College & Graduate Student Mental Health Therapists in California

College is an exciting time, but it is also one that presents a set of unique and potentially stressful pressures. For example, you might experience difficulties with academic participation due to an underlying mental health challenge, like ADHD or perfectionism. Or, you might find that academic demands, financial strain, relationship challenges, or adjusting to living away from home lead to symptoms of stress or other common mental health conditions, such as anxiety or depression.

159 Matching Therapists with Availability

Julia  Beecher-Flad's profile picture
Vetted

Julia Beecher-Flad

Therapist

Accepting clients from California

College & graduate student mental health - Depression - Life transitions - Relationship issues - Stress management - Trauma
Online only

Next available consults:

Karrie  Stafford's profile picture
Vetted

Karrie Stafford

Therapist

Accepting clients from California

College & graduate student mental health - ADHD - Anxiety - Couples counseling - Depression - Life transitions
Online only

Next available appointments:

Lauren  Siegel's profile picture
Vetted

Lauren Siegel

Therapist

Accepting clients from California

College & graduate student mental health - Anxiety - Depression - Life transitions - Parenting - Trauma
Online only

Next available consults:

Eric  Samuels's profile picture
Vetted

Eric Samuels

Therapist

Accepting clients from California

College & graduate student mental health - Anxiety - Gender identity & transgender health - LGBTQIA, gender, & sexuality topics - Men's issues - Relationship issues
 In-person & online
Adrienne  Meier's profile picture
Vetted

Adrienne Meier

Therapist

Accepting clients from California

College & graduate student mental health - Anxiety - Perfectionism - Relationship issues - ADHD - Psychological testing
Online only

Next available consults:

Liza  Auciello's profile picture
Vetted

Liza Auciello

Therapist

Accepting clients from California

College & graduate student mental health - Anxiety - Life transitions - Relationship issues - Stress management - Trauma
 In-person & online

Next available consults:

Heather  Burns's profile picture
Vetted

Heather Burns

Therapist

Accepting clients from California

College & graduate student mental health - Adjustment difficulties & disorders - Attachment issues - Existential crisis & challenges - Life transitions - Post-traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
 In-person & online
Cori  Rosenthal's profile picture
Vetted

Cori Rosenthal

Therapist

Accepting clients from California

College & graduate student mental health - Anxiety - Codependency - Eating disorders - Mindfulness - Trauma
 In-person & online
Kelly  Rein's profile picture
Vetted

Kelly Rein

Therapist

Accepting clients from California

College & graduate student mental health - Adolescent mental health - Parenting - Family issues - Communication issues - Life transitions
 In-person & online

Next available consults:

Linda  Hoffman's profile picture
Vetted

Linda Hoffman

Therapist

Accepting clients from California

College & graduate student mental health - Artists' mental health - Existential crisis & challenges - Identity development - Relationship issues - Trauma
Online only
Sarah Rose Easton's profile picture

Sarah Rose Easton

Therapist

Accepting clients from California

College & graduate student mental health - Addiction - Loss, grief, and bereavement - Relationship issues - Trauma - Spirituality & religion
 In-person & online

Next available consults:

Natalie  Trzeciak-Hardwick's profile picture

Natalie Trzeciak-Hardwick

Therapist

Accepting clients from California

College & graduate student mental health - Life transitions - Child mental health - Anxiety - Loss, grief, and bereavement - Stress management
 In-person & online
Ashley  Youngblood's profile picture
Vetted

Ashley Youngblood

Therapist

Accepting clients from California

College & graduate student mental health - Family issues - Parenting - Self-esteem - Stress management - Transition to new parenthood
 In-person & online

Next available consults:

Monica  Rixon's profile picture

Monica Rixon

Therapist

Accepting clients from California

College & graduate student mental health - Body image - Eating disorders & disordered eating - Life transitions - Loss, grief, and bereavement - Trauma
 In-person & online
Willow  Pearson Trimbach's profile picture
Vetted

Willow Pearson Trimbach

Therapist

Accepting clients from California

College & graduate student mental health - Anxiety - Depression - Life transitions - Relationship issues - Life purpose & meaning
 In-person & online

Next available consults:

Heather  Kretschmar's profile picture
Vetted

Heather Kretschmar

Therapist

Accepting clients from California

College & graduate student mental health - Attachment issues - Communication issues - Family issues - Relationship issues - Spirituality & religion
Online only
Varsha  Panjabi's profile picture
Vetted

Varsha Panjabi

Therapist

Accepting clients from California

College & graduate student mental health - Alcohol use disorder & addiction - Anxiety - Depression - Drug addiction & abuse - Life transitions
 In-person & online
Rachael  Rosenberg's profile picture
Vetted

Rachael Rosenberg

Therapist

Accepting clients from California

College & graduate student mental health - Adolescent mental health - Anxiety - Codependency - Women's issues - Transition to new parenthood
 In-person & online

Next available consults:

Thelese Consulting Group's profile picture
Vetted

Thelese Consulting Group

Group practice

Accepting clients from California

College & graduate student mental health - Anxiety - Couples counseling - Depression - Domestic violence - Stress management
 In-person & online
Jordan  McAllister's profile picture
Vetted

Jordan McAllister

Therapist

Accepting clients from California

College & graduate student mental health - Anxiety - Depression - Infertility counseling - Postpartum depression - Pregnancy, perinatal, postpartum mental health
Online only
Natasha  Kumar's profile picture
Vetted

Natasha Kumar

Therapist

Accepting clients from California

College & graduate student mental health - Eating disorders & disordered eating - Trauma - Addiction - Anxiety - Depression
 In-person & online

Next available consults:

William  Chan's profile picture
Vetted

William Chan

Therapist

Accepting clients from California

College & graduate student mental health - Adjustment difficulties & disorders - Anxiety - Cultural adjustment - Depression - LGBTQIA, gender, & sexuality topics
 In-person & online

Next available consults:

Juanita  Dimas's profile picture
Vetted

Juanita Dimas

Therapist

Accepting clients from California

College & graduate student mental health - World travelers - BIPOC - Minorities and social justice workers - Healers - Creatives
Online only
Francesco  Cerminara's profile picture
Vetted

Francesco Cerminara

Therapist

Accepting clients from California

College & graduate student mental health - Anxiety - Couples counseling - Depression - LGBTQIA, gender, & sexuality topics - Complex PTSD (C-PTSD)
 In-person & online
Kristen  Kochamba's profile picture
Vetted

Kristen Kochamba

Therapist

Accepting clients from California

College & graduate student mental health - Stress management - Mindfulness - Anxiety - Depression - Relationship issues
Online only
Nikki  Rollo's profile picture
Vetted

Nikki Rollo

Therapist

Accepting clients from California

College & graduate student mental health - Anxiety - Spirituality - Existential challenges - Eating disorders - Body image issues
Online only
Lance  Danielsen's profile picture
Vetted

Lance Danielsen

Therapist

Accepting clients from California

College & graduate student mental health - Anxiety - Anger management - Psychotic disorders - Spirituality & religion - Life transitions
 In-person & online

Next available consults:

Cheryl  Farole-Roman's profile picture

Cheryl Farole-Roman

Therapist

Accepting clients from California

College & graduate student mental health - Group Therapy - Support for Therapists - Medical professionals' mental health - Trauma - Sports psychology
 In-person & online
Fabian  Escobedo's profile picture
Vetted

Fabian Escobedo

Therapist

Accepting clients from California

College & graduate student mental health - Alcohol use disorder & addiction - Anxiety - Family issues - Trauma - Childhood trauma
Online only
Cathy  Thompson's profile picture

Cathy Thompson

Therapist

Accepting clients from California

College & graduate student mental health - Identity development - LGBTQIA, gender, & sexuality topics - Life transitions - Race & cultural identity - Relationship issues
Online only

1-30 of 159 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?

Therapists located in California offer session fees from <$100/session. To find a therapist who meets your budget, filter by session fee on Zencare. 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.

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