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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Amelia (Amy) Benedict

Offering therapy in California
License: MA, LMFT
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesFamily conflictsParenting issues
11 years of experience

"Falling down is a part of life, getting back up is living." - anonymous We all fall down from time to time. It takes courage to seek help and support during those times when we have difficulty getting back up. I commend you for taking the first step. I am a Marriage and Family Therapist licensed in California. I have a Masters Degree in Counseling Psychology and have been working in this field for over 12 years. I initially made this career choice because I wanted to learn how to help myself and my family. I discovered I had a real passion and talent for connecting with and understanding others. I am currently working with military service members and their families. I have experience working with depression, anxiety, stress, relationship issues, anger management, communication difficulties and parenting. I also have experience working with trauma and abuse. My counseling style is very warm and empathetic. I believe in treating everyone with respect and being non-judgmental. I utilize a combination of cognitive behavioral, humanistic and psychodynamic modalities, with a focus on unconditional positive regard. I will work with you to identify your strengths and tailor treatment to meet your specific needs.

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Kevin Farrell

Offering therapy in California
License: MSW,LCSW
AddictionsLGBTSelf esteemCoping with life changes
20 years of experience

My name is Kevin Farrell and I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in California (#22616). I have almost 20 years experience as a Clinical Social Worker and Psychotherapist. I previously had a successful career in media and in my mid-30s I returned to school to obtain a Masters Degree in Social Work in order to find a more rewarding career path for myself. As a Psychotherapist, I have worked with a wide variety of adults and I use a range of therapeutic tools. I view therapy as a partnership and for me the most important aspect of therapy is the therapeutic alliance, which refers to the quality and strength of the collaborative relationship between client and therapist. This is strongest when there is agreement on goals and objectives. I work closely with each client to establish goals and achieve a strong alliance built on mutual trust. I utilize an eclectic approach to therapy with reliance on core theoretical concepts from Psychodynamic Psychotherapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, and Existential Therapy, among others. I tend to emphasize solution-focused strategies that assist a client in understanding themselves, improving their problem-solving/coping techniques, and building resiliency for future challenges. I seek ongoing feedback and collaboration with clients to evaluate and improve a client's experience in therapy. I have been told that my non-judgmental style engages people and they find me respectful, sincere, and easy to relate to. My primary goal with clients is to successfully address a client's challenges in order to improve overall quality of life.

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Dr. Lou Bordisso

Offering therapy in California
License: Ed.D.,LMFT
Stress, AnxietyLGBTRelationship issuesGriefDepression
35 years of experience

Lou A. Bordisso, Ed.D. has been licensed as a Marriage and Family Therapist since 1987. He graduated from California State University with a B.A. in social welfare, the University of San Francisco with an M.A. in marriage and family counseling, and Ed.D. in Educational Psychology and Franciscan School of Theology at the Graduate Theological Union with an M.Div. His professional profile includes, but is not limited to, Employee Assistance Program Administrator for a government program; Outpatient Supervisor for insurance firms, Outpatient Supervisor for Forensic Mental Health for a government program; Hospice Spiritual and Pastoral Care; Substance Abuse, Process Addictions, and Co-dependency Counselor for various Inpatient and Outpatient treatment facilities; Social Service provider among populations underserved; LGBTQ (GAY MEN), Sexuality, and Sexual Orientation Behavioral Health in private practice. Dr. Bordisso has a reputation for being a warm, compassionate, and empathetic provider with a listening ear and caring heart. His counseling and therapy modalities include, but are not limited to, supportive therapies; existential/philosophical life issues, client-centered counseling; spiritual and/or pastoral care concerns; LGBTQ (GAY MEN) and sexuality issues and concerns; work/employee-related issues and problem-solving utilizing an Employee Assistance Program modality; cognitive-behavioral orientation; Early-stage Alzheimer's, Mild Cognitive Impairment and related memory issues and caregiving concerns, all according to assessment and counseling modality needed, given preferences due to presenting issues.

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Georgina Cortez

Offering therapy in California
License: Lmft
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesFamily conflictsParenting issuesDepression
11 years of experience

I am a Licensed Marriage and Family therapist in California with 10 years of experience in providing direct mental health and behavioral counseling. I have worked with individuals age 5 to adult with a variety of presenting issues including parent/child relationships, anxiety, depression, adjustment disorders, self-care. My experience is varied and across settings, I have worked with children and adults in their homes, in the community, in school setting in a mental health agency, via telehealth. My therapy style and approach draw influence from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and person Centered therapy. Life as we know it, can be a bit overwhelming at times and once we get caught in the middle of some kind of struggle, it can be difficult to find the way out. The strategies that we once used to cope don't work anymore, and we need a little help learning a new way. I’m here to support, guide and provide you with the tools necessary to overcome the stresses and obstacles, that life may throw at you. I strive to provide a safe, nonjudgmental environment that encourages change and growth; To be reminded of your strengths, skills and abilities; to explore how to best resolve conflict with others; to learn new ways of managing stress and symptoms; to unlearn old habitual and negative patterns; to re-author and reclaim your life; to develop the courage and ability to be fully present in your life.

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James Smith

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietyGrief
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 & coping with grief and loss. 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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Rodney Lackey

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietyLGBTRelationship issuesAnger managementDepression
60 years of experience

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!

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Shelli Nunes-Briones

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

I am licensed in California with 15 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, coping with grief and loss, 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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Jonathan Pearson

Offering therapy in California
AddictionsRelationship issuesIntimacy-related issuesSelf esteemDepression
3 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 3 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with coping with addictions, 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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Jean Juarez

Offering therapy in California
AddictionsRelationship issuesFamily conflictsTrauma and abuseIntimacy-related issues
11 years of experience

I am licensed in Illinois with 10 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients cope with addictions, 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 ask for and seek help is a courageous one, and I recognize you for this.

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Jessica Alfaro

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietyFamily conflictsParenting issuesSelf esteemDepression
15 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 15 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, family conflicts, parenting issues, & 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. 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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Dr. Alton Carswell

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietyLGBTRelationship issuesFamily conflictsDepression
16 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 16 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, lgbtq+ related issues, relationship issues, & family conflicts. 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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Melody Williams

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietySelf esteemCareer difficultiesCoping with life changesCoaching
12 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, motivation, self esteem, and confidence, career difficulties, & 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. 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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Dr. Sky Ross

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietyLGBTTrauma and abuseSleeping disordersBipolar disorder
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, lgbtq+ related issues, trauma and abuse, & sleeping disorders. 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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Maria Palomo

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

Is your mental health suffering? Are you not yourself and withdrawing from others? Feeling stuck and finding it difficult to manage your day to day responsibilities? I work with adults and children struggling with anxiety, depression, stress, trauma, boundaries and self-esteem issues. As an LMFT with 18 years experience, I meet my clients where they are at, utilizing a strength based approach. I believe we all have it within ourselves to heal and live the life we were meant to live. I provide therapy in English and Spanish and understand the challenges of being part of a multi-cultural family. I am confident that you can live a full and purposeful life. My specialties include; CBT, DBT, ACT, Trauma Informed Care, Relationship Issues, Parent-child conflict, Mindfulness and Meditation, and Talk Therapy. I provide individuals and children care virtually through telephone or video therapy. I am passionate about helping people reach their full potential and reach their goals. I provide a safe and non-judgmental space to work through whatever you are going through.

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Sneha Carr

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesSelf esteemDepression
7 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 7 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress, anxiety, relationship issues, motivation, self esteem, & confidence. 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. 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. (Due to conflict of interest, please no Kaiser Permanente patients.)

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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