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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Richard Berg

Offering therapy in California
License: CA LMFT 44229
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesTrauma and abuseGriefDepression
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 grief and loss. 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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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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Adriene Faust

Offering therapy in California
License: CA LCSW 16527
AddictionsFamily conflictsTrauma and abuseGriefAnger management
20 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 20 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with coping with addictions, family conflicts, trauma and abuse, & coping with grief and loss. 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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Stacy Brown

Offering therapy in California
License: CA LPCC LPCC20476, TX LPC 69278
Stress, AnxietyFamily conflictsEating disordersAnger managementADHD
16 years of experience

I am licensed in Texas with 12 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, family conflicts, eating disorders, & anger management. 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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Maritza Alvarez-Pena

Offering therapy in California
License: CA LMFT 138711
Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseGriefParenting issuesDepression
23 years of experience

I am a bilingual licensed marriage and family therapist in California with over 20 years of professional work experience. My Masters degree is in Psychology Counseling and my license is in Marriage and Family Therapist. I work with couples, groups, families and individuals and help address well being, family, friend or life conflicts. My areas are expertise are many such as treating anxiety, depression, trauma, grief and more. 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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Matthew Poje

Offering therapy in California
License: WI LPC 4911-125, CA LPCC 11515
Trauma and abuse
14 years of experience

Welcome! My name is Matt Poje, LPC. I specialize in the healing of emotional trauma, using the Instinctual Trauma Response method (ITR),I have 15 years working with Veterans via Department of Defense contracts, and over 23 yrs of professional work experience. I am licensed in CA, WI and NV. The ITR method uses over 100 years of neuroscience to help heal the brain. Since ITR uses neuroscience, you will learn the steps of the ITR method that will help you to become more resilient. ITR is not talk therapy in the classical sense. ITR is a focused, purposeful method of trauma healing. ITR is proven to work. If you are ready to work on a proven method of reducing symptoms of trauma, I look forward to work with you. I do not perform diagnostic tests. I use screening tools, and therefore will not provide any letters to employers or court systems. Before scheduling a session, Watch ITR videos: https://vimeo.com/752151441

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Peter Hilliard

Offering therapy in California
License: CA LCSW 7475
Relationship issuesFamily conflictsTrauma and abuseAnger managementCoping with life changes
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, family conflicts, & anger management. 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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Ashby "Brooks" Larsen

Offering therapy in California
License: CA LCSW 12724, UT LCSW 11035932-3501
Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseGriefSelf esteem
58 years of experience

I am licensed in California and Utah with 24 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, trauma and abuse, & coping with grief and loss. I also have experience working with motivation, self esteem, and confidence. 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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Sara Ramirez

Offering therapy in California
License: CA LCSW 107829
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesGriefSelf esteemCoping with life changes
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, coping with grief and loss, & 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!

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Marlene Glenn

Offering therapy in California
License: CA LMFT 143365
Stress, AnxietyIntimacy-related issuesSelf esteemBipolar disorderDepression
7 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 7 years of professional work experience. 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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Gian Sarabia

Offering therapy in California
License: CA LMFT 150458
Trauma and abuseIntimacy-related issuesBipolar disorderDepression
6 years of experience

I am clinically licensed in California with 5 years of professional psychotherapy practice. I have experience in helping clients with anxiety, depression, borderline personality disorder (expertise), psychosis, trauma/abuse, and 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 sign up for therapy shows your own internal compass that desires wellness and emotional health, so that's great you are looking for the right fit!

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Terence Shigg

Offering therapy in California
License: CA LMFT 47542
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesAnger managementSelf esteemCoaching
16 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 16 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress, anxiety, relationship issues, anger management, motivation, self esteem, confidence, & 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 seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process.

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Lilian Zelaya-Coria

Offering therapy in California
License: CA LCSW 88659
Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseAnger managementSelf esteemCoping with life changes
9 years of experience

Hello! I look forward to working with your child and/or teenager. I acknowledge that taking the first step to commit to therapy can take courage, and I recognize that it may feel challenging to open up. Many people reach out during the most vulnerable moments of their lives. I hope to help you in learning to manage current symptoms, create a sustainable, healthy, and grounded future filled with hope and tools to add to your toolbox. I consider this profession a responsibility and a gift and look forward to being a witness to your healing journey. :-) I am a Latinx, multicultural, and bilingual (Spanish/English) Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) in California. I enjoy getting to know my clients and taking the time to hear their experiences, explore their emotions, examine past experiences —both positive and negative —and understand their impact on their lives and work towards healing. I have provided mental health services for over fifteen years to at-risk children and adolescents who they or their families have experienced trauma, Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), abuse, anger, conflict resolution, anxiety, depression, anger management, generational trauma, juvenile delinquency, gang activity, drug/alcohol abuse, family violence, divorce, grief and loss, crisis intervention, and others Life, at times, can be hard, but this does not mean that an individual must manage it alone in this journey of life! I have a bachelor's degree in Psychology (2006) from Sonoma State University. As well as a Master’s in Social Work from San Jose State University (2008). I obtained my LCSW in 2019. I have been privileged to work with a diverse group of clients in early childhood mental health. I have worked in the non-profit sector, with Child Protective Services, and most recently at a K-12 school providing mental health services as a school therapist to all students and, in particular, students receiving special education services. A bit about my approach to therapy: There is no cookie-cutter approach or "one size fits all" when it comes to dealing with anxiety, depression, trauma, and/or grief and loss. As an LCSW, I approach therapy with a trauma-informed and strengths-based lens to ensure my clients feel heard and learn the appropriate coping skills that are right for THEM to feel empowered. I work collaboratively with clients and integrate creative strategies through journaling, music, guided imagery, and expressive arts to process and express emotions, to increase mood regulation, and emotional resilience. In addition, I am my client’s sounding board to assist them in getting to a place of reflection and exploring solution-focused strategies. My approach to therapy is warm, collaborative, and grounded in evidence-based practices such as Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Solution-Focused Therapy, Family Systems Therapy, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, and other modalities as therapeutically appropriate. I strive to create a non-judgmental environment, meeting clients where they are while holding space to ensure that clients feel safe and heard. I provide a client-centered therapeutic approach where you are the expert of your own life. You do not have to tell me your story unless you want to. If you get stuck, I can provide guidance to reach your full potential. Respecting your boundaries and pace is meeting you where you are. I use a somatic approach through mindfulness, meditation exercises, to facilitate self-love, self-understanding, clarity, progressive muscle relaxation to foster a holistic approach mind-body connection and letting go of unhelpful patterns held in your body and mind. What you can expect from our first session: Our first several sessions will be getting to know each other, and you decide if we are good fit. I do not provide couples’ therapy. We will then check the best available times through consistent weekly or bi-weekly appointments for you virtually. After this, we will continue to collaborate, where I will ask questions designed to better understand what you are struggling with, what your goals are for treatment, and what you would most like to get out of therapy. Our sessions will always be within 30-45 minutes. Spanish Translation ¡Hola! ¡Espero trabajar con su hijo/a o adolescente! Soy una trabajadora social clínica licenciada (LCSW) latina, multicultural y bilingüe (español/inglés) en California. Disfruto conocer a mis clientes y tomarme el tiempo para escuchar sus experiencias, explorar sus emociones, examinar experiencias pasadas, tanto positivas como negativas, comprender el impacto en sus vidas y trabajar hacia la sanación. Llevo más de quince años brindando servicios de salud mental. He brindado consejería a niños, adolescentes y familias en riesgo que enfrentan trauma, trastorno de estrés postraumático (TEPT), abuso, ira, resolución de conflictos, ansiedad, depresión, manejo de la ira, trauma generacional, delincuencia juvenil, pandillas, abuso de drogas y alcohol, violencia familiar, divorcio, duelo y pérdida, e intervención en crisis. La vida, a veces, puede ser difícil, pero esto no significa que una persona deba afrontarla sola en este camino. Tengo una licenciatura en Psicología (2006) de la Universidad Estatal de Sonoma y una maestría en Trabajo Social de la Universidad Estatal de San José (2008). Obtuve mi título de Trabajador Social Certificado (LCSW) en 2019. He tenido el privilegio de trabajar con un grupo diverso de clientes en el área de la salud mental infantil. He trabajado en el sector sin fines de lucro, con los Servicios de Protección Infantil y, más recientemente, en una escuela primaria y secundaria, brindando servicios de salud mental como terapeuta escolar a todos los estudiantes, en particular a los que reciben servicios de educación especial. Un poco sobre mi enfoque terapéutico: No existe un enfoque universal para abordar la ansiedad, la depresión, el trauma y/o el duelo y la pérdida. Como Trabajador Social Certificado (LCSW), abordo la terapia desde una perspectiva centrada en el trauma y en las fortalezas para asegurar que mis clientes se sientan escuchados y aprendan las habilidades de afrontamiento adecuadas para que se sientan empoderados. Trabajo en colaboración con mis clientes e integro estrategias creativas mediante un diario, música, imágenes guiadas y artes expresivas para procesar y expresar emociones, mejorar la regulación del estado de ánimo y la resiliencia emocional. Además, soy su caja de resonancia para ayudarles a reflexionar y explorar estrategias centradas en soluciones. Mi enfoque terapéutico es cálido, colaborativo y se basa en prácticas basadas en la evidencia, como la terapia cognitivo-conductual centrada en el trauma (TF-CBT), la terapia cognitivo-conductual (TCC), la terapia centrada en soluciones, la terapia de sistemas familiares, la terapia dialéctica conductual y otras modalidades según sea terapéuticamente apropiado. Me esfuerzo por crear un entorno sin prejuicios, encontrándome con los clientes donde estén y manteniendo el espacio para asegurar que los clientes se sientan seguros y escuchados. Ofrezco un enfoque terapéutico centrado en el cliente donde usted es el experto de su propia vida. No tiene que contarme su historia a menos que lo desee. Si se estanca, puedo brindarle orientación para alcanzar su máximo potencial. Respetar sus límites y su ritmo es encontrarme con usted donde esté. Utilizo un enfoque somático a través de la atención plena, ejercicios de meditación, para facilitar el amor propio, la autocomprensión, la claridad y la relajación muscular progresiva para fomentar un enfoque holístico de conexión mente-cuerpo y dejar ir los patrones inútiles que se mantienen en su cuerpo y mente. Qué puedes esperar de nuestra primera sesión: Nuestras primeras sesiones serán para conocernos y tú decidirás si somos compatibles. No ofrezco terapia de pareja. Después, buscaremos los mejores horarios disponibles mediante citas virtuales semanales o quincenales. Después, seguiremos colaborando, donde te haré preguntas para comprender mejor tus dificultades, tus objetivos de tratamiento y qué te gustaría obtener de la terapia. Nuestras sesiones siempre duran entre 45 y 50 minutos. Reconozco que dar el primer paso para comprometerte con la terapia requiere valentía y que abrirse puede ser difícil. Muchas personas buscan ayuda en los momentos más vulnerables de sus vidas. Espero ayudarte a aprender a manejar los síntomas actuales y a crear un futuro sostenible, saludable y con fundamento, lleno de esperanza y herramientas que puedas añadir a tu arsenal terapéutico. Considero esta profesión una responsabilidad y un don, y espero ser testigo de tu proceso de sanación. :-)

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Grace Lu

Offering therapy in California
License: CA LMFT 151683
Relationship issuesSelf esteemDepression
7 years of experience

I have worked extensively with a diverse patient population, such as adolescents in high-school settings, geriatrics, those with developmental differences, and those with dual diagnoses, among others. Although predominantly trained in cognitive-behavioral therapy, I also work from a humanistic model, maintaining a humble and tentative stance, since I believe empathy, compassion, and attunement are at the bedrock of the relational dynamic. I am committed to working with you to improve your overall mental and emotional health and well-being, through a collaborative effort.

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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