Motivational Interviewing Therapists in California

Find the best Motivational Interviewing therapists in California. Motivational Interviewing is person-centered counseling style that utilizes collaborative conversation with a focus on the client’s own goals and motivations, typically specific to substance misuse or other behavioral challenges. The therapist helps the client explore their goals, next steps, and reasons for change within an atmosphere of acceptance and compassion.

185 Matching Therapists with Availability

Meredith  Vender's profile picture
Vetted

Meredith Vender

Therapist

Accepting clients from California

Motivational Interviewing - Cancer - Chronic illness - Loss, grief, and bereavement - Aging - Depression
Online only

Next available consults:

Lauren  Siegel's profile picture
Vetted

Lauren Siegel

Therapist

Accepting clients from California

Motivational Interviewing - Anxiety - Depression - Life transitions - Parenting - Trauma
Online only

Next available consults:

Vito  Pelikan's profile picture
Vetted

Vito Pelikan

Therapist

Accepting clients from California

Motivational Interviewing - Anxiety - Couples counseling - Depression - LGBTQIA, gender, & sexuality topics - Life transitions
Online only

Next available consults:

Matianna  Baldassari's profile picture
Vetted

Matianna Baldassari

Therapist

Accepting clients from California

Motivational Interviewing - Life purpose & meaning - Perfectionism - Self-Confidence/Self esteem - Emotion regulation - Assertiveness
Online only

Next available consults:

Alexander  Ochoa's profile picture
Vetted

Alexander Ochoa

Therapist

Accepting clients from California

Motivational Interviewing - Addiction - Family issues - Men's health - Relationship issues - Self-esteem
 In-person & online

Next available consults:

Jacari D. Jackson's profile picture

Jacari D. Jackson

Therapist

Accepting clients from California

Motivational Interviewing - Anger management - Anxiety - Depression
 In-person & online
Cecil  Devers's profile picture

Cecil Devers

Therapist

Accepting clients from California

Motivational Interviewing - Anxiety - Communication issues - Depression - Life transitions - Relationship issues
Online only
ProWellness Academy's profile picture

ProWellness Academy

Pre-Licensed Professional

Accepting clients from California

Motivational Interviewing - Addiction - Alcohol use disorder & addiction - Anxiety - Child mental health - College & graduate student mental health
 In-person & online
Juan  Maillo's profile picture
Vetted

Juan Maillo

Therapist

Accepting clients from California

Motivational Interviewing - Anxiety - Depression - Men's issues - Relationship issues - Trauma
Online only

Next available consults:

Cherise  Arzaga's profile picture
Vetted

Cherise Arzaga

Therapist

Accepting clients from California

Motivational Interviewing - Anxiety - Panic attacks / panic disorder - Social anxiety - Depression - Relationship issues
Online only

Next available consults:

Varsha  Panjabi's profile picture
Vetted

Varsha Panjabi

Therapist

Accepting clients from California

Motivational Interviewing - Alcohol use disorder & addiction - Anxiety - Depression - Drug addiction & abuse - Life transitions
 In-person & online
COPE Psychological Center's profile picture
Vetted

COPE Psychological Center

Group practice

Accepting clients from California

Motivational Interviewing - Addiction - Anxiety - Chronic pain - Couples counseling - Depression
 In-person & online

Next available consults:

Heather  Lam's profile picture
Vetted

Heather Lam

Therapist

Accepting clients from California

Motivational Interviewing - Anxiety - Depression - Couples counseling - Race & cultural identity - Trauma
 In-person & online
Lara L. Beeson's profile picture

Lara L. Beeson

Therapist

Accepting clients from California

Motivational Interviewing - Anxiety - Depression - Medical professionals' mental health - Spirituality & religion - Trauma
Online only
Thelese Consulting Group's profile picture
Vetted

Thelese Consulting Group

Group practice

Accepting clients from California

Motivational Interviewing - Anxiety - Couples counseling - Depression - Domestic violence - Stress management
 In-person & online
Rosemary  MacLaughlin's profile picture
Vetted

Rosemary MacLaughlin

Therapist

Accepting clients from California

Motivational Interviewing - Adolescent mental health - Eating disorders & disordered eating - Anxiety - Women's issues - Adjustment difficulties & disorders
 In-person & online
Krista Andreana Yapp's profile picture
Vetted

Krista Andreana Yapp

Therapist

Accepting clients from California

Motivational Interviewing - Anxiety - Couples counseling - Life coaching - Life transitions - Relationship issues
Online only
Paula Azouri Glashausser's profile picture
Vetted

Paula Azouri Glashausser

Therapist

Accepting clients from California

Motivational Interviewing - Couples counseling - Relationship issues - Premarital counseling - Communication issues - Anxiety
 In-person & online

Next available consults:

Linda Marie Snell's profile picture
Vetted

Linda Marie Snell

Therapist

Accepting clients from California

Motivational Interviewing - Adjustment difficulties & disorders - Attachment issues - Codependency - Life transitions - Emotion regulation
 In-person & online

Next available consults:

Eric  Samuels's profile picture
Vetted

Eric Samuels

Therapist

Accepting clients from California

Motivational Interviewing - Anxiety - College & graduate student mental health - Gender identity & transgender health - LGBTQIA, gender, & sexuality topics - Men's issues
 In-person & online
William  Chan's profile picture
Vetted

William Chan

Therapist

Accepting clients from California

Motivational Interviewing - Adjustment difficulties & disorders - Anxiety - Cultural adjustment - Depression - LGBTQIA, gender, & sexuality topics
 In-person & online

Next available consults:

Maxwell  Rappoport's profile picture
Vetted

Maxwell Rappoport

Therapist

Accepting clients from California

Motivational Interviewing - Anxiety - Sports psychology - Relationship issues - Substance abuse - Depression
Online only
The Halliday Center for Psychotherapy and Wellness's profile picture

The Halliday Center for Psychotherapy and Wellness

Pre-Licensed Professional

Accepting clients from California

Motivational Interviewing - Adolescent mental health - Forensic psychology - Learning disabilities - LGBTQIA, gender, & sexuality topics - Psychological evaluations & testing
 In-person & online
Karen  Wall's profile picture

Karen Wall

Therapist

Accepting clients from California

Motivational Interviewing - Anxiety - Caregiver stress & support - Aging related concerns - Post-traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) - Stress management
Online only
Angelyne  Arellano's profile picture
Vetted

Angelyne Arellano

Therapist

Accepting clients from California

Motivational Interviewing - Anxiety - Relationship issues - Trauma - Cultural adjustment - Self-esteem
Online only

Next available appointments:

Catherine  Kelce's profile picture
Vetted

Catherine Kelce

Therapist

Accepting clients from California

Motivational Interviewing - Anxiety - Depression - Parenting - Pregnancy, perinatal, postpartum mental health - Transition to new parenthood
Online only

Next available consults:

Samantha  Howard's profile picture
Vetted

Samantha Howard

Therapist

Accepting clients from California

Motivational Interviewing - Anxiety - Life transitions - Relationship issues - Trauma - Women's issues
 In-person & online

Next available consults:

Desiree  Vega's profile picture
Vetted

Desiree Vega

Therapist

Accepting clients from California

Motivational Interviewing - Trauma - Anxiety - Eating disorders & disordered eating - Childhood trauma - Pregnancy, perinatal, postpartum mental health
 In-person & online
Elika  Razmjou's profile picture
Vetted

Elika Razmjou

Therapist

Accepting clients from California

Motivational Interviewing - Anxiety - Chronic illness - Chronic pain - Insomnia & sleep issues - Stress management
 In-person & online
Alia  Stewart-Silver's profile picture
Vetted

Alia Stewart-Silver

Therapist

Accepting clients from California

Motivational Interviewing - Life purpose & meaning - Trauma - Mind-body connection - Anxiety - Relationship issues
Online only

1-30 of 185 providers who match your search criteria

FAQs about how to find a therapist in California

How do I find a therapist in California?

Find a therapist near you in California on Zencare. Narrow your search by using filters like insurance, therapy budget specialty, and provider identity. Mental health professionals on Zencare are vetted for their extensive experience treating individual adults, children and adolescents, as well as couples and families. Explore each potential therapist profile to learn more about their specialties, and watch an introductory video to get a sense of their personality. Book a free initial call to find the right therapist for you!

Does insurance cover therapy in California?

Yes, most California health insurance carriers provide mental health benefits that cover therapy. However, the exact amount of coverage will vary based on the plan details and whether the selected provider is in-network or out-of-network with your insurance. If the therapist is in-network with your insurance, you’ll pay only a copay at each session after meeting your annual deductible. If the therapist is out-of-network with your insurance, you may still be able to receive reimbursement after paying the fee at the time of therapy session. If you have a PPO or POS insurance plan, you can likely receive some reimbursement when you see a therapist out-of-network in California. If you have an HMO, EPO, or Medicaid/Medicare plan, you likely cannot receive reimbursement, and would be responsible for the full out-of-network session fee. Note that services designed to treat topics which are not diagnosed mental health conditions, such as couples counseling and life coaching, are not typically covered by health insurance. The potential mental health provider must also be a licensed therapist in your state for the insurance company to cover services.

How do I find an affordable therapist in California?

Many therapists offer a sliding scale, or a range of session fees based on financial need to clients who would not otherwise be able to afford typical therapy rates in California. If you are struggling to pay for therapy, consider asking for a sliding scale, looking for an in-network therapist, or seeking services through a local agency, college counseling center, or hospital.

How can I make an appointment with a therapist in California?

Start your search for an appointment with a therapist in California on Zencare. Many mental health professionals located in California require clients to have an introductory call before booking a full appointment online. In this free call, the prospective therapist will ask about your goals for treatment, and make sure that their skills, specialized training, and scope of private practice are a match for your mental health issues. At the same time, you should assess if you feel comfortable talking with the therapist, as studies show that the most important determinant of successful therapy is the relationship between therapist and client. After an initial call, you’ll typically be given the option to book an appointment with the therapist, or continue your search if it’s not a good fit. At the initial session, you’ll likely discuss the therapeutic process and determine goals for your personal growth. Common therapy goals include learning effective coping strategies to deal with negative feelings, increasing self-awareness, and gaining a deeper understanding and insight into relationship patterns.

How can I find a therapist in California who sees clients after hours?

Find a therapist who sees clients after hours on Zencare. Many therapists in California offer appointments outside of traditional business hours. Simply filter by Office Hours under More Filters to choose the time of day that works best for you, whether that be early morning before work, in the evenings, or even over the weekend. After hours sessions are a good option for busy individuals, couples, and families dealing with hectic schedules and who need a flexible option for their mental health care.

How do I find a therapist in California who offers in-person sessions?

Find a therapist who offers in-person sessions on Zencare. Many therapists in California have resumed offering in-person sessions; you can filter by “In-Person” to find a provider who is accepting new clients for in-office sessions. You can also search by map to find providers in California near you. While some clients prefer in-person sessions because they offer a safe, neutral ground for the session to take place, for the widest range of therapist options, consider expanding your search to also include providers licensed in your state who offer telehealth, or therapy sessions via remote video call.

How do I find a therapist in California who offers online sessions?

Find a therapist who offers online sessions on Zencare. Most therapists in California continue to offer appointments online; you can filter by “Online” to find a provider who is accepting new clients for teletherapy sessions. In order to see a therapist, they must be licensed to provide online sessions to clients living in your state. Online therapy is different from text therapy, or asynchronous therapy; online therapy offers the same consistent relationship with a local California therapist that an in-person session would, with sessions taking place via phone or a video sessions through a secure teletherapy platform. Online therapy sessions are a convenient way to find a therapist near California without leaving the comfort of your home or office.

Where can I get mental health therapy in California?

Start your search for mental health therapy in California on Zencare. Many therapists are quality-vetted for excellence in clinical care. When you’re struggling with your mental health, it might be time to seek professional support in the form of counseling services, couples therapy, or psychiatric medication management. There are a wide range of private practice therapists to choose from in California; consider narrowing your search by criteria like insurance carrier, therapy budget, specialty, or provider identity to find a great fit!

How can I start therapy in California?

Start your search for a great therapist in California on Zencare. First, consider any logistic limitations, like how far you are willing to travel outside of California or if you are open to online sessions with a local provider. Also consider how much your therapy budget is, and when you are available for therapy. Then, make a list of priorities for your ideal therapist: do they match your identity, or have expertise in a specific area like anxiety or depression? There is no one reason to start therapy; many individuals in California go see a therapist when they need help to move forward through a difficult time, cope with symptoms of a mental illness such as a mood disorder, navigate life transitions, process relationship difficulties or improve their behavioral health. Use your priorities to filter on Zencare by insurance, speciality, and availability. Look through a few provider profiles to find the therapist you might click with, watch their introductory videos, and book a free call to find a great personal fit!

What kinds of mental health providers are available in California?

There are many different kinds of mental health providers available in California, including psychologists, clinical social workers, and mental health counselors. As long as the provider is licensed in your state, the factor that matters most to therapy outcomes is the therapeutic alliance, or the relationship you build with your therapist. Common types of therapy provided in California include cognitive therapies, like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), and insight-oriented therapies like psychodynamic therapy. Other providers offer a blend of techniques for a more interpersonal, holistic approach. Some mental health therapists in California also offer specialized treatment services, like couples therapy, premarital counseling, and family therapy. While most California providers are qualified to treat general challenges, like depression, anxiety disorders, trauma, relationship difficulties, and low self-esteem, for concerns such as substance abuse, personality disorders, and eating disorders, consider seeking expert care. Together with your therapist, you’ll build a treatment plan that addresses your reasons for seeking therapy and monitor progress toward your wellness goals and overall well being.

How does paying for therapy work in California?

There are several options for paying for therapy in California. For many people, the most affordable way to seek mental health services is to look for a provider who is in-network with your insurance. Due to high demand and low availability, in-network providers often have long waitlists; to widen your options and start therapy sooner, you might also consider looking for an out-of-network provider. When you see an out-of-network therapist in California, you can ask for a sliding scale if you are unable to afford their typical session fees, or seek reimbursement from your insurance company if you have a PPO or POS plan. For clients who have an insurance plan with a high deductible and low medical costs, therapy costs are often comparable when you see a therapist in- or out-of-network. While paying for therapy can be a substantial investment, it’s also a great way to improve relationships, boost self-esteem, address symptoms of mental illness, and ultimately live a happier, more self-directed life.

Static Google Map showing locations of in-person providers