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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Melissa Taylor

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietyBipolar disorderDepression
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, bipolar disorder, & depression. My intention is to help you discover what is right with you not what is wrong with you. My approach is holistic, focusing on the mind and body. Through a combination of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, and mindfulness I help you move toward your goals. My work is gentle and compassionate, meeting you where you are. If you desire change and healing in areas of your life, it would be a privilege to work together.

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Krystal Bates

Offering therapy in California
License: LCSW
Stress, AnxietyFamily conflictsTrauma and abuseSelf esteemCoping with life changesCompassion fatigue
9 years of experience

I know, for many people, it takes a great deal of courage to seek professional help and I would like to take a moment to honor and commend you for taking the first step in your journey of healing. Finding the right therapist to help facilitate and support your journey is of utmost importance in getting effective and lasting results. With this in mind, I have provided some information about me in order to help you decide if my experience and style is the right match for you. I have worked with individuals, children, and families from a wide range of backgrounds throughout my career. However, I specialize in treating women struggling with anxiety, life transitions, self-love, and healthy relationships. In addition, as a biracial woman of color, I especially enjoy helping people work through multicultural concerns. I deeply honor each person's individuality and unique life experiences. For this reason, my treatment method is tailored to fit the needs of each individual I work with. The feedback I have received from clients is that they find me to be warm, empathetic, laidback and light-hearted. My clients have also told me that they appreciate my honest, direct, yet compassionate communication style. When working with me, you can expect a respectful, open and non-judgmental setting. I believe each individual is the expert on their own life and I view our working relationship as a collaborative partnership. I am simply here to provide empowerment, insight and support in your healing process. Psychotherapy can be very beneficial, but only if you are committed to putting in the work. As the old saying goes, “You get out what you put in.” With that said, as your therapist, I vow to be your biggest cheerleader along the way. I am here for you, I believe in you, and I look forward to witnessing you achieve all of the therapeutic goals you set or yourself! Best wishes, Krystal

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Dr. Nithya Narayan

Offering therapy in California
Self esteemCareer difficultiesDepressionCoping with life changes
9 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 7 years of professional work experience. As a first generation immigrant, I am passionate about addressing stigma towards mental health and help address barriers towards accessing mental health services. I have experience in helping clients with motivation, self esteem, and confidence, career difficulties, & depression. I also have experience working with 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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Jennifer Mendoza

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsTrauma and abuseDepressionCoping 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, coping with addictions, trauma and abuse, & 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!

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Deonia Young

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseGriefParenting issuesCoping with life changes
6 years of experience

I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in the State of California with 5 years of clinical experience. I identify as Christian and have been a practicing social worker for nearly 20 years. I have therapeutic experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, family conflict, grief and loss, trauma and abuse, 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. My warm and flexible, integrated approach to therapy draws upon therapeutic components found within Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavior Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, and Solution Focused Therapy to support you in reaching your personal treatment goals. Taking the first step to sign up for or return to therapy can take courage and I am proud of you for getting started in your journey of personal growth.

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Frances He

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesSelf esteemDepressionCoping with life changes
23 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 23 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, motivation, self esteem, and confidence, & 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 seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process.

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Laura Hunter

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesIntimacy-related issuesSelf esteemADHD
25 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 25 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, intimacy related 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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Ramadevi Hao

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietyGriefSelf esteemDepressionCoping with life changes
20 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 20 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, trauma and abuse, coping with grief and loss, & motivation, self esteem, and confidence. Thank you for visiting and taking your time to read my profile. I believe we all have potentials, and it is my job to bring out that hidden potential that has been lacking or not acknowledged in your current situation. I utilized strength-based approaches to connect with my clients without pathologizing their problems, while building on their inner resources and agency within. I use different approaches that would best fit my client's goals and needs for change. I believe in meeting your needs and personalizing your treatment based on your life story and unique experience. 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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Kendra Paulsen

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietyCareer difficultiesDepressionCoping with life changesCompassion fatigue
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, career difficulties, 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 seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process.

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Christie Byrd

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietyLGBTTrauma and abuseDepressionADHD
20 years of experience

Hello there, thanks for stopping by. I’m looking forward to meeting you to assess if we are a good fit for each other. I am licensed in California with 20 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress, anxiety, LGBTQIA+ related issues, trauma, abuse, depression, ADHD, relationship issues, grief and loss, shame and guilt, interpersonal conflict, family dynamics and addiction. 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!

How can a counselor support you?

Therapists 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 CA, and one out of five Americans has a mental health condition. Searching for local licensed professionals 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 a BetterHelp therapist does not offer diagnostic or medication management services.

Why do people choose to work 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, BetterHelp can match you with a licensed professional tailored to your preferences noted when you sign up.

The mental health therapists in California support clients with varying issues through therapy, such as:

  • 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 to contact in a crisis

If you are experiencing a crisis or emergency, don't use the BetterHelp site. 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 of the most commonly asked questions about therapy can be found in the section 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.

When should I get a therapist in California?

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 can allow clients seeking therapy to experience professional help through video, phone, or live chat sessions without commuting to an office.

Does insurance cover the cost of 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 the safe option?

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.

In today's fast-paced society, mental well-being has become a cornerstone of a fulfilling life. Amid the daily challenges and stressors that can overwhelm even the most resilient individuals, seeking professional guidance often offers a path to clarity and balance. The journey toward improved emotional health involves understanding personal triggers, embracing self-compassion, and developing effective coping strategies. While self-help books and online resources provide valuable information, nothing compares to the personalized support offered by a qualified mental health professional. One-on-one sessions with experienced experts can help uncover the underlying issues contributing to anxiety, depression, or other emotional hurdles. With a careful and empathetic approach, these professionals tailor their advice to suit individual needs, ensuring that each person receives strategies that work best for their unique circumstances. Whether through cognitive behavioral techniques, mindfulness practices, or other innovative methods, the aim is to foster resilience and empower individuals to take control of their inner lives. For those living in bustling urban centers, engaging in face-to-face sessions in a welcoming environment can be particularly beneficial. Access to a caring clinician provides not only a safe space to explore difficult emotions but also builds a support network essential for long-term recovery. The process encourages self-reflection and greater insight into behavioral patterns that might otherwise go unnoticed. While the journey can be challenging at times, the rewards include enhanced emotional stability, improved interpersonal relationships, and a renewed sense of self-worth. In one notable case, the guidance provided by a highly trained therapist proved instrumental in navigating a tumultuous period. Through structured sessions and tailored interventions, the individual learned to identify stressors and develop healthier responses to adversity. This experience underscored the transformative impact that dedicated support can have on one's overall quality of life. In a region like Texas, community-based initiatives and accessible mental health programs further reinforce the value of professional help. These efforts emphasize early intervention, preventive care, and continuous support, ensuring that more people are equipped to face life's inevitable challenges. Ultimately, investing in mental well-being is an act of self-care that yields lifelong benefits. By embracing professional support, individuals can unlock new levels of emotional resilience and discover pathways to a brighter, more balanced future. Each step taken toward healing represents a commitment to personal growth, enabling a life filled with renewed optimism and strength. Embracing this transformative journey consistently paves the way for deeper understanding, lasting peace, and meaningful personal progress.
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