Ah, California. It’s home to LA, one of the biggest cities around. Many artistic people and aspiring actors come for their next big break. If you want to be famous, it requires a lot of motivation, which some people may be lacking if they are in poor mental health. 

Maybe you don’t want to be famous, but you should have strong mental health in order to accomplish your goals. Not only can a counselor improve your mental health, but they can create a map you can use to accomplish all your goals. 

 

This is Cheryl Youngblood's avatar and link to their profile
California
LCSW
Specialties: Stress, Anxiety, Family conflicts, Trauma and abuse, Depression
Years of Experience: 4

Greetings and welcome. I'm Cheryl Youngblood, a native Californian with over 15 years of experience working with foster and adopted children, and their families. My passion for helping others has been rooted in who I am since I was a child. Working as the director of a foster/adopt agency, and realizing that so many children and families are plagued with trauma, domestic violence, self-injurious behaviors, Post Traumatic Stress Disorder and other mental health concerns, I decided that I wanted to expand my knowledge base, and my capacity for helping others, so I...

This is Leann Moore's avatar and link to their profile
California
LMFT,Certified Clinical Trauma Professional
Specialties: Stress, Anxiety, Trauma and abuse, Grief, Self esteem, Depression
Years of Experience: 10

Hi, I am a licensed family therapist with the state of California. I have six years of experience. I am also a Certified Clinical Trauma Professional which means I am trained to help those who have experienced trauma, grief and/or loss. Along with trauma, I have experience with anxiety, depression, relationship struggles, self-esteem problems and those road bumps in life we all face. Sometimes we feel stuck, not sure which direction we should go, I can help with that too. I have been described as compassionate and patient yet direct. I approach most situation...

This is Jared Maloney's avatar and link to their profile
California
MA,LMFT
Specialties: Stress, Anxiety, Relationship issues, Self esteem, Depression, Coping with life changes
Years of Experience: 6

Hello and welcome. Allow me to share with you a little bit about my experience and how I approach therapy. I have five years of experience working as a therapist with teens, adults, couples and families. Helping people manage their thoughts and emotions in a healthy way that improves their experience in the world. I’ve worked with clients who were worried, anxious, grieving, feeling lost, sad, depressed, struggled with self worth, intrusive thoughts, addiction, relationships and anger management. I’ve also helped coach people on how to reach goals, find what ...

This is William Watson's avatar and link to their profile
California
MA, LCSW
Specialties: Stress, Anxiety, Relationship issues, Trauma and abuse, Anger management, Depression
Years of Experience: 30

I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker licensed in California with over 30 years of experience working as a Psychiatric Social Worker and Psychotherapist. I have worked with forensic clients with a wide range of concerns including major mental illness, depression, anxiety, relationship issues, parenting problems, career challenges, OCD and ADHD. I also helped many people who have experienced physical trauma or emotional abuse and helped those who have instigated physical trauma or emotional abuse. My clients have included both men and women My counseling style is...

This is Elizabeth Owens's avatar and link to their profile
California
Specialties: Stress, Anxiety, Relationship issues, Family conflicts, Trauma and abuse, Depression
Years of Experience: 20

I am a family and marriage counselor licensed in California with over 10 years of experience working as a psychotherapist both privately and in the clinic setting. I have had the honor of working with clients from children to senior adults, couples and groups. In this experience, I have worked with clients who have had visits of depression; anxiety; trauma; family issues; religious crisis; parenting challenges and self-harm thoughts. I have been trained in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR). My preferred approaches include: Cognitive Behavior...

This is Laura Strickland's avatar and link to their profile
California
Psy.D.
Specialties: Stress, Anxiety, Depression
Years of Experience: 3

Thank you for sharing information about yourself. I'm so happy you reached out for help. My name is Laura Strickland, a licensed psychologist. I have worked with children, adolescents, adults, and families. I have worked with individuals with depression, anxiety, trauma, and a variety of mood disorders. I use an empathetic, non-judgemental, trauma-informed, and mindful approach to therapy. Each person has individualized needs; I work with the individual to develop a treatment plan that is unique to them. You can learn more about my background, experience, and...

This is Lily Vega's avatar and link to their profile
California
LMFT,PPS
Specialties: Stress, Anxiety, Trauma and abuse, Grief
Years of Experience: 4

I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in the state of California. I have been providing individual telehealth therapy services to adults within a private practice setting for the last 6 months. I work with individuals coping with depression, anxiety, trauma, relationship/communication difficulty, grief and loss, life transitions, and feelings of overwhelm and low self-worth. Together we will practice identifying and challenging unhelpful thought patterns that contribute to negative feelings, improve communication skills, process difficult experiences such ...

This is Ronald Coleman's avatar and link to their profile
California
LMFT
Specialties: Stress, Anxiety, Addictions, Anger management, Self esteem, Depression
Years of Experience: 13

I am a licensed marriage and family therapist (LMFT) since 2016 in California. I spent twenty-eight years in the army (active and reserve) retiring as a lieutenant colonel. I began Christian counseling in 2002 continuing through 2006. I counseled individuals and couples regarding various relational and adjustment issues. I also counseled individuals regarding self-esteem, and substance abuse. Theoretical approaches most commonly utilized consisted of cognitive behavioral, psychodynamic, and family systems models. I attended a marriage and family therapy a...

This is Dr. Lisa Sullivan's avatar and link to their profile
California
Ph.D.
Specialties: Stress, Anxiety, Grief, Parenting issues, Coping with life changes, ADHD
Years of Experience: 10

Dr. Lisa Sullivan Are you a smart and driven parent dealing with myriad demands from your children, spouse, employer, family, and/or community? Is your life good, but not at the level of fulfillment that you desire? Are you ready to experience positive change? If so, let’s connect. I am a Ph.D. psychologist with experience in successful clinical therapy. And, importantly, I too have personally dealt with the real-world challenges of living a driven lifestyle in the face of today’s challenges. My academic training coupled with hands-on experience provide...

This is Araceli Ramos's avatar and link to their profile
California
LCSW
Specialties: Stress, Anxiety, Trauma and abuse, Depression, Coping with life changes, ADHD
Years of Experience: 20

I have a passion for helping individuals who seek to enhance their lives by choosing to live for today. I have over 24 years of experience working in mental health and have worked with people from all walks of life from families to elder adults. I take a harm reduction approach to therapy and use this modality in all my professional interactions. I meet clients where they are by taking a client centered approach to services. I have a Bachelors Degree in Psychology, a Masters in Social work, and many years in post graduate experience. I am licensed to practice the...

This is Cinda Salas's avatar and link to their profile
California
LCSW
Specialties: Stress, Anxiety, Depression
Years of Experience: 3

I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with experience in a Clinical setting, Medical Social Work, Child Protective Services and a Foster Family Agency. With my vast array of skills, I may have the knowledge to help you in your time of need. My approach is a matter of fact and direct. I feel people may need to hear things their friends are apprehensive to tell them. Additionally, I am an active listener who ensures my clients are heard with respect and dignity. I earned a Master of Social Work degree in 2014 from Loma Linda University - a Christian based pr...

This is Yonna Swingholm's avatar and link to their profile
California
LCSW/LICSW
Specialties: Stress, Anxiety, Trauma and abuse, Grief, Depression, Coping with life changes
Years of Experience: 3

I would like to give you a brief description of myself as a therapist and the nature of the therapy that I provide. It is also my intent to help you understand the therapeutic relationship so that you might fully understand the services you will be receiving. I have a master’s degree in Social Work from Walla Walla University. I am a Licensed Clinical Therapist in Washington, California, North Carolina, and New Mexico. I have 25 years of experience as a psychotherapist, and have trained in several treatment modalities. I work from an integrative perspecti...

This is Ryan Lisman's avatar and link to their profile
California
Specialties: Stress, Anxiety, LGBT, Trauma and abuse, Self esteem, Depression
Years of Experience: 5

Hello, my name is Ryan Lisman and I am licensed in California with 5 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, LGBT-related issues, trauma and abuse, & motivation, self esteem, and confidence among many other categories. I currently also work as a Psychotherapist and Drama therapist at the Huntington Hospital's mental health unit in Pasadena, California. I primarily utilize a humanistic therapy approach that aims to be client-centered, allowing you to guide the therapy process with unconditional positive ...

Specialties: Relationship issues, Parenting issues, Self esteem, Career difficulties, Coping with life changes
Years of Experience: 20

I am licensed in California with 20 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with relationship issues, parenting issues, motivation, self esteem and confidence, & career difficulties. 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!

This is Sharon Rhodes's avatar and link to their profile
California
Specialties: Relationship issues, Grief, Intimacy-related issues, Coping with life changes, Coaching
Years of Experience: 50

I am licensed in California with 50 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with relationship issues, coping with grief and loss, intimacy related issues, & 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 sign up for therapy can take courage and I am proud of you for getting started! I am here to support you in that process. I have two master's degrees: Social Work and Business Administration. The ...

This is Willie Denard's avatar and link to their profile
California
Specialties: Stress, Anxiety, Trauma and abuse, Grief, Depression, Coping with life changes
Years of Experience: 5

I have been a Licensed Clinical Social worker and Mental Health Therapist in the State of California with over 5 years of professional work experience. I have experience helping clients with stress and anxiety, family conflicts, trauma, abuse and depression, as well as other life 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.

This is Erin Igarashi-Parra's avatar and link to their profile
California
Specialties: Trauma and abuse, Anger management, Self esteem, Coping with life changes
Years of Experience: 4

I am licensed in California with 4 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with trauma and abuse, anger management, & 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 seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process.

This is Janet Siegel's avatar and link to their profile
California
Specialties: Stress, Anxiety, Family conflicts, Self esteem
Years of Experience: 10

I am licensed in California with 10 years of professional work experience in a school-based arena. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, family conflicts, & 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. I'm also an Art Therapist, and able to incorporate art into our sessions. Taking the first step to sign up for therapy can take courage and I am proud of you for getting started!

This is Billie Ivra's avatar and link to their profile
California
Specialties: Relationship issues, Family conflicts, Self esteem, Career difficulties, Coping with life changes
Years of Experience: 30

I am a licensed psychologist in California with over 30 years of professional work experience. I have helped clients with a variety of concerns, including relationship issues, family conflicts, family of origin work, childhood trauma, problems with motivation, self-esteem, self- confidence and career difficulties. My experience has come from a wide variety of settings, including private practice, community mental health-outpatient and inpatient, school administration, and prison populations. I have provided individual, couple, family and group therapy to adolescen...

This is Yaye Diallo's avatar and link to their profile
California
Specialties: Stress, Anxiety, Addictions, Relationship issues, Self esteem, Depression
Years of Experience: 4

Hello Healers, Life is not always easy, we have good days and bad days; however, we try our best to push through despite the hurdles we may be facing. Struggling with Anxiety, Depression, and/or life stressors can be intense; however, identifying these concerns and working on them step by step can be extremely beneficial for one's life. As a holistic therapist, I believe healing happens when we focus on the mind, body, and soul. Overall, I am a well-rounded therapist, who meets my clients where they are. I am a therapist who is open to working with various popula...

How Can Therapists In California Support You?

therapist 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 a licensed therapist 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?

The reason for reaching out to a therapist can be a personal experience for each person. Many individuals work with a therapist for general life advice, while others may attend therapy for a specific concern. Whether you live in a large city or a specific county in California, BetterHelp can match you with a licensed therapist tailored to your preferences noted when you sign up.

A few topics that therapists in California may support clients with 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 offers potential access to over 30,000 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 feature

·      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-19

·      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. Although therapists often support people with mental health conditions, 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 therapist 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 therapists 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 a therapist's office.

Does Insurance Cover Therapy?

Different counseling services can vary in cost. Private practice 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.