Therapy can be a powerful tool for overcoming life’s challenges and achieving personal growth, but finding the right therapist can take time. With an online therapy platform like BetterHelp, you can find therapeutic services from the comfort of your home at a time that works for your schedule. BetterHelp therapists have extensive experience working with clients and providing psychotherapy. Most people are matched with a therapist within 48 hours of signing up, and you can change providers anytime at no additional charge until you find a good fit.
BetterHelp therapists in Salinas, CA, are educated in psychodynamic theory and can help you explore a variety of treatment approaches. It can be easy to think that therapy is only beneficial if you have a specific mental health condition, but a therapist can help you with a variety of challenges, from working through events in your past to learning how to manage stress to identifying the core beliefs that underlie your thoughts and behaviors.
Whether you want to speak to someone with a history of working with trauma or prefer someone with experience in social work, signing up for therapy can be a huge step toward better mental health. Connect with a therapist in Salinas, CA, to get started.
Maria Biasiotto
My therapy style is warm, interactive, action orientated and focused. I have experience working with adults, both in Individual and Group Therapy for many years. I believe in treating everyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion. Spiritual/Religious, as well as cultural sensitivity is included in my approach. My approach combines humanistic, cognitive-behavioral/CBT, and brief solution focused therapy. I am here to meet your unique and specific needs. Clients that I have interacted with have included those with issues involving Self Esteem, Complex Trauma, MST, PTSD, CPTSD, Bipolar, Depression, Anxiety, Panic, Substance Abuse, Sexual Trauma, and Domestic Violence and Behavioral issues. These clients over all have reported reduction in unwanted symptoms and improvement in quality of life. A quote I share here was from a client I had been seeing for about a year: "I did not think this could help and one day I realized that it really was helping and I never believed it could." "The Longest journey BEGINS WITH A SINGLE STEP." My Masters is in psychology and I hold a License as a Family Therapist, LMFT. I have a RN and I was Certified in Behavioral Health by the ANCC, as a RN-BC. Please feel free to ask any questions about my experience, that may be of a help for you.
Carlos Velasco
Life moves fast, and major transitions whether in your career, relationships, or personal identity often bring unexpected stress, self-doubt, and anxiety. I work with adults who want to move past feeling overwhelmed and step into a more grounded, confident version of themselves. I view therapy as a dynamic partnership. My style is direct yet empathetic, providing a safe space to unpack complex challenges without judgment. Together, we will examine patterns that may no longer be serving you, strengthen communication and coping tools, and build a clear path forward. If you are ready to optimize your mental well-being, navigate a major shift, or simply gain fresh perspective, I am here to support your journey
Diana Bernhardy
Hello, my name is Diana Bernhardy. I'm a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with many years experience working with diverse groups and treatment issues. Past experiences have included primarily working in a forensic inpatient psychiatric mental health facility providing dydactic treatment with individuals with moderate to severe mental disorders, antisocial /criminal behaviors, and substance abuse. I've also worked in private practice and outpatient mental health services providing various treatment modalities and interventions in addressing various topics, i.e., depression, anxiety, stress, anger, grief/loss , separation issues, self esteem issues, women issues, PTSD/trauma, and case management. I explore the mental, behavior and spiritual aspects of the person to achieve wholeness and wellness. Thank you for reading my profile and I look forward to working with you.
Willie Denard
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.
Jacqueline Hayes
As a licensed therapist in Florida, I bring 16 years of dedicated experience supporting individuals through life's complex emotional landscapes. My practice centers on helping clients navigate challenges like depression, anxiety, family conflicts, and personal growth. I specialize in addressing issues such as self-esteem, communication difficulties, social anxiety, and relationship dynamics. My approach is compassionate and tailored, drawing from a deep understanding of human experiences. I'm particularly committed to supporting women, young adults, and individuals wrestling with life transitions, workplace stress, and personal identity. Whether you're struggling with isolation, seeking purpose, or working through relationship challenges, I offer a supportive, understanding environment. Grounded in Christian values and a conservative therapeutic perspective, I create a safe space where clients can explore their emotions, develop healthier coping strategies, and move towards healing and self-discovery. My goal is to empower you to build resilience, find inner strength, and create meaningful, positive change in your life.
Stacy Brown
I am licensed in Texas with 12 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, family conflicts, eating disorders, & 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.
Maria Ward
As a licensed therapist in California, I bring over a decade of experience supporting individuals through complex emotional landscapes. My practice centers on helping clients navigate challenges like depression, anxiety, trauma, and life transitions with compassion and unconditional regard. I specialize in working with diverse populations, offering culturally responsive care that honors each person's unique experiences. My approach is deeply empathetic, focusing on areas such as self-love, communication, social connections, and personal growth. I'm particularly committed to supporting people of various backgrounds, with respect, compassion, self love, acceptance, validation which are universal traits. The journey of healing is for anyone who whishes to walk the path, I will be there for you, I am here to support you, meet you where you need me to meet you. My therapeutic style integrates evidence-based practices to help clients develop resilience, heal from past wounds, and cultivate meaningful life strategies. Whether you're struggling with mood disorders, relationship dynamics, or personal transformation, I'm dedicated to walking alongside, with genuine understanding and professional guidance. Never under estimate your own personal growth, value your unique qualities, I am here to support you with acceptance and unconditional regard and respect of your needs. I believe in creating a safe, affirming space where you can explore your experiences, validate your own reality, integrate experiences that might had been put to the side and reconnect with your inherent strengths. Together, we'll work collaboratively to support your emotional well-being and personal empowerment. Remember, I am here for you, this place is for you and you alone.
Victoria Lloyd
As a licensed therapist with a decade of experience, I specialize in supporting individuals navigating complex emotional landscapes. My practice centers on helping clients develop self-love, improve communication, and find meaningful connection while addressing challenges like depression, anxiety, and life transitions. I bring a compassionate, culturally responsive approach to therapy, particularly committed to serving Black and LGBTQ+ communities. My work honors each person's unique journey, creating a supportive space where individuals can explore personal growth, heal from past experiences, and rediscover their inner strength. My therapeutic approach blends evidence-based practices with a holistic understanding of individual experiences. I'm especially passionate about helping clients build resilience, enhance self-esteem, and develop effective coping strategies. Whether you're struggling with isolation, seeking life purpose, or working through significant changes, I'm dedicated to walking alongside you with empathy and professional guidance.
Reginald Bruno
I am licensed in Florida. Virginia, Washington DC, Oregon, and New York with over 20 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping adult clients cope with and manage stress and anxiety, and a range of many other co-occurring disorders. I have helped clients coping with addictions, grief and loss, improving motivation, self-esteem, and confidence. I have a good working and interactive experience with my clients to create an open and safe environment where their 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.
Ryan Jordan
I am licensed in California with 4 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, trauma and abuse, coping with grief and loss, & 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. Taking the first step to seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process.
Jo Ellen Clark
I am licensed in California with 10 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress, anxiety, depression, relationship issues, family conflicts, coping with grief, & coping with loss. 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. I have experience working as a social worker in a medical environment. I worked for over six years in our local trauma center in the Acute Rehab Unit (ARU). Through this experience I worked with individuals and families in acute crisis. Individuals dealt with immediate life changes impacting income, living arrangements, supportive relationships and possible altered physicality short and/or long term. Depression, anxiety, and dealing with interpersonal relationships were all part of the process of processing the life altering event. This experience gave me the opportunity to work with all ages, socioeconomic levels, education levels, ethnicities, cultures and back grounds while using Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Systems Theory, Cultural Competency (client as expert) and an individual client focused approach to assist the client with their goals. I now work as a hospice social worker. Working with individuals and families dealing with end of life challenges, loss, grief and hopefully acceptance. Compassion, empathy, advocacy and listening are all pieces to assist individuals and families to cope with the end of life. It is not so different than working with any other client, I meet the client and families where they are. Assess one's needs and establish goals for client centered work. All the skills that are learned through my experiences are transferred to working with individuals whether it is life questions, road blocks to achieving goals or trauma to be worked through, the approach is met with companion, non judgement, support and open communication.
Darci Simms
My name is Darci C Simms and I've served the Central Valley of California as a Social Worker over 15 years. In my role as Licensed Clinical Social Worker I have experience working with all ages from 6 years to end of life. I have provided behavioral health therapy, case management, helping people cope with complex medical diagnoses and severe mental health illnesses, and provided patient advocacy and support services. I enjoy direct patient care and promote mental health and wellness. Taking the first step to sign up for therapy can take courage and I am proud of you for getting started!
Amber Marble
Hi, I’m Amber. I’m a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in California with over 10 years of experience supporting individuals, teens, and families through some of life’s hardest and most emotionally overwhelming moments. I know starting therapy can feel intimidating. A lot of people come in worried they’re “too much,” not enough, too emotional, too guarded, or that they somehow should have everything figured out already. My goal is to create a space where you can show up exactly as you are messy thoughts, anxiety, relationship struggles, parenting stress, overthinking, grief, burnout, people-pleasing, anger, sadness, and all. My approach is warm, honest, supportive, and very human. I believe therapy works best when there’s real connection and trust, so I encourage open feedback and fully support therapist shopping to find the right fit. You deserve a therapist you feel comfortable with, not someone you feel like you have to perform for. While I’m compassionate and validating, I also believe growth happens when we are willing to gently look at patterns, perspectives, boundaries, and the stories we tell ourselves. I’ll support you, but I’ll also thoughtfully challenge you when needed in a way that helps build insight, confidence, and emotional growth. Whether you’re navigating anxiety, depression, relationship challenges, family conflict, self-esteem struggles, life transitions, or simply feeling emotionally exhausted, you do not have to carry it alone. Therapy with me is a collaborative space where we work together to help you better understand yourself, develop healthier coping tools, and move toward the version of your life that feels more peaceful, balanced, and authentic to you.
Sharon Peterson
I'm a therapist with nearly a decade of experience supporting individuals through life's most challenging moments. I work with clients across the lifespan, helping them navigate stress, anxiety, relationship difficulties, and the profound impact of trauma. My approach is grounded in compassion and collaboration. I specialize in helping clients process traumatic experiences, build healthier communication patterns, and develop coping strategies for life transitions. I'm particularly skilled in supporting those managing anxiety disorders, including social anxiety and panic, as well as individuals working through grief, divorce, and significant life changes. I also have experience supporting clients with neurodevelopmental differences, chronic health challenges, attachment concerns, and family dynamics. Whether you're navigating codependency, body image struggles, caregiver stress, or questions about life purpose and meaning, I'm here to help you find clarity and healing. I welcome clients who value faith as part of their therapeutic journey, and I'm honored to work with older adults and those from diverse backgrounds. My goal is to create a safe, respectful space where you feel truly heard and supported as you move toward greater peace and resilience.
*BetterHelp insurance availability, coverage, and cost may vary by state, plan, provider network, therapist availability, and deductible status.
Find a therapist near you in Salinas, California
Finding a therapist near you in Salinas, California starts with matching to a licensed professional who fits your needs, schedule, and goals. California is home to people with diverse mental health needs across urban, suburban, and rural communities, which can make it challenging to find care. BetterHelp connects you with a licensed therapist through tailored matching, so you can begin care from home or wherever works for you.
The network includes over 30,000 licensed therapists globally, and over 4 million people have used BetterHelp to find support through online therapy. During matching, 93% of user preferences are met, which helps you connect with a therapist suited to what you are looking for. Whether you are searching for help with anxiety, trauma, affordable or insurance covered therapy, weekend or flexible scheduling, or virtual sessions, you can find a therapist and get started when you are ready.
Why work with a licensed therapist near you?
Working with a licensed therapist near you gives you access to professional mental health support from someone trained to help you understand and manage what you are going through. A licensed therapist can offer evidence-based approaches, a steady space to talk, and guidance tailored to your situation. In California, online therapy can make that care more accessible, since sessions happen from home or wherever you are, without the need to travel to an office. This can help if your schedule is full, if travel is difficult, or if you simply prefer a more discreet setting. You can learn more about what a therapist does on the therapist role page.
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 can help with a wide range of concerns, including anxiety and stress, depression, trauma and PTSD, self-esteem and identity, people-pleasing and fear of rejection, insomnia and racing thoughts, workplace stress and burnout, substance use, parenting and co-parenting stress, grief and loss, and relationship and family challenges. Therapists on BetterHelp may draw on approaches such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), depending on your needs and goals. You can explore support for specific concerns on pages such as generalized anxiety disorder, major depressive disorder, posttraumatic stress disorder, attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder, and eating disorders.
Please note that therapists on BetterHelp do not provide psychiatric medication management or formal diagnoses.
Online therapy vs. in-person therapy in California
Online therapy and in-person therapy both connect you with a licensed professional, and the main difference is how you meet. In California, online therapy through BetterHelp lets you have sessions by phone, video, or in-app messaging, so you can meet from home or on a schedule that fits your life. In-person therapy takes place at an office and may involve travel and set appointment windows. Online therapy may be more accessible for people with busy schedules, limited transportation, or a preference for a more discreet setting. Both formats can support meaningful progress, so the right choice often comes down to what fits your life.
Finding a therapist that accepts insurance in California
BetterHelp accepts insurance through many major insurance plans. Insurance availability and coverage may vary by state, plan, provider network, and therapist availability, and deductible status. Eligible members' average copay is $23 per session.
You can check your in-network status on the BetterHelp site through the sign up flow. If you prefer to pay without insurance, BetterHelp subscriptions range from $70 to $100 per week, billed as an alternative way to access the same care, and you can use HSA and FSA funds toward the cost. For a full breakdown of how BetterHelp works with insurance plans, see BetterHelp insurance coverage.
How BetterHelp helps you find the right therapist in California
BetterHelp helps you find the right therapist in California through personalized matching that considers your needs, preferences, and goals. After you answer a few questions during the sign up flow, you can be matched with a licensed therapist from a network of over 30,000 professionals, and 93% of user preferences are met during matching. The search and location matching cover common near-me needs, including anxiety, trauma, affordable or sliding-scale support, weekend or flexible scheduling, and virtual sessions. If your first match is not the right fit, you can switch therapists at no extra cost. When you are ready, you can get started and begin the process.
Therapists near you in California
Below, you’ll find licensed therapists authorized to provide online therapy to adults across California, including residents in Salinas.
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 near you can vary by provider, format, and payment method. With BetterHelp, subscriptions range from $70 to $100 per week, and you can use HSA and FSA funds toward the cost. BetterHelp also accepts insurance through many major insurance plans, and eligible members' average copay is $23 per session. Insurance availability and coverage may vary by state, plan, provider network, and therapist availability, and deductible status.
Does BetterHelp accept insurance?
Yes. BetterHelp accepts insurance through many major insurance plans. Insurance availability and coverage may vary by state, plan, provider network, and therapist availability. Eligible members' average copay is $23 per session. Check your in-network status on the BetterHelp site through the sign up flow. For a full breakdown of how BetterHelp works with insurance plans, see BetterHelp insurance coverage.
Is online therapy effective?
Online therapy can be an effective way to receive licensed mental health care for many common concerns. Research suggests that online therapy may support progress in ways comparable to in-person care for concerns such as anxiety and depression. On BetterHelp, you connect with a licensed therapist who can use evidence-based approaches such as CBT and DBT, and you can meet by phone, video, or in-app messaging.
Do I need a diagnosis to see a therapist?
No, you do not need a diagnosis to see a therapist. Many people begin therapy to work through stress, life changes, relationships, or personal growth without any diagnosis. Please note that therapists on BetterHelp do not provide psychiatric medication management or formal diagnoses. If you are looking for a starting point, personalized matching can connect you with a licensed therapist suited to your goals.
How quickly can I start therapy?
You can often start therapy within 24 to 48 hours of signing up with BetterHelp. After you answer a few questions during the sign up flow, personalized matching connects you with a licensed therapist, and you can schedule your first session once you are matched. This process is designed to help you begin care at your own pace, without a long wait.
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 discreet?
Online therapy with BetterHelp offers a discreet setting where you can connect with a licensed therapist from the comfort of your home. Sessions take place by phone, video, or in-app messaging, so you can meet without going into an office. Your account and sessions are protected with strong safeguards, and you choose how and where you attend. This can make therapy feel more comfortable for people who prefer a discreet way to get support.
Find a Therapist in Salinas, California
Ready to begin? BetterHelp can match you with a licensed therapist serving Salinas and the surrounding CA area. When you are ready to take the next step, get started.