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. Arti Nigam

Offering therapy in California
License: PhD
Family conflictsGriefParenting issuesCareer difficulties
12 years of experience

I have been working as a licensed psychologist in California since 2006. I have worked with children and teens as well as with adults, including the elderly. I work to help people deal with both internal and external emotional challenges. These include issues of anxiety, depression, life crisis or acute trauma, life transitions, cultural adjustment, interpersonal conflict at home or at work, feelings of loneliness or hopelessness, and fears that carry over from the past. My therapeutic approach is informed by cognitive-behavioral and humanistic theories. I believe that the power to heal is within each of us. When you feel accepted as you are, when you feel unconditional positive regard, you can feel safe, and allow yourself to trust enough to let go of mental filters that keep you stuck. With some guidance, you can identify thought and behavior patterns that might prevent things from changing; you can identify ways to make things better, as well as finding ways to make peace with those things that can not change.

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Katherine (Kate) Baker

Offering therapy in California
License: LCSW
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsGriefParenting issuesAnger management
16 years of experience

My area of concentration is supporting people who are managing any of the following: social issues (peer pressure, aggression, isolation, vitimization) anger, sadness & depression stress & anxiety learning differences & difficulties grief & loss divorce & separation substance use self-harm career & education decision making adjustment to a new life situation I use a combination of modalities, tailoring my approach to each individual. I use role-play, art projects, mindfulness and relaxation practice in my counseling practice, as well as traditional talk-therapy. I rely heavily on cognitive-behavioral therapy tools and hold a solution-oriented perspective. Together, with my client and their family, we begin by understanding present realities and then proceed to goal-setting. Above all, I respect a client's motivation to change and am deliberate about setting goals with their full-agreement and collaboration. At times these goals may be at odds with what a parent determines, and I work with the family towards a mutually-acceptable agreement. Systems therapy is also a critical part of my practice, meaning each young person is a part of a family system and does not operate in a vacuum . Behavioral patterns, living circumstances, unspoken rules and truths, family secrets and shared traumatic experiences have great impact on a young persons' functioning. It is my hope that the family members of my clients join our sessions as needed in order to maximize our therapeutic potential.

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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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Elizabeth Renteria

Offering therapy in California
License: CA LCSW 22752,OR LCSW 5306
Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseGriefParenting issuesDepression
3 years of experience

Hello, My name is Elizabeth Renteria and I am a licensed clinical social worker in both the states of California and Oregon. I received my master's in Social Work from the University of Washington in Seattle and also have a Master's in Counseling from the University of La Verne. I have several years of experience treating both individuals and families in a variety of issues including depression, anxiety and trauma and other life stressors. I use a client centered approach that focuses on practical solutions to help you cultivate well-being and improve your life. I combine strength based and culturally relevant practices along with other cognitive based therapies to help you in treatment. I believe that creating a warm, collaborative and safe therapeutic relationship is key for achieving best results. I look forward to meeting you and discussing how together we promote healing in your life.

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Magdalena Orr

Offering therapy in California
License: MS,LMFT
Stress, AnxietyGriefSelf esteemDepressionCoping with life changes
19 years of experience

All of us need support at different times through our lives. The ability to see this and ask for help is a powerful statement of owns health. My intention is to create safe and compassionate space for each individual to examine their life experiences and support them as they embark on a journey toward self discovery and wellness. As a therapist for 20 years I worked with individuals, youth and couples dealing with wide range of issues such as: stress, anxiety, depression, grief, life transitions, parenting and more. My approach is holistic and I utilize variety of therapeutic modalities (CBT, ACT, Client centered, Psychodynamic, Mindfulness) to help access your strengths, trust your own personal inner guidance to lead you through difficult times. My goal is to work side by side with you and support you in discovering new ways of being, challenging old beliefs and rules that no longer serve you.

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Michelle Carstensen

Offering therapy in California
Family conflictsTrauma and abuseParenting issuesSelf esteem
26 years of experience

I am a licensed Marriage Family Therapist in California with 26 years of professional work experience. I have helped clients with family conflicts, parenting issues and trauma & abuse. I have worked extensively with victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, child abuse and elder abuse. I also have experience working with motivation, self esteem, and confidence. I will listen without judgement and am open to clients of any sexual orientation, ethnicity or culture. I believe that you have many strengths that will assist you in overcoming things that challenge you. Taking the first step to sign up for therapy takes courage and I am proud of you for getting started!

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Kathryn Douglas

Offering therapy in California
License: LCPC
Stress, AnxietyParenting issuesSelf esteemCareer difficultiesDepression
3 years of experience

I have worked in mental health since 2004. I have been employed in a variety of settings and worked with individuals struggling with addiction, chronic mental health issues, depression, anxiety, self-esteem, postpartum depression and anxiety. I work from a behavior context, largely utilizing Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), and other behavioral techniques. I completed my Bachelor's degree in Psychology in 2004 from Quincy University, my Master's degree in Education in Counseling in 2007 from Quincy University, a Graduate Certificate in Applied Behavior Analysis from Penn State in 2013, and a Master's degree in Sociology from Arizona State University in Spring of 2022.

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Jessica Thompson

Offering therapy in California
License: LCSW
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesFamily conflictsSelf esteemDepression
5 years of experience

I am licensed in California with over five years of professional therapy experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, depression and mood-related issues, relationship problems, family conflicts, motivation, self esteem, and life transitions. I believe in treating each client with respect, compassion, and non-judgmental acceptance. I will tailor our work to meet your unique and specific needs. Taking the first step to seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage, and I am honored to support you in that process.

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Bethany Besand

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietySelf esteemDepression
13 years of experience

I am licensed in California, Illinois, Kansas, Michigan and Missouri with 13 years of professional work experience as a licensed therapist though I have been in the social service field for over 25 years. 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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Audrey Teshima

Offering therapy in California
Family conflictsParenting issuesSelf esteemCareer difficultiesCoping with life changes
9 years of experience

I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in California with over 9 years of professional clinical work experience. Additionally, I have extensive experience as a public school teacher. My clinical experience ranges across a variety of treatment settings including private practice, community mental health/substance abuse clinics, and in the elementary, middle and high school environment. I specialize in family conflicts, relationship struggles, parenting/co-parenting issues, motivation, self esteem and confidence, and vocational & career difficulties. With gentle balance, I will walk with you through your areas of concern as you process the vast array of emotions attached to the issues. Together, we will work toward a solution that is focused on your strengths to create a more resourceful, resilient, hope-filled life worth living.

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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