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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Janet Lengsfelder

Offering therapy in California
License: LMFT,RN
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesGriefParenting issuesDepression
25 years of experience

I was a nurse first. As I worked in various settings with the goal of helping people recover from illness I realized that those who were motivated by a support team who knew them and helped them do the work of healing were the survivors. I decided I wanted to go on to learn more about how to help the whole person. My graduate degree followed by a three year training in Gestalt therapy gave me the tools to provide this deeper level of emotional first aid. As a fellow traveler along the road of life I know we all have challenges but I also have gained the wisdom to see that we have choices. I guide people to become aware of their life themes with the goal of strengthening their sense of self. Getting a handle on one’s self is very centering and stabilizing. It doesn’t eliminate anxiety or hard times, but it usually changes the perception of catastrophe and the feeling of panic into more manageable perceptions of disappointment and feelings of pain or sadness. I challenge you to risk living fully, to learn and grow from the challenges that life presents. Only then can you experience real joy. I am honored to be witness to your process.

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Erika Haines

Offering therapy in California
License: MA,LMFT
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsRelationship issuesAnger managementDepression
13 years of experience

I am a licensed Marriage and Family therapist in the state of California. I can only provide therapy to clients that reside in the state of California. I have been working for about 10 years with clients that have a vast range of issues and concerns, such as anxiety, depression, obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD), ADHD, relationship issues, domestic violence, abuse (physical and emotional), anger management, chemical dependency/coping, stress management, parenting problems, and teen issues. I enjoy working with the elderly and with all my clients. My counseling style is compassionate and understanding. I like to use humor when it is appropriate. I try to create a warm and inviting atmosphere so it is easier to talk about issues and concerns. My approach is Cognitive Behavioral therapy, because it is helpful to understand the relationship between yours thoughts and feelings and your behavior. I use Client Centered therapy as well, providing an empathetic understanding of what is going on. Solution Focused therapy is very effective for brief counseling, finding solutions in the present to help better your future. I am happy to accompany you in your journey to feel better and stronger to have a happier and fulfilled life. I hope to work with you soon.

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Kim Connolly

Offering therapy in California
License: LMFT
Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseGriefSelf esteemDepression
35 years of experience

Hello, My name is Kim. I am a seasoned therapist who has been in the mental health field for over 30 years. Most of that time has been in the nonprofit world. I have had the privilege of working with multitudes of folks, some short term, most long term. In that time, I have worked with a very wide variety of client concerns including personal growth, depression, anxiety, PTSD, attachment disorders, relationship problems, parenting issues, teen issues, grief, loss and coping with physical pain. I have a long history of counseling folks who have experienced physical, emotional, or sexual abuse and everything that now comes with that. And lately everything that has changed with the experiences of COVID, in our school, work and homes. I am a warm, interactive, and empathetic therapist. I respect that all of us have to move through life at our own pace and I will respect that with you. Your pace, where you want to go and how you want to get there. I will be direct and honest with you. I have used many different styles of therapy, depending on what my client needs and what makes them comfortable. Some of these include family systems, solution focused, existential, cognitive and psychodynamic. I also have a great belief in the healing power of loving humor. I think I have been involved in mental health for most of my life. Both of my parents were in related fields. I left my undergrad college my 3rd year to intern in a group home in Nevada City, Ca. From that point on, I worked on and off there while I went to Cal State Chico. I then worked many jobs in the field for several years before and during the time I got my Masters in Counseling at Sonoma State University and my subsequent Marriage and Family Therapy license. These days I live in a beautiful area of Ca. near the ocean. Everyone here seems to have a dog. I have one, but given a choice and the space, I would have more! I’ve always had dogs, growing up with them, then fostering them for a rescue, working with them for a humane society and then boarding them for awhile. There really is NOTHING like 5 dogs in your bed at night! Dogs are wonderful companions, can always make me laugh and are always there when you are feeling down. If I sound like a therapist that would work for you, let’s get started.

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Janice Ruchlis

Offering therapy in California
License: MS, MA MFT
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsLGBTRelationship issuesDepression
30 years of experience

I want to work with you to help you explore trauma, disability and low self esteem and discover ways to heal and feel more positive going forward. My work is a mixture of psychodynamic, behavioral, spiritual and developmental. I have worked with people of all ages and nationalities and i really valuing bringing differences to the forfront and apprecisting them. I look forward to working with you

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Dr. Torrie Piasecki

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseGriefBipolar disorderDepression
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, & 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 seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process.

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Lauren Prina

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesFamily conflictsTrauma and abuseDepression
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, relationship issues, family conflicts, & trauma and abuse. 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.

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Lori Rolf

Offering therapy in California
License: LICSW
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsAnger managementDepressionCompassion fatigue
13 years of experience

I am a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker in Minnesota and California with over 15 years experience working as a counselor and therapist. I have worked with individuals experiencing a wide range of concerns including depression, anxiety, substance use disorder, eating disorder, grief and loss, relationship issues, emotion management, stress, work/life balance, and trauma. My therapy style is empathic and accepting. My approach combines cognitive behavior, dialectical behavior, solution focused and relational-cultural therapy. I believe that therapy is most effective when there is a therapeutic partnership that is genuine, compassionate, empathetic, and supportive of client choices. I respect and value the experiences in your life that contribute to you choosing therapy. Our work together will be based on your individual treatment plan goals with a focus on building skills to create changes in your life. It takes courage and hope to reach out for help. I am honored to be part of your journey toward health and wellness!

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Jeannie Hernandez-Fritz

Offering therapy in California
GriefSelf esteemCareer difficultiesCoping with life changes
36 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 36 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with coping with grief and loss, motivation, self esteem, and confidence, & career difficulties. I also have experience working with coping with life changes. I work with my clients to create an open and safe environment where thoughts and feelings can be shared without fear of judgment. 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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Pamela Kesler

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseGriefDepression
47 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 47 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress ,anxiety, trauma, depression & coping with grief and loss. I enjoy watching the rapid growth that is attainable thru the use of E.M.D.R. 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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Coral Dickinson

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesFamily conflictsParenting issuesCoping with life changes
3 years of experience

Hi there, my name is Coral I'm licensed in CA. My personal and professional beliefs are that when a person feels accepted, they are much more able and ready to make change in their life. This informs my approach to counseling; you can expect a safe and gentle environment. We all need someone in our corner that believes in us! If and when you’re ready, let’s work together to get you closer to your goals - whether they be a healthier relationship, a change in mood, increasing motivation, or processing something you just haven’t been able to process yet.

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Paola Cardenas

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesFamily conflictsSelf esteemDepression
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, relationship issues, family conflicts, & motivation, self esteem, and confidence. 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. I am here to support you in that process.

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Heather Navarro

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesTrauma and abuseCoping with life changesCompassion fatigue
12 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 12 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, trauma and abuse, & 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. 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 and look forward to hearing about your needs.

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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