How to Find the Best Therapist in Los Angeles for Your Needs
Takeaway: Deciding to start therapy is a huge decision. Now, all that stands between you and your first session is actually choosing a therapist. There are tons of different options, so it’s important to find a mental health professional who is a good fit for your needs.
In this post, I’ll walk you through the process of finding a therapist in Los Angeles. Whether you’re seeking therapy for the first time or want a new therapist, this guide will help you make an informed decision.
So, just how do you find a therapist in Los Angeles? And not just any therapist, but one who's match for exactly what you need? It can feel overwhelming, for sure! Many therapy seekers in Los Angeles are searching for the perfect therapist who has the right mix of skill, experience and understanding to support them in their healing process.
In this article, I'll offer "insider" guidance that will show you exactly how to find a therapist in Los Angeles. I'll shed some light on the costs of therapy in LA, and give you lots of helpful tips to make the search for a therapist a whole lot easier!
Everything you need to know to find a therapist in Los Angeles
To improve your psychological health and well-being, you need therapy that's just the right fit. To find a therapist in Los Angeles, you'll need to know a few things, so let me help guide you through this maze.
Whether you're seeking therapy for relationship issues, anxiety, or other mental health concerns, there are therapists in Los Angeles with specialized training and a deep understanding of the art and science of individual counseling. So let's find you a therapist with the right combination of clinical expertise and genuine empathy so you can be on your way to a fulfilling life!
Do these “5” things before you start looking for a mental health counselor
Okay, first things first! Start with these tips to find an "ideal-fit" Los Angeles mental health professional who can best support you in your healing process:
STEP 1: PINPOINT YOUR MENTAL HEALTH NEEDS
Before browsing for therapists in Los Angeles, first assess your specific needs. What are the challenges you're having that are negatively impacting your quality of life? It may be anxiety, relationship issues, trauma, family conflict, burnout or a combination of stressors.
Taking stock of what you're needing help with can guide you in in finding a therapist with the specialized training and experience in your exact challenges.
STEP 2: IDENTIFY YOUR GOALS FOR THERAPY
Once you have a clearer sense of your particular issues, ask yourself what you hope to achieve through psychotherapy. Do you want to develop coping skills, address past trauma, or navigate life transitions? How about having more satisfying relationships, having more inner calm or improving your ability to communicate your wants and needs?
Getting clarity around your therapy goals means you'll be able to communicate them more effectively to potential therapists, which will help in finding someone who aligns with your objectives.
STEP 3: CHECK OUT DIFFERENT THERAPY APPROACHES
There are many types of psychotherapy, each with their own approaches and techniques. Do some research to see if there's a particular therapy approach you might want to try out.
You may be interested in cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), which focuses on changing thoughts and behaviors to improve mood. Internal Family Systems (IFS) or EMDR can be super effective for healing emotional wounds or trauma. Perhaps you'd like a more practical approach that incorporates life coaching skills and solution-focused strategies.
Getting a sense of different therapy approaches will help you find a therapist who practices the techniques that resonate with you and your goals for therapy.
STEP 4: DECIDE ON IN-PERSON OR ONLINE THERAPY
You've got options when it comes to how you go to therapy! In-person therapy offers face-to-face interaction and the opportunity to meet in an office, which some people prefer. However, online therapy can be equally as effective and has the significant advantages of convenience and accessibility - particularly important in a city like Los Angeles!
Plus, your therapy options vastly increase because you can see a therapist practicing from anywhere in the state. In fact, there are 2.5+ times as many licensed marriage and family therapists (i.e., psychotherapists) in the entire state of California, compared to the number of Los Angeles therapists (source). Read more about online psychotherapy here.
STEP 5: CONSIDER YOUR BUDGET AND INSURANCE OPTIONS
How will you pay for therapy? You can contact your insurance company to determine your covered mental health services and to find therapists in Los Angeles (or online) who are in your insurance network. Be aware that many therapists don't accept insurance, however some insurance plans partially reimburse out-of-pocket therapy expenses for "out of network" therapists.
Those who are willing and able to bypass their insurance company and pay for therapy themselves often find that this gives them more access to therapists who have a higher level of training and clinical experience in working with their specific mental health issues.
Following these five steps first will better prepare you to find a professional therapist in Los Angeles (or elsewhere!) who has the experience you need, understands your unique circumstances, and creates a supportive environment - all essential for your growth and healing process!
What to look for in a therapist
Whether you see someone in Los Angeles or online, you want a therapist whose unique therapy "style," personality and expertise aligns with your needs and personal aims for therapy. So therapy seekers, keep these traits in mind when browsing for Los Angeles or online therapists:
SPECIALIZED TRAINING
Does this person have advanced training and clinical experience specific to your challenges? Many therapists advertise that they work with a whole laundry list of issues, however many of the best therapists have devoted themselves to developing expertise, skill and a high level of competence in particular areas.
Some of these therapists specialize in anxiety, trauma, family therapy, burnout, substance abuse, relationship issues, eating disorders - and more. Look for someone with the experience, training and track record in successfully helping people resolve challenges similar to yours.
THERAPEUTIC APPROACH
You want a therapeutic approach that resonates with you. Whether it's Brainspotting, EMDR, Internal Family Systems, psychodynamic therapy - or a blend of modalities - each offers it's own unique approach to healing with distinct interventions and techniques.
Research modalities that have been shown to be effective in helping your type of issues, be it family conflict, substance abuse, relationship distress, anxiety, trauma, depression, alcohol addiction, eating disorders (even serious mental illnesses and personality disorders).
Whether it's a licensed marriage and family therapist (psychotherapist), licensed clinical social worker or licensed clinical psychologist, you can find a provider who has good experience using the modalities that can best support you.
THERAPEUTIC RELATIONSHIP
The therapeutic relationship is a key factor that can determine whether or not you have a successful therapy experience! The best therapists create a safe and non-judgmental environment of genuine empathy, respect and deep understanding. A therapeutic relationship should be one in which you can feel safe exploring your "growing edges," with a felt sense of support and caring on the part of your counselor.
When in a free consultation or therapy appointment, pay attention to your experience: do you feel heard and validated? Is there a sense of trust and connection? While it can take several sessions to settle in and get comfortable with a new therapy relationship, trust your instincts. If something feels off, they may not be the best therapist for you.
CULTURAL COMPETENCE, VALUES AND LIVED EXPERIENCE
Cultural background, ethnicity, gender identity, orientation (i.e., romantic, relational and/or sexual orientations), having particular lived experiences and community affiliations may be consciously-held, important facets of your identity that deserve an affirming and supportive therapeutic space.
Racial justice, disability inclusion, LGBTQIA+-support or a sex positive stance may be important to you, so look for a validating and inclusive therapist who knows how to support people with values, identities and experiences similar to yours. You can always contact therapists and ask them about their perspectives and experiences in these areas!
THE PRACTICAL STUFF
Aside from aspects like office location in Los Angeles (not an issue if you're working online!) and scheduling availability, fees and payment options are a big consideration.
Again, many therapists don't accept insurance, which does narrow your therapy options, so ask potential therapists whether they're in your insurance network. Some insurance plans offer partial reimbursement for those who see a therapist outside of their insurance network.
While the median price of individual therapy in California is ~ $120, according to this survey Los Angeles therapists can charge from $130-187 - although it's not definitely not unusual to find those who charge $250+/session. Some therapists may offer sliding scale fees.
If you're able and willing, consider the life benefits of making the financial investment to work with a professional therapist who themselves have likely invested significant time, money and training in developing their experience and expertise.
Finding the right therapist is a lot like dating: if you have an idea of the qualities and characteristics that you're looking for, you'll better know how to find a therapist in Los Angeles (or anywhere in California for that matter with online therapy). It can time some time and exploration, and it's okay to shop around and do free consultations with a few therapists. Trust your instincts!
How to find the best Los Angeles therapist for you
When it comes to shopping for therapists in Los Angeles, there are lots of resources and strategies to help you connect with the right mental health professional! Here are some avenues you can explore:
ONLINE DIRECTORIES
Directories can definitely be useful to help you find therapists in Los Angeles or elsewhere. Websites like Psychology Today, GoodTherapy, and TherapyDen (and lots more!) let you to search for therapists by location, specialties, therapeutic modality, online or in-person availability and insurance plans.
These directories often provide detailed profiles so you can get a feel for each therapist's background and approach.
REFERRALS FROM OTHERS
Word of mouth can be a great way to find a counselor! Reach out to people you trust who may know of therapists in Los Angeles who have helped them or someone they know. Your health care provider may know a good licensed marriage and family therapist (psychotherapist), licensed clinical social worker or licensed clinical psychologist that they refer to.
GOOGLE AND SOCIAL MEDIA
Google "find a therapist los angeles" and scroll down below the ads to the "Places" section for a list of Los Angeles therapists with mapped locations (many also work online for added convenience). You can also Google "online therapy california" or "online psychotherapist california" for more online therapists.
Psychological health- or community-based Facebook groups can also be a good source of referrals. By following relevant topics on Instagram (i.e., anxiety, burnout, recovery, etc.), you may come across therapists in Los Angeles (as well as find therapists who work online in California); however doing an Instagram search specifically for Los Angeles therapists usually offers mixed results.
LOCAL ORGANIZATIONS
There are organizations and clinics in Los Angeles with available resources for community members, including directories of mental health professionals and their services in Los Angeles. They may also offer low-cost or sliding scale options for those with financial limitations.
INSURANCE PROVIDER
If applicable, contact your insurance provider for a list of therapists in Los Angeles (or online) who are in-network with your insurance plan.
Insurance companies usually don't have detailed or up-to-date information on therapists' areas of expertise, specialties, experience, modalities or current availability, so you'll likely need to contact therapists yourself to get this information.
Find out how much your insurance might cover for out-of-network therapy after any deductible has been met, just in case you want to the option of seeing non-network providers.
A WORD ABOUT ONLINE THERAPY PLATFORMS AND APPS…
You've probably seen lots of ads for platforms and apps that offer online, individual therapy with a licensed marriage and family therapist, licensed clinical psychologist or licensed clinical social worker. While this can be a helpful and affordable option, there are some things to be aware of about these platforms, including how they use and sell consumer information.
They pay mental health professionals very low fees, so can attract less experienced or newly-licensed providers. The therapist turnover rate is reportedly higher, meaning there's the possibility of having to switch counselors mid-treatment. There's also concerns about the appropriateness of certain features offered by these platforms. As with anything, do your research so you can make an informed choice.
Finding the right counselor can feel confusing and even overwhelming, but it IS possible if you have a game plan and know where to look. You may need to reach out to several therapists in Los Angeles or online to find the right fit, so don't be afraid to cast a wide net in your search.
What to ask about in your initial consultation with a therapist
Most therapists in Los Angeles offer free consultations to new clients to determine if they might be the right fit. A good therapist will assess if they have the skill set and expertise to best support your particular issues, and will refer you to another provider if they they think they don't. These questions can help you decide whether or not to schedule a first therapy appointment with them:
"WHAT’S YOUR FEE (DO YOU ACCEPT INSURANCE)?"
If this information isn't on their website or therapist directory listing, be sure to ask this first so that you can determine whether or not working with them fits your budget. Remember, your insurance policy may provide partial coverage for out-of-network providers, so check your plan's benefits.
"WHAT’S YOUR AVAILABILITY?"
You may really want to work with a particular counselor but first make sure that their availability aligns with your scheduling needs. Some have waitlists; if so, find out when they anticipate being able to see new clients.
"DO YOU HAVE EXPERTISE WORKING WITH MY ISSUE?"
You may be struggling with anxiety, relationship problems, family conflict, substance abuse or stressful life transitions, so ask if they have specialized training and experience in helping your specific issues.
There's a difference between working with an anxiety specialist and one who doesn't have this advanced training or expertise. If they don't, you might opt to ask for referrals to someone who does.
"WHAT’S YOUR THERAPY APPROACH?"
Therapists have varying therapeutic orientations and use different techniques. What's their preferred approach for working with your specific issues (i.e., cognitive-behavioral therapy, EMDR, psychodynamic therapy, mindfulness, IFS, etc.)?
Most therapists will say they are "eclectic" or use a combination of approaches. However, if there's a specific modality that interests you, it's ok to ask if they have advanced training and experience using it.
“HAVE YOU WORKED WITH PEOPLE OF MY IDENTITY?”
It may be important for you to see someone who shares and/or supports your cultural, ethnic, racial, gender, orientation or other identity. The best therapists create supportive environments that validate and affirm their clients' lived experiences while addressing mental health concerns (i.e. relationship issues, anxiety, struggles with family members, depression, etc.) Asking them directly about their own identities is ok, too!
"ARE YOU IN YOUR OWN THERAPY?”
Don't assume that this is "too personal" a question - remember, you're talking to someone who provides mental health services! If they don't, or decline to answer, notice how you feel about that. My personal opinion? The best therapists regularly participate in their own healing and growth work, which in turn helps them to do good work with their clients!
Remember: as a consumer of mental health services in Los Angeles, you're entitled to get the information you need to make an informed decision about your first therapist (and your 2nd, 3rd, 4th and so on)! Anyone you speak with (in Los Angeles or elsewhere) should be able to answer questions from potential new clients.
In an initial consultation, both you and the counselor will be determining whether or not they might be a fit for what you're needing. Even after your first appointment, it may take several sessions for you to settle into the relationship and see how you're feeling about it.
Looking for an online therapist in Los Angeles (or anywhere in CA)? I’m here to help.
If you're an anxious achiever, overwhelmed self-doubter, or burned-out professional...read on!
I'm Elisa (she/her), a Los Angeles County-born, online psychotherapist*. I know exactly what it's like to struggle with the torment comes with anxiety, trauma and burnout. I've experienced amazing healing myself, and love helping each person I work with to find the inner calm, confidence and clarity they need to create a truly fulfilling life.
I use an array of proven, neuroscience-informed approaches that do 2 things: (1) provide you with the coping skills you need so that you can start feeling better today and learn how to better handle life, and (2) profoundly heal and transform the deeper, inner wounds that play a big role in your distress and unhappiness.
So whether you're a seasoned client or looking for your first therapist, schedule a free, 30-minute consultation here. We'll talk about what's feeling hard for you, how I'll approach your unique challenges, and I'll answer any questions you may have.
The fallout of anxiety, trauma or burnout is real: not showing up as your true self (who is that?), experiencing relationship issues or just plain having an overall hard time in life. Well-being is possible, and it's waiting for you...so let's find it!
