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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Vani Burnette

Offering therapy in California
License: LMFT
Stress, AnxietySelf esteemCareer difficultiesDepressionCoping with life changes
15 years of experience

I am a marriage and family therapist licensed in California with over 10 years of experience and also hold an undergraduate degree in nutrition and dietetics. I have worked with clients experiencing a wide range of concerns including depression, anxiety, relationship issues, career challenges, and stress management. I have also helped many people who have experienced physical trauma or emotional abuse. My counseling style is warm and interactive. I believe in treating everyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion, and I don't believe in stigmatizing labels. My approach combines cognitive-behavioral, solution-focused, and a variety of other client centered modalities. I will tailor our dialog and treatment plan to meet your unique and specific needs. It takes courage to seek for a more fulfilling and happier life and to take the first steps towards change. If you are ready to take that step I am here to support and empower you. I look forward to working with you!

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Dr. Megan Tsang

Offering therapy in California
License: PsyD
Stress, AnxietySelf esteemDepressionCoping with life changes
14 years of experience

I am a clinical psychologist in the state of California, and I have been licensed since 2009. I have trained and worked in a variety of settings helping individuals with a range of concerns including depression, anxiety, stress, adjustment disorders, as well as other mental health diagnoses such as bipolar disorder. I enjoy helping and supporting others through challenging episodes in their life. My therapy style can be described as judgment free and supportive yet goal oriented and solution focused. The approaches to therapy that I often utilize include cognitive behavioral therapy, solution focused therapy, and client centered therapy; however, depending on the presenting concerns and goals may sometimes utilize an analytical or existential approach. I think that seeking out support takes courage, and my goal is to create a safe and welcoming experience. I look forward to working with you.

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Jacquelyn Robinson

Offering therapy in California
License: LMFT
Stress, AnxietyGriefIntimacy-related issuesParenting issuesSelf esteem
15 years of experience

I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with over ten years of experience in Southern California. I hold a M.S. in Clinical Psychology from Vanguard University. I have gained experience working in inpatient and outpatient mental health settings. My goal as a therapist is to create a safe, trustful and non-judgmental environment; to help my clients uncover, unpack and understand those obstacles that hinder their quality of life. Life is a struggle all by itself my goal is to help support you through your journey. My theoretic orientation is Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT), but I integrate various theories. I will tailor your treatment to fit your individual needs. The first step towards healing and living a fulfilling and enriching life is to reach out to those who can support you, and I’m always honored to provide that support to my clients.

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Keith Nelson

Offering therapy in California
License: LCSW,MAC
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsRelationship issuesTrauma and abuseDepression
18 years of experience

I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker licensed in Oregon and California. I have over 17 years experience in providing therapy, supervision of therapists, as well as research in the area of substance abuse and emotional dissonance. I work with a wide range of concerns including depression, anxiety, substance abuse and codependency issues, relationship issues, parenting problems, career challenges, OCD, ADHD and PTSD. I also helped many people who have experienced physical trauma or emotional abuse. I believe that every person has strengths and the potential for personal growth and a satisfying life. Life presents a myriad of problems and counseling engages both myself and the client in a collaborative process in order to find the processes and answers that will best fit the client’s needs. I believe in treating the “person-in-environment”: our physical, psychological, social and spiritual selves are affected by our beliefs and emotions and also by physical and environmental factors. Thus, the effort to find solutions should accurately reflect the person’s life, stressors and preferences, with respect for personal choice and self-determination. I practice with an emphasis on evidence-based therapies and collaborating with my clients to determine and facilitate “what works”. Our beliefs, perceptions, and behaviors are largely the result of what we learn throughout our lifespan and while we cannot change the past, we can learn from the past to create a new and better future. Therapy is thus an active process aimed at alleviating suffering and developing the inner peace and understanding that makes life worth living. It is truly an honor to be part of that growth process in people’s lives and I appreciate and respect the courage it takes for a person to be willing to engage in that process. Oregon License #7519 California License #21893 I look forward to working with you!

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Perla Ray

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsTrauma and abuseBipolar disorderDepression
17 years of experience

I am Dual licensed in California with 17 years of professional work experience. I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, and was awarded a certification as a Licensed Advanced Alcohol and Drug Counselor. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, depression in all life cycles, struggling young adults , coping with chemical dependency, trauma and abuse, healing from toxic relationships & bipolar disorder to name a few. I work with my clients to create an open and safe environment where thoughts and feelings can be shared without fear of judgment in order to achieve healing. 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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Karen Buroff

Offering therapy in California
License: MSW,LCSW
Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseSelf esteemDepressionCoaching
15 years of experience

I am a Clinical Social Worker licensed in Connecticut over 15 years of experience working as a Social Worker and Clinician. I have worked with clients with a wide range of concerns including depression, anxiety, PTSD, chronic and persistent mental illness, self esteem issues, relationship issues and life changes. I have worked extensively with military members (Active Duty and Veterans) and have also helped many people who have experienced physical trauma or emotional abuse (both combat and non-combat related). My therapy style is warm and interactive. I believe in treating anyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion. My approach is always trauma informed, and I use Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Trauma informed approach (ARC Trained), and Mind Body Resiliency (MBRT) Master Trainer. I am committed to being Client focused and strengths based. I will tailor our dialog and treatment plan to meet your unique and specific needs. It takes courage to seek a more fulfilling and happier life and to take the first steps towards change. If you are ready to take that step, I am here to support and empower you. I look forward to working with you!

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Dr. Michael Greenberg

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesTrauma and abuseCareer difficultiesDepression
10 years of experience

I am a board-certified psychologist licensed in California with 12+ years of professional work experience within the mental health field. I’m also a published ACT (Acceptance and Commitment Therapy) author and have experience with helping clients presenting with a wide variety of clinical and non-clinical presentations. My specialty focus is with treating, anxiety, depression, PTSD and other transdiagnostic factors to include maladaptive avoidance, relationship issues, trauma, abuse, motivation & career difficulties. 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. Joetta Willis

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseGriefAnger managementDepression
17 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 17 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 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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Jon Gabriel

Offering therapy in California
GriefCoping with life changes
4 years of experience

I am licensed in Hawaii with 4 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with coping with grief and loss and coping with life changes. We're all complex individuals with thoughts and feelings that can either fuel or plague us. You don't have to do it alone. Together we can build on the courage you've shown by coming here for therapy. I am here for you, let's do this.

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Maureen Allen Kaczmarski

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesSelf esteemCoping with life changes
25 years of experience

I am licensed in California with over 25 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, & motivation, self esteem, and confidence. 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 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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