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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Fred Risard

Offering therapy in California
License: MDiv,MSW,LCSW
Stress, AnxietyGriefAnger managementSelf esteemDepression
15 years of experience

I am a Licensed California Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) with over 15 years of experience in counseling and psychotherapy. I provide individual and group therapy to treat mental, behavioral, and emotional disorders.  My work is client centered, I work with you to develop strategies to change behaviors so that you may learn to cope with difficult situations resulting from anxiety, depression, and trauma. I am here to help you identify your inner strengths and resources to achieve your goals. My primary intervention method is Narrative. You write and tell your story. Together we develop a treatment plan, based on your past and present difficulties and you, the client, write your future story. I look forward to working with you to achieve your goals.

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Marlo Lewis

Offering therapy in California
License: LCSW
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesSelf esteemCareer difficultiesCoping with life changes
4 years of experience

I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker/Psychotherapist. I received a Bachelor of Science degree in Industrial Psychology from California State University, Hayward in 2002 and a Master's of Social Work from California State University, East Bay in 2008. I offer a supportive environment where we can work together to increase your happiness and emotional wellness. It takes strength and courage to facilitate change. My passion is helping clients overcome obstacles and barriers so they can enjoy their best selves. Together, we will work to uncover and resolve underlying issues that are causing negative feelings and develop new thought patterns and behaviors to help enhance your mental and emotional wellbeing. We will also focus on establishing your personal goals, make adjustments as needed and develop a plan to achieve them together. Let's plant and nurture the seed of hope as a part of your journey. I am currently offering video and phone chats only.

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Babak Karimbeik

Offering therapy in California
License: LMFT
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsTrauma and abuseGriefDepression
7 years of experience

Severe life stressors like addiction due to drug & alcohol abuse & trauma have the potential to completely unravel the lives of human beings. As such, people who have been through traumatic or stressful experiences require healing in order to lead happier and more functional lives. It is such people that I help who also suffer from the disease of addiction. My clients include children, adults, and the families of addicted individuals. I also guide them towards healthier perceptions of themselves as well as their experiences. I also help them repair and strengthen their relationships so they a) have a support system to fall back on, and b) are able to better realize themselves within the context of their relationships. However, it is important to remember that there is no "one size fits all" in therapy. There is no universal approach that would help every individual. That is why I have been trained in a variety of modalities. These include Dialectical Behavior Therapy, Transpersonal Psychotherapy, Attachment-Based Therapy, Depth Psychology, Cognitive Therapy of Substance Abuse, Existential Therapy, Solution Focused Therapy, and EMDR which is my specialty. Because of this, I'm able to approach every client according to their unique situation and experiences. My educational background includes my current PhD program in Depth Psychology. I'm a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and was the clinical director of 6 detox & residential facilities including LifeSync Malibu, Rebos Detox, A Giving Tree, Hollywood Recovery Center, New Spirit Recovery, and Phase 2 ATC in Encino. I was the first to create LifeSync Malibu addiction residential program.

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Diana Chambers

Offering therapy in California
Relationship issuesGriefEating disordersBipolar disorderCoping with life changes
34 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 34 years of professional work experience. Most often I have worked with clients coping with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, grief and loss, & unstable moods. I strive to create an open, trusting environment in which thoughts and feelings can be explored without fear of judgment. Taking the first step to sign up for therapy can take courage; I applaud you for getting started!

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Dr. Chu Hui Cha

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietySleeping disordersSelf esteemCareer difficultiesADHD
11 years of experience

I am a psychologist with a PhD. I am licensed in California with over 10 years of clinical experience. I have also published in peer-reviewed journals and presented at professional conferences. I help clients with a variety of concerns and symptoms. I approach therapy from an affirming and compassionate lens. The interventions I use are evidence-based and tailored to each individual's unique concerns and needs.

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Jarvis Jimenez

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietyFamily conflictsTrauma and abuseDepressionCompassion fatigue
13 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 13 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, coping with addictions, family conflicts, & 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.

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Joyann (Joy) Thornhill

Offering therapy in California
Trauma and abuseGriefCareer difficultiesDepressionCoping with life changes
25 years of experience

I am licensed in California with over 25 years of clinical work experience. I have experience in helping clients with trauma and abuse, coping with grief and loss, depression, & 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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Melissa Jen

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietyGriefCareer difficultiesCoping with life changesCompassion fatigue
4 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 4 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, coping with grief and loss, 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. Hours of availability: Monday-Friday: 9-4PM

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Maribel Contreras

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseSelf esteemCareer difficultiesCoping with life changes
20 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 20 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. 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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Shauna Raffety Schatz

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesSelf esteemDepressionCoping with life changes
20 years of experience

I am licensed in California, Oregon, and Washington with 20 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, motivation, self esteem and confidence, & 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 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:

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.

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