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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Toi Lynn Wyle

Offering therapy in California
License: CA LMFT 33428
Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseGriefDepressionCoping with life changes
30 years of experience

Welcome. I’m so glad you reached out today. We are in the middle of unprecedented challenges, and you do not have to face them alone. I’m a Psychotherapist, Personal & Professional Coach, Hypnotherapist, and Yoga & Meditation teacher with 25+ years of experience supporting others along their life path. ~~I believe in my clients~~ I believe in your inherent wisdom and resources. I’ve had the honor of witnessing my clients move inner and outer mountains to make positive life changes as they become who they are meant to become. I believe this work as not about fixing someone or simply solving a problem, but about fostering self-awareness and providing the tangible tools you can use for a lifetime. I see myself as a facilitator and collaborator to empower my clients to find their own answers and use those answers to take clear and confident action in their life. I sincerely care about my clients. You are the reason I do this work. ~~What You’ll Get from Our Collaboration~~ You'll l have a solid and safe space where you’ll be seen, heard, respected and reflected. You'll be gaining an ally who fully supports your lived experience, who respects your unique way of being in the world. You'll become more aware of yourself and life around you, more tuned in to your values, needs, motivations, fears and desires. You'll become more present with yourself, others and life itself. You'll learn how to be your own therapist, coach, and friend. You'll come away from each session feeling more clear, confident, and capable of navigating your current and future life challenges. :::It's important to find a therapist that matches you, so below is a little bit more info about me::: ~~How I Am~~ My natural way of being in this work and in life is grounded, curious, compassionate, and intuitive. Over the years, my clients and students have described me as calming, warm, nurturing, efficient, and empowering. While our work is undoubtedly serious at times, humor is essential as well. ~~How I Work~~ I’m a Holistic or Integrative therapist, which means I work with the head, heart, body, and spirit to facilitate healing and transformation. I interweave traditional talk therapy and life coaching with various forms of cognitive behavioral, mindfulness, and somatic therapies. ~~Where I’ve Worked~~ I’ve worked in hospitals, schools, colleges, career centers, tech companies, virtual therapy providers, and non-profits. I've worked with clients of all ages from the US and countries around the world. I founded and directed a large healing arts center where I managed 25 employees offering yoga classes and other healing services. I’ve been a Yoga & Meditation teacher for 24 years, and have led numerous community events and retreats in-person and online. ~~Other Things~~ I’m a writer, as well as an avid nature photographer. Dogs, I do love dogs - raising them as well as training and nurturing them into wholeness. They are an important part of my passion and purpose. I look forward to the possibility of working with you.

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Dr. Saundra Taulbee

Offering therapy in California
License: CA LMFT 16887
AddictionsRelationship issuesIntimacy-related issuesBipolar disorderDepression
43 years of experience

I hear the heartbeat of your spoken and unspoken struggles, as well as your dreams yet to be realized. Together we work to uncover the root cause and triggers that prevent you from being at peace with yourself and others, whether it involves issues of : • addiction, depression - Bi-polar or other mood disorders, ADD • codependency, low self-esteem, • PTSD, problems with anger management or conflict avoidance • problems with emotional and sexual intimacy in marriage. And, then, together we move on to resolve issues you bring so that you can learn to have satisfaction and transformation in your life. My experience spans 25 plus years of working with a wide range of people in private practice and in the mental health system. Not only that, but, my training was as a Doctor of Mental Health in Psychiatry at UCSF Medical Centre, San Francisco, with a 3- year residence, rotating in the crisis clinic, in-patient and out-patient psych units in Mount Zion Hospital, and Langley Porter Hospital, San Francisco, CA. Through this magnificent training I learned to grasp the delicate balance between the mind-body duo, and, subsequently I became adept at diagnosis and treatment, including ascertaining one's need for medication as an adjunct to the talk therapy. I am also trained in theology, having earned an M.Div. degree from Fuller Theological Seminary. Above all, if you choose to work with me - you will gain an ally in your recovery - who is authentic, transparent, and, who will walk with you to the culmination of your treatment. My treatment approach is psychoanalytic. And, thus, I believe we all suffer hurts, habits and hang-ups from the past, which are at the root of our struggles that go back to unfinished business with family of origin. However, I also integrate facets of cognitive behavioral and dialectical behavioral therapy, as the need presents. Furthermore, I am a Christian with a worldview that is biblically based. And, so, I hear the “God void” that lies within the heart of all humankind which we seek to fill with other things. This means that while my counsel will never conflict with the authority of Scripture, I will not proselytize. With that said, I have and will continue to see anyone who chooses to work with me as their therapist, regardless of whether you have a religious affiliation or none. Last, I am also an author who wrote a book based on case histories of nine patients who gave me permission to tell their stories, interspersed with vignettes from my own life - about how to overcome the struggles with which we all suffer. My nascent book, entitled, "You Can't Heal A Wound By Saying It's Not There", 2nd edition, is an overview of how what I have described above helps people heal and move on with their lives, so that they can help someone else be better - one person at a time. Are you willing to begin a journey with me of overcoming the past and embracing your God-given future?

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Steven Gaddis

Offering therapy in California
License: TX LPC 70660, CA LPCC 16285
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsAnger management
20 years of experience

Greetings! I am a counselor, currently licensed in California and Texas, with approximately 20 years of experience. My experiences include working with individuals to address topics such as anger management, relationship issues, alcohol and other drug related concerns, personal development, and mood disturbances. I have also worked with criminal justice involved individuals. My style primarily utilizes a Cognitive Behavioral perspectives with an understanding that the connection and trust between counselor and client is paramount in an effective and productive partnership. I believe that by working to create a safe and authentic environment the stage is best prepared for creating healthy change and movement towards ones goals. Although the specific methods utilized will be based on individual details and interactions, my interactions are personalized and focused on an individual's strengths. I typically review incoming messages at least twice a day, at least once in the AM and once in the PM. I appreciate you and your interest in counseling as an opportunity to create or maintain the life you envision. I hope to have the opportunity to partner with you in your next steps and I look forward to hearing from and working with you.

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Dr. Thomas Browne PhD

Offering therapy in California
License: CA Psychologist 24087
Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseEating disordersDepressionCoaching
25 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 25 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, family conflicts, trauma and abuse, & 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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Yovani Ayala

Offering therapy in California
License: NC LCSW C011006, SC LISW-CP 14722
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesTrauma and abuseDepressionADHD
10 years of experience

Hi! My name is Yovani. I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, residing in North Carolina, with over 10 years experience in providing clinical counseling. I have training and certifications to assist clinical disorders of Depression, Anxiety, Bipolar, Personality, Adult ADHD. I provide tailored treatment approaches with each client, approaches to individualize each person's desired goals. I center my interventions with Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, and my approaches in providing therapy are supportive, empathetic, direct and goal oriented. Its important for me to connect with my clients and build a therapeutic relationship, work together to achieve goals in building blocks, continuing to progress from the previous sessions' work. In helping you to feel better, we will celebrate progress and achievements, we will be compassionate to the struggles and mistakes, we will build resiliency and continued motivation, and we will work to learn how to maintained the learned skills to use after end of treatment care.

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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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Melissa Innocenzi

Offering therapy in California
License: CA LMFT 38641
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsGriefIntimacy-related issuesDepression
26 years of experience

Welcome! Thank you for taking the time to read my profile. I am a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with over 27 years of clinical experience. I hold a Bachelor's Degree from the University of Texas in art in 1991 as well as a Masters Degree in Marriage and Family Therapy from Phillip's Graduate Institute (California) in 1998. My post-graduate studies focused on client-centered therapy as well as narrative therapy and grief work. I have additional training on evidence based practices in grief recovery. I have worked in a private practice and in clinics with clients with a wide range of issues, including; but not limited to grief recovery, relationship problems, anxiety, and depression. I have work with children, adolescents, couples and adult clients. It often takes courage to seek therapy. Congratulations on taking the first step. Together we will look for solutions and resources to help you with what you are going through. My style of therapy is warm, solution-focused and interactive. I am a humanistic therapist who believes that you are the center of therapy. My approach is combine talk therapy with activities you will complete and bring back to therapy to reach your goals in both brief and long term therapy. Of course, if your preference is just talk therapy, we can focus on that solely. I look forward to working with you.

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Ashley Wormley

Offering therapy in California
License: CA LPCC 20668, PA LPC PC019020
Stress, AnxietyGriefSelf esteemDepression
7 years of experience

I am licensed in Ohio with 7 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, coping with grief and loss, & motivation, self esteem, and confidence. I also have experience working with depression and other mood disorders. 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. 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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Earl Barrios

Offering therapy in California
License: CA LPCC 229
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesFamily conflictsTrauma and abuseDepression
38 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 36 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, & trauma and abuse. 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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Leslie Patt

Offering therapy in California
License: CA LMFT 17513
Relationship issuesFamily conflictsTrauma and abuseParenting issuesDepression
25 years of experience

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!

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Ronena Summers

Offering therapy in California
License: CA LMFT 108740
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesFamily conflictsTrauma and abuseDepression
15 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 15 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. 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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Marc Sherman

Offering therapy in California
License: CA LMFT 141246
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesSelf esteemDepressionCoping with life changes
7 years of experience

I am licensed in California with over 7 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress, anxiety, relationship issues, motivation, self esteem, confidence, & 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.

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Kristyn Smith

Offering therapy in California
License: CA LCSW 132747
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesSelf esteemDepression
5 years of experience

I am a licensed mental health professional in the state of California with over five years of clinical experience. My work is grounded in evidence-based practice and a deep commitment to providing compassionate, individualized care. I have extensive experience supporting clients facing a wide range of challenges, including stress, anxiety, depression, mood disorders, anger management, relationship issues, family conflict, low motivation, self-esteem concerns, and confidence-related difficulties. In addition to working with common mental health concerns, I have significant experience in treating complex and treatment-resistant mental illness. I strongly support the principles of precision psychiatry, and I utilize an interdisciplinary and integrative approach to ensure that treatment is as personalized, effective, and comprehensive as possible. This includes collaboration with professionals across psychiatry, psychology, and allied health disciplines to address the full biopsychosocial spectrum of mental health. My prognostic belief system is one of hope and empowerment. I believe that even in the face of severe or long-standing mental health challenges, meaningful healing and transformation are possible. My work is guided by the conviction that individuals can reconnect with their strengths, find purpose, and move toward lasting change when provided with the right tools and support. I believe that every person deserves to be treated with respect, sensitivity, and dignity. My therapeutic process is grounded in mutual trust, and I tailor each treatment plan to meet the unique and specific needs of the individual. In pursuit of clinical excellence, I remain actively engaged in ongoing research focused on complex and severe mental illness, with the goal of advancing our understanding and improving outcomes for individuals with the greatest needs. Taking the first step to begin therapy takes courage. I commend you for making that choice, and I am here to support you every step of the way.

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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