Finding a therapist in California can be challenging. Even in some of the biggest California cities, concerns about cost or a lack of available providers can make finding an in-person therapist 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. From young adults needing help managing ADHD to seniors struggling to heal from past events, therapists can help adults of any age navigate the challenges in their lives and learn 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.

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This is Amy Torn's avatar and link to their profile

Amy Torn

Offering therapy in California
License: CA LMFT 44895
Stress, AnxietySelf esteemCareer difficultiesCoping with life changesCompassion fatigue
25 years of experience

Hello! I am a California-licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, with 25 years of experience counseling children, teens, and adults. I have trained and practiced extensively as a cognitive-behavioral therapist, and I also have a passion for mindfulness, self-compassion, and holistic approaches for greater well-being. I draw from Internal Family Systems and Motivation Interviewing, as well. In counseling, I invite people to cultivate greater self-acceptance; release themselves from the burden of limiting, distressing beliefs; and find meaning and opportunity in challenging experiences. It is very possible to be free from suffering! I offer a compassionate, research-based, and collaborative approach to counseling - as well as Eastern and Western Spiritual perspectives to those who may be interested. I love to listen deeply and to offer questions for self-exploration, also. I have a passion and specialty in assisting teens and adults who are experiencing anxiety, as well as those who wish to be more loving/accepting of themselves. I also have a strong interest in supporting individuals with chronic illnesses or other physical challenges, as well as their loved ones. My other professional roles are as an astrologer and a Reiki (Japanese energy healing) practitioner. I also offer dream interpretation sessions, utilizing a research-based model developed at the University of Maryland. In my free time, I care for several animal friends, study German New Medicine and Spanish, hike, and bake. I lived in Southern California for two decades and now reside in Pennsylvania. Thank you for viewing my site. It will be a joy to connect with you!

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Gema Martir

Offering therapy in California
License: CA LMFT 98858
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesTrauma and abuseIntimacy-related issuesDepression
15 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 15 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, 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.

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Michelle Varady

Offering therapy in California
License: CA LCSW 129263, NV LCSW 11399-C
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsTrauma and abuseSelf esteemDepression
10 years of experience

Healing the Roots of the Self I am a licensed therapist with 15 years of professional work experience across California, Massachusetts, and Nevada. My primary focus is on Internal Family Systems (IFS) and deep Shadow Work. I believe true healing comes from more than just symptom management; it requires the courage to uncover and heal the roots of our challenges, such as trauma, anxiety, addiction, and low self-esteem. I teach powerful tools for managing day-to-day symptoms using integrated approaches like CBT, DBT, and Somatic Therapy, but my core mission is to facilitate lasting, foundational change. I believe you are the expert of your story, possessing many strengths that will assist you in overcoming what challenges you. It takes immense courage to seek a more fulfilling life, and I am here to support and empower you on that journey.

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Giovanni Bass

Offering therapy in California
License: AZ LCSW LCSW-21903, NC LCSW C008797
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesFamily conflictsTrauma and abuseDepression
14 years of experience

I am a Licensed Clinical Social-Worker with experience treating anxiety, depression, PTSD, eating disorders, and borderline personality. I also provide marital counseling and family consultation. I provide treatment plans that address problems associated with impulse control, anger management, communication, self-awareness, self-esteem, perspective, and negative thought patterns. I have over 5 years of experience and I have treated individuals in various parts of the world, including the U.S., Europe, and Asia. I provide spiritually integrated psychotherapy where the focus is on gaining knowledge of self and developing a relationship with a higher power. I have military experience and I am honored to have had the opportunity to treat many veterans and active duty soldiers suffering from various forms of trauma and adjustment disorders. My approach and treatment modalities include cognitive behavioral therapy, narrative therapy, rational emotive therapy, and psychodynamic therapy. Each treatment plan is tailored to meet the needs of each soul I interact with. I will support you and help you discover the strength, from within yourself, to fulfill your purpose and to live the life you want to live. Take that first step, and I will take the rest with you!

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Dorothy Holley

Offering therapy in California
License: FL LCSW SW6320, GA LCSW CSW005226
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsRelationship issuesFamily conflictsTrauma and abuse
30 years of experience

I am licensed as a clinical social worker in both Georgia and Florida with more than 25 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 sign up for therapy can take courage and I am proud of you for getting started!

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Christine Block

Offering therapy in California
License: CA LMFT 42751, FL LMHC Mh16966
Stress, AnxietyLGBTRelationship issuesAnger managementBipolar disorder
20 years of experience

As a licensed therapist in California and Florida with two decades of experience, I specialize in supporting individuals navigating complex emotional landscapes. My practice centers on creating affirming, compassionate spaces for clients exploring challenges related to stress, anxiety, relationships, and personal growth. I bring deep expertise in supporting LGBTQ+ individuals, addressing workplace dynamics, and helping clients work through life transitions. My approach is rooted in understanding each person's unique journey, with a particular focus on issues like social anxiety, communication challenges, self-love, and personal identity. My therapeutic style emphasizes collaborative healing, drawing from evidence-based practices to help clients develop resilience, insight, and meaningful strategies for emotional well-being. I'm committed to supporting diverse experiences, including those related to sexuality, cultural identity, and personal transformation. Whether you're confronting relationship difficulties, managing anxiety, or seeking deeper self-understanding, I'm dedicated to walking alongside you with empathy, respect, and professional guidance.

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Sara Ramirez

Offering therapy in California
License: CA LCSW 107829
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesGriefSelf esteemCoping with life changes
7 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 7 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 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!

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Gian Sarabia

Offering therapy in California
License: CA LMFT 150458
Trauma and abuseIntimacy-related issuesBipolar disorderDepression
6 years of experience

I am clinically licensed in California with 5 years of professional psychotherapy practice. I have experience in helping clients with anxiety, depression, borderline personality disorder (expertise), psychosis, trauma/abuse, and bipolar disorder. 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 shows your own internal compass that desires wellness and emotional health, so that's great you are looking for the right fit!

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Ryan Jordan

Offering therapy in California
License: CA LPCC 17537
Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseGriefAnger managementDepression
4 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 4 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, trauma and abuse, coping with grief and loss, & anger management. 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. Sean Riley

Offering therapy in California
License: CA Psychologist 19279
LGBTRelationship issuesIntimacy-related issuesDepressionCoping with life changes
25 years of experience

I am a licensed clinical psychologist in California with over 20 years of experience providing therapy to individuals and couples. I've also worked in family clinics, hospitals, substance abuse recovery programs, and college counseling centers. I have experience in helping clients with stress, depression, anxiety, lgbtq+ related issues, 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. 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 Xenia Blanco's avatar and link to their profile

Xenia Blanco

Offering therapy in California
License: CA LMFT 107498
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesFamily conflictsTrauma and abuseDepression
19 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 19 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress, anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, trauma, & abuse. I also have experience working with 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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Terence Shigg

Offering therapy in California
License: CA LMFT 47542
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesAnger managementSelf esteemCoaching
16 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 16 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress, anxiety, relationship issues, anger management, motivation, self esteem, confidence, & executive coaching. I also have experience working with 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 seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process.

This is Maria Barreto's avatar and link to their profile

Maria Barreto

Offering therapy in California
License: CA LMFT 127266
Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseAnger managementSelf esteemDepression
4 years of experience

As a licensed therapist in California, I specialize in supporting individuals navigating complex emotional landscapes. My approach centers on helping clients develop self-compassion, improve communication skills, and overcome challenges related to social anxiety, isolation, and personal growth. With a deep understanding of depression, stress, anxiety, and trauma, I create a compassionate and collaborative therapeutic environment. I'm committed to empowering clients to build resilience, enhance self-esteem, and develop effective coping strategies. My therapeutic work focuses on understanding each person's unique experiences and strengths. I believe in a holistic approach that honors individual journeys, helping clients reconnect with themselves and develop healthier, more fulfilling relationships with others and themselves. Through evidence-based practices, I support clients in transforming challenging emotional patterns, cultivating self-love, and creating meaningful personal change. My goal is to provide a supportive, non-judgmental space where healing and personal growth can flourish.

This is Kellisha Priester's avatar and link to their profile

Kellisha Priester

Offering therapy in California
License: CA LMFT 131025
Relationship issuesFamily conflictsIntimacy-related issuesParenting issuesCompassion fatigue
11 years of experience

As a licensed therapist in California, I bring 11 years of dedicated experience supporting individuals through complex life challenges. My practice centers on creating a compassionate, affirming space for clients navigating relationship dynamics, family conflicts, and personal growth. I specialize in addressing a wide range of concerns, including communication challenges, life transitions, workplace stress, and issues affecting young adults, veterans, and first responders. My approach honors each client's unique identity and experiences, with a particular commitment to supporting individuals facing prejudice, discrimination, and complex family dynamics. Drawing from evidence-based practices, I offer culturally responsive guidance that empowers clients to develop healthier relationships, overcome personal barriers, and cultivate meaningful life purpose. My work is grounded in understanding the intersections of personal experience, systemic challenges, and individual resilience. I am deeply committed to creating a therapeutic environment that feels safe, respectful, and transformative for individuals from all backgrounds.

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 $70 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 BetterHelp accept insurance?

Yes. BetterHelp has joined with major insurance carriers in select states to provide in-network therapy coverage. Coverage may vary by plan, provider, and therapist availability. Insured members pay an average co-pay of $19 per session. Average co-pay is based on current insured BetterHelp members. Explore insurance coverage in major cities like ArlingtonCorpus ChristiPlanoLubbockJacksonvilleMiamiTampaOrlandoSt. PetersburgPort St. LucieHialeahCape CoralTallahasse and Fort Lauderdale.

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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