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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Dr. Linda Price

Offering therapy in California
License: PhD, LMFT
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesDepressionCoping with life changesCoaching
20 years of experience

I have a PhD in Philosophy, a Masters in Counseling Psychology, and I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in California with over 20 years of experience. As a Gottman Trained Couples Therapist and a Certified Guided Imagery Therapist, I offer advanced training for couples who are at a loss as to what to do to improve their relationship and for individuals who have experienced any type of life changing trauma In my practice, I have observed that difficulties in relationships can sometimes stem from unresolved and neglected trauma that has not healed. I understand that some patients are not looking specifically for therapy, but instead would benefit from coaching. For instance, when a break up occurs, or divorce, or a job loss or when you have graduated from college. I have even helped those individuals who have loss their spouse of many years, and need not only grief counseling, but state “what do I do now”. I use a pragmatic, gentle, nonjudgmental approach to help you attain whatever “new normal” you are trying to achieve. As someone who is familiar with military life and the complexities and difficulties unique to military families, I am an approved Tricare Therapist. I welcome the opportunity to help you, and look forward to talking with you.

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Alexis Wimer

Offering therapy in California
License: LMFT
Stress, AnxietyFamily conflictsTrauma and abuseParenting issuesDepression
4 years of experience

Hi there! My name is Alexis, I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) in the state of California. I have been working as a mental health professional since 2016 in a non-profit setting with individuals from all different walks of life. Much of my experience conducting therapy includes providing individual and family therapy, in-office and online, in an outpatient setting. I have worked with and am comfortable working with clients presenting with depression, anxiety, relationship and parenting issues, teen concerns, and a wide range of challenges including grief/loss, insomnia, trauma, abuse, behavioral issues, as well as personal growth, adjustment issues, and crisis. I am trained and competent in working with folks who have experienced homelessness, chronic or severe trauma, or have self injurious thoughts or behaviors. My hope for our therapeutic relationship is to meet you "where you are". I am a believer that you are the expert of your own life and therefore should play the leading role in decision making. When working with clients I often use modalities such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Solution Focused Therapy (SFT), and Motivational Interviewing (MI), however I also use Narrative approaches and mindfulness techniques. My hope is to support others in finding what makes their life worth living. I strive to create a safe, non-judgmental, and supportive space so that you are able to work through challenging situations, emotions, or behaviors. You are not alone! My Educational Credentials include: - Licensed by the State of California, Board of Behavioral Sciences (BBS) - Alliant International University Masters in Marriage and Family Therapy To further my education I am regularly seeking trainings, seminars, and conferences to expand my knowledge and expertise. I love to read and explore new topics to better serve my clients. I look forward to starting this journey with you!

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Catrina Flores

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietyLGBTTrauma and abuseGriefDepression
14 years of experience

Catrina Flores, MSW, LCSW is a licensed independent clinician in California with more than 15 years in the health and human services field. Ms. Flores has a masters degree in Social Work from the University of Michigan and a bachelors degree in Collaborative Health and Humans Services from CSU Monterey Bay. While at CSUMB, she graduated and received 2 of the 5 graduating senior awards. She proudly received the Social Justice Award and Alumni Vision Award for her work in Women's Services, Substance Use, Mental Health and HIV/AIDS field. Ms. Flores is currently Senior Clinical Director and Director of a transitional age youth program at a Mental Health of America agency based in California. Ms. Flores has been both a therapist and a supervisor in the field of mental health for the last 10 years. Ms. Flores' specialty is in treating depression, anxiety, trauma, sexual abuse, attachment disorders, bi-polar, schizophrenia, paranoia, domestic violence, self harm, LGBTQI issues, as well as women issues. Ms. Flores' treatment approach is set on the foundation of having a therapeutic relationship, to include using theory's such as cognitive behavioral therapy, solution focused, narrative therapy, mindfulness, attachment theory's, and being patient centered. My schedule is open Monday - Thursday from 3pm-9pm, with some Friday and weekend hours.

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Tony Thompson

Offering therapy in California
License: LCSW
Family conflictsTrauma and abuseParenting issuesDepressionCoping with life changes
7 years of experience

I have worked for the last 10 years in child welfare services. Currently, I am a licensed clinical social worker and a supervisor for children services. I have worked with clients with a wide range of concerns including depression, substance abuse, parenting issues, trauma, adoption and Foster Care issues, general life concerns and adjustments, domestic violence and many others. I have worked closely with families, teenagers, emancipated youth and children of all walks of life and backgrounds. My counseling style is pretty laid back. I've been described as supportive, caring and compassionate, with a pretty good sense of humor. Usually, I like to focus on identifying your strengths, what has been working well and helping you to maximize those strengths to help overcome your obstacles. I'm here to help you start through the things that are difficult right now and offer you a safe place to be open and honest without fear of judgment. You have taken the first and most important step by reaching out for help. My counseling style is warm, and interactive. I believe in treating everyone with compassion, respect, honesty and I don't believe in judgment, shame or stigmatizing labels. My belief in counseling is that everyone deserves an opportunity for healing, hope and self-confidence. My clinical approach is client centered and combines cognitive-behavioral, humanistic, solution focused and the recognition of trauma and how it impacts our well-being. I'm also oriented in strength-based practices and other modalities as needed for the purposes of treatment. My goal is to assist and work with individuals to achieve their fullest potential. Seeking counseling can be fearful and overwhelming but I want to encourage you to continue the journey to seek help and regain hope and control over your life. My goal for every client is to gain new perspectives and to develop the skills necessary to live meaningful lives.

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Stephanie Howard

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesTrauma and abuseParenting issuesDepression
17 years of experience

Hello and Welcome to my therapy practice! My name is Stephanie Howard and I am a licensed therapist in the state of California with 17 years of professional work experience. I have worked in a variety of settings including inpatient and outpatient mental health facilities, schools, and community-based non-profits and clinics. I graduated from the University of California, Berkeley with my master's degree. I utilize Cognitive Behavioral and Psychodynamic therapy techniques in my practice. I believe in using a strengths-based, client focused approach to help clients reach their personal goals in therapy. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, trauma and abuse, & parenting issues. 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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Glorialee Fields

Offering therapy in California
Relationship issuesFamily conflictsParenting issuesCareer difficultiesCoping with life changes
12 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 12 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with relationship issues, family conflicts, parenting issues, & career difficulties. 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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Asianya Jones

Offering therapy in California
Relationship issuesFamily conflictsTrauma and abuseIntimacy-related issuesDepression
3 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 3 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with relationship issues, family conflicts, trauma and abuse, & 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. 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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Adriene Robinson

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseSelf esteemCareer difficultiesCoping with life changes
15 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 15 years of professional work experience. 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 seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process.

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Terry Lewis

Offering therapy in California
20 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 20 years of professional work experience. 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.

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Thomas Pugel

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseDepression
20 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 20 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, trauma and abuse, & depression. 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 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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