Below you will find three separate options to find a therapist if you plan to get help using private insurance or will be paying out-of-pocket (self pay or low or no cost therapy options). The state also offers two free telehealth options for youth.
- Call your Primary Care Physician and request support in identifying a therapist.
- Call the phone number on the back of your health insurance card and request a list of nearby therapists who are in-network.
- Look at Psychology Today to find a therapist that specializes in your area of need and/or who may accept your insurance.
Private Insurance
Finding a therapist that accepts your insurance who is also accepting new patients can take some time. Once you have a list of potential therapists (see above for three ways to find potential therapists), reach out to them by phone and/or email. Be prepared to leave a message that includes the following information:
- Your first name
- Your insurance (i.e. Anthem)
- You are looking to start care as a new patient
- A brief description of the challenge you’re experiencing (i.e. feeling overwhelmed, struggling with anxiety/depression, a relationship, etc.)
- Your phone number or email address
In addition to in-person therapists, you may also want to consider telehealth therapy options. You will just want to make sure they are licensed to work in California and know whether they accept your insurance or not.
Self Pay
If you like a therapist but they don’t accept your insurance, contact your insurance provider to see if they will reimburse you for payments instead of the therapist billing the insurance company directly. In this situation, you will pay out-of-pocket to see the therapist and submit receipts to your insurance for reimbursement (full or partial, depending on your insurance benefits). You can also choose to see a therapist and pay out of pocket for visits.
Low or No Cost
Some therapists or groups of therapists will offer therapy on a sliding scale depending on income and other factors or at low or no cost. Visit 211 or call 2-1-1 for more information about low or no-cost services.
Free Telehealth for Youth (0-25)
The state offers two free telehealth options for youth:
Soluna
Free and confidential support for youth ages 13-25 in California. Chat one-on-one with a professional mental health coach, use interactive tools to de-stress, or explore quizzes, videos, forums, and more. App available for both Android and iOS users.
BrightLife Kids (Expiring 12/31/2024)
Free mental health support with behavioral health coaching and digital resources for all California kids ages 0-12. Includes private one-on-one sessions with a dedicated coach, digital resources, peer communities for parents, and care navigation to community resources. Available in Spanish and 18 other languages. Available for iOS users with an Android version available soon.