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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Janice Loboda

Offering therapy in California
License: LPCC,LMHC
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesFamily conflictsParenting issuesSelf esteem
15 years of experience

I am a licensed professional clinical counselor. I began my working with people struggling with addiction issues, working in an Inpatient and Outpatient substance abuse treatment facility. While I was there, I enjoyed working with teenagers and families recovering from addiction. I later began a private practice, that helped parents address parenting and family stressors and help them work with their children's school to obtain 504/IEP accommodations to support their child's educational and emotional needs. I also worked with adult professionals, as an EAP counselor, to help resolve career stressors, overcome professional barriers, and address burnout and return to finding professional and personal purpose.

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Renate Kohlmann

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

Hello and Welcome! Congratulations on taking the first step towards feeling better! Whatever the issue or issues are you wish to work on, it takes courage to make that first move. My name is Renate Kohlmann, and I have been a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist for 24 years. My approach is always client-centered and supportive. Because everyone's needs are different, I do incorporate different therapy styles into my approach as needed - psychodynamic and cognitive-behavioral are two that come to mind. If you are interested in learning more and seeing if we are a good fit, please contact me! Specialties: Anxiety and Stress Depression Relationship Issues Family Conflict Intimacy Issues Coping with Life Issues Self Esteem Career Difficulties Addiction Disorders Chronic Illness

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Dr. Alisa Bash

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

Are you going through a challenging period in your life? Do you struggle with anxiety, relationship issues, addiction, creative blocks, or insecurities? Do you wonder if there is more to life and how to find lasting peace and happiness, or just balance in your life? I like to work with my clients through a mind, body, spirit approach and believe in health and holistic wellness. I am a certified kundalini yoga instructor and sound healer, as well as a licensed therapist. I am licensed in California with 18 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, coping with addictions, relationship issues, & motivation, self esteem, and confidence. 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 sign up for therapy can take courage and I am proud of you for getting started!

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Anne Fox

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietyFamily conflictsTrauma and abuseParenting issuesAnger management
20 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 25 plus years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with struggles that I believe affect us all. It is the human condition to experience stress and anxiety, family conflicts, trauma and abuse, & parenting issues. No one is exempt from struggles in life. I believe in treating my clients with respect, sensitivity, and compassion. I will tailor our discussions to what you want to achieve and a treatment plan to meet your specific needs. Taking the first step to sign up for therapy can take courage and we can work together to deal with the situations and struggles that you want to overcome.

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Dr. John Mansdorfer

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietyGriefBipolar disorderDepressionCoping with life changes
28 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 28 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, coping with grief and loss, bipolar disorder, & depression. 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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Renata Peterson

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietySelf esteemCareer difficultiesDepressionCoping with life changes
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, motivation, self esteem, and confidence, career difficulties, & 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 sign up for therapy can take courage and I am proud of you for getting started!

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Melissa Jen

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietyGriefCareer difficultiesCoping 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, coping with grief and loss, career difficulties, & 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. Hours of availability: Monday-Friday: 9-4PM

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Lacy Canton

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesFamily conflictsSelf esteemCoping with life changes
6 years of experience

I am a licensed clinical social worker in California with 6 years of professional work experience. I have experience in parent coaching, helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, life transitions, sexuality, 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. Our relationship is built on honesty, and I have a knack for tough conversations and value direct communication. There isn't anything that you can say to me that will shock, scare, or overwhelm me. You're not the only person that feels the way you do, and saying things out loud is the best way to challenge thoughts that might be difficult to carry on your own. I'm a big fan of humor and love building connections and developing personal relationships. I believe every human has the strength inside them to get their needs met, but sometimes, we need a little help in finding it. I'm here to help you believe in yourself and succeed in whatever way YOU see fit.

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Kim Frey

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseDepressionCoping with life changes
21 years of experience

I am Licensed Clinical Social Workre in California with 21 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, trauma and abuse, & depression. My treatment approach includes Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR). I am a Certified EMDR provider and an Approved EMDR Consultant and have been providing EMDR for over 10 years. I use the Internal Family Systems approach which is about the different facets of your personality, not your family of origin or the family you have built. I also use Cognitive Behavioral Therapy to identify your values so you have a relaxed sense direction in life and reduce anxiety by developing a more grounded perspective. I believe in the healing power of homemade chicken soup, spending time with animals, and finding someone to help when you are stuck. When I can help someone live a more meaningful life, my life is more meaningful. I have been through my own share of challenges in life and although they aren't much fun, I have learned valuable lessons from them. Mostly, we learn ways of understanding ourselves and develop new perspectives about our feelings and thoughts. We grow through challenges and likely, we will find our way. Sometimes it's just nice to have a have a hand to hold in the dark. I believe that you are the expert of your story and that you have many strengths that will assist you in overcoming things that challenges you face. I welcome your messages and generally check for them a few times per day Mon-Fri. I respond as quickly as I can. I appreciate your patience when it takes a bit longer at times, as I may be tending to other clients or professional/personal responsibilities. 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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Delashawn Kemp

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesSelf esteemDepressionCoping 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 stress and anxiety, relationship issues, motivation, self esteem, and confidence, & depression. 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 sign up for therapy can take courage and I am proud of you for getting 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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