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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Elizabeth Baxt

Offering therapy in California
License: LMFT
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesParenting issuesSelf esteem
40 years of experience

Hello, let me introduce myself to you. I am a therapist who is dedicated to work with clients motivated to improve their lives. Are you a client who want to learn how to think more clearly, make better decisions, and avoid drama? Call me if you want a guide who will help you improve your relationships, reduce your stress, and create a more fulfilling life. My goal for my clients is to help them improve their attitudes so they will feel better about themselves and obtain the life that they desire. I work with clients who believe that they can change and grow and want to improve their lives. I design the therapy to meet each person's needs. The best therapy is creative and interactive. I am trained to use art and guided imagery in addition to talk therapy. My clients walk away from a session feeling they have learned something about themselves and have been given skills to solve their problems. I value each client I work with. I believe that together we can learn from each other. At this time I am working with clients through telemedicine in Oregon and California.

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Ezrimayr (Ezri) Chioma

Offering therapy in California
License: MA,LMFT
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsTrauma and abuseSelf esteemDepression
17 years of experience

Welcome!  In the 6-8 weeks that we will work together, It is my goal to create a safe, warm and inviting space where the whole of you, mental, emotional, physical, and spiritual, can make full use of the therapeutic intent of our time together.  We keep an eye toward your better self, to help you find what makes you well and at ease, and from there, support management of your psychological challenges.  A healthy core self has a powerful impact on the capacity of the mind and body to organically heal.  We will establish a platform from which you can organize your experiences and get perspective.  Then we will reduce your remaining challenges into bite sized pieces that can be processed and digested more easily, moving you toward greater life involvement and satisfaction.   The work of therapy doesn't have to be "hard work."  It can be an awakening, an adventure, it can be ground breaking, transformative, enlivening or sometimes even, playful work. I have always had a Humanistic perspective and I have been deeply influenced by Attachment Theory and Buddhist Philosophy, but in the end, I chose to study Somatic Counseling Psychology at JFKU in the SF/Bay Area.  Studying the body oriented models of psychology and relevant neuroscience that informs the study of the body (brain and nervous system) in association with psychological concerns and disorders, has helped me make sense of my observations in people with complex PTSD.  Of all the styles of therapy I have learned, I most appreciate Process Oriented Psychology, Bodynamics, Hakomi, Somatic Experiencing, and DBT.  They are all powerful interventions that can be used together successfully to your benefit.  My specialty is developmental trauma, also known as Complex PTSD, born of early traumas or chronic neglect type injury which often results in symptoms such as: general anxiety, intrusive memories, vigilance, specific fears, exhaustion, high sensitivity, compulsivity, health concerns, body/sexuality issues, anorexia, avoidance, control, chronic pain, autoimmune illnesses and altered states. Symptoms of Anxiety and (stubborn) Depression can also benefit from this type of approach, because they are also often the result of early mental health injuries that could not be addressed at the time they were received. Some other areas that may not be listed in Betterhelp's categories that also benefit from this treatment style are: stress management, self care issues, codependence, identity, dissociative symptoms, environmental and food allergies, boundaries, sobriety challenges, mental health hygiene, gender norms/roles, personal growth, individuation, etc. I hope to be talking to you soon - Ezri ... PS - I have a private practice outside of Betterhelp.com and so my availability is limited. If my available slots cannot accommodate you, you are welcome to wait for an open slot, contact me to inquiry about alternate options or seek an appointment with another therapist. I want what is best for you and will do what I can to support your healing. PSS - Somatic Psychotherapy works best in-person, but we have video sessions here! So I only see clients in video sessions. At this time, BH would like me to do therapy over Messenger, but I would be breaching my ethics if I did that! I will Message for logistics and resource information. I would never want a client to misunderstand my meaning and thus, will never try to do therapy through written word. I made this decision to protect you - I am happy to help create the time, space and safety to meet by video. Also, we can just meet briefly by phone or video for you to decide if you are comfortable working with me. PSSS - The rules that govern my license require me to refer a client out if I believe I am not the best fit for them as a therapist. I want the best for anyone I have contact with and if I believe you will be better served by a different therapist, I have to make the referral. Having said that, it is one of the hardest and most serious decisions I have to make as a therapist and I do not make it lightly. May you find your way! Warmest regards, Ezri

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Kasimu-Richard Harley

Offering therapy in California
License: LMFT,Ed.D.
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesFamily conflictsTrauma and abuseDepression
27 years of experience

I am an American with African roots who grew up in Pennsylvania. My journey to become a Licensed Marriage Family Therapist in California is a composite of all the life experiences that I have had privilege of having. I am a husband, father, brother, uncle, and son who has served in the United States Marine Corps (USMC) during the Vietnam Era. I am a student of life and the opportunities it provides individuals to rise above adversity and trauma. For more than two decades I have helped individuals and groups address the intrinsic social and emotional barriers that hinder their ability to thrive. A core belief that I have is we are all born, ‘Awesome’ and oftentimes we encounter pivotal events in our lives that cause our personal and emotional growth to become stunted. I served as a mental health therapist in both outpatient and residential treatment facilities serving adolescents and adults with substance use and mental wellness issues. My work in educational settings focused on removing socio-emotional barriers that impeded student learning. In addition, I provided stress reduction and work-balance coaching to teachers and administrators. The treatment approach that I utilized is systemic and eclectic. Using cognitive therapy, motivational interviewing, and mindfulness practices I can help individuals work through depression, anxiety, grief, trauma, and loss, etc. Let us work together to empower you to “Walk in Your Awesomeness”.

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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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Ana Montenegro

Offering therapy in California
License: Psy. D. ,M.A.
Stress, AnxietySelf esteemCareer difficultiesDepressionCoaching
10 years of experience

Greetings! I am a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in California (LMFT) and I have been working in the counseling field for about 10 years. I have experience in conducting individual, marital, pre-marital and group therapy, in-office and online and in outpatient settings with clients who are presenting with depression, anxiety, relationship and parenting issues, teen concerns, and a wide range of other challenges and life adjustments such as: grief/loss, self-esteem issues, trauma, abuse, changes in the home, co-parenting issues, military life issues as well as personal growth and crisis. I mostly tend to draw from the cognitive behavioral approach because I believe that a good collaborative approach between client and therapist is conducive to a great outcome in treatment while addressing disturbances of cognitive processes that can affect functioning with a focus on changing cognitions to produce desired changes in affect and behavior. This means that I make an effort to check in with my client to consider the therapeutic relationship, I may assign homework as an optional exercise to further treatment while psycho-educating the client so that they are aware of how treatment will be structured and what will be focus of treatment. My approach is generally time limited and focused on addressing a structured target problem. While I may also draw from other modalities, such as solution focused and client centered approach meaning that I will address short-term goals and long-term goals while meeting the client "where they are" and not rushing the treatment. My goal is to create a welcoming, inviting environment and help in discovering themselves and bringing awareness to the client so that they may take an active role both inside and outside the therapy sessions and develop strategies to address the behavior changes they want to achieve. I also provide Christian Counseling as a guide to help clients achieve peace and provide support from a spiritual perspective. My Educational Credentials include: - Licensed by the State of California, Board of Behavioral Sciences (BBS) - Phillips Graduate University Masters of Arts in Psychology through the Marriage and Family Therapy program - Certified in Managing and Adaptive Practices (MAP) an Evidenced Based Practice -Certified in Seeking Safety an Evidenced Based Practice - Certified in Multi-Systemic Therapy (MST) an Evidenced Based Practice I enjoy and feel honored to be a part of someone’s personal experiences, and to be a part of their personal growth. We all carry a story and there is hope in every story. I am just a white canvas for you to paint your story. As a team, addressing challenges together, and coming to a resolution is a unique process for every individual and together we can find peace and freedom from pain for the purpose of living a life where you can find the beauty and peacefulness of this life. For my professional growth, I continuously read related literature, keep myself up to date with the ethical and legal guidelines in the field, and the latest research, and attend conferences and trainings. I believe in creating a safe space, free from judgment, where we can have difficult conversations for the purpose of working on resolving issues and collaborate on treatment plans that are tailored to your personal needs, goals and experiences. It takes a lot of courage and motivation to reach out for additional support. I am here for you and thank you for trusting me with your utmost personal dilemmas. I look forward to working with you!

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Dr. Brenda Davis

Offering therapy in California
License: LCSW,DSW
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesFamily conflictsTrauma and abuseDepression
30 years of experience

I am a licensed clinical social worker in California, Kentucky, Idaho, and Oregon with over 30 years of experience working as a therapist and life coach. I have worked with clients with a wide range of concerns including depression, anxiety, relationship issues, work conflicts, and day to day problem solving. My therapy style is strength based. I believe in treating people with respect, sensitivity, and compassion. My approach combines cognitive-behavioral considering the person in their environment. Often what is needed is a safe place to be heard. I will tailor our dialog and treatment plan to meet your unique and specific needs. It takes courage to seek a more fulfilling and happier life and to take the first steps towards change. If you are ready to take that step, I am here to support and empower you. I look forward to working with you!

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Tena Sloan

Offering therapy in California
Trauma and abuseGriefParenting issuesSelf esteemCoaching
16 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 16 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients (adults, teens and children including very young children birth to age 5) with trauma and abuse, coping with grief and loss, parenting issues, & motivation, self esteem, and confidence. I work with my clients to create an open and safe environment where thoughts and feelings can be shared and explored without fear of judgment. I will honor and embrace all of who you and will offer great respect and appreciation to all areas of identity and diversity that make you YOU. I do not use a cookie-cutter approach to therapy. You and your situation, background and needs are completely unique to you. Together, we will figure out the path forward through the challenges and difficulties you face. All my expertise will be in service to helping you be the person and have the life and relationships you seek to experience. Taking the first step to seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process. You got this. We got this!

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Sandra Diaz

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietyAnger managementSelf esteemDepressionCoping with life changes
14 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 15 years of professional experience working with adults, young adults, teenagers, and children. This includes BIPOC and LGBTQ+ communities. I specialize in depression, anxiety, panic attacks, mood changes, trauma, and ADHD. I can help you with your daily life struggles, major life changes, improve relationships with others, help with managing a crisis, achieve personal and professional goals, improve your overall well being, and much more. I have worked with those seeking therapy for the first time and those who took a break and are revisiting. I am experienced in several therapy approaches where therapy can be short term, long term, and everything in between. In providing a comfortable and safe environment, together we will create realistic goals and work together to achieve them. Taking the first step to seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process. I was born and raised in the Los Angeles area. My parents are immigrants and I am bilingual. I have lived in California’s Bay Area and in NYC. I obtained my Bachelor’s Degree from UC Berkeley and my Master’s Degree from Columbia University. I look forward to meeting you!

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Jennifer Cooney

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesGriefSelf esteemCoping with life changes
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, relationship issues, coping with grief and loss, & 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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Courtney Corbitt

Offering therapy in California
Stress, AnxietyGriefSelf esteemCoping with life changes
23 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 23 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, coping with grief and loss, & motivation, self esteem, and confidence. I also have experience working with coping with life changes. 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 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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