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.

This is Martin Bordson's avatar and link to their profile

Martin Bordson

Offering therapy in California
License: MA,LMFT
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesParenting issuesDepressionADHD
23 years of experience

Are you feeling stuck, alone, or lost? With over 40 years of experience in the field (licensed 24) I can assist you in finding solutions to your life's challenges with practical advise, education and skill building. My approach is collaborative; we develop a personalized plan to work on your specific practical goals and needs. I have training and experience in helping individuals, children and families in the areas of depression, adjustment, life changes like retirement, marriage, divorce, losses, anxiety, stress management, communication, family relations, self-esteem and general parenting. Please contact me to see if we are a good fit. I’m looking forward to discussing your needs and working with you!

This is Katherine Rogers's avatar and link to their profile

Katherine Rogers

Offering therapy in California
License: LCSW
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsSelf esteemDepressionCoping with life changes
3 years of experience

I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in the State of California with over 20 years experience counseling individuals with a variety of challenges. My experience in working in substance use and addiction have taught me that many of our behaviors that cause us difficulty are simply our attempts to cope with life's many challenges. I will use a nonjudgmental approach to assist you in understanding what you are trying to achieve with current coping patterns, and to help you decide if you would like to learn new coping patterns that may serve you better. I have experience working with individuals who have sought help for anxiety, depression, acute stress, trauma, and substance use. I have worked in various settings including rape/crisis counseling, addiction, homelessness, and corrections. The past year has been hard on all of us. Whether you are dealing with a long history of struggles, or dealing with struggles that are new to you, I will meet you wherever you are on your journey toward recovery and wellness. I look forward to working with you.

This is Dr. Kathleen Ayers's avatar and link to their profile

Dr. Kathleen Ayers

Offering therapy in California
License: PsyD
Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseDepression
32 years of experience

I am a clinical psychologist, licensed in California since 2001. I have extensive experience in helping people who have chronic pain and other chronic medical conditions. I use a combination of cognitive-behavioral therapy and acceptance and commitment therapy. I am also certified in CBT for insomnia. I am interested in the role that nutrition and diet play in health and have certifications in this area (though I am not a dietitian or nutritionist). I enjoy working with individuals and groups. While many people think of CBT and being matter-of-fact and rooted only in the present, it is much more than that, allowing for exploration of past issues in a safe environment while working on present concerns and issues. It does often include homework, and I do give homework assignments. My many years of experience have taught me that I make a living from others' misfortunates, accidents, and tragedies. This realization makes me caring and compassionate. All too often, those with chronic pain and chronic medical conditions feel that they are not believed when they report their physical problems and pain levels. My goal is to provide a safe, caring , and accepting environment for people to discuss their concerns. I have recently developed an interest in also providing help to people who have been traumatized by paranormal experiences.

This is Dr. Susan Michael's avatar and link to their profile

Dr. Susan Michael

Offering therapy in California
AddictionsRelationship issuesTrauma and abuseIntimacy-related issuesDepression
25 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 25 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with coping with addictions, relationship issues, trauma and abuse, & intimacy related issues. I believe in treating everyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion. I will tailor our dialogue 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 on that journey.

This is Shannan OConnor's avatar and link to their profile

Shannan OConnor

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesFamily conflictsIntimacy-related issuesSelf esteem
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, family conflicts, & intimacy related issues. 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.

This is Dr. Tammy Occhipinti's avatar and link to their profile

Dr. Tammy Occhipinti

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsRelationship issuesGriefDepression
22 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 22 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, coping with addictions, relationship issues, & coping with grief and loss. 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.

This is Brianna DeSantiago's avatar and link to their profile

Brianna DeSantiago

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesIntimacy-related issuesDepressionADHD
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, relationship issues, intimacy related issues, & depression. I am a caring, yet directive therapist dedicated to providing treatment that personally works for you. It is my goal to provide a nonjudgmental, empathetic and safe space for you to feel truly understood. My approach focuses on utilizing psychodynamic, attachment and cognitive-behavioral. I am passionate about helping families, individuals and couples find peace and stability and I understand that no one person or problem is the same. The problems that you are experiencing don’t have to be over bearing. There is hope for the future to overcome all aspects of past, present and future worries.

This is Amanda Hernandez's avatar and link to their profile

Amanda Hernandez

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsRelationship issuesSelf esteemDepression
9 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 9 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with depression, ocd, stress and anxiety, psychosis, coping with addictions, relationship issues, & 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.

This is Doris Santiago's avatar and link to their profile

Doris Santiago

Offering therapy in California
License: MA - Psychology
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsRelationship issuesFamily conflictsDepression
27 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 27 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, coping with addictions, relationship issues, & family conflicts. 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.

This is Lucinda Beckley's avatar and link to their profile

Lucinda Beckley

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesTrauma and abuseParenting issuesAnger management
25 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 25 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship 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. 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.

Find the right therapist for your needs
Match with a qualified therapist