Find a therapist in California
If you're not sure where to start, Octave can match you with a therapist in California based on your needs and preferences, making it easier to move forward with confidence.
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High Satisfaction Rate
Andrew Nyx
PHD
Virtual & In-Person
Specializes in Addiction (not substance use), Anxiety +16 moreI am a licensed Psychologist with a decade of training and experience supporting individuals coping with a variety of challenges, including alcohol and drug addiction, depression, anxiety and chronic stress, Bipolar Disorder, life transitions, relationship problems, self-injury, and suicidal thinking. My approach to individual therapy is collaborative — I aim to work together to build upon your strengths and identify opportunities and a pathway toward change. My style is warm and friendly, and my ultimate goal is to create a safe space for you to explore and challenge yourself in the pursuit of personal growth.Next available:Wed Sep 2 @ 4PM
High Satisfaction Rate
Sandra Dimery
LCSW
Virtual & In-Person
Specializes in Anger Issues, Anxiety +3 moreMy name is Sandra, and I’m passionate about walking alongside those who have experienced trauma, abuse, neglect, low self-esteem, and emotional pain. I believe in the healing power of words and in helping others rediscover their beauty, worth, and strength. "Be patient with yourself, forgive yourself, and love yourself" is more than a slogan—it’s an invitation to begin a journey of self-acceptance and healing. My approach is rooted in empathy and the belief that you can rewrite your story by reclaiming your voice and reframing your truth.Next available:Wed Sep 2 @ 4PM
- Get A Cost Estimate
Get a detailed cost estimate
We can determine what you can expect to pay for therapy sessions by looking up your plan information.
It typically takes less than a minute.
Lasting Relationships with Clients
Allyson Moncada
LMFT
Virtual
Specializes in ADHD, Anger Issues +20 moreI’m Allyson Moncada, a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in California. While I was blessed in many ways growing up, I also faced hardships at a young age. Reflecting on my experiences and my desire to help others led me to become a therapist. I connect deeply with clients and focus on providing empathy and understanding while offering directive feedback and evidence-based strategies. I strive to stay attuned, supporting and gently challenging clients throughout the therapy process.Next available:Mon Aug 31 @ 9PM
High Satisfaction Rate
Maria Rheba Estante
LMFT
Virtual
Specializes in Anxiety, Individual Therapy +3 moreI provide structured, engaged, and emotionally attuned therapy for clients ready to participate actively in the work of change. My style is warm, steady, and collaborative, with attention to pacing, accountability, and nervous system regulation. Therapy is intentional and focused, balancing insight with action. I work best with clients who show up consistently, reflect honestly, and take an active role in their treatment rather than expecting therapy to be passive or corrective.Next available:Fri Sep 4 @ 9PM
High Satisfaction Rate
Patti Dengler
LMFT
Virtual
Specializes in ADHD, Anger Issues +31 moreI help people find answers and grow. I have decades of experience as a psychotherapist. I have taught graduate-level students, supervised masters and postgraduate students, and created counseling programs to support people to feel better, be happier, and live more fulfilling lives. I have worked with a wide range of people and issues successfully and I can communicate with people of all ages. I am non-judgmental, understanding, and easy to talk to. I am collaborative by nature and like to facilitate relationships mutual respect and sharing of ideas. I can help you find meaning and joy in your life.Next available:Fri Sep 4 @ 3PM
High Satisfaction Rate
Pablo Padilla
LMFT
Virtual
Specializes in Addiction (not substance use), Anxiety +16 moreSpeaks SpanishA person is complete when the whole self, (emotions, thoughts, and actions) all harmoniously unite. With the guidance of CBT, Narrative, Relational, Couples Counseling, etc. we can make headways into restoring the whole self so that we can be complete and live a life to the full. My goal is to empower you to be the author of your life so that you can have the final say of each chapter. My role will be to be your editor to ensure your desires are accomplished and protected. When we arrive at the whole self, you will be an unstoppable force.Next available:Tue Sep 1 @ 12PM
High Satisfaction Rate
Shannon Vanderberg
LMFT
Virtual
Specializes in ADHD, Anger Issues +9 moreHello! I’m Shannon, a licensed marriage and family therapist specializing in relational functioning, neurodivergence, and navigating life stressors. I’m committed to helping individuals and families create meaningful change and build brighter futures. My background in crisis intervention has shaped my ability to remain calm, focused, and supportive in challenging circumstances. This foundation allows me to approach therapy with confidence, empathy, and a deep understanding of complex emotional experiences.Next available:Mon Aug 31 @ 5PM
High Satisfaction Rate
Ruth Whittington
LMFT
Virtual & In-Person
Specializes in ADHD, Anxiety +5 moreHello, I look forward to supporting you on your journey toward personal growth and positive mental health. Taking the first step can be challenging, and you’ve already done that. I am committed to providing a safe space where you will feel heard and understood. My approach is client-focused and incorporates Cognitive Behavioral Therapy tools that you can apply in daily life. Together, we will work toward understanding and clarity. I look forward to meeting you soon.Next available:Tue Sep 1 @ 10PM
High Satisfaction Rate
Iris King
LCSW
Virtual & In-Person
Specializes in Adoption/Foster Care, Anxiety +7 moreSpeaks SpanishAs a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, I use a strengths-based, trauma-informed approach that honors each client’s story and pace of healing. I work with individuals navigating pregnancy, postpartum, and beyond, as well as those experiencing personal and systemic stressors that affect well-being. I integrate EMDR, CBT, MI, and relational approaches, offering a person-centered, trauma-informed experience. My goal is to create a safe space where you can explore your thoughts and emotions and feel supported in your journey.Next available:Thu Sep 3 @ 5PM
High Satisfaction Rate
Desirae Spignor
LCSW
Virtual
Specializes in Anxiety, Cultural Issues/Racial Stress +11 moreMy therapeutic approach is eclectic, integrating my education and lived experience into my practice. The goal of therapy is overall wellness and whatever that may look like for you. I focus on creating a safe space that is trauma-informed, resilient, and culturally humble for people to heal. I use an eclectic approach that incorporates the principles of Dialectical Behavior Therapy and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy to support implementing wellness tools, grounding techniques, and being in the moment.Next available:Mon Aug 31 @ 7PM
High Satisfaction Rate
Priscilla McCullough
LCSW
Virtual & In-Person
Specializes in Animal Loss, Anxiety +7 moreI provide a collaborative and supportive space for adults and geriatric clients to navigate life’s challenges. My approach is rooted in a person-centered philosophy—I’m soft-spoken, down-to-earth, and dedicated to meeting you exactly where you are. Together, we’ll use a blend of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), mindfulness, and solution-focused techniques to support your mental health goals. Whether you're managing depression, anxiety, or navigating the complexities of psychotic disorders, I’m here to work alongside you with steady, compassionate support.Next available:Mon Aug 31 @ 4PM
High Satisfaction Rate
Emma Pallone
LMFT
Virtual
Specializes in Addiction (not substance use), Animal Loss +17 moreI specialize in working with individuals navigating eating disorders, disordered eating, body image concerns, addiction, anxiety, OCD, and depression. As a Certified Inclusive Eating Disorder Specialist, I provide affirming, weight-inclusive care. My approach is client-centered and guided by your goals and lived experience. Drawing from CBT, DBT, and Motivational Interviewing, we’ll build practical tools to manage urges, regulate emotions, and reduce intrusive thoughts. Healing is possible, and you don’t have to navigate it alone.Next available:Mon Aug 31 @ 3PM
- Get A Cost Estimate
Get a detailed cost estimate
We can determine what you can expect to pay for therapy sessions by looking up your plan information.
It typically takes less than a minute.
High Satisfaction Rate
Stanly Tran
LCSW
Virtual
Specializes in ADHD, Anger Issues +24 moreMy aim is to help clients understand how their history and programming influences patterns of thought, feeling, and behavior. When insight and self-awareness of these patterns is established, we will develop ways to shift the combination of these things in a direction that is consistent with what is important or helpful. My experience has primarily been in a variety of outpatient mental health settings, including community mental health, intensive outpatient/partial hospitalization program, primary care integration, and private practice.Next available:Tue Sep 1 @ 4PM
High Satisfaction Rate
Thesla Lander
LMFT
Virtual
Specializes in Anxiety, Burnout +8 moreI support clients working through trauma, difficult emotions, and patterns that no longer serve them. As an eclectic therapist, I meet you where you are—not as the “expert” in your life, but as a real, authentic human. My style is low to moderate in structure, with loose plans based on your goals while leaving room for what comes up in the moment. I’m also expressive, bringing myself into the room rather than taking a blank-slate approach, and I work at a safe, collaborative pace.Next available:Mon Aug 31 @ 4PM
High Satisfaction Rate
Andrea Santana
LCSW
Virtual
Specializes in Alzheimer's/Dementia, Anger Issues +18 moreI utilize a diverse way of and evidence-based approach where Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT), Strengths-Based, and Mindfulness are part of my clinical therapeutic toolbox. I include the values and strengths as an individualized approach. I have over 12 years of clinical experience working with adults and families. I have a passion for helping people heal, grow, and thrive. As your therapist, my goal is to support your journey and empower you to identify healthy coping strategies to utilize throughout life to maintain a healthy, balanced emotional well-being.Next available:Wed Sep 2 @ 1AM
High Satisfaction Rate
Natalia Manzary
LCSW
Virtual
Specializes in Anger Issues, Anxiety +10 moreTogether, we work to promote the well-being of this person, focusing on their inherent strengths rather than dwelling on deficits. My primary goal is to cultivate a space where clients feel not only comfortable but fully supported. This is achieved through reinforcing the therapeutic relationship and the provision of nonjudgmental insights. Clients can expect a unique strength-focused approach that prioritizes the identification and utilization of their strengths. This approach goes beyond individual strengths, extending its reach to include social and community networks, and nurturing a holistic and multidisciplinary outlook.Next available:Mon Aug 31 @ 9PM
High Satisfaction Rate
Amir Siddiqui
LPCC
Virtual & In-Person
Specializes in Addiction (not substance use), ADHD +16 moreI provide individual, couples, and family therapy. I believe you are in the driver’s seat of your life, though challenges like family dynamics, bullying, substances, depression, trauma, anxiety, relationships, parenting, career, finances, and personal struggles can create obstacles. My goal is to help you build awareness and create solutions to overcome them. I’m trained in CBT, certified in DBT, and Level 3 Gottman Method Couples Therapy.Next available:Sun Aug 30 @ 12PM
High Satisfaction Rate
Pantea Shahbazi
LMFT
Virtual
Specializes in ADHD, Anger Issues +17 moreSpeaks PersianI am a holistic psychotherapist with extensive training and experience in using trauma-informed approaches and evidence-based practices to transform the lives of my clients. I empower clients through education as well as introspection. I provide individual therapy and couples therapy. My approach is focused on treating the whole person. I believe this multi-dimensional approach is a key to developing long-lasting change that allows my clients to live fulfilling lives. Life is a mysterious journey of experiences and learning. My purpose is to help others make their life sacred by holding it as a masterpiece.Next available:Thu Sep 3 @ 7PM
High Satisfaction Rate
Asish Purushan
LMFT
Virtual
Specializes in ADHD, Anger Issues +20 moreSpeaks Malayalam, TamilMy approach to therapy involves a balance between helping clients explore past experiences and identifying how these experiences may affect them in the present. I often use culturally sensitive tools in my practice while working closely with my clients and operate from within an anti-oppressive and anti-racist framework. I work primarily from a client-centered model and specialize in an eclectic therapeutic approach, incorporating elements from various methods such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Narrative Therapy, Solution-Focused Brief Therapy, Mindfulness-based psychotherapy, and Motivational Interviewing. I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) with the Board of Behavioral Sciences in California, bringing over 7 years of experience working with individuals and couples. Above all, I emphasize the importance of a strong and compassionate therapeutic relationship.Next available:Mon Aug 31 @ 8PM
High Satisfaction Rate
Aisha Ishtiaq
LMFT
Virtual
Specializes in Animal Loss, Anxiety +13 moreSpeaks UrduDo you feel as if every effort you make is never enough, that you are always striving for something bigger and better? As your therapist, I support individuals to begin to heal from past traumas and learn to accept and love themselves. I help couples to break free from unhealthy patterns to truly enjoy each other's company and love. I work from the lens of Trauma-Informed Care and Childhood Attachment. There are significant moments in our lives that change how we relate with ourselves and the world around us. Past traumas can continue to impact our daily life, making it hard at times for us to see our own value. I work with my clients to provide a space to allow for the exploration of the trauma as well as learning how to heal oneself to live a more fulfilled life. I believe every person is in charge of their own healing and therapy provides a space where they are allowed to explore what process of healing is best. I assist my clients in incorporating healthy skills to reduce their negative thoughts and emotions. You are not alone, there is support here for you. You deserve to create the life you have always dreamed of. As Rumi said, "The wound is the place where the Light enters you.”Next available:Thu Sep 3 @ 4PM
High Satisfaction Rate
Kelley Tyler
LMFT
Virtual
Specializes in ADHD, Anger Issues +10 moreToo often, people push through their struggles alone, hoping things will improve on their own. I work with individuals experiencing anxiety, depression, grief, and uncertainty, helping them carry their challenges without isolation. Strength comes through resilience, self-awareness, and facing life’s difficulties. Whether navigating a difficult relationship, adapting to a major life change, or finding balance amid life’s chaos, these moments are opportunities to grow stronger, not signs of weakness.Next available:Mon Aug 31 @ 10PM
High Satisfaction Rate
Helia Ziaee
LMFT
Virtual
Specializes in Anxiety, Burnout +12 moreSpeaks PersianI provide mental health counseling to help and guide my client(s) find a balanced life by providing a safe space to process and talk about family issues, marital conflict, job stressors, burnout, fertility, postpartum, women's health along with other mental health concerns they may be experiencing. The therapeutic alliance is the pillar of the therapeutic process and growth. Having worked in this field for almost a decade, I believe my greatest strength is the ability to connect and empathize with my clients while building on their life skills.Next available:Thu Sep 3 @ 5PM
- Get A Cost Estimate
Get a detailed cost estimate
We can determine what you can expect to pay for therapy sessions by looking up your plan information.
It typically takes less than a minute.
High Satisfaction Rate
Gertrudis Vargas
LMFT
Virtual
Specializes in ADHD, Animal Loss +18 moreSpeaks SpanishI graduated from San Diego State University with a BA in Psychology and an MS in Counseling, specializing in working with depression, anxiety, trauma, ADHD, grief, and loss, among other emotional concerns. I've gained experience working with families and adults and have a great passion for bringing healing to individuals who have been through traumatic and stressful experiences. I implement Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Trauma-Focused Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT), and Solution-Focused Therapy to help individuals restore their overall well-being and functioning. I have experience strengthening and supporting individuals facing traumatic events during their military careers. By facilitating individual therapy, I have developed essential skills in being supportive, empathetic, and culturally sensitive, with a focus on helping families achieve their treatment goals. I am also a bilingual speaker in both English and Spanish.Next available:Tue Sep 1 @ 7PM
High Satisfaction Rate
Esmeralda Plascencia
LCSW
Virtual
Specializes in ADHD, Animal Loss +13 moreSpeaks SpanishI’m an LCSW based in California, dedicated to supporting individuals navigating stress, anxiety, and depression—some of the most common challenges people face. I earned my Master of Social Work (MSW) degree from California State University, San Bernardino. My approach emphasizes education, insight, and practical skill-building to help clients manage symptoms effectively, strengthen resilience, enhance well-being, and move toward living their best possible lives.Next available:Sun Aug 30 @ 3PM
Lasting Relationships with Clients
Priscilla Jouvin
LMFT
Virtual
Specializes in Anxiety, Burnout +8 moreI enjoy working with adults who may be experiencing life transitions, relationship conflict, stress, self-esteem concerns, grief, and loss, and I can help manage the anxiety that may come along with it. I have experience providing therapeutic services to couples, families, and individuals across various life cycles in many different settings. As a therapist, I choose to use evidenced-based approaches which provide you with coping skills and tools that you can use to improve your overall quality of life. I strive to tailor therapy to benefit you, meet your needs each session, and provide relief all in a safe space. My goal as a therapist is to use evidence-based approaches to help you create purpose in your life, heal from past traumas, and feel more connected to yourself and others.Next available:Wed Sep 2 @ 11PM
Frequently asked questions about therapists in California
What matters for your care is that your therapist is licensed in the state where you live. To see an Octave therapist, you are matched with a clinician licensed in California, whether you meet online or in person. Some licenses fall under interstate agreements that let a therapist practice in more than one state, but you never have to sort that out yourself. Octave confirms every therapist is licensed to work with California residents before matching you.
To practice in California, a therapist must hold an active California license. That means completing a master's or doctoral degree in a mental health field, finishing thousands of hours of supervised clinical work, and passing a national or state licensing exam. Licenses are renewed on a schedule and require ongoing education. Every Octave therapist practicing in California holds a current California license, reviewed by our clinical team before they join.
California therapists practice under several license types, most commonly Licensed Clinical Social Workers (LCSW), Licensed Marriage and Family Therapists (LMFT), and Licensed Professional Counselors (LPC). You may also work with psychologists who hold a PhD or PsyD. All are qualified to provide talk therapy, and the right fit depends on what you want to work on more than the letters after their name. Octave works with licensed therapists across these credentials in California.
Yes. If your Octave therapist in California is not the right fit, you can switch at any time at no additional cost. Finding the right match matters more than getting it right on the first try, and it is common to need a session or two to know. Just let us know and we will help you find another licensed California therapist who suits your needs.
No. You do not need a diagnosis, a referral, or a specific reason to start therapy in California. Many people see a California therapist to work through stress, relationships, life changes, or feelings that are hard to name. Your therapist focuses on your goals and what you want to get out of care, not on putting a label on you.
Start with what you want to work on, then look for a California therapist whose experience and approach match. Practical fit counts too: whether they take your insurance, their availability, and whether you feel comfortable with them. With Octave, you answer a few questions during intake and get matched with a licensed California therapist who fits your needs, so you do not have to sort through directories on your own.
Look for an active California license, which confirms the therapist has met the education, training, and exam requirements to practice in California. Common credentials include LCSW, LMFT, and LPC, along with psychologists who hold a PhD or PsyD. Beyond the license, check that their experience lines up with what you want to work on. Every Octave therapist in California is licensed and reviewed for credentials, experience, and clinical approach before joining the platform.
In everyday use, "therapist" and "counselor" often mean the same thing: a trained professional who provides talk therapy. Both can be licensed to treat mental health concerns, and what matters most is their license, training, and experience, not the title they use. Octave connects you with licensed California therapists whose background fits what you are looking for.
A therapist provides talk therapy to help you work through thoughts, feelings, and behavior. A psychiatrist is a medical doctor who can diagnose conditions and prescribe medication. Some people work with both. Octave provides therapy in California, and if medication is something you want to explore, your therapist can talk it through with you and help coordinate care with an outside prescriber.
"Therapist" is a broad term for any licensed professional who provides talk therapy. A psychologist is one kind of therapist, someone with a doctoral degree (PhD or PsyD) who may also do psychological testing. Both provide therapy, and for most people the choice comes down to fit and experience rather than the specific degree. Octave works with licensed California therapists across these backgrounds.
The most important things are a valid California license, experience with what you want to work on, and an approach you feel comfortable with. Practical details matter too: whether they are in-network with your insurance, how soon they are available, and whether you connect with them in early sessions. Octave weighs these factors when matching you with a licensed California therapist, so you are paired with someone who fits both your needs and your schedule.