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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Martha Padilla

Offering therapy in California
License: MA,LMFT
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesFamily conflictsDepressionCoping with life changes
10 years of experience

Hi there! I'm glad you're here. I know that life can get tough leaving us feeling stuck, confused or overwhelmed. Counseling can certainly help, so I am glad you're considering this option. I'm a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. I'm also bilingual, and offer services in both English and Spanish. My approach to therapy has been described by previous clients as "insightful and practical". My counseling style is client-centered - this means that you are the focus of therapy, and I consider you to be the ultimate expert on yourself. That being said, our work together will involve drawing out your strengths, building upon them, and helping you move forward in a warm and supportive environment. I have been working with families, individuals, children and teens in a mental health capacity for 8 years now. I have worked with a diverse range of populations and with various mental health issues. More specifically, it has been my privilege to help people heal from and work through issues such as chronic depression, grief, social anxiety, generalized anxiety disorder, multigenerational issues including sibling and parenting issues, boundary setting in relationships, and history of trauma or abuse. If you decide to work with me, I'm hopeful that together we can find a way to help you move forward, and feel in control of your life once again.

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Candace Sebastian

Offering therapy in California
License: LCSW
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesFamily conflictsDepression
3 years of experience

I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) with over 20 years of experience working in the field of counseling and mental health. I have worked with clients with a wide range of concerns including depression, anxiety, relationship issues, career challenges, LGBT, and chronic mental illness. My counseling style is warm and patient. I believe in treating everyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion. My approach combines humanistic, interpersonal, and cognitive-behavioral counseling. I am also formally trained in EMDR. With the ups and downs of life, I understand that you are most likely here during a more challenging time. You may be experiencing loss of a relationship, struggling with addiction, loss of job, arguing with your partner, feeling lonely, struggling with family issues, feeling unworthy or not good enough. It takes courage to seek help during these times, and I am here to help you. I am glad that you are here and I am looking forward to working with you. ~ Candace, LCSW

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Brian VanBrakle

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietyFamily conflictsTrauma and abuseGriefSelf esteem
10 years of experience

Hi, I am Brian VanBrakle, I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in California with over 10 years of experience helping people navigate difficult life situations. I have worked with people with a wide range of concerns and issues including depression, relationship issues, parent/child conflicts, and anxiety. I have helped many people who have experienced trauma and emotional abuse. My counseling style is warm and interactive. I believe in treating people with respect, sensitivity and compassion. My approach combines cognitive-behavioral and solution focused. I will utilize a unique toolbox and treatment approach to meet your specific needs and concerns. It takes strength and courage creating a more fulfilling and meaning life. If you are ready to take those steps I am here to support and empower you. I look forward to working with you! Respectfully, BVB.

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Phyllis Trail

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsGriefDepressionCoping with life changes
27 years of experience

Hi! I am Phyllis Trail, LMFT. I am a California-licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, with a nursing background. I help clients master life changes, including stress, anxiety, addictions, illness, grief and loss, depression, and other issues. One of my focus areas has been those who are raising OPKs (Other People's Kids). Another has been Christian Counseling, for those who prefer it. Our lives have largely been affected by what we adapted to as children, when we learned about life from people around us. Sometimes therapy involves sorting those ideas from what my client really wants, and giving them permission to have that. Other times therapy is more present-day, as we tackle current stressors or issues. There are many schools or methods of psychotherapy. I take cues from my clients to find ways they can receive help. I rely on my instincts and our relationship to guide us. I enjoy revealing hope to my clients. I often can see the silver lining that awaits as we venture through hindrances, to reach freedom, peace, and hope. People come to a therapist to sort out problems, to find solutions and ways out. People need hope. They need love, compassion, and empathy; those are my tools and strengths. When people get insight and permission to be themselves and move forward, their eyes light up and their entire face changes. It’s awesome, being free! I’m interested in helping you get free. If my description of therapy appeals to you and your needs, contact me. Let’s see what we come up with! You are the expert of your story, and you have many strengths to assist you in overcoming challenges. I honor you for getting started!

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Caron Trataris

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

Welcome! Thank you for taking the time to read a little bit about me – sometimes just getting this far can be a lot of work, and I understand that. My name is Caron Trataris, and I am a California Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist/LMFT. I work primarily with adults. Many of my clients engage therapy because they are experiencing emotional pain or may be feeling overwhelmed, either by symptoms of anxiety or depression, resulting in a limited ability to connect with others, or realize opportunities for personal growth. In session I utilize Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, an evidence-based approach to help clients understand how their thoughts, feelings, and behaviors are interconnected. Examining a client’s physical response to external stressors lends to the integration of mindfulness techniques to cultivate moments of calm, replacing a reactive response with the space necessary for thoughtful interpretation in the face of change. I hold 3 master’s degrees, a Master of Science in Counseling, Marriage, Child and Family Therapy from University of Phoenix-Pasadena, CA, as well as a Master of Science in Psychology and an MBA, also from University of Phoenix. I look forward to our journey, let me know if I can be of service.

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Virginia Mintzlaff

Offering therapy in California
License: MS, LMFT
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesTrauma and abuseGriefDepression
22 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 22 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, trauma and abuse, & coping with grief and loss. 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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Dr. Julia Kaluga

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

Hello! Thank you for your interest! I am a Doctor of Psychology, licensed LMFT in California with 14 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with relationship issues, depression, anxiety, substance use, trauma and abuse, confidence/low self esteem, lgbtq+ related issues, and coping with grief and loss. 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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Lisa Bove

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietyLGBTGriefSelf esteemCompassion fatigue
29 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 29 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, lgbtq+ related issues, coping with grief and loss, low 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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Susan Epstein

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesGriefSelf esteemCoping with life changes
18 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 18 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, coping with grief and loss, & 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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Jamie Fowler

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

I am licensed in California with 10+ 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 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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Matthew Rodgers

Offering therapy in California
AddictionsLGBTIntimacy-related issuesSelf esteemCoping with life changes
5 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 5 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with coping with addictions, lgbtq+ related issues, intimacy related issues, motivation, self esteem, & 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. I have spent most of my professional career work with Veterans. I am experienced with helping patients with PTSD, substance use issues, and in general helping individuals with their goals to become independent and to thrive. I also have a background in Gerontology (MA), LGBTQIA+ culture and sex therapy.

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James Clifford

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

I am licensed in California with 40 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress, anxiety, relationship issues, trauma, abuse, 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. Taking the first step to sign up for therapy can take courage and I am proud of you for getting started!

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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