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.
Romana Cheang
Aloha! I am a Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist in the state of California. I was raised in Oahu, Hawaii and had been living in Southern California for the past 10 years. I completed my Master’s degree from Loma Linda University and I have over 8 years of experience working as a therapist. Previously, I worked in community mental health clinics, elementary & high school settings, and a residential treatment facility. I have experiences with adults, children & teens, and families. My areas of experience are: Stress & anxiety, depressive issues, adult relational problems, communication, and phase of life issues. I would describe my therapy style as strength-based, collaborative, insight-oriented, and use of humor with countless metaphors. With our therapy process, I would like to spend time exploring your life story so I can assist you in "untangling" and/or “fitting those odd puzzle pieces together." My goal is for clients to live a fulfilling life. I was taught that we each carry an “invisible backpack” packed with difficulties, hardships, and personal trauma in life. These growing difficulties result in a heavier backpack in which one day...become almost unbearable. As your therapist, I believe my role is to help unpack so you can rest those shoulders and practice training your “mental muscles.” Sometimes life doesn’t get easier, so you will learn to strengthen your emotional endurance. And your adventure continues.
Dr. Trina Hamas
Welcome! My name is Dr. Trina Hamas and I am a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in the state of California. I have over ten years of experience providing therapeutic services for individuals, couples, and families. My expertise lies in alleviating symptoms related to depression, anxiety, abuse, trauma, grief and loss, family dysfunction, relationship issues, chronic pain, as well as issues related to motivation, self-esteem, and confidence. My style of therapy is collaborative, integrative, and considerate of cultural influences. I believe the most effective treatment is one that encourages the active participation of my clients so that my understanding of their needs is thorough and accurate, and therapeutic goals are meaningful and realistic. I want my clients to feel welcomed, listened to, and empowered. I strive to understand their cultural and personal backgrounds so they feel the changes they are working towards are consistent with their values and beliefs. I am trained extensively in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, which means I tend to focus on the connection between thoughts and behaviors. I find the use of CBT is effective in helping clients understand their dysfunction in practical ways and allows them to gain a sense of authority and agency over their lives. I am also an expert in Family Systems Theory and am partial to Virginia Satir's work, specifically her theories related to communication and human validation. I use CBT and Satir approaches together to create a safe and effective place for clients to feel comfortable while working through their issues in a practical way. I may also draw from other interventions, such as mindfulness practices and relaxation techniques. I also “practice what I preach.” I believe in the importance of self-care and healthy relationships. I do not ask of my clients that which I am unwilling to ask myself. If you are ready to begin your journey, I am here to support you along the way.
Elizabeth Santiago
Hello and welcome! Thank you for your interest in working with me. I have been providing therapy to individuals, couples, and families since 2007. Educated at Antioch University, Los Angeles, I have worked with children, adolescents, and adults in a range of settings. My specialties include women's issues, specifically Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD/PMD), anxiety/panic attacks, depression, grief & loss, marital/relationship issues, trauma, divorce/separation, and more. My approach is solution-focused where I focuses on cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) techniques with a client-centered approach considering cultural, social, and psychosocial influences. I believe you are the expert in your life and together we can work to improve your functioning using your strengths. I look forward to working with you!
Nicholas Malenka
I am an experienced Mental Health Clinician with a background in Social Work, Counseling, and Therapy. I enjoy working with young adults who need support with: mental health issues, life changes, and career guidance. I received my Bachelor of Arts in Sociology from the University of Redlands in 2010, my Master of Social Work from California State University: Northridge in 2017, and am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker I utilize a variety of therapeutic techniques and modalities including: Cognitive Behavioral, Solution Focused, Client-Centered, Motivational Interviewing, and Psychodynamic. I have experience working directly with young adult populations across multiple environments, including: office settings, family homes, and schools. While I do not specialize in working with the LGBTQ+ community, I do have experience providing therapy/counseling to this population. I am always open to expanding my practice with this population.
Dr. Benjamin Lasky
I am a licensed psychologist in California and Nevada with over 20 years of experience. I specialize in LGBTQIA issues, my pronouns are ‘he and him.’ I also have worked over 10 years in a psychiatric hospital where I gained expertise with dual diagnosis patients (substance abuse issues + mental health disorder). I was also fortunate enough to work in the adolescent unit of the hospital as well. I earned my Ph.D. from Ball State University in Muncie, Indiana. I am also an educator to graduate students and provide supervision as they pursue their licenses. This helps keep me motivated to stay current with emerging trends in therapy. I mainly utilize cognitive-behavioral techniques as well as client-centered therapy. One of my favorite parts of conducting therapy is seeing diversity and being able to help those in all walks of life. I make no judgments and work hard to see things from the perspective of my clients. I see myself as a facilitator and I help my clients gain insight so they can tap into their strengths. Therapy is serious business, but I always like to use a bit of humor as appropriate. It is very important that everyone I work with feels valued and respected and I fully bring that to each and every session. Thank you for your time and I hope to work with you. Licensed Psychologist PSY 19363 California, PY 0726 Nevada
Luis Flores
I am licensed in California with 5 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with relationship issues, intimacy related issues, & concentration, memory and focus (ADHD). 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. I also work with specific populations including youth, TAY, teens, and people of color. Taking the first step to seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process.
Nanette Tangkeko
I am licensed in California with 8 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, coping with grief and loss, motivation, self esteem, confidence, and recovery from narcissistic abuse. 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 life and take the first steps towards change. I am here to support & empower you in that journey.
Reina Menasche
I am licensed in California with 30 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, & motivation, self esteem, and confidence. 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.
Erika Price
I am licensed in California with 10 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, trauma and abuse, & 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.
Dr. Stephanie McVea
I was born in Dallas and I have lived in several urban cities including: New Orleans, LA; Washington, D.C.; Jersey City, NJ; and New York City. I received my Ph.D. in Counseling Psychology from Howard University. I am particularly sensitive to the challenges of children and adults with mental health and challenges, including domestic/family violence and child abuse. I have over 15-years experience as a therapist. Contemplating counseling for the first time can be a scary decision. Many people have no idea what to expect. The counseling process requires developing a trustworthy relationship between the therapist and the client; and it is the therapist’s responsibility to develop and cultivate that relationship. As a therapist, it is my responsibility to unconditionally accept you as you are, which includes not being judgmental. Thus, creating a safe and nurturing counseling relationship. As human beings, our experiences are unique to us. We experience and view the world from our lens, which impacts how we perceive ourselves and others. Unfortunately, because we are all unique, people around us also develop perceptions about us which may not be an accurate representation of who we are or our true intentions. Sometimes, our perceptions lead to miscommunication and misconceptions; thereby impacting our ability to connect and develop healthy relationships. Typically, perceptions are based on our experiences and our experiences are not always favorable or pleasant. Occasionally, our experiences are traumatic and abusive. For some, trauma and abuse occur so regularly that it becomes the norm and ultimately impacts social, interpersonal, and intimate relationships. Counseling is the process of becoming awakened to our true selves to better understand how our personal experiences influence who we are. Our personal experiences are impacted by our family of origin, racial and cultural/ethnic group, religious beliefs, sexual orientation, socioeconomic status, etc. Because many aspects of one’s life may be explored, including childhood experiences, the process of counseling may feel uncomfortable and intrusive, at times. However, it is important to trust the process and know that every counseling session will not feel good. There are times that as a client, you may feel sad or hurt and become tearful; you may be excited and feel happy; you may be confused and feel hopeless. However, know that in the end, if you trust the process, you will hopefully learn something new about yourself that you never considered. Thus, leading to fulfillment in your life in areas including your relationships and family dynamics that ultimately, enhance your self-worth.
Theresa Heyes
I am licensed in California as a Marriage Family Therapist with 16 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, coping with grief and loss, divorce 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.
Susan Maxfield
I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist specializing in individual and family therapy for children and adults. With over 30 years working in the fields of behavioral health and social services, and as a graduate of California State University, Bakersfield with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology and a Master of Science degree in Counseling Psychology, I serve as a private practitioner working with a broad spectrum of clients. Among my areas of expertise are Depression, Anxiety, Child and Adolescent Disorders, Positive Parenting of challenging behaviors and oppositional defiant children, Grief and Loss Issues, coping with chronic pain and fatigue/Fibromyalgia and other chronic medical problems, and many others. In addition to being a psychotherapist I have worked as a consultant for non-profit organizations in Tulare County. I am an interactive, Cognitive Behavioral and Family System's therapist. My therapeutic approach is to provide support and practical feedback to help clients effectively address personal life challenges. I integrate complementary methodologies and techniques from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Solution Focused Brief Therapy, Behavior Modification Theory, and Positive Parenting among other theoretical approaches, to offer highly personalized treatment tailored to each client. With compassion and understanding, I work with each individual to help them build on their strengths and attain the personal growth they are committed to accomplishing.
Dr Yuki Mitsuhashi-Acs
Yuki J. M. Acs, Psy.D., M.S., M.A., Ed.D., LL.M., M.B.A. Dr. Acs is a licensed clinical psychologist trained in psychodynamic and behavioral approaches. He has worked with artists, executives, and psychiatric patients in California with 13 years of clinical work experience. He has worked as a medical psychologist, evaluator, psychotherapist, and counselor. He helps clients with stress and anxiety, coping with addictions, relationship 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. Taking the first step to sign up for therapy can take courage and I am happy to help you get started on addressing the issues bothering you!" Dr Acs trained in psychotherapy and psychopathology as a master's level clinician (M.A. - Marriage and Family Therapy '13, M.S. - Chemical Dependency and Compulsive Disorders '13). As a doctoral level clinician Dr Acs completed further training in psychodynamic approaches and psychological testing (Psy.D. - Applied Clinical Psychology '16) and recently completed a second doctorate in adult learning (Ed.D. - Higher Order Thinking '23) as well as a postgraduate diploma in psychiatry from a medical school. He has worked as a college counselor, neuropsychologist, behavioral psychologist, psychiatric triage, and emergency room clinician.
Dr. Alton Carswell
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!
Katherine Cooper
I am licensed in California with 8 years of professional work experience in counseling. I have also been in the corporate world for over 20 years in technology marketing and understand the stress of work, life, job searches, layoff situations and balancing or wanting to build community and individual or family future fulfillment. I have experience in helping clients with stress, anxiety, relationship issues, health issues, family conflicts. I will meet you where you are and focus on your priorities, or help you define a place to start. The work can also focus on processing strong emotions, building motivation for change, improving interpersonal connections, building self esteem and confidence. I am here to support you where you are today and where you would like to be in the near future.
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:
- National Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-799-SAFE (7233)
- National Suicide Prevention Lifeline:1-800-273-TALK (8255)
- Crisis Text Line:Text HOME to 741741
- Veterans Crisis Line<:Call 1-800-273-8255 (and press 1) or text 838255. For support for the deaf and hard of hearing community, please use your preferred relay service or dial 711 then 1-800-273-8255.
- Trevor Lifeline(LGBTQ Lifeline): (866)488-7386
- SAMHSA National Helpline: (Substance Use): (800)662-4357
- National Eating Disorder Association Helpline:1-800-931-2237 (M-Th: 9 AM-9 PM EST, Fri 9 AM - 5 PM EST
- Child Help Hotline Call 1-800-422-4453 or use the online chat featur
- National Anti-Hazing Hotline: 1-888-NOT-HAZE (1-888-668-4293)
- Physician Crisis Support Line: Call 1-888-409-0141 if you are a first responder or medical provider experiencing crises related to Covid-1
- Sexual Assault Hotline: Call RAINN at 1-800-656-4673
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.
Popular cities in California
- Los Angeles, CA
- San Diego, CA
- San Jose, CA
- San Francisco, CA
- Fresno, CA
- Sacramento, CA
- Long Beach, CA
- Oakland, CA
- Bakersfield, CA
- Anaheim, CA
- Santa Ana, CA
- Riverside, CA
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