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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John Hanig

Offering therapy in California
License: LMFT
Stress, AnxietyLGBTTrauma and abuseDepression
6 years of experience

It is normal for traumatic life events (such as near-death experiences, being the victim of violence, or the loss of a loved one) to cause us to become stuck in patterns that prevent us from exploring emotional pain in order to let go of it; in this way, staying stuck further perpetuates ongoing suffering, like a “snake eating its tail.” I am here to support you with untangling these patterns in order to reclaim who you are and gain satisfaction with seeing how who you are can glow brighter than ever in your relationships and community. With our work through Better Help, I usually ask lots of questions not only to get to know you better but to also provide an opportunity for you to express yourself and see how it feels to release some of your more intense emotions through the power of words. I also ask lots of questions to guide you with exploring your relationships (such as family, friends, and intimate partners) and provide suggestions on ways to improve communication, since the majority of problems that occur in our relationships usually come from miscommunication and as a result not receiving the most mutual support that we could receive from our relationships. I can also teach techniques (such as breathing exercises and affirmations) that you can actually use at moments when you might feel particularly overwhelmed or “freaking out,” and I can help you adapt them to your unique lifestyle and personality so that it can hopefully feel easier to put them into practice in the real world. I am a queer man who specializes in providing psychotherapy to other queer men and LGBTQ people in English, Spanish, & Brazilian Portuguese. I am most passionate about serving LGBTQ people experiencing severe and persistent mental illnesses, including depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). As LGBTQ people, engaging in therapy is more important than ever.

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Kerry Kane

Offering therapy in California
License: LMFT
Stress, AnxietyParenting issuesAnger managementSelf esteemADHD
20 years of experience

Hello! My name is Kerry and I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in the state of California. The majority of my clinical experience has been providing individual and family therapy services to children, adolescents, and families. I have worked with clients with a wide range of concerns including depression, anxiety, low self-esteem, behavior problems, anger management issues and ADHD. I would describe my counseling style as warm, empathic and goal oriented. I use Cognitive Behavioral therapy, Solution Focused therapy, and Motivational Interviewing to help my clients meet their goals. I am non-judgmental, compassionate, a good listener, and use a strength-based approach. I look forward to working with you!

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Luis Flores

Offering therapy in California
Relationship issuesIntimacy-related issuesADHD
4 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 5 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with relationship issues, intimacy related issues, & concentration, memory and focus (ADHD). 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. I also work with specific populations including youth, TAY, teens, and people of color. 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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Amy Bromelow

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseParenting issuesCoping 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, trauma and abuse, parenting issues, & coping with life changes. 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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Kellie Gonzalez

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietyLGBTTrauma and abuseParenting issuesSelf esteem
9 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 8 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, lgbt-related issues, trauma and abuse, & parenting issues. 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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Heydi Donaire

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesFamily conflictsTrauma and abuseDepression
10 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 10 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, & trauma and abuse. 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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Krystyna Soch Ridenour

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietyAnger managementSelf esteemDepression
6 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 5 years of professional work experience working with a wide range of clients including adults, teens, and children as young as 3. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, & motivation, self esteem, and confidence. I work with my clients to create an open and safe environment where thoughts and feelings can be shared without fear of judgment. My aim is to assist clients in developing the insights to make positive, healthy change in their lives and mental health. 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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Gabriella Galucci

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesTrauma and abuseSelf esteemDepression
22 years of experience

I am licensed in California and Oregon with 32 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, trauma and abuse, & motivation, self esteem, and confidence. 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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Dylan Tayag

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietyFamily conflictsTrauma and abuseDepressionCoping with life changes
6 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 6 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, family conflicts, trauma and abuse, & 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.

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Deanna Gale Emad

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesTrauma and abuseParenting issuesCoping with life changes
16 years of experience

I am a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in California with 16 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, trauma and abuse, & parenting issues. I believe that you have already inside you all that you need to overcome, learn and grow from your challenges. I am seasoned in assisting you on your journey of self growth and awareness. I am grateful for the opportunity to support you in overcoming the areas in your life that are challenging you. Taking the first step to sign up for therapy can take courage and I am confident that it will be of great support so lets get started.

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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