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.
![Click here to view Julie Barrett's profile 2 This is Julie Barrett's avatar and link to their profile](https://d3ez4in977nymc.cloudfront.net/avatars/2134707309f9d507979842702c9817c8.jpg)
Julie Barrett
I am so happy to be able to help people here at BetterHelp. I would love to help you with family and relationship issues, parenting issues, anxiety and stress reduction, depression, motivation, making positive changes in your life, coping with life changes, grief, chronic stress, healing after trauma, and confidence and self-esteem issues. I would love to talk to you about how I can help you improve your life!
![Click here to view Erin Hamer's profile 2 This is Erin Hamer's avatar and link to their profile](https://d3ez4in977nymc.cloudfront.net/avatars/5c01d5500f4c5883bce7c9d13bff035e.jpg)
Erin Hamer
Hello! My name is Erin and I am from California. I have been a social worker for over 12 years and have experience working with people from all different walks of life who may be going through some struggling times. I received my Bachelor as well as my Masters of Social Work from Clark Atlanta University (CAU) with a concentration in Health/Mental Health. I understand it can be hard to find a counselor who you feel comfortable speaking with. My approach is empathetic and supportive. The feedback I’ve received from clients is that they find me to be nonjudgmental, relatable and honest. Much of my experience has been working with clients who are dealing with Relationship issues, Family conflict, Anger management, Self esteem, Career difficulties, Woman’s issues, Spirituality and Coping with life changes. I would be a good match for anyone interested in a counselor of color and/or those seeking Christian counseling. I also have experience and am comfortable working with LGBTQ+ issues. I believe at beginning services where you are. I am available to you via phone, video and text depending on whatever is more comfortable for you. A majority of my availability is in the evenings but I can be flexible if needed during the day as well. I really enjoy my work and look forward to helping people learn more about themselves as they navigate through the world. Let us continue to reduce the stigma of mental illness as we grow and empower one another.
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Susan Cristol
When a therapist is welcoming and non-judgmental, it is much easier to seek help. I am passionate about working with clients to find more effective communication strategies. You can make positive changes in your life. There are ways to regulate anger and anxiety and I can help. I can also show you the path toward healing unresolved grief and loss, as well as trauma. These issues can keep you from living your best life without shame and sadness. I have spent most of my working life in a helping profession. I have been providing counseling for 14 years. Before becoming a licensed therapist, I had a career as a special education teacher. That experience informs my work today whether I am working with children, adolescents, couples or adults. I stay current on clinical research and the many writings in the areas of psychology, sociology and marriage and family therapy. My specialized training includes (but not limited to) cognitive behavioral therapy, trauma and abuse, domestic violence and play therapy. I look forward to meeting potential clients and joining them in their path toward becoming their best selves and living their best lives. I have an eclectic toolbox that includes many aspects of different psychological theories and interventions. At the beginning, there is an assessment process taking place for the first few sessions. I determine at that time what drawer in the toolbox would work most effectively. I may have the client complete certain questionnaires as part of the assessment. Throughout therapy, there is a fine tuning of the process. It is important to mention that during the initial phase of therapy, the primary focus is on meeting the client where they are. This is a collaborative relationship that is driven by the direction the client needs to go and my experience and knowledge in helping them get there. I am very curious and observant, as every good therapist should be. Some of the therapies I utilize are Person-Centered, Cognitive Behavioral, Psychodynamic and Narrative. We can certainly go into greater detail about these orientations when we meet.
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Dr. Emily Eckstein
I am licensed in the state of California with over 14 years of professional clinical experience as a therapist. I have expertise in supporting members in the LGBTQIA2S+ community, as well as clients experiencing depression, anxiety, parenting issues, career difficulties, & coping with life transitions. I work from a place in which I believe you are the expert of your story and that you have many strengths that will assist you in overcoming things that challenge you. 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 and am excited to get started!
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Guadalupe Rios
I am licensed in California with 25 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with coping with addictions, trauma and abuse, coping with grief and loss, & parenting issues. 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 look forward to supporting you in that process.
![Click here to view Renee Gonyier's profile 2 This is Renee Gonyier's avatar and link to their profile](https://d3ez4in977nymc.cloudfront.net/avatars/da775aa8fbca1ac5c3f21c51a60cfc79195683.jpg)
Renee Gonyier
I am licensed in California and New Mexico with 30 years of professional work experience. I have worked in private practice as well as an Employee Assistant Counselor for large companies and for a major film studio. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, lgbtq+ related issues, relationship issues, & coping with grief and loss. 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 pleased you have reached out to get the help you need.
![Click here to view Shelby Farrell's profile 2 This is Shelby Farrell's avatar and link to their profile](https://d3ez4in977nymc.cloudfront.net/avatars/61de3d56149d70c303431e3b3345c97f224508.jpg)
Shelby Farrell
I am a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in California with over 11 years of experience working with individual and families. I have worked with clients with a wide range of concerns including anxiety and depression, abuse and trauma, substance abuse, and confidence and self esteem issues. I work with my clients to create an open and safe environment where thoughts and feelings can be shared without fear of judgment. My therapy style is warm and genuine and I believe in the importance of being truly present and authentic. My approach combines Cognitive Behavioral, Humanistic and Psychodynamic Therapy primarily and I frequently draw from other modalities when appropriate to client clients needs. I tailor our work together to meet your unique needs utilizing the modality that feels most useful and effective. It takes courage to start this process and to ask for help in making a change in your life. I am here to support you and I look forward to working with you!
![Click here to view Kimberly Burton's profile 2 This is Kimberly Burton's avatar and link to their profile](https://d3ez4in977nymc.cloudfront.net/avatars/fad565783465dcefd2d0554b97aea5f1225030.jpg)
Kimberly Burton
I am licensed in California with 3 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.
![Click here to view Maria Galvan-Perry's profile 2 This is Maria Galvan-Perry's avatar and link to their profile](https://d3ez4in977nymc.cloudfront.net/avatars/283afaa80558276d22ddbbee027d8bc874939.jpg)
Maria Galvan-Perry
I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, (LMFT) in California with 13 years of experience working as a Psychotherapist/Mental Health Therapist with Individuals, parents, and mostly children and adolescents . I have worked with clients with a wide range of concerns including depression, anxiety, relationship issues, parenting problems, career challenges, OCD, anger issues and adjustment to phase of life. I also helped many people who have experienced physical trauma or emotional abuse. My counseling style is warm and interactive. I believe in treating people with respect, sensitivity, and compassion. My approach combines Cognitive-Behavioral, Narrative, Psychodynamic, Solution-Focused, and Rational-Emotive Counseling. I will develop a treatment plan to meet your individual needs and goals. It is brave of you to seek a more fulfilling and happier life and to take the first steps towards a change. If you are ready to taker this step to understanding patterns and learning new ways to think and relate to others then I am here to support and empower you. I look forward to working with you!
![Click here to view Leslie LaMay's profile 2 This is Leslie LaMay's avatar and link to their profile](https://d3ez4in977nymc.cloudfront.net/avatars/76f8293dd0c451e5f4e571b8f6c294e6232741.jpg)
Leslie LaMay
Hi there! My name is Leslie and I'm so excited to meet you. I am a licensed professional in California (LCSW 123946). My areas of expertise include working with the impacts of trauma and abuse, stress and anxiety, relationship issues, motivation, and self esteem. I have primarily specialized in working with young adults and youth (ages 13-30) however am very happy to work with anyone outside of that range as well. I believe in treating everyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion - and my sessions will always be a safe space. My approach is humanistic and person-centered, and I customize my chosen interventions based off the individual needs that we'll identify together. Taking the first step to seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process.
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:
- National Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-799-SAFE (7233)
- National Suicide Prevention Lifeline:1-800-273-TALK (8255)
- Crisis Text Line:Text HOME to 741741
- Veterans Crisis Line<:Call 1-800-273-8255 (and press 1) or text 838255. For support for the deaf and hard of hearing community, please use your preferred relay service or dial 711 then 1-800-273-8255.
- Trevor Lifeline(LGBTQ Lifeline): (866)488-7386
- SAMHSA National Helpline: (Substance Use): (800)662-4357
- National Eating Disorder Association Helpline:1-800-931-2237 (M-Th: 9 AM-9 PM EST, Fri 9 AM - 5 PM EST
- Child Help Hotline Call 1-800-422-4453 or use the online chat featur
- National Anti-Hazing Hotline: 1-888-NOT-HAZE (1-888-668-4293)
- Physician Crisis Support Line: Call 1-888-409-0141 if you are a first responder or medical provider experiencing crises related to Covid-1
- Sexual Assault Hotline: Call RAINN at 1-800-656-4673
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.
Popular cities in California
- Los Angeles, CA
- San Diego, CA
- San Jose, CA
- San Francisco, CA
- Fresno, CA
- Sacramento, CA
- Long Beach, CA
- Oakland, CA
- Bakersfield, CA
- Anaheim, CA
- Santa Ana, CA
- Riverside, CA
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