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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Allyson Klein

Offering therapy in California
License: LCSW
Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseEating disordersSelf esteemDepression
25 years of experience

My name is Allyson Klein, and I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) and have over 20 years of experience working as a therapist in the mental health field. I earned my BA degree in Psychology and Sociology from Brandeis University and my MSW degree from the University of California Berkeley, and I have worked in many different settings, providing care to people in need. My passion is to connect with people who may be struggling in their lives and help them work towards achieving their goals. I approach my clients with compassion and a non-judgmental stance. In my work as a therapist I know that creating a safe space for my clients is the key to helping them change. I have worked with a diverse range of individuals from different cultural and ethnic backgrounds, age groups, and sexual orientations. I am well versed in working with people who struggle with depression, anxiety and panic, history of trauma, emotional and binge eating, addiction, family and relationship issues, work stress, and a multitude of life problems. My approach to treatment draws heavily on Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT) and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT). Both modalities examine how our thoughts and behaviors influence our emotions and mood. DBT balances change strategies with acceptance strategies and is centered in the practice of mindfulness. Together we can identify ways of thinking and behavioral patterns that are leading to emotional pain and problems in living. Awareness is the first step; the next is beginning to make small changes that eventually lead to big changes. Change takes time, and it takes determination and courage. I am excited to walk that path with you.

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Marimar Rosa Monge

Offering therapy in California
License: LCSW
Stress, AnxietyFamily conflictsAnger managementSelf esteemDepression
9 years of experience

Hello, My name is Marimar Rosa. I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. I have a Bachelor’s and Master’s Degree in Social Work. I am bilingual (Spanish and English). I provide counseling to couples, families, individuals. The age range that I provide counseling services to are teenagers, adults and elders. I would love to communicate with you to help you establish and achieve goals. This could help us work towards improving the quality your life and relationship. I could also help provide support for conflicts in your work environment and create healthy habits to overcome the tension caused by the Pandemic. I am here to help for those times in life where we feel vulnerable, confused and in need of a guidance. I would be honored to help you in this process of healing and improvement.

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Natalie Stockton

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesTrauma and abuseDepressionCoping with life changes
10 years of experience

I am licensed in California and Hawaii with 10 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, trauma and abuse, & depression. 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.

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Beverly Corona

Offering therapy in California
Relationship issuesGriefSelf esteemCareer difficultiesCoping 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 relationship issues, coping with grief and loss, motivation, self esteem, and confidence, & career difficulties. 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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Gloria Frush

Offering therapy in California
AddictionsSelf esteemBipolar disorderDepressionCoping with life changes
26 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 21 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with coping with addictions, motivation, self esteem, and confidence, bipolar disorder, & depression. I utilize a Strengths-Based Therapy approach where we discover and explore your current strengths and build upon them to help you create a more fulfilling life. The principles of Wellness and Recovery are foundational in my approach. 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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Elsa Busch

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietyEating disordersAnger managementBipolar disorderDepression
25 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 25 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with various anxiety conditions (i.e., Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, Panic Disorder, Social Anxiety Disorder, Generalized Anxiety Disorder, Agoraphobia, Specific Phobias and etc.), eating disorders, anger management, & bipolar disorder. I believe in treating everyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion. I specialize in Cognitive Behavior Therapy and will tailor our treatment plan to also incorporate other modalities (Dialectical Behavior Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, and Mindfulness) 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 and to help you meet your treatment goals.

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Cynthia Tobin

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesDepressionCoping with life changes
3 years of experience

I am licensed in South Dakota with 3 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, & depression. 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 sign up for therapy can take courage and I am proud of you for getting started!

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Evan Thomas

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietyFamily conflictsTrauma and abuseParenting issuesAnger management
4 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 8 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress, anxiety, family conflicts, trauma, abuse, & parenting issues. I also have experience working with 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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Dr. Sonya Kelly

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesTrauma and abuseSelf esteemDepression
36 years of experience

I have been licensed in California as a Psychologist since 2001 with 36 years of professional work experience Master's Degree Level or above. I have experience in helping clients with stress, anxiety, relationship issues, communication skills, trauma, abuse, motivation, self-esteem, & confidence. I also have experience working with depression. I see individuals, couples, and facilitate groups. I believe that you are the expert on your life story and that you have many strengths that will assist us (you and me) 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 journey.

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Melissa Cipres

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietyAnger managementSelf esteemDepressionCoping with life changes
5 years of experience

I am licensed in California with over 5 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress, anxiety, anger management, motivation, self esteem, confidence, & depression. 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. 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 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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