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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Lizette Alvarado

Offering therapy in California
License: LCSW
Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseDepression
14 years of experience

Hi welcome to my profile! I'm a Licensed Clinical Social worker with over 10 years of experience working with children, adolescents, adults, and families from diverse backgrounds. I have provided mental health treatment in various settings such as in-home, school setting, and outpatient setting. As a bilingual therapist I have helped clients with a range of concerns including depression, anxiety, dealing with life transitions, working through difficult relationships, parenting issues, and trauma. I have also facilitated parenting groups, social skills groups, sexual abuse groups, and domestic violence groups. I believe in a client- centered approach. What does this mean? It means clients tell their own stories at their own pace and guide the therapeutic process. All the while I will provide a safe, supportive, compassionate environment where you feel you are able to communicate your thoughts and feelings without judgement. My approach combines cognitive-behavioral, humanistic, solution focus, and mindfulness. I'm also certified in Trauma Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. I will work collaboratively to tailor my approach to meet your unique and specific needs. Making the decision to start therapy may be a scary process and it takes a lot of courage, but if you are ready to seek help, I’m ready to support and empower you in this journey.

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Theldon Fryberger

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

Hello! I am a California Licensed Therapist (Licensed Clinical Social Worker- LCSW). I have been practicing as a Licensed professional since April of 2004. I have experience working with individuals, families, parenting and relationship issues, trauma and abuse related issues, anxiety and depression and ADHD. I utilize interventions from CBT, DBT, ACT and other evidence based practices to fit each situation. I appreciate diversity and look forward to meeting with you.

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Natalie Madriz

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietyAnger managementSelf esteemDepression
9 years of experience

I am licensed in California and have 8 years of professional work experience. My background includes helping clients with managing stress, anxiety and depression and I am also certified as an anger management counselor. I believe in treating everyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion. I enjoy working with clients to help them increase their motivation and confidence so they can have a more fulfilling and happier life. I will tailor our dialogue and treatment plan to meet your unique and specific needs. I am here to support and empower you in your treatment journey.

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Brittany Taylor

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesFamily conflictsTrauma and abuseCoping with life changes
4 years of experience

I am licensed in California as well as Ohio with 4 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 seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process.

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Kendra Theroith

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

I am licensed in California with 13 years of professional work experience. I'm a down to earth therapist that will meet my clients where they're at. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, coping with grief and loss, motivation, self esteem, and confidence, & depression. More importantly, I have experience working with teenagers and LGBTQ population. 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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Brandt Noey

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesFamily conflictsParenting issuesSelf esteem
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, relationship issues, family conflicts, & parenting issues. 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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Ryan Sweat

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesTrauma and abuseSelf esteemDepression
3 years of experience

Hi! I'm Ryan, a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in California. I have a history of working with a wide diversity of clients, and experience in helping clients deal to work through stress and anxiety, relationship issues, trauma and abuse, & motivation, self-esteem, and confidence. I believe that you are the expert of your story and that you have many strengths that you can use to overcome the things that challenge you. 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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Quinsea Pratt

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesTrauma and abuseSelf esteemDepression
9 years of experience

Hello! I'm a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and have historically served clients who have experienced domestic violence, sexual assault, incarceration, homelessness and/or have serious mental health disorders. I have worked as a professional in community mental health for nine years and am excited to now be using my knowledge to offer private individual sessions. What can you expect when working with me? Each session is individualized to meet your unique needs. We'll first have a discussion of what brings you to therapy and go from there. We'll develop goals to help guide our conversations and ideally meet once a week. It's important for me to see each person as an individual with complex needs and histories. My goal is to work besides you and support you while you navigate life's challenges. Depending on your identified needs, I can use Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Narrative Therapy, Solution Focused all from a trauma informed lens.

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Beth Pumerantz

Offering therapy in California
Relationship issuesFamily conflictsParenting issuesSelf esteemCoaching
15 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 15 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with relationship issues, family conflicts, 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. 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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Pamela Kesler

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseGriefDepression
40 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 40 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, trauma, depression & coping with grief and loss. I enjoy watching the rapid growth that is attainable thru the use of E.M.D.R. 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.

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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