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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This is Jennifer Shtrum's avatar and link to their profile

Jennifer Shtrum

Offering therapy in California
License: M.A., MFT
Relationship issuesFamily conflictsSelf esteemDepressionCoping with life changes
25 years of experience

Throughout my short time on the platform, I see that goal oriented, solution focused and directive therapy work best due to client's short time on the app. If this approach works for you, please book a time. Below is my more detailed credentials but again- for the purposes of the app, I will work in a more direct and coaching manner. I am a Marriage and Family therapist licensed in California with over 20 years of experience working with a client base ranging from children to the elderly. I have worked with clients trying to understand their emotions causing various symptoms. Key areas that my work focuses on are significant life changes, relationship troubles, problematic family dynamics causing distress, and self esteem issues. I am also practice within a Trauma Focused Cognitive Behavioral Framework when necessary although I do not work with complex trauma in an online format and will refer out. My therapeutic framework is centered on unconditional positive regard and you being heard and validated. I will meet you where you are and encourage growth throughout the therapeutic experience. I work from a strength based approach with a focus on being solution focused. I strive to uncover triggers in your environment that impact daily functioning. Looking at your history and dynamics in your family of origin will also be a focal point of treatment. Ultimately, I will work with you to fulfill your needs using a combination of multiple therapeutic modalities tailored to your needs. You have taken the first step in getting support. I look forward to working with you and hearing your story.

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Merry Walensa

Offering therapy in California
License: MA
Relationship issuesGriefSelf esteemCareer difficultiesCoping with life changes
17 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 17 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients cope with grief and loss, motivation, self esteem, and confidence, & career planning and/or difficulties on the job. I also have experience working with coping with life changes. I do integrative work including spirituality, related to the psychological-philosophical work often referred to as existential theory, that is inclusive. I create for ALL my clients a space that is 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 making change. I am here to support & empower you on this journey. Please note: that ALL new clients need to sign up for a VIDEO appointment FIRST before a phone or chat may be used.For new comers. I also highly recommend keeping your appointments and cancelling by giving advanced notices when ever possible. I appreciate that COURTEOUS. Thank you.

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Amy Lewis

Offering therapy in California
License: Amy Lewis, LCSW
Stress, AnxietyGriefEating disordersDepressionCoping with life changes
15 years of experience

Hello. I am currently an LCSW that also works in the hospital setting with hemodialysis patients. I have been a social worker for over 15 years. I work with clients with depression, adjustment to chronic illness, anxiety, trauma, relationships issues, OCD, and panic disorder. My therapy style is warm, supportive and compassionate. My current therapy approaches include CBT and solution focused therapy. It takes courage to seek a more fulfilling life! I hope to be hear for you for the next steps! I am here for support and encouragement!

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Alexis Reid

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietyFamily conflictsSelf esteemCoping with life changes
8 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 8 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, family conflicts, & motivation, self esteem, and confidence. 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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Autry Jamison

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesTrauma and abuseGriefDepression
8 years of experience

I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) with a Masters degree in Clinical Psychology. I have worked with individuals, couples, families, and groups for over 8 years, in person and telehealth. I am currently licensed in California and Texas. I was the Executive Director at Discovery Counseling Center for several years and transitioned to Director-at-Large in 2022 when I relocated to San Antonio, TX to focus on my nonprofit, Isaiah D. Jamison Community Wellness Center. We are a community and faith-based organization that offers multiple programs and services that is fluid and designed to provide a continuity of care for the population we serve. I am currently providing consultation, training, and clinical supervision to staff and colleagues at Discovery Counseling Center in Morgan Hill, CA. Due to my journey and rich exposure to multicultural, diversity, and intersectional experiences: I can effectively serve culturally diverse populations from all SES. I also appreciate the beautiful diversity in God's creations, and am open to assisting/supporting clients from the Queer Community. My clinical experience includes helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, trauma and abuse, & coping with grief and loss. 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. I am here to help you heal, explore, and discover a full healthier you. I enjoy working from an integrative approach that is uniquely tailored to help meet the needs of clients based on their individual experiences. I also have a compassion for teaching individuals how to connect, communicate, utilize resources, and build and restore relationships. Taking the first step to sign up for therapy can take courage and I am proud of you for getting started! You can find additional information about me by visiting my website or on Psychology Today at: https://idjcommunitywc.org/ or https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/therapists/autry-jamison-san-antonio-tx/347822

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Cheryl Hopkins

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesGriefParenting issuesSelf esteem
40 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 40 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, coping with grief and loss, & 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.

This is Earl Barrios's avatar and link to their profile

Earl Barrios

Offering therapy in California
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.

This is Leslie Patt's avatar and link to their profile

Leslie Patt

Offering therapy in California
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 25 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!

This is Devon Doan Ortiz's avatar and link to their profile

Devon Doan Ortiz

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietyFamily conflictsTrauma and abuseAnger managementDepression
26 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 26 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress, anxiety, family conflicts, trauma, abuse, & anger management. 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!

This is Cristina Dawes's avatar and link to their profile

Cristina Dawes

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietyFamily conflictsTrauma and abuseDepressionCoaching
25 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 25 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress, anxiety, family conflicts, trauma, abuse, depression, & 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 sign up for therapy can take courage and I am proud of you for getting started!

This is Deborah Perez's avatar and link to their profile

Deborah Perez

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsSelf esteemDepressionADHD
7 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 7 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress, anxiety, coping with addictions, motivation, self esteem, confidence, depression, concentration, & memory. I also have experience working with focus. 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. My therapeutic style is centered on a collaborative and equal relationship to work towards your personal goals using different modalities and interventions. I am Bilingual speaking-English and Spanish and greatly value your individual and collective cultural experiences.

This is Juan Pauli's avatar and link to their profile

Juan Pauli

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsRelationship issuesTrauma and abuseDepression
30 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 30 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress, anxiety, coping with addictions, relationship issues, 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! Hablo español fluido. Eu tambén falo portugues.

This is Jason Langlois's avatar and link to their profile

Jason Langlois

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesTrauma and abuseParenting issuesSelf esteem
15 years of experience

I am a licensed Psychologist in California with 15 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress, anxiety, relationship issues, trauma and abuse, parenting issues, motivation, shame & self esteem. I also have experience with developing interpersonal and communication skills. I work with my clients to create a safe, validating, and non-judgement environment. Taking a step to make improvements and build skills is a step closer to a better, happier quality of life. I am here to support you in that process.

This is Punit Mahendru's avatar and link to their profile

Punit Mahendru

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesSelf esteemDepressionCoping with life changes
30 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 30 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress, anxiety, relationship issues, life transitions, 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 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 $65 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 insurance cover the cost of in-person or online therapy with a therapist in California?

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.

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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