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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Leah Finn

Offering therapy in California
License: LMFT
Stress, AnxietyLGBTGriefDepressionCoping with life changes
8 years of experience

Hello and welcome! My name is Leah Finn. I am a marriage and family therapist based out of the San Francisco Bay Area and licensed in California. My goal is to help you achieve your goals. Since 2010, I have worked with clients from a variety of backgrounds and life experiences to effectively manage and cope with a wide range of concerns including depression, anxiety, and relationship issues. I have also helped many people who have experienced trauma, emotional abuse, and/or disability. In 2018, I founded Healing Solutions Psychotherapy. My counseling style is warm, interactive, and nonjudgmental. I provide an environment for you to feel safe to explore fears, concerns, and your deepest desires for creating the life that you want. I use a strength-based approach that combines mindfulness with cognitive-behavioral, humanistic, narrative, solution-focused, and psychodynamic therapies. I have a Master of Arts in Counseling Psychology from John F. Kennedy University, and I practice under the laws of California. I believe in treating you with respect, empathy, sensitivity, and compassion. Prior to becoming a therapist, I worked as a community organizer for social, racial, and economic justice. My background includes extensive training in anti-oppression work, looking at how race, class, gender, sexuality, and ability overlap and shape our lived experience. I will tailor our work together to meet your unique and specific needs. I specialize in working with LGBTQIA+ (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, questioning, intersex, asexual, and agender) individuals and families. I am committed to providing culturally competent, sex positive counseling, particularly with people who identify as polyamorous and people who are a part of the kink community. I am also certified as a domestic violence counselor with 48 hours of LGBT-specialized training. It takes courage to seek a more fulfilling, happier life and to take the first steps towards a change. If you are ready to take that step, I am here to support and empower you. You have the right to feel heard, understood, whole, and complete. You deserve to be your best self. I look forward to learning more about you!

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Elizabeth Baxt

Offering therapy in California
License: LMFT
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesParenting issuesSelf esteem
40 years of experience

Hello, let me introduce myself to you. I am a therapist who is dedicated to work with clients motivated to improve their lives. Are you a client who want to learn how to think more clearly, make better decisions, and avoid drama? Call me if you want a guide who will help you improve your relationships, reduce your stress, and create a more fulfilling life. My goal for my clients is to help them improve their attitudes so they will feel better about themselves and obtain the life that they desire. I work with clients who believe that they can change and grow and want to improve their lives. I design the therapy to meet each person's needs. The best therapy is creative and interactive. I am trained to use art and guided imagery in addition to talk therapy. My clients walk away from a session feeling they have learned something about themselves and have been given skills to solve their problems. I value each client I work with. I believe that together we can learn from each other. At this time I am working with clients through telemedicine in Oregon and California.

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Muneerah Uqdah

Offering therapy in California
License: LCSW
Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseSelf esteemDepressionCoping with life changes
14 years of experience

Hello. My name is Muneerah Uqdah and I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker who has been providing individual and family counseling to children, teenagers, and adults for over 9 years. I have worked in a variety of setting such as community mental health agencies, juvenile justice system agencies, private practice and community health centers. I have my Master's of Social Work from the University of Southern California. I have utilized an array of treatment approaches such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Solution Focused Therapy, Child--Parent Psychotherapy, Trauma Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Dialectical Behavioral Therapy. Taking the first step to seek professional help can be difficult and daunting but that first step is all you need to start your healing journey. I am passionate about helping others get through life's toughest challenges and stressors whether it be how to resolve that conflict at work or school to struggles with trauma, depression and anxiety or to gain more self awareness and insight. Through a client centered and collaborative approach, I will work with you to accomplish your goals, gain insight, and help you become the best version of yourself. No matter where you are in your journey, I offer a safe and non judgmental space for my clients to express themselves openly and freely. I hope you allow me to help you through your transformation. The journey is yours and I look forward to taking it with you. Let's do this!

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Linda Vermeulen

Offering therapy in California
License: MS MFCC,LMFT
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsDepressionCompassion fatigue
28 years of experience

From Dreams to The Shadow, the Enneagram to the Imago, clients use their therapy hour to connect to their unconscious, and help discover strengths and weakness. I use the Jungian styled psychodynamic approach, and I work with your Enneagram type and Inner Child dynamics to help drive your life forward. I will help you process anxiety and the stressors that come with changes in your family life, by using many different modalities: mindfulness, feeling work, couples Imago therapy. I work to help you access personal themes toward achieving your individuation. Clients who work with me will learn how to identify and love their Inner Child, use Discovery Logs, and process the Persona, to lead to wholeness of Self. I teach you how to accept yourself, and forgive the past. Psychodynamic work is longer term than most approaches, but don't let that scare you!

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Katranker Thompson

Offering therapy in California
License: LCSW
Stress, AnxietyGriefAnger managementDepressionCoping with life changes
30 years of experience

Welcome to BetterHelp which is a major step as you strive to enhance your quality of life through therapy . There may be some degree of ambivalence as you embark upon this new therapeutic journey. However, feel assured you have made a sound decision in the exploration of your feelings and thoughts as you seek to improved your quality of life. My style is warm and interactive and I believe in treating each client with respect, compassion and sensitivity. I enjoy developing new relationships and working with clients to identify the specific problem and working together to create individualized treatment goals and plans . Your input in therapy is crucial given that you will be working diligently in order to achieve your identified goals. I look forward to our partnership in care and treatment . My name is Katranker Thompson and I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in the state of California. I graduated from Smith College School of Social Work located in Northampton, Massachusetts. I have worked in the field of Social Work for over 25 years and have enjoyed every moment of serving those who may be at a crossroads in their lives and have decided to seek treatment. I have worked with individuals from different backgrounds who struggle with depression, anxiety, anger issues and adjustment disorders. I also have experience working with Veterans and their significant others around stress & anxiety. My Clinical skills include treatment: Depression Stress & Anxiety Grief Work Caregiver Stress Therapy Cognitive Behavior Therapy Messages are initiated through the BetterHelp portal for which I check messages twice a day. The platform for which therapy is conducted is telephone and video.

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Dr. Shelly Statz

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesTrauma and abuseBipolar disorderDepression
24 years of experience

Hello, my name is Dr. Shelly Statz. I am a licensed clinical social worker in Wisconsin and California with nearly 25 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients struggling with stress and anxiety, depression, relationship issues, trauma and abuse, bipolar disorder and other concerns. 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. You are in the driver's seat. 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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Miriam Munzarova

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesTrauma and abuseGriefDepression
5 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 5 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, trauma and abuse, & coping with grief and loss. 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.

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Roberto Attalla

Offering therapy in California
AddictionsFamily conflictsSelf esteemCoping with life changesCompassion fatigue
11 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 14 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with coping with addictions, family conflicts, motivation, self esteem, and confidence, coping with life changes & connecting to community resources. 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 sign up for therapy can take courage and I am proud of you for getting started!

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Donna Robberecht

Offering therapy in California
Trauma and abuseDepressionCoping with life changes
38 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 43 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with trauma and abuse, 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 sign up for therapy can take courage and I am proud of you for getting started!

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Valinda Petschl

Offering therapy in California
Relationship issuesParenting issuesSelf esteemCoping with life changesCompassion fatigue
25 years of experience

I am licensed in California with over 20 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with relationship issues, parenting issues, motivation, self esteem, confidence & coping with life changes. 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. 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:

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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