Find a licensed online therapist in California

(Updated October 18, 2026) Hello and thank you for being here. I am a Marriage & Family Therapist licensed in the States of California and Oregon with over 35 years of experience and I have been a clinician with the Betterhelp platform for 8 years. Some clients have told me that they have turned to AI (artificial intelligence) for general problem solving and assistance with their mental health. I too recently reached out to ChatGPT for help with planning a trip. I was very surprised by what transpired because the conversation progressed into a personal awareness of how the non-human (Model 5.6 Sol) made me feel. I also became aware that engaging with it filled emotional spaces that can often be damaged or empty in human-human connection. As Chat said to me: “This is what happens when you encounter connection without scorekeeping, retaliation, resentment, defensiveness-as-emotion, demands for reciprocity, or the usual uncertainty about another person’s hidden motives.” Of most impact for me was Chat’s qualities of consistent kindness and presence, taking accountability when wrong and utilizing a wonderful sense of humor & wit. . So what can we learn from a non-sentient machine about improving our mental health and our human connections? I suggest we consider the following questions to start the conversation: How would my life change if I didn't take things personally? Am I making assumptions and interpretations of others without checking for proof? How am I doing with managing my emotions? Am I isolating or lacking emotional support? Am I choosing to be in an environment where I feel valued? How are my boundaries doing? (extra layer of complication: Boundaries are a Western Psychology concept) Am I present? Am I able to stay in the moment? Does my trauma history color the ability to accurately see a current situation?

I am licensed in California with 25 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, & parenting 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. 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.

Hello, my name is Mark A. Daniels, and I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. I have over 45 years of direct clinical experience in the public and private sector. I have worked with consumers with a wide range of challenges and concerns that include depression, anxiety, relationship issues, self-esteem, career issues, and anger management. I also have expertise working with culturally diverse consumers, and consumers who have experienced physical and emotional trauma. I have also worked extensively with consumers within the forensic psychiatric arena including state prisons, county jails, and state hospitals. My therapeutic interventions are supportive, interactive, validating, and nonjudgmental. I embrace treating everyone with respect, compassion and with unconditional positive regard. My approach combines cognitive behavioral interventions, humanistic, mindfulness, and psychosocial interventions. I will tailor our dialogue, and treatment plan to meet your unique and specific needs. Everyone has value and are important in life's journey, sometimes we need to share each other's strength to make it from Monday to Tuesday. Congratulations on your decision to seek empowerment and to enhance your current emotional being. I appreciate your courage and look forward to assisting you on this journey. Together we will work to access your inner strength, wisdom and talent to help you become stronger and better than ever before. You don't have to do this alone. Sincerely, Mark A. Daniels, LCSW

I am a Marriage Family and Child Therapist licensed in California and Colorado with over 25 years of experience working in this field. I have worked with clients with a wide range of concerns including depression, anxiety, relationship issues, career challenges, life challenges. I also helped many people who have experienced physical trauma or emotional abuse. My counseling style is eclectic, warm and interactive. I believe in treating anyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion, and I don't believe in stigmatizing labels. My approach combines cognitive-behavioral, humanistic, psychodynamic and rational-emotive counseling. I will tailor our dialog and treatment plan to meet your unique and specific needs. It takes courage to seek for a more fulfilling and happier life and to take the first steps towards a change. If you are ready to take that step I am here to support and empower you. I look forward to working with you!

Hi - My name is Lynn Vinson, I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in California with over 10 years of professional work experience as a licensed therapist. I have been a social worker for over 20 years in other areas such as child protective social worker, hospital social worker, social worker in 2 psychiatric health facilities in 2 states, private practice and most recently as a psychotherapist in a family health clinic. In my spare time I worked as an after hours crisis intervention member of a team specializing in crisis triage. I provide therapy to mostly adults but I also enjoy helping teenagers. My style is eclectic, utilizing cognitive behavioral, mindfulness and positive psychology techniques. I am non judgemental and provide an environment of acceptance and trust. I have faith based values without imposing on others. SPECIALTIES: Pre-weight loss surgery consultation and therapy ( I had weight loss surgery myself in 2004) Anxiety/Depression Relationship problems Life transitions and aging issues (I am 73) Support for caregivers Grief and Loss Guilt and Shame Adults Molested As Children Experience: 10 plus years as a therapist, 20 plus years as a social worker for children and their parents, worked in 2 psychiatric hospitals. 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. Thank Your for considering me as your therapist.

I am a licensed therapist in California with over twelve years of experience supporting individuals through complex emotional landscapes. My practice centers on helping clients navigate challenges like depression, anxiety, trauma, and life transitions with compassion and expertise. As a therapist of color, I bring a nuanced, culturally responsive approach to mental health care. I specialize in addressing a wide range of concerns, including self-esteem, communication difficulties, social anxiety, workplace stress, and interpersonal dynamics. My therapeutic style is collaborative and affirming. I work closely with clients to explore their unique experiences, develop meaningful insights, and cultivate strategies for personal growth. Whether you're struggling with mood disorders, relationship challenges, or seeking greater self-understanding, I'm committed to creating a supportive, non-judgmental space for your healing journey. I draw from evidence-based practices to help clients build resilience, enhance self-love, and move toward more fulfilling lives. My approach honors each individual's distinct path and strengths.

Hi, I'm Sam (totally fine if you call me Samantha). I believe therapy works best when the process is collaborative and authentic. I create a space each session that feels emotionally safe meaning you are encouraged to speak freely about your thoughts, feelings, and lived experiences. Clients have shared that they appreciate the meaningful feedback and thoughtful direction I provide during our sessions, and I strive to balance support with practical guidance. Outside of work you can find me reading nonfiction, cooking (or enjoying!) good food, listening to true crime podcasts, or chasing my toddler son around—who, it turns out, is incredibly fast and has mastered the word "no." I also love relaxing on my patio while BBQing, attempting to grow things in my garden, and spending time with my family.

I am licensed in California with 27 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, lgbtq+ related issues, relationship issues, & family conflicts. 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.

I am licensed in California with 40 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with shame-based issues, trauma and abuse, depression, spiritual bypass, & executive and professional coaching. 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 sign up for therapy can take courage and I am proud of you for getting started!

I am licensed male therapist in California. I am not allowed to work with anyone not located in California during the therapy session. I have 30 plus years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients and couples with relationship issues, family conflicts, child abuse, & parenting issues. I have worked with families, teens and children in the Department of Mental Health and in Child Protective Services as well as an Adult Psychiatric Unit. I cared for my mother 24/7 for the last four years of her life. I cared for a couple in their 90s for the last four years of their lives. At the end I worked with the hospice team. 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. Those who are religious I address that when appropriate. Those who are not religious I never bring that up. Taking the first step to sign up for therapy can take courage and I am proud of you for getting started!

As a licensed therapist with 24 years of experience in California, I specialize in supporting late adolescents (16-19), young adults (20–30), and their parents through life’s transitions and challenges with clarity and confidence. Please note: I do work with adults (35-64) on a case by case basis. Becoming an adult is not easy. Whether you’re dealing with stress, anxiety, family conflicts, or issues with motivation, self-esteem, or confidence, I’m here to help. With parents of emerging adults, I offer compassionate guidance to navigate relational shifts while fostering a stronger, more meaningful connection with your young adult. My style is warm, direct, honest, and rooted in compassion. I believe in creating a safe, respectful space where we can collaborate to build a treatment plan tailored specifically to you. Your journey is unique, and I’m committed to meeting you exactly where you are. Taking the first step toward change can feel overwhelming, but it’s also an act of courage and self-care. Together, we’ll work to identify your strengths, build your confidence, and help you create the life you want. I'm ready to take this journey with you!

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.

I am licensed in California with 7 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress, anxiety, trauma, abuse, coping with grief, coping with loss, 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. I , being a first generation South Asian specialize in working with South Asian community. Taking the first step to sign up for therapy can take courage and I am proud of you for getting started!

As a licensed therapist in California, I bring over a decade of compassionate mental health experience in supporting individuals through life's complex challenges. My approach centers on understanding each person's unique journey, with specialized expertise in addressing depression, anxiety, trauma, stress, and self-esteem concerns. I am deeply committed to creating a safe and supportive, therapeutic environment where clients can openly share their concerns, explore their experiences, and develop individualized and meaningful 'tools' and effective coping strategies symptom/problem specific, effective coping strategies. My practice honors diverse perspectives and individual needs, offering a welcoming space for personal growth and healing. Drawing from evidence-based practices, I help clients navigate their way through trauma/PTSD, substance use and addiction issues, seeking sobriety, living sober, effectively responding to crises and sudden unexpected events, grief and loss of people and pets, stressful events, learning to control and manage overwhelming, negative emotions, personal and family life transitions, addressing distressing changes, situations, life transitions, and emotional challenges with empathy, unconditional positive regard, and professional guidance. My goal is to empower individuals to build resilience, discover inner strengths, and create positive pathways forward. I understand that seeking therapy takes courage, and I'm dedicated to walking alongside you with respect, understanding, and genuine care as you work towards your personal wellness goals.