Finding counseling or therapy in California involves accessing a range of resources tailored to your needs, including mental health conditions, budget, and preferences. Here’s a guide to help you find counseling or therapy: --- ### **Immediate Assistance** 1. **California Warm Line** - Non-crisis support for emotional distress and mental health concerns. - Phone: 1-855-845-7415 (24/7) - Website: [www.mentalhealthsf.org/peer-run-warmline](https://www.mentalhealthsf.org/peer-run-warmline) 2. **Crisis Support for Immediate Help** - Dial 988 for the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline. - Provides 24/7 support for urgent emotional and mental health crises. - Website: [www.988lifeline.org](https://www.988lifeline.org/) --- ### **Find a Counselor or Therapist** 1. **Psychology Today Therapist Directory** - Comprehensive directory of licensed therapists and counselors by location, specialty, and insurance. - Website: [www.psychologytoday.com/us/therapists](https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/therapists) 2. **Therapy for Black Girls/Boys** - Specialized directories for Black individuals seeking culturally competent therapists. - Website: - [www.therapyforblackgirls.com](https://www.therapyforblackgirls.com/) - [www.therapyforblackmen.org](https://www.therapyforblackmen.org/) 3. **Open Path Collective** - Offers affordable counseling for those without insurance, with sessions typically between $30-$60. - Website: [www.openpathcollective.org](https://www.openpathcollective.org/) 4. **Inclusive Therapists** - Culturally competent, LGBTQ+ affirming, and social justice-oriented therapists. - Website: [www.inclusivetherapists.com](https://www.inclusivetherapists.com/) 5. **BetterHelp and Talkspace** - Online platforms providing virtual therapy sessions. - Websites: - [www.betterhelp.com](https://www.betterhelp.com/) - [www.talkspace.com](https://www.talkspace.com/) --- ### **Free and Low-Cost Counseling** 1. **California County Behavioral Health Services** - Each county provides mental health services for low-income residents, including therapy. - Find your county's program: [Behavioral Health Contact List](https://www.dhcs.ca.gov/services/Pages/MHPContactList.aspx) 2. **Sliding Scale Therapy Clinics** - Many community clinics and universities offer therapy at reduced costs. - Examples: - **The Wright Institute (Berkeley)** - Website: [www.wi.edu/clinic](https://www.wi.edu/clinic) - **Pepperdine University Counseling Center** - Website: [www.pepperdine.edu](https://www.pepperdine.edu/) 3. **Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs)** - Provide mental health services for low-income or uninsured individuals. - Find a health center: [Find Health Centers](https://findahealthcenter.hrsa.gov/) 4. **Catholic Charities of California** - Offers sliding-scale or free therapy regardless of religious affiliation. - Website: [www.catholiccharitiesca.org](https://www.catholiccharitiesca.org/) 5. **Mental Health America of California** - Connects individuals with free or low-cost mental health programs statewide. - Website: [www.mhac.org](https://www.mhac.org/) --- ### **Insurance-Based Counseling** 1. **Covered California** - If you have health insurance through Covered California, mental health services are included in your plan. Contact your insurance provider for in-network therapists. - Website: [www.coveredca.com](https://www.coveredca.com/) 2. **Employee Assistance Programs (EAP)** - Many employers offer free, short-term counseling through EAP benefits. Check with your HR department. 3. **Kaiser Permanente Mental Health Services** - For Kaiser members, therapy and mental health services are covered. - Website: [www.kp.org](https://www.kp.org/) --- ### **Specialized Counseling Services** 1. **LGBTQ+ Counseling** - **Trevor Project (Youth)**: Call 1-866-488-7386 or visit [www.thetrevorproject.org](https://www.thetrevorproject.org/). - **LA LGBT Center**: Comprehensive mental health support for LGBTQ+ individuals. - Website: [www.lalgbtcenter.org](https://www.lalgbtcenter.org/) 2. **Veterans Mental Health Services** - **VA Mental Health Programs**: Free therapy for veterans. - Phone: 1-877-4AID-VET (1-877-424-3838). - Website: [www.va.gov/health-care/health-needs-conditions/mental-health](https://www.va.gov/health-care/health-needs-conditions/mental-health) 3. **Child and Teen Therapy** - **California Youth Crisis Line**: Call 1-800-843-5200 or visit [www.calyouth.org](https://www.calyouth.org/). - **Dougy Center for Grieving Children**: Provides therapy and support for grieving children. - Website: [www.dougy.org](https://www.dougy.org/) 4. **Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA)** - Free or low-cost therapy and rehab programs. - Phone: 1-800-662-HELP (4357). - Website: [www.samhsa.gov](https://www.samhsa.gov/) --- ### **Online Screening Tools and Resources** 1. **Mental Health America Screening** - Free online mental health screenings to determine your needs. - Website: [www.mhanational.org](https://www.mhanational.org/) 2. **NAMI California** - Offers educational programs, peer support, and connections to local therapists. - Phone: 1-800-950-NAMI (6264). - Website: [www.namica.org](https://www.namica.org/) --- If you need further guidance or assistance with finding a therapist that matches your preferences, let me know!