The City of Orinda was named the second most friendly town in the United States by Forbes in 2012 and those who live and visit here agree. Not only is it friendly but it also has some of the most beautiful and rustic landscaping in California with the parks and trails all over the city.
The town also has some of the top mental health care in the country with therapists and counselors who are trained to diagnose and treat every kind of mental health condition. These dedicated professionals are available to help if you or anyone you care about needs mental health care so contact one of them today.
Dr. Martha Groble
Laurie Richardson
Having returned to grad school to become a therapist at the midpoint of my life, I bring a wealth of knowledge from being a parent, a preschool teacher, a 7th grade Waldorf teacher, an art instructor, a graphic designer and copyrighter, and an art consultant for over 20 years. My school trajectory took me from UCLA to San Jose State to Sac State, a Waldorf training college and finally to San Francisco's CIIS. As I've entered the field of being a therapist, what I've learned is that the act of becoming a therapist means you are a good listener and humbled each time a human being opens their heart to you. To that end, I work diligently to understand and tailor each treatment I design to work specifically with the client in front of me. I relish the empathy and dignity of Person-Centered Therapy because I firmly believe that each person knows themselves best and can apply what they learn when they are given the tools and perspective to see solutions within the framework of the very problems they brought to therapy in the first place. Being an EXA therapist means that I employ the Expressive Arts (poetry, rap, photography, 2D and 3D art, dance, sculpture, writing, drama, music, gardening, and cooking, and eco-art) into the healing process. The art becomes another tool and a living testament to the fact that healing is happening. My style of therapy focuses upon being sensitive, empathetic with a healthy dash of questions. My sessions are usually filled with interactive games, art, laughter, meditation and yes, breakthroughs and tears - all the range of possible human expression. People tell me they come away from their session feeling happier, lighter, clearer and understood. I have great compassion for the people I see, whether via telehealth or in-person. My goal is to be fully present, listening, supporting, acknowledging and empowering you forward, however that next chapter appears. Looking forward to chatting with you soon!
Lois Craig
Welcome and thank you for checking out my profile. I am available to work with an adult population, and as a licensed therapist, I am sensitive to the fact that sometimes people’s lives are not going the way they would like. And for some, they are not even sure why. This, and many other issues interfere with our self-satisfaction, happiness, sense of safety and our relationships. My experience lies with helping people to sort through their experiences and to understand where and how they can make needed changes. My primary approach to therapy is to use EMDR and somatic interventions with my clients gain awareness of what stands in their way of healing their traumas. My experience also includes working with anxiety and depression, OCD, DID , stress and behavioral issues along with a range of other problems.
Diane Cullen
I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with more than 30 years of experience in the Human Services field. I am based out of the Los Angeles, CA, area, My interest as a clinician is to work as a therapist who is resourceful, motivated, passionate, approachable, non- judgmental, diverse and informed. I have the interest and ability to offer assistance through the various stages and experiences of life as well as mental health issues for you. . My ability is to bring education, resources, hope and comfort to you. I will provide positive regard, respect, honesty and caring. We will examine the emotional experiences of life challenging mental health concerns. It takes courage to seek a more balanced and fulfilling life. I can create comprehensive therapy and treatment planning. Please feel free to contact me with any questions or concerns.
Dr. Kristine Quallich
Welcome, I am a licensed psychologist in the states of Ohio and California. I am also a Certified School Psychologist who has worked for over 25 years in the field of education helping families and students with academic, behavioral, and social-emotional issues. I have also worked in a community-based therapy setting helping adults with anger management, employment matters that can be managed, and family concerns. I provide primarily cognitive-behavioral services with a focus on client-centered practices. I have extensive training in a range of modalities including family-therapy as well. I also teach at Kent State University. I enjoy meditation and exercise and truly believe that we can all find our purpose and meaning in life.
Denise Gutirrez-Miller
I am licensed in California and Oklahoma with 25 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.
Matthew Poje
Welcome! My name is Matt Poje, LPCC. 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 and WI. 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 and 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 the ITR video: https://vimeo.com/752151441
Richard Wendt
I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. I earned a Masters of Arts in Marriage, Family, Child Counseling and a Masters of Divinity with an emphasis in New Testament Theology from Fresno Pacific Biblical Seminary. My Masters work in traumatic stress has led me to specialize in Trauma and PTSD in both adults and children and am a Certified Clinical Trauma Professional. I have experience in Law Enforcement, firefighting, and EMS as a Paramedic. I have experience in ministry working as pastor, chaplain, and pastoral counselor. Before opening my private practice I worked as a therapist at the College of the Sequoias, Visalia Youth Services and with Trinity Ministries Group. I work with adults, adolescents, children, family and couples. I enjoy working with adolescents and children with behavioral, mood and anxiety problems. I work with the military, law enforcement, firefighters, and paramedics and their families. My approach is to come along side of you to assist you in developing healthier relationships and coping skills. 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.
Earl Barrios
I am licensed in California with 36 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, & trauma and abuse. 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.
Dr. Raoul Kaufman
I am a licensed Doctor of Mental Health in California with 40 years of experience. Throughout my career, I have supported clients dealing with grief and loss, eating disorders, parenting challenges, and issues related to motivation, self-esteem, and confidence. I approach each person with respect, sensitivity, and compassion, and I believe in creating personalized treatment plans that address your unique needs. Taking the step toward a more fulfilling and joyful life requires courage, and I am here to support and empower you on that journey toward positive change.
Cristina Dawes
Hello and thanks for reaching out! I have been practicing in California with 25 years of work experience, of which 17 have been licensed. I specifically trained and have experience in helping clients with stress, anxiety, family conflicts, trauma, abuse, depression, & 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 sign up for therapy can take courage and I am proud of you for getting started!
Michael Uthoff
You deserve to live the highest quality of life you can. Often times we try to heal from both emotional and mental pain by seeking out external factors that are rarely in our control only to see minimally lasting results. My work with you would focus on learning to look inwardly for growth and healing. Understanding how your body and mind respond to emotional experiences can help you be in control regardless of the external factors. You have everything you need to heal; you are not "broken" nor do you need "fixing" sometimes we simply get lost along the way. I am licensed in California with 10 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with relationship issues, family conflicts, trauma, abuse, intimacy related issues, motivation, & self esteem. I also have experience working with 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 seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process.
Esteban Avila
I am licensed in California and have 13 years of professional experience. I have experience helping clients with LGBTQ+ issues, relationship issues, and coping with grief. I also have experience working with people who have overcome loss. I believe you are the expert on your own story and possess many strengths that will help you overcome challenges. Taking the first step toward a more fulfilling and happy life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process.
Cheryl Garnica
As a licensed therapist in California, I bring over a decade of compassionate mental health experience in supporting individuals through life's complex challenges. My approach centers on understanding each person's unique journey, with specialized expertise in addressing depression, anxiety, trauma, stress, and self-esteem concerns. I am deeply committed to creating a safe, confidential and supportive, therapeutic environment where clients can openly share their concerns, explore their experiences, and develop individualized and meaningful 'tools' and effective coping strategies symptom/problem specific, effective coping strategies. My practice honors diverse perspectives and individual needs, offering a welcoming space for personal growth and healing. Drawing from evidence-based practices, I help clients navigate their way through trauma/PTSD, substance use and addiction issues, seeking sobriety, living sober, effectively responding to crises and sudden unexpected events, grief and loss of people and pets, stressful events, learning to control and manage overwhelming, negative emotions, personal and family life transitions, addressing distressing changes, situations, life transitions, and emotional challenges with empathy, unconditional positive regard, and professional guidance. My goal is to empower individuals to build resilience, discover inner strengths, and create positive pathways forward. I understand that seeking therapy takes courage, and I'm dedicated to walking alongside you with respect, understanding, and genuine care as you work towards your personal wellness goals.
Find a Therapist Near You in Orinda , California
Finding a licensed therapist near you in California can be an important step toward improving your mental health and overall well-being. Whether you’re dealing with anxiety, depression, relationship challenges, stress, or major life changes, working with a qualified mental health professional can offer meaningful support.
California is home to people with diverse mental health needs across urban, suburban, and rural communities. Online therapy makes it easier to connect with a therapist near you without being limited to nearby offices. BetterHelp connects you with licensed therapists authorized to practice in California, allowing you to attend sessions online from the comfort of your home.
Why work with a licensed therapist near you?
Working with a licensed therapist near you ensures that your provider meets state licensing requirements and professional standards in California (CA). Licensed therapists use evidence-based approaches to help individuals manage emotional challenges, develop coping skills, and work toward personal goals.
People seek therapy for many reasons. Some are navigating ongoing mental health concerns, while others want guidance during stressful periods or major life transitions. You do not need a mental health diagnosis to work with a therapist. Many individuals seek therapy to improve communication, strengthen relationships, manage stress, or gain greater self-awareness.
Online therapy can be especially helpful for people living across California, where access to in-person mental health care may vary by location.
What concerns can therapists help with?
Therapists on BetterHelp support adults across California with a wide range of mental health concerns and life challenges, including:
- Anxiety and stress
- Depression and mood-related concerns
- Trauma and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
- Grief and loss
- Relationship and family challenges
- Life transitions and adjustment concerns
- Self-esteem and confidence
- Job stress and burnout
- ADHD-related challenges
- Sleep concerns
- Parenting stress
- Eating disorder support
Therapists use approaches such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), and other evidence-based methods tailored to individual needs.
Online therapy vs. in-person therapy in California
When searching for a therapist near me in California, many people compare online therapy with traditional in-person care. Online therapy offers several potential advantages:
- Greater accessibility: Attend sessions from anywhere with an internet connection
- Reduced wait times: Many people are matched in as little as 24-48 hours, faster than typical in-person availability
- Flexible scheduling: Sessions that fit around work, family, or school commitments
- Expanded provider options: Access licensed therapists across California, not just nearby offices
Research shows that online therapy can be effective for many mental health concerns. Online therapy may also reduce barriers such as transportation challenges, long commutes, or limited local availability, especially in larger or more rural counties across California.
Finding a therapist near me that accepts insurance
Many people looking for a therapist near me in California want to know whether insurance is an option.
Many providers on BetterHelp now accept major insurance carriers in select states. In many states, certain therapists on BetterHelp may be in-network with specific insurance plans. Coverage depends on your plan, provider, and therapist availability.
When sessions are covered, insured members typically pay an average copay of about $19 per session. Coverage varies by state and provider availability, so it’s important to check your in-network status directly on the BetterHelp site.
If insurance coverage is not available, BetterHelp’s flexible subscription model remains an option, with online therapy typically costing $70 to $100 per week, billed weekly or monthly. Additional discounts or financial aid may also be available for a lower price.
How BetterHelp helps you find the right therapist in California
BetterHelp simplifies the process of finding a therapist near you in California without requiring you to search through tons of profiles on your own.
Here’s how it works:
- Complete a brief questionnaire about your needs, preferences, and goals
- Get matched with a licensed therapist authorized to practice in California (CA)
- Begin online therapy sessions through video, phone, or live chat
BetterHelp works with one of the world’s largest networks of licensed therapists, with over 30,000 qualified providers globally. Many members are matched in as little as 24 to 48 hours, and 93% of user preferences are met during the matching process.
You can request a new therapist at no additional cost if your needs or preferences change.
Therapists near you in California
Below, you’ll find licensed therapists authorized to provide online therapy to adults across California, including residents in Orinda.
Each provider meets state licensing requirements and has experience supporting clients with a wide range of mental health concerns using evidence-based therapeutic approaches.
Please note: Therapists on BetterHelp in California do not provide psychiatric medication management or formal diagnoses.
Frequently asked questions about finding a therapist near me
How much does therapy cost near me?
Therapy costs vary depending on provider and location. In-person therapy sessions may cost $100 to $200 or more per session. BetterHelp offers online therapy subscriptions that typically range from $70 to $100 per week, billed weekly or monthly, depending on factors such as location, source, preferences, and therapist availability. Additional discounts or financial aid may also be available for a lower price. BetterHelp now accepts major insurance plans in select states and members pay an average copay of $19 per session. Coverage varies by plan, provider, and therapist availability. You can check coverage on the BetterHelp site.
Does BetterHelp accept insurance?
Yes. Many providers on BetterHelp now accept major insurance carriers in select states. In many states, certain therapists on BetterHelp may be in-network with specific insurance plans. When sessions are covered, insured members typically pay an average copay of about $19 per session. Coverage varies by plan, provider, and therapist availability. You can check coverage on the BetterHelp site.
Is online therapy effective?
Yes. Research shows that online therapy can be effective for many mental health concerns, including anxiety, depression, stress, and relationship challenges. Online therapy allows you to connect with a licensed therapist without commuting to an office.
Do I need a diagnosis to see a therapist?
No. You do not need a mental health diagnosis to seek therapy. Many people work with a therapist for stress management, relationship concerns, grief, life transitions, or personal growth.
How quickly can I start therapy?
Many people are matched with a licensed therapist in as little as 24 to 48 hours after completing the initial questionnaire. Match times may vary based on preferences and therapist availability.
Can I switch therapists if it’s not the right fit?
Yes. If you feel your therapist is not the right match, you can request to be matched with another licensed provider at no additional cost. You are able to do so through the BetterHelp user portal and select switch therapists if needed.
Is online therapy private and secure?
Online therapy through BetterHelp allows you to communicate with your therapist in a discreet setting through video, phone, or messaging tools.