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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This is JP (Jean-Pierre) De Oliveira Estevão's avatar and link to their profile

JP (Jean-Pierre) De Oliveira Estevão

Offering therapy in California
License: LPCC
Stress, AnxietyLGBTTrauma and abuseDepression
17 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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Alexis Reid

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietyFamily conflictsSelf esteemCoping 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 with stress and anxiety, family conflicts, & motivation, self esteem, and confidence. I also have experience working with 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. 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. Pawel Boyd

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietyGriefSelf esteemCareer difficultiesCoping with life changes
11 years of experience

I am a California licensed Psychologist and EMDR Trauma Specialist with 11 years of professional work experience in helping clients cope with trauma, stressful life changes, anxiety, sadness, grief and loss. I can also help with improving motivation, self-esteem and confidence. I have experience in working with codependency, burnout as well as end-of-life and terminal illness related issues. I have interest in spiritual such as near-death experiences. I am a big promoter of self-care and treating yourself more kindly and with compassion. Taking the first step to a better personal mental health takes courage and I am excited that you have considered me as a first step. Please schedule an initial appointment to test the waters. Reach out for help today. And in case of an emergency, always first call 911.

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Zeree Adams

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietySelf esteemBipolar disorderDepressionCoping with life changes
17 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 17 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, motivation, self esteem, and confidence, bipolar disorder, & 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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Denise Gutirrez-Miller

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

I am licensed in California and Oklahoma 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 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. I have worked with many populations, from developmentally disabled to SED teens to adults. I enjoy meeting people and seek to make others' lives better. I would love to work with you and help you become the best version of yourself. I am a born-again Christian and available for those needing to understand themselves according to Scripture.

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Dorina Stern

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

I am licensed in California with 13 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, depression, relationship issues, trauma and abuse, & motivation, self esteem, and confidence. I believe that knowing yourself is most important factor in healing and in helping you create the life that you want. Taking the first step to seeking a more fulfilling and happier life is a risk worth taking to make the changes for a better life. I am here to support you in that process and make sure that you have a safe and positive healing experience.

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Macarena Santelices

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesFamily conflictsSelf esteemDepression
14 years of experience

Disclaimer: I do not do Trauma therapy, please seek a different therapist if you are wanting to do some trauma work :) I am licensed in California and Maryland with 14 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, & motivation, self esteem, and confidence. 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 am here to support you and meet you where you are so we can work together to identify and meet your goals. 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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Jeanette Wendt-Orme

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsTrauma and abuseSelf esteemDepression
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, coping with addictions, 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. 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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Marlene Glenn

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietyIntimacy-related issuesSelf esteemBipolar disorderDepression
7 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 7 years of professional work experience. 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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Erica Nolasco

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

My name is Erica Nolasco, I am licensed in California with 7 years of professional work experience. My passion is helping indivduals overcome trauma, divorce, depression, anxiety, self-doubt and addiction. I welcome individuals and families to a safe nonjudgmental space with the goal of providing each client long lasting healing, personal growth and happiness. 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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Kimberly Rios Lopez

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietyLGBTFamily conflictsDepressionCoping with life changes
4 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 4 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress, anxiety, lgbtq+ related issues, family conflicts, & depression. I also have experience working with 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. Taking the first step to seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process.

This is Candyce Spruel's avatar and link to their profile

Candyce Spruel

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesSelf esteemBipolar disorderDepression
25 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 25 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress, anxiety, relationship issues, motivation, self esteem, confidence, & bipolar disorder. I also have experience working with 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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Leah Ramirez

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

With seven years of clinical experience, I’ve had the honor of walking alongside individuals navigating anxiety, depression, panic attacks, life transitions, relationship struggles, and the layered emotional journey of motherhood. I offer a grounded, compassionate approach to therapy that meets you where you are—whether you're overwhelmed by daily stress, processing unresolved emotions, or seeking clarity and confidence amid change. Many clients I support feel exhausted by the mental load they carry—managing careers, parenting, expectations, and their own inner critic. Whether you’re a woman or mother adjusting to new identities postpartum, facing fertility or hormonal challenges, or simply trying to hold everything together; an individual managing panic attacks or intense worry that disrupt daily life; or someone dealing with depression and needing help untangling the weight of sadness, shame, or numbness while working to find renewed purpose and emotional connection—I provide a safe, nonjudgmental space to slow down and heal. I also work with teenagers facing academic pressures, identity exploration, peer dynamics, or family challenges. Teens find in me a supportive therapist who helps them build coping skills and express themselves authentically. For those seeking faith-based support, I provide compassionate guidance that honors your beliefs and helps you explore your mental health in connection with your faith. Additionally, I help clients navigate difficult relationships—whether with partners, family, friends, or coworkers—offering tools to set boundaries, improve communication, and heal relational wounds. If you’re looking to boost self-esteem, explore your identity, or grow personally, we will work collaboratively toward your goals. Therapy is a brave step, and you don’t have to do it alone. I invite you to reach out, and let’s begin the work of healing, growing, and moving forward together.

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Rekeeshella Elder

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesFamily conflictsGriefSelf esteem
9 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 9 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress, anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, coping with grief, coping with loss, motivation, & self esteem. I also have experience working with 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 seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process.

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 BetterHelp therapists in California does not offer diagnostic or medication management services in therapy.

Why do people choose to work with a licensed counselor or therapists?

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, working with:

  • Challenging situations or life stressors
  • Eating disorders requiring therapy
  • Anxiety disorders in need of therapeutic support
  • Depression or depressive mental health conditions
  • Adjustment issues in need of therapeutic support
  • Emotional support for a terminal illness
  • Chronic pain emotional support
  • Grief therapy
  • Personality disorders
  • Trauma therapy
  • Relationship conflicts and mental health concerns

Finding a therapist in California 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 therapy site. If you are in life-threatening danger, call 911. If you require support for a crisis, reach out to the therapy 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 therapy with a licensed therapist cost?

Mental health professionals can differ in price. Forbes found that the average cost of in-person California therapy in the US is around $100 to $200 per hour. Pricing can also vary based on your location. 

BetterHelp offers payment plans of $65 to $100 per week. 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.

Is it possible to find a therapist, counselor, or psychology practitioner that offers affordable therapy?

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.

What can a psychologist help me with in therapy?

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 in-person or online therapy with a therapist in California?

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.

Are online therapy sessions 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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