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.
James Becker
Hello and welcome. Deciding to reach out for support is a really important first step in the process of moving forward with your life. Working with a skilled therapist can give us an ability to see our lives from a different perspective which often leads to new and creative insights about how we get stuck, what we really want and how to get there from here. I have been a Social Worker for 14 years and a licensed psychotherapist since 2009, working in the fields of Treatment Foster Care, Substance Abuse Recovery, Community Mental Health and Private Practice. In addition to my professional training and experience, I have also been on my own path of personal healing and growth for almost 30 years. Over that time, probably the most effective tools I have found, both for myself and my clients, are the practices of Mindfulness and Self-Compassion. Mindfulness is a powerful method for getting to know ourselves, our minds and our stories better so we can see how often we get in our own ways and create “problems” which actually only exist in our heads. Self-Compassion is a practice of making friends with ourselves, being kind and accepting ourselves unconditionally, just as we are. Combining Mindfulness and Self-Compassion with other clinical approaches such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy and Hakomi (Mindfulness-based Body Centered Psychotherapy) can create a powerful set of tools for changing ourselves and moving towards the life we really want. Applying these wisely to our lives can profoundly impact our levels of inner peace and overall sense of well-being and safety in the world. While not all issues are amenable to quick fixes, I generally see clients begin to have new hope and optimism about their lives in fairly short order. Here’s a short poem which I feel expresses the value of practicing self-kindness and compassion: Self-Observation Without Judgment (Danna Faulds) Release the harsh and pointed inner voice. it's just a throwback to the past, and holds no truth about this moment. Let go of self-judgment, the old learned ways of beating yourself up for each imagined inadequacy. Allow the dialogue within the mind to grow friendlier, and quiet. Shift out of inner criticism and life suddenly looks very different. i can say this only because I make the choice a hundred times a day to release the voice that refuses to acknowledge the real me. What's needed here isn't more prodding toward perfection, but intimacy - seeing clearly, and embracing what I see. Love, not judgment, sows the seeds of tranquility and change. I look forward to having the opportunity of working with you to help increase your sense of happiness, contentment and general life satisfaction.
Masood Moghaddam
Hi there! My name is Masood Moghaddam, and I am a Clinical Social Worker, licensed in California, experienced psychotherapist and a life coach. Thank you for taking the time to learn how my counseling and therapy services can be a useful tool for yourself or someone you care about. My expertise has offered me opportunities in working with clients with a wide range of concerns, including depression, anxiety, Bipolar Disorder, relationship issues, parenting problems, career challenges and OCD. I have helped people struggling with traumatic events in their life, PTSD, and emotional and/or physical abuse. **Please note, I only take clients from California and parts of Canada due to time restrictions. My counseling style is calm, interactive and engaging. My approach combines positive psychology, cognitive-behavioral, humanistic, psychodynamic and rational-emotive counseling. I believe relationships are the origin of our greatest growth yet can also be the source of our considerable challenges. My goal in our work together is to help you as an Individual, Couple, or Family to better understand these multifaceted relationships. Often these complicated relationships come intertwined with personal issues stemming from our past. As your therapist, I will provide empathy, compassion, guidance and if needed an alternative point of view to help you and/or your family work through your challenges. It takes desire to grow, willingness to make an initial effort, courage to seek a more fulfilling life and to take the first step toward a change. If you are ready to begin your journey toward a positive change and a more fulfilling life, I am here to support and empower you. I look forward to working with you!
Clymie Allen
ABOUT ME I am a licensed clinical social worker in the states of California and Texas, with over 40 years of experience working with veterans and their families at the VA hospital in Los Angeles and with adults, children, adolescents and the elderly in an out-patient community setting. I earned a master of social work degree from (USC) University of Southern California in Los Angeles. I am a compassionate, emphatic, and solution-oriented professional dedicated to providing exceptional care and implementing effective treatment to my clients. I specialize in developing healthy relationships, coping with life transitions, treating symptoms of depression and anxiety from a variety of sources. I thrive at being an effective communicator, motivator, and advocate with the ability to establish rapport quickly, build trust, interact with and relate to individuals on all levels. Specialties Domestic Violence Sexual Abuse Individual/Couples therapy Depression/Anxiety Substance Abuse ADHD Also experienced in: Stress, relationship issues, anger management, career difficulties, aging/geriatric issues, blended family issues, grief, trauma/abuse issues, and coping with life changes. Clinical approaches: Cognitive Behavior Therapy, Client centered therapy Services Offered messaging, phone, video Licensing LCS 10310 (expires 10/31/2022) 54878 Texas (expires 10/31/21)
Elizabeth Santiago
Hello and welcome! Thank you for your interest in working with me. I have been providing therapy to individuals, couples, and families since 2007. Educated at Antioch University, Los Angeles, I have worked with children, adolescents, and adults in a range of settings. My specialties include women's issues, specifically Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD/PMD), anxiety/panic attacks, depression, grief & loss, marital/relationship issues, trauma, divorce/separation, and more. My approach is solution-focused where I focuses on cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) techniques with a client-centered approach considering cultural, social, and psychosocial influences. I believe you are the expert in your life and together we can work to improve your functioning using your strengths. I look forward to working with you!
Dana Wogahn
I am licensed in California with 5 years of professional work experience. I take a client-centered approach to therapy that is driven by YOUR needs and YOUR feedback! Let me know what is helpful to you and what is not; let's adjust our sessions as we go so that you are getting services that are tailor-made for you. Whether you are looking for constructive feedback, a listening ear, or some therapeutic insight (or possibly all 3), I want to work with you to ensure you are heard and supported throughout our sessions!
Jessica Sin
I am a licensed marriage and family therapist in California, with 7 years of clinical work experience. I started my career as a Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor, working in both abstinent based and harm reduction settings. I employ a humanistic, strength-based approach to treatment, while incorporating other useful modalities such as Acceptance Commitment Therapy and Internal Family Systems. I believe the foundational principles of acceptance and surrender are essential to finding peace and serenity within oneself. My approach to therapy represents a blending of traditional recovery wisdom and modern holistic practices. I have an inquisitive spirit and welcomes the unique challenges that each person brings. I enjoy watching the therapeutic alliance evolve as people discover their strengths, gain self-efficacy, and move towards the ultimate destination of inner peace. My ultimate goal continues to be providing safe and compassionate care to people by meeting them where they are at and helping them achieve meaningful change. 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 am only here as a map, providing with you information and guidance; ultimately, you are Taking the first step to sign up for therapy can take courage and I am proud of you for getting started!
Susan T Lindau
I am licensed in California with more than 20 years of professional experience. I have experience in helping clients with a number of issues including trauma and life stressors. I honor each client and treat with respect, sensitivity, and compassion. I tailor our dialog and treatment plan to meet your own unique goals. It takes courage to take steps towards a happier, fulfilling life. I am here to support & empower you in that journey.
Ebony Freeman
I am licensed in California with 6 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.
Ebony Wright
Many individuals do not come to therapy because they think it will make them look “crazy." I want to work with you to change that mindset! Truth is, we have all gone through something, but it’s much more comforting when we do not have to go through it alone. Whether it’s anxiety, stress, depression, grief, or relationship issues, there is always a way for us to overcome. Together, we can work on leading you to the path of healing, growth, and resiliency. Utilizing a mix of humanistic and cognitive-behavioral approaches, we will work together as you walk through your journey.
Melanie Bien
I am licensed in California with 14 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, trauma and abuse, sleeping disorders, & 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 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:
- National Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-799-SAFE (7233)
- National Suicide Prevention Lifeline:1-800-273-TALK (8255)
- Crisis Text Line:Text HOME to 741741
- Veterans Crisis Line<:Call 1-800-273-8255 (and press 1) or text 838255. For support for the deaf and hard of hearing community, please use your preferred relay service or dial 711 then 1-800-273-8255.
- Trevor Lifeline(LGBTQ Lifeline): (866)488-7386
- SAMHSA National Helpline: (Substance Use): (800)662-4357
- National Eating Disorder Association Helpline:1-800-931-2237 (M-Th: 9 AM-9 PM EST, Fri 9 AM - 5 PM EST
- Child Help Hotline Call 1-800-422-4453 or use the online chat featur
- National Anti-Hazing Hotline: 1-888-NOT-HAZE (1-888-668-4293)
- Physician Crisis Support Line: Call 1-888-409-0141 if you are a first responder or medical provider experiencing crises related to Covid-1
- Sexual Assault Hotline: Call RAINN at 1-800-656-4673
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.
Popular cities in California
- Los Angeles, CA
- San Diego, CA
- San Jose, CA
- San Francisco, CA
- Fresno, CA
- Sacramento, CA
- Long Beach, CA
- Oakland, CA
- Bakersfield, CA
- Anaheim, CA
- Santa Ana, CA
- Riverside, CA
Find your state
- Alabama
- Alaska
- Arizona
- Arkansas
- California
- Colorado
- Connecticut
- Delaware
- District of Columbia
- Florida
- Georgia
- Hawaii
- Idaho
- Illinois
- Indiana
- Iowa
- Kansas
- Kentucky
- Louisiana
- Maine
- Maryland
- Massachusetts
- Michigan
- Minnesota
- Mississippi
- Missouri
- Montana
- Nebraska
- Nevada
- New Hampshire
- New Jersey
- New Mexico
- New York
- North Carolina
- North Dakota
- Ohio
- Oklahoma
- Oregon
- Pennsylvania
- Rhode Island
- South Carolina
- South Dakota
- Tennessee
- Texas
- Utah
- Vermont
- Virginia
- Washington
- West Virginia
- Wisconsin
- Wyoming