I trained with John Bradshaw and designed and directed one of his programs in the Bay Area. I moved back to my home town of NYC in 2009 and have been working with clients in both New York and California since then. I would describe my approach as warm, empathic and collaborative. I will listen to your needs in a nonjudgemental atmosphere, and tailor my approach to meet what works for you individually. I utilize a motivational approach with an emphasis on finding mutually agreed-upon goals and solutions. I am focused on providing counseling to individuals and families who are touched by alcohol, drug or other addictive problems. I also specialize in treatment for abuse and trauma survivors. I have experience with adults in a supportive strength-based trauma-informed approach. My specialties include depression, grief, anxiety, drug and alcohol abuse and recovery, codependency, survivors of abuse and trauma, and healing the inner child.

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Ariana Kiefer

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

Thank you for checking out my profile, my name is Ariana Kiefer a seasoned therapist. I can treat a wide-range of mental health issues and phase of life issues. I pride myself in being an extremely approachable therapist. I always cultivate a warm and welcoming setting for my clients and explain the therapy process step-by-step. I strive to make the therapy process easy and one in which the client looks forward to each session.

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Margaret McIntyre

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesFamily conflictsDepression
30 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 30 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, lgbtq+ related 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. 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.

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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