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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Angela Oliver-Comer

Offering therapy in California
License: LMFT
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesFamily conflictsGriefDepression
20 years of experience

Hi. I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with over 20 years of experience providing therapy services to individuals and families experiencing depression or anxiety, family stressors, grief and loss or relationship issues. I strive to provide a safe, supportive and compassionate therapeutic environment. Exploring counseling and choosing the right therapist is not always an easy task. At times, we all struggle and the stressors of life can be overwhelming. It is my endeavor to help you successfully navigate the challenges you are facing and provide the skills and techniques to help you reach your goals. Congratulations on making the first step towards personal growth and improving your Mental Health. I look forward to working with you.

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Kathleen Pear

Offering therapy in California
License: LCSW
Stress, AnxietySelf esteemDepressionCoping with life changes
14 years of experience

Hello. I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in California. I have experience working in health and mental health care settings, working with adults dealing with depression, anxiety,y, loss, low self-esteem, health concerns, aging, and life-review. My therapy style is non-judgmental, supportive, and compassionate. I want therapy to be a place where you will feel comfortable and safe. I will encourage you to recognize and build on your strengths and successes to improve your emotional well-being and find purpose and joy in your life. My approach to therapy is primarily Supportive Psychotherapy and also draws from Positive Psychology, Cognitive-Behavioral, Psychodynamic, Client-centered, and Existential approaches. My education includes a BA in Sociology from the University of Pittsburgh and a Master's in Social Work from the University of Maryland, where I concentrated on mental health. Your life experiences and past decisions have brought you to where you are today. You stand at the threshold of hope, positive change, and possibilities for the future. You have the power within to make your life better. It is not always easy, but you are not alone!

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Dr. Benjamin Lasky

Offering therapy in California
License: Ph.D.
AddictionsLGBTRelationship issuesFamily conflictsDepression
3 years of experience

I am a licensed psychologist in California and Nevada with over 20 years of experience. I specialize in LGBTQIA issues, my pronouns are ‘he and him.’ I also have worked over 10 years in a psychiatric hospital where I gained expertise with dual diagnosis patients (substance abuse issues + mental health disorder). I was also fortunate enough to work in the adolescent unit of the hospital as well. I earned my Ph.D. from Ball State University in Muncie, Indiana. I am also an educator to graduate students and provide supervision as they pursue their licenses. This helps keep me motivated to stay current with emerging trends in therapy. I mainly utilize cognitive-behavioral techniques as well as client-centered therapy. One of my favorite parts of conducting therapy is seeing diversity and being able to help those in all walks of life. I make no judgments and work hard to see things from the perspective of my clients. I see myself as a facilitator and I help my clients gain insight so they can tap into their strengths. Therapy is serious business, but I always like to use a bit of humor as appropriate. It is very important that everyone I work with feels valued and respected and I fully bring that to each and every session. Thank you for your time and I hope to work with you. Licensed Psychologist PSY 19363 California, PY 0726 Nevada

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Katherine Carter

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesIntimacy-related issuesSelf esteemCoping with life changes
24 years of experience

Hello! I am licensed in California with 24 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with many issues that affect their day to day enjoyment of life, including stress, anxiety, relationship issues, depressed mood, low self esteem, grief, and spirituality. 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 and I am here to support you in that process. I look forward to connecting with you!

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Natalie Fifer

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietySelf esteemCoping with life changes
10 years of experience

I am licensed in Texas with 9 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, motivation, self esteem, and confidence, & coping with life changes. For many people, trusting a stranger with your story, emotions and feelings can be overwhelming. However, psychotherapy can be a useful tool for anyone. Therapy is for anyone looking for outside supportI believe that it is important to build a more dynamic relationship through a collaborative effort utilizing techniques acquired through my years of schooling and experienceI will customize my approach to meet each person's needs. Through empathy we will deepen the therapeutic bond that leads to better results. I will make every effort to make sure you feel understood and supported I will do my best to communicate suggestions concisely and clearlyI will analyze symptoms presented and offer you an explanation of what reasons might be contributing to the symptoms you are experiencing.

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Ernestine Passas

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietySelf esteemCareer difficultiesDepression
6 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 6 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, motivation, self esteem, and confidence, & career difficulties. 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 seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process.

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Christi Bell

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietyLGBTRelationship issuesTrauma and abuseDepression
3 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 3 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, lgbtq+ related issues, relationship issues, & 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. 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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Thomas Pugel

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseDepression
20 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 20 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, trauma and abuse, & 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 seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process.

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Adriana Mondragon-Hill

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

I am licensed in California with 10+ years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress, anxiety, relationship issues, trauma and abuse, self-esteem and identity issues, and addressing barriers keeping clients from reaching their goals, dreams, and potential. I believe all humans have innate value and deserve to be treated with dignity. I will tailor our dialogue and treatment plan to meet your unique and specific needs. It takes courage to pursue a more fulfilling and joyful life. I am here to come alongside of you in pursuit of your healing journey.

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Kevin Graves

Offering therapy in California
LGBTTrauma and abuseSelf esteemDepressionADHD
4 years of experience

I have helped myriad adults, adolescents, and couples navigate neurodivergence (ADHD, autism, learning), gender diversity and LGBTQ+ related issues, racism and oppression, HIV, anxiety, OCD, depression, trauma and abuse, self-compassion and confidence, motivation, & relationship/school/work/financial stress. Queer, antiracist, neurodivergent, disabled, poly-affirming, and bilingual (Spanish), I aim to treat all with respect, sensitivity, dignity, and compassion, & centering minoritized voices. I integrate client-centered, psychodynamic, humanistic-existential, Emotionally Focused (EFT), feminist/queer, collaborative, and Socioculturally Attuned (SCAFT) therapies to aid healing. I am licensed in California with 4 years of experience as a therapist, 8 years in university learning and mental healthcare, with over 30 years of professional experience (e.g., DJ/producer/music industry, IT, and corporate training). 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 change. I am here to support & empower you in that journey.

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Katrina Bobo

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsFamily conflictsTrauma and abuseCoping with life changes
8 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 6 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, coping with addictions, 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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Jamie Hawks

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietyGriefSelf esteemDepressionCompassion fatigue
5 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 5 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress, anxiety, coping with grief, coping with loss, motivation, self esteem, confidence, & depression. I also have experience working with compassion fatigue. 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!

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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