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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Julie Barrett

Offering therapy in California
License: LMFT
Stress, AnxietyFamily conflictsParenting issuesSelf esteemADHD
24 years of experience

I am so happy to be able to help people here at BetterHelp. I would love to help you with family and relationship issues, parenting issues, anxiety and stress reduction, depression, motivation, making positive changes in your life, coping with life changes, grief, chronic stress, healing after trauma, and confidence and self-esteem issues. I would love to talk to you about how I can help you improve your life!

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Nicole Forester

Offering therapy in California
License: LPCC,MT-BC,NCC
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsTrauma and abuseGriefDepression
16 years of experience

Hello - My name is Nicole Forester . I welcome you. I recognize the energy it takes to seek support. What I can offer is non-judgmental listening to help you hear your own voice. I invite you to be as direct and unedited as you are comfortable. I believe speaking your full truth is the best place to start. I am a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor (CA), a Licensed Professional Counselor (CO) and a Nationally Board-Certified Music Therapist. I earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Music Therapy from Utah State University in 2002 followed by an internship at Bethany Children’s Home in Pennsylvania. I graduated with a Master of Science degree in Mental Health Counseling from the University of Phoenix in 2007. I have worked in a variety of settings: University Neuropsychiatric Institute, Inpatient Units, Addiction Recovery Utah Youth Village, In-Home Crisis Team Project Reality, Outpatient Addiction Services and Dual-Diagnosis Arbour Counseling Services, Outpatient Services, Intensive-Outpatient Program Groups Hospice by the Bay, Children and Teens in Hospice Established Private Practice in 2012-2019 in San Francisco. I encourage you to interview your therapist to find a good fit. Feel free to connect with me. We can talk about what kind of support you seek. I will do my best to answer any questions you might have about this process. I believe that having someone to listen objectively can be very helpful. I appreciate the courage it takes to ask for help. Take good care. Hope to hear from you.

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Jill Maine

Offering therapy in California
License: Psy.D.
Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseSelf esteemBipolar disorderDepression
14 years of experience

Hello. My name is Jill. I am a licensed psychologist with 14 years of experience in offering psychological services to children, adolescents, individuals, couples and families. I have worked in independent practice, child/adolescent group homes, school settings, community mental health, and Residential Treatment Centers. I have extensive training and experience in working with victims of trauma and have specialized training in trauma-informed therapeutic approaches such as EMDR and Internal Family Systems. I have also received training in Personality Disorders, LGBTQ+ issues, phase of life issues, prenatal and post-natal difficulties, and working with individuals experiencing psychosis. I work primarily from a Psychodynamic/Analytic approach. I begin each therapeutic relationship with two goals: (1) who are you and (2) what is getting in the way of you living your best life? By answering these questions, I find an individual can begin to explore early childhood messages, identify core conflicts, and begin to challenge maladaptive messages they are holding. They can get out from underneath the messages of who they are supposed to be and how they are supposed to act in the world. I utilize Cognitive Behavior Therapy, Dialectical Behavior Therapy, and Seeking Safety to provide direct coping strategies to help alleviate symptoms why working on deeper issues. I received my Doctoral Degree from Fuller Theological Seminary. I sought out an integrated program that challenged practitioners to understand how to bring spirituality into the room if needed due to my understanding of how important personal beliefs are to an individual. I seek in my practice to allow a client to bring into the room whatever is important to their life. I challenge my own preconceptions daily and seek to learn in everything I do. I practice from an Affirmative approach and seek always to listen first. I do this work to watch change happen. I am often invited to join someone’s life at their weakest. In therapy, I am witness to an individual who may be opening up about places they have hidden for weeks, months, or even years. It is an honor to be invited on the journey. I look forward to meeting you!

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Victoria Durant

Offering therapy in California
License: MA,LMFT
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsRelationship issuesFamily conflictsIntimacy-related issues
22 years of experience

I am a licensed marriage and family therapist in California. I received my Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science, History, and Psychology and my Master of Arts degree in Clinical Psychology. I have been providing individual, family, and couples therapy for almost two decades. I have experience with a variety of age and ethnic groups. I utilize various theoretical orientations including Solution-Focused, Narrative, and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. I have worked in elementary and high school settings, residential drug treatment, and mental health partial hospitalization programs. Additionally, I am well-versed in 12-Step addiction models. My therapeutic approach focuses on helping clients separate who they think they "should" be from who they actually are. I aim to identify clients’ needs and further develop their communication skills. We collaborate to cultivate an integrated acceptance of self, while promoting a rich environment for change to occur. I seek to find strategies for clients to cultivate more meaningful connections, which require vulnerability and intimacy. Great therapy is built on a relationship of warmth, empathy, and curiosity, where all parties learn from one another. I pay attention to the moment-to-moment experiences of the mind and body, and aspire to integrate them for overall well-being. Our therapy sessions are 50 minutes in length, so please don’t be confused by the 30-minute time slots when you schedule. I do ask for a minimum 24-hour cancellation notice prior to any scheduled sessions. More than one late-notice or no-show, will result in a referral to another therapist on the BetterHelp platform.

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JP (Jean-Pierre) De Oliveira Estevão

Offering therapy in California
License: LPCC
Stress, AnxietyLGBTTrauma and abuseDepression
16 years of experience

My primary objective is to create a safe and nurturing environment where individuals, couples, and families can explore and enhance their emotional and mental well-being. Utilizing a client-centered approach rooted in humanistic principles, I actively collaborate with my clients to deeply understand their unique needs and aspirations. From this understanding, I develop personalized interventions that foster growth and progress. Rather than fixating solely on problems or pathology, I integrate the strengths and resources of my clients into my therapeutic approach. By doing so, I cultivate a sense of empowerment and resilience within them, enabling them to overcome obstacles and achieve their objectives. With extensive experience as a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor in California and Texas, I have had the privilege of working with diverse individuals, including children, older adults, and members of the LGBTQ+ community. My background in school counseling and non-profit agencies has given me a deep understanding of the psychological challenges that can arise within these populations. My therapeutic approach focuses on building positive communication and nurturing meaningful client relationships. I prioritize establishing healthy coping strategies and facilitating lasting interpersonal changes within a culturally sensitive framework. Through compassionate and respectful guidance, I work collaboratively with my clients to help them achieve their personalized goals. Please note that I operate in the central standard time zone (GMT+6), and my working hours generally span from 10 AM to 5 PM. Kindly be aware that I am typically unavailable during weekends and evenings. As an esteemed Saint Mary's College of California graduate, I am fully committed to providing tailored therapy services to individuals. I am delighted to offer online therapy sessions as a convenient and accessible support form.

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Debra Kabrin

Offering therapy in California
License: MA, LMFT
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesFamily conflictsTrauma and abuseDepression
3 years of experience

I have been a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist for 10 years. I have experience working with all age groups and with issues such as depression, anxiety, relationships, parenting and ADHD, My counseling style is warm, caring, and supportive. I am sensitive to diversity - racial, religious, gender. I tailor the sessions to each individuals needs. It takes courage to seek out help towards a happier and more fulfilling life. You have taken your first steps to creating that. I am excited to assist you in your journey and I look forward to working with you !

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Philip Beitel

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesParenting issuesSelf esteemCoping with life changes
35 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 35 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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Dr. Robert Phillips

Offering therapy in California
Relationship issuesSelf esteemCareer difficultiesDepressionCoping with life changes
50 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 50 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with relationship issues, motivation, self esteem, and confidence, career difficulties, & depression. 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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Avital Wolf-Prusan

Offering therapy in California
LGBTRelationship issuesTrauma and abuseIntimacy-related issuesCoping with life changes
8 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 8 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients in the Trans, LGBTQIA, Poly/multi/ENM, Kink, and Sex Worker communities with relationship issues, trauma and abuse, & 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. Taking the first step to seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process. As a therapist I offer a safe space and open ears for those looking for non-judgmental psychological support. I believe that psychotherapy can be a very helpful tool when exploring yourself and exploring yourself in relationships with others. Daily stressors and life transitions can be distracting and frustrating to handle, but that with self-care and support together we can work towards decreasing these unwanted thoughts and behaviors to make a change for the better. I maintain a safe space for all race, faith, gender, and sexuality identities, as well as work with people exploring these topics.

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Lindsey Hersh

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseGriefEating disordersDepression
10 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 10 years of professional work experience in the school setting and in private practice. I have experience in helping clients with stress, mood disorders, anxiety, trauma and abuse, coping with grief and loss, eating disorders and more. 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.

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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