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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Stephanie Lanza

Offering therapy in California
License: MS,LMFT
Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseGriefParenting issuesDepression
8 years of experience

Hello! My name is Stephanie Lanza. I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist located in Southern California. I have over 8 years of experience counseling children, adolescents, and adults experiencing a wide range of concerns including, but not limited to, depression, anxiety, trauma, abuse, ADHD, and family/relationship issues. I also have extensive experience working with adoptive and resource/foster parents and the unique issues they encounter. I take a client centered and strengths based approach to counseling, utilizing components of Cognitive Behavioral, Solutions Focused, and Family Systems therapies to help clients meet their goals. I look forward to working with you!

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Margarita Colon

Offering therapy in California
Trauma and abuseGriefAnger managementSelf esteemCoping with life changes
19 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 19 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with trauma and abuse, coping with grief and loss, anger management, & 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! I am a strength-based therapist who believes that everyone deserves to be treated with respect. I also work from a psychodynamic approach and incorporate motivational interviewing in my therapeutic relationship style. I know how important the decision to start a therapeutic process is, and I am proud of you for taking the first steps into this journey. We will work together to make this experience a life-changing one. See you soon!

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Chondrelle Cezere

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietyLGBTTrauma and abuseSelf esteemDepression
22 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 20 plus years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, lgbtq+ related issues, trauma and abuse, & 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.

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Erika Rana

Offering therapy in California
Relationship issuesFamily conflictsCareer difficultiesDepressionCoping with life changes
8 years of experience

I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with 7+ years of experience working with clients from diverse populations and backgrounds. I am licensed in California, where I received most of my professional education. My experience includes working with individuals, both adults and children, couples and families. I believe everyone can get better, despite the situation. There will always be someone willing to help for the ones who want it. I have worked with diverse populations including people involved with the foster care system, criminal justice system as well as treatment for substance abuse. I also have experience working with clients in situations of domestic violence and other forms of abuse. Similarly, I have worked with other populations including LGBT, African American community, Caribbean and other people or color. I have some experience working with people in the kink community as well. In my private practice, I have been successful managing spiritual emergencies after traumatic psychedelic experiences, as well as other spiritual-related experiences. I am a certified yoga teacher, which I also incorporate into my practice. I like to use different therapeutic techniques- which I tailor for each client and their individual needs. My theoretical approach is client-centered, as well as humanistic and existential. I also include CBT, mindfulness, spirituality, yoga and other principles into my practice. I truly enjoy being a part of people’s healing journey. I am passionate about my work and believe it is a privilege to serve people in this way. My goal is to know you, support you and give you all the possible tools you can use to get where you want to be. Being born and raised in Mexico City, I particularly enjoy serving Latino and other Spanish speaking communities. I believe it is important to experience therapy in the language you consider your primary/maternal language- and I am happy to provide that service. When I am not being a therapist, I am a toddler mom, a cat mom and a wife. I live in New York and I have a bicultural/ biracial family (Indian/ Mexican). I love art in all forms, particularly tattoos. I am a big fan of self-expression through body art, fashion and jewelry. Finding the right therapist is important. I encourage you to reach out if my profile resonates with you. I’ll be happy to help!

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John Shustitzky

Offering therapy in California
Relationship issuesSelf esteemCareer difficultiesCoping with life changesCoaching
40 years of experience

I am licensed in California, Illinois and Pennsylvania with 40 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, career difficulties, & 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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Esther Jou

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesSelf esteemCareer difficultiesDepression
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, motivation, self esteem, and confidence, & career difficulties. 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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Jendayi Ford

Offering therapy in California
License: LCSW
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesFamily conflictsDepressionCoping with life changes
11 years of experience

Listen; life happens and in this life there will be ups and downs. My job as an LCSW with over 10 years of practical experience is to help share strategies and tools to help you cope with life and find more ways to identify and celebrate you; your journey, your spirit, your resilience

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Edilia Saez Vazquez

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietyParenting issuesDepression
4 years of experience

Seeking therapy is an act of courage. Once started, it is a journey of healing and self discovery. I am licensed in California with 4 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, parenting issues, & depression. I believe in treating everyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion. My role as a therapist is to support by creating a safe space for you to process your thoughts and emotions, and help you explore and develop healthier coping skills. I will tailor our dialog and treatment plan to meet your unique and specific needs. I'm glad that you are here!

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Holly Gilton

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesFamily conflictsTrauma and abuseDepression
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, 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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Ana Mcdonald

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

I am licensed in California with 25 years of professional work experience. I have experience helping clients with depression, stress, anxiety, panic attacks, chemical addiction, relationship issues, trauma, abuse, and grief. I also specialize in Christian counseling for clients who would like to integrate Christian faith in therapy. I have a Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology and a M.A. in Theology, both from Fuller Theological Seminary. Previously, I served on the faculty at Cal State Los Angeles, Azusa Pacific University, and UCLA. My research has been published in the Journal of Psychology and Theology, Psychiatric Rehabilitation Journal, Psychiatric Services, and the Journal of Psychology and Christianity. I am passionate about helping people heal from emotional ailments. Taking the first step to seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I applaud you for doing so!

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 a BetterHelp therapist does not offer diagnostic or medication management services.

Why do people choose to work 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, 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, such as:

  • 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 to contact in a crisis

If you are experiencing a crisis or emergency, don't use the BetterHelp site. 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 of the most commonly asked questions about therapy can be found in the section 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.

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.

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 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 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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