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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This is Dr. Micheal Weuste's avatar and link to their profile

Dr. Micheal Weuste

Offering therapy in California
License: CA LCSW 84945
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesGriefDepressionCoping with life changes
40 years of experience

I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with over 30 years’ experience now practicing from San Diego Ca. In my work I most typically find myself working with people through difficult times in their lives and with difficult relationships that can be overwhelming. Often clients are seeking facilitated insight and a refreshed approach to life’s situations that are often complicated. Some feel a need to explore their quests for simple happiness and rewarding relationships. Some client’s, who may have felt themselves empowered find themselves struggling as life comes at them and they struggle to understand how to address the changes in circumstances life can hand us and make us feel like our lives have become unmanageable. Other clients are aware of the building need to reconcile their past with their present and the conflict from this position can be excruciatingly necessary to be resolved and the results of self-esteem and more rewarding closeness to others can finally be within one’s grasp. Unfortunately for some, the need to reach out to someone unknown can be on a scale of liberating to nauseating. However, often family and friends we normally rely on cannot be reached out to as they are often involved or invested with their own bias to your circumstances. Reaching out for help is a sign of desire for change and help-seeking behaviors are known to be strengths as opposed to a weakness. In my practice, I aspire to be a good and neutral listener. Client’s report a sense of being understood which unlocks for them the ability to see their situations as either shared by others or that their reactions are “normal” yet uncomfortable. New alternatives that work for individuals and those we care for around us can be opened and tried out. When our old approaches do not work anymore it is time to examine new ones and the correctness of their fit to one’s own circumstances. While guided by known research and proven approaches, I have the capacity to assist with self-assessment, new alternatives, and new thinking and feeling about relationships within your unique circumstances. Change at one’s own pace is often the rewarding response you experience through such an approach.

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Lorena Borella-Clements

Offering therapy in California
License: CA LMFT 84543, OR LMFT T1166
Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseGriefIntimacy-related issuesDepression
16 years of experience

We all inherently harbor the capability to heal from emotionally painful experiences. I utilize an eclectic approach to psychotherapy based on where one is emotionally, physically and spiritually. I have experience in treating and helping clients reduce and better manage symptoms of stress, anxiety, lingering symptoms of trauma/PTSD and in coping with grief, loss and depression. I provide a safe and empathetic place for healing. Your thoughts, feelings and experiences can be brought to light, without fear of judgment. I provide coping skills and techniques on how to improve emotional health and well being. It takes courage to initiate the process of healing and to identify that something is not working for ourselves. I am here to support & empower you, during your journey towards healing and emotional well being. I have been practicing and providing psychotherapy for 16 years. I'm a multicultural therapist. I was born in Argentina and immigrated to the United States, when I was 6 years old. I grew up in the Bay Area of California. I provide psychotherapy in both English and Spanish. I have a Bachelor's degree in Sociology from UC Santa Cruz and a Master's degree in Counseling Psychology from Sofia University in Palo Alto, California.

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Dr. James Decker

Offering therapy in California
License: CA LCSW 9715
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesTrauma and abuseSelf esteemDepression
45 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 45 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, trauma and abuse, & 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 sign up for therapy can take courage and I am proud of you for getting started!

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Giovanni Bass

Offering therapy in California
License: AZ LCSW LCSW-21903, NC LCSW C008797
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesFamily conflictsTrauma and abuseDepression
14 years of experience

I am a Licensed Clinical Social-Worker with experience treating anxiety, depression, PTSD, eating disorders, and borderline personality. I also provide marital counseling and family consultation. I provide treatment plans that address problems associated with impulse control, anger management, communication, self-awareness, self-esteem, perspective, and negative thought patterns. I have over 5 years of experience and I have treated individuals in various parts of the world, including the U.S., Europe, and Asia. I provide spiritually integrated psychotherapy where the focus is on gaining knowledge of self and developing a relationship with a higher power. I have military experience and I am honored to have had the opportunity to treat many veterans and active duty soldiers suffering from various forms of trauma and adjustment disorders. My approach and treatment modalities include cognitive behavioral therapy, narrative therapy, rational emotive therapy, and psychodynamic therapy. Each treatment plan is tailored to meet the needs of each soul I interact with. I will support you and help you discover the strength, from within yourself, to fulfill your purpose and to live the life you want to live. Take that first step, and I will take the rest with you!

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Dr. Susan Fleming

Offering therapy in California
License: CA LMFT 42133
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsRelationship issuesFamily conflictsDepression
18 years of experience

I specialize in helping children, teens, and you adults who are struggling with anxiety, deppression, and the challenges of growing up in today's world. I also work with couples who want to strengthen their connection, improve communication, and navigate conflict and healthier ways. My approach is supportive and practical I focus on creating a safe space where you and your child can share and openly develop coping strategies and build confidence. Whether you're a parent worried about your child 18 feelings, overwhelmed or a couple wanting a stronger relationship. I'd be honored to support you on your journey.

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Denise Gutirrez-Miller

Offering therapy in California
License: CA LCSW LCSW87095
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesSelf esteemDepressionCoping with life changes
22 years of experience

I am licensed in California and Oklahoma with 23 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, motivation, self esteem, and confidence, & 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 seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process. I have worked with many populations, from developmentally disabled to SED teens to adults. I enjoy meeting people and seek to make others' lives better. I would love to work with you and help you become the best version of yourself. I am a born-again Christian and available for those needing to understand themselves according to Scripture. My availability is 10am to 4pm Central Time.

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Willie Denard

Offering therapy in California
License: CA LCSW 24259
Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseGriefDepressionCoping with life changes
8 years of experience

I have been a Licensed Clinical Social worker and Mental Health Therapist in the State of California with over 5 years of professional work experience. I have experience helping clients with stress and anxiety, family conflicts, trauma, abuse and depression, as well as other life issues. I believe that you are the expert of your story and that you have many strengths and values 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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Oksana Shiell

Offering therapy in California
License: CA LMFT 50698, AR LMFT M2402001
Stress, AnxietyParenting issuesAnger managementSelf esteemCoping with life changes
18 years of experience

I am a California-licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, practicing since 2011 and serving as a clinical supervisor since 2017. I bring many years of experience—both pre-licensed and post-licensed—working with teens and supporting individuals and families through a variety of challenges. My areas of focus include stress and anxiety, parenting issues, anger management, motivation, self-esteem, and confidence. I approach therapy with respect, sensitivity, and compassion, and I believe in tailoring our conversations and treatment plan to fit your unique needs and goals. Taking the first step toward a more fulfilling and balanced life takes courage. I'm here to support you every step of the way.

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Briana Henry

Offering therapy in California
License: CA LMFT 104847
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesParenting issuesDepressionCoping with life changes
20 years of experience

I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT #104847) in California with over 20 years of experience in the mental health field and have been supporting clients through telehealth services for several years. At this time, I provide therapy for individuals only through live chat and messaging sessions. My practice focuses on brief, goal-oriented therapy, ideal for clients who are motivated to address specific, identifiable challenges. Together, we can work on managing anxiety or stress, coping with life transitions, adjusting to postpartum, strengthening relationships, or refreshing coping skills previously learned in therapy. This focused and collaborative approach is especially helpful for clients who are looking for brief support or using their Employee Assistance Program (EAP), offering effective tools and insights within a short-term framework. I aim to create a safe, supportive, and judgment-free environment where you can share openly and work toward meaningful change. Taking the first step toward a more fulfilling and balanced life takes courage—and I’m here to support you every step of the way.

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Jeanette Wendt-Orme

Offering therapy in California
License: CA LMFT 45332
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsTrauma and abuseSelf esteemDepression
23 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 23 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, coping with addictions, trauma and abuse, & 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. 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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John Hammond

Offering therapy in California
License: CA LMFT 20086
Stress, AnxietyGriefSelf esteemDepressionCoping 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, coping with grief and loss, motivation, self esteem, and confidence, & 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 seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process.

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Alex Haydon

Offering therapy in California
License: CA LMFT 51943
AddictionsAnger managementSelf esteemDepressionCoping with life changes
13 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 13 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress, anxiety, coping with addictions, trauma, abuse, & anger management. 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!

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

Jennifer Stocker

Offering therapy in California
License: CA LMFT 142736
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesFamily conflictsSelf esteemDepression
8 years of experience

As a bilingual (Spanish/English) Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, I understand the importance of cultural values, language, and identity in the healing process. I have extensive experience supporting individuals through trauma, anxiety, depression, and daily stressors. I tailor my approach to your unique needs. My goal is to provide a safe and judgment-free environment where you feel truly seen and understood. Whether you are seeking therapy in English or Spanish, we will work together to explore challenges, strengthen coping skills, and build a path toward healing, resilience, and growth.

This is Mark Saverino's avatar and link to their profile

Mark Saverino

Offering therapy in California
License: CA LCSW 11155
Stress, AnxietyGriefAnger managementSelf esteemDepression
35 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 35 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress, anxiety, coping with grief, coping with loss, anger management, 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. 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.

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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