Child Mental Health Therapists in California

Children can be affected by many of the same mental health challenges as adults, such as anxiety or depression. These problems can be difficult to identify in children, who may not have the communication skills to express how they are feeling. However, the diagnosis of other mental health conditions are unique to childhood, such as oppositional defiant disorder or conduct disorder. Symptoms of neurodevelopmental conditions, such as autism spectrum disorder (ASD) or attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), are also often diagnosed in childhood, as they are commonly first noticed during this time. Early identification and treatment of mental health and neurodevelopment conditions can make a huge difference to the wellbeing of these individuals throughout their lives.

60 Matching Therapists with Availability

Restoration Therapy Group's profile picture
Vetted

Restoration Therapy Group

Group practice

Accepting clients from California

Child mental health - Adolescent mental health - Couples counseling - Life transitions - Relationship issues - Trauma
 In-person & online

Next available consults:

Lauren  Siegel's profile picture
Vetted

Lauren Siegel

Therapist

Accepting clients from California

Child mental health - Anxiety - Depression - Life transitions - Parenting - Trauma
Online only

Next available consults:

Laurie Beth Richardson's profile picture

Laurie Beth Richardson

Therapist

Accepting clients from California

Child mental health - Adjustment difficulties & disorders - Anxiety - Depression - Existential crisis & challenges - Life transitions
 In-person & online
Deborah  Helt's profile picture
Vetted

Deborah Helt

Therapist

Accepting clients from California

Child mental health - Anxiety - Depression - Gender identity - Sexuality - Trauma
 In-person & online
Jonathan  Newsum's profile picture
Vetted

Jonathan Newsum

Therapist

Accepting clients from California

Child mental health - Addiction - Anxiety - Couples counseling - Depression - Developmental disorders
 In-person & online

Next available consults:

ProWellness Academy's profile picture

ProWellness Academy

Pre-Licensed Professional

Accepting clients from California

Child mental health - Addiction - Alcohol use disorder & addiction - Anxiety - College & graduate student mental health - Depression
 In-person & online
Ben  Esch's profile picture
Vetted

Ben Esch

Therapist

Accepting clients from California

Child mental health - Anxiety - Life transitions - Parenting - Premarital counseling - Relationship issues
 In-person & online

Next available consults:

Janelle  Farias's profile picture
Vetted

Janelle Farias

Therapist

Accepting clients from California

Child mental health - Anxiety - Depression - Couples counseling - Mindfulness - Postpartum depression
 In-person & online
Natalie  Trzeciak-Hardwick's profile picture

Natalie Trzeciak-Hardwick

Therapist

Accepting clients from California

Child mental health - Life transitions - Anxiety - Loss, grief, and bereavement - Stress management - Adolescent mental health
 In-person & online
Erica  Rozmid's profile picture
Vetted

Erica Rozmid

Therapist

Accepting clients from California

Child mental health - Anxiety - Depression - Borderline personality disorder - Selective Mutism - ADHD
 In-person & online

Next available consults:

Nugent Family Counseling Center's profile picture
Vetted

Nugent Family Counseling Center

Group practice

Accepting clients from California

Child mental health - ADHD - Adolescent mental health - Anxiety - Couples counseling - Depression
 In-person & online
Ashley  Youngblood's profile picture
Vetted

Ashley Youngblood

Therapist

Accepting clients from California

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

Next available consults:

Carly  Steinberger's profile picture
Vetted

Carly Steinberger

Therapist

Accepting clients from California

Child mental health - Obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) - Parenting - Transition to new parenthood - Pregnancy, perinatal, postpartum mental health - Anxiety
 In-person & online

Next available consults:

Fuller Life Concepts, Inc's profile picture
Vetted

Fuller Life Concepts, Inc

Group practice

Accepting clients from California

Child mental health - Adolescent mental health - Anxiety - Depression - Trauma - Childhood trauma
 In-person & online

Next available consults:

Straight Up Treatment's profile picture
Vetted

Straight Up Treatment

Group practice

Accepting clients from California

Child mental health - Anxiety - Depression - Obsessive compulsive spectrum disorders - Life coaching - Adjustment and life transitions
 In-person & online
Caroline   Kalai's profile picture
Vetted

Caroline Kalai

Therapist

Accepting clients from California

Child mental health - Anxiety - Post-traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) - Couples counseling - Depression - Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
 In-person & online
Cecily Rose Kaballo's profile picture
Vetted

Cecily Rose Kaballo

Therapist

Accepting clients from California

Child mental health - Anxiety - Depression - Life transitions - Parenting - Pregnancy, perinatal, postpartum mental health
 In-person & online

Next available consults:

S. Abigail  McCarrel's profile picture
Vetted

S. Abigail McCarrel

Therapist

Accepting clients from California

Child mental health - ADHD - Attachment issues - Family issues - Parenting - Childhood trauma
Online only

Next available consults:

Nicole  Lemaster's profile picture

Nicole Lemaster

Therapist

Accepting clients from California

Child mental health - Anxiety - Post-traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) - Trauma - Depersonalization & derealization - Mind-body connection
 In-person & online
Brian  Thomason's profile picture

Brian Thomason

Therapist

Accepting clients from California

Child mental health - ADHD - Adolescent mental health - Anxiety - Parenting - Relationship issues
 In-person & online
Jacqueline  Benson's profile picture
Vetted

Jacqueline Benson

Therapist

Accepting clients from California

Child mental health - Adolescent mental health - Artists' mental health - Depression - Anxiety - Self harm
Online only
Emelia  Haiken's profile picture
Vetted

Emelia Haiken

Therapist

Accepting clients from California

Child mental health - Adolescent mental health - Anxiety - LGBTQIA, gender, and sexuality topics - Sexual harassment & assault - Trauma
 In-person & online

Next available consults:

Bria  Howard-Roth's profile picture
Vetted

Bria Howard-Roth

Therapist

Accepting clients from California

Child mental health - Family issues - Gender identity & transgender health - Life transitions - Parenting - Relationship issues
 In-person & online

Next available consults:

SF Bay Play Therapy Family Counseling Center's profile picture

SF Bay Play Therapy Family Counseling Center

Group practice

Accepting clients from California

Child mental health - Anxiety - Life transitions - Parenting - Trauma - Mind-body connection
 In-person & online
Jane  Shomof's profile picture
Vetted

Jane Shomof

Therapist

Accepting clients from California

Child mental health - Anxiety - Depression - Drug addiction & abuse - Life transitions - Pregnancy, perinatal, postpartum mental health
 In-person & online

Next available consults:

Anna  Kosoff's profile picture
Vetted

Anna Kosoff

Therapist

Accepting clients from California

Child mental health - Anxiety - Depression - Life transitions - Adolescent mental health - Stress management
 In-person & online
Katharine  Putman's profile picture
Vetted

Katharine Putman

Therapist

Accepting clients from California

Child mental health - Relationships - Trauma - Anxiety - Depression - Grief
 In-person & online
Moriah N Manning's profile picture

Moriah N Manning

Therapist

Accepting clients from California

Child mental health - ADHD - Anxiety - Autism spectrum disorder - Depression - Loss, grief, and bereavement
 In-person & online

Next available consults:

Willowbrooks Behavioral Health's profile picture

Willowbrooks Behavioral Health

Post-Doctoral Psychology Fellow

Accepting clients from California

Child mental health - ADHD - Autism spectrum disorder - Couples counseling - Existential crisis & challenges - Life transitions
Online only
Burns Virtual Psychological Solutions's profile picture
Vetted

Burns Virtual Psychological Solutions

Group practice

Accepting clients from California

Child mental health - Psychological evaluations & testing - Autism spectrum disorder - Social Skills - Developmental disorders - Speech and Language Therapy
Online only

Next available consults:

1-30 of 60 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.

Static Google Map showing locations of in-person providers