How to Find a Therapist in Los Angeles: A Practical Guide for Overwhelmed Adults
Trying to find a therapist in LA can be a daunting process. You might already be emotionally drained or facing a major life transition (which may be why you’re seeking therapy). You’re not alone, and I hope this guide can support you in the process and give some insight with what to look for in a therapist.
These steps will walk you through some practical ways on how to find the right therapist for you. Whether you’re in Los Angeles or anywhere in California, you might find these tips helpful:
Think about your needs for therapy
Start considering what you want to get out of therapy and what specific areas you’re needing support around. If you’re a young professional navigating a quarter-life crisis, you’ll want to keep this in mind as you consider which therapists would be a good fit for you. Your needs can give you insight into what to look for in a therapist. It’s ideal to find someone who’s niche and specialities align with your experience.
Get a referral
If you have close friends or family who have a therapist, that’s a great place to start. You might not be able to work with their therapist (it could be a conflict of interest), but it’s likely that their therapist has a solid list of referral sources that can help guide you in the right direction.
Search on google
If you search for “therapist in Los Angeles” on google, there’s an abundance of options. But too many options can make the process feel much harder than it needs to be. Try using specific search terms that speak to what you’re needing support around, such as “female therapist in Los Angeles”, or “therapist for high-achieving women”. This can help narrow it down significantly. You can also use search terms like, “anxiety/panic”, “trauma”, “relationship struggles”, that speak to your direct experience.
Consider your preference for online vs in-person therapy
Both online and in-person therapy have their pros and cons. Benefits to online therapy include flexible scheduling, no commute or dealing with LA traffic, access to therapists across California, etc. In-person therapy might be preferred if you feel more present being in person or need a specific space away from your home to get support.
Consider your personal preferences in a therapist
Some people might prefer therapists who are a specific gender identity, racial or cultural background, younger or older, part of the LGBTQIA+ community, or have some sort of similar lived experience. These preferences matter if that’s what you need to feel safe and understood. Whatever it is, don’t be afraid to ask your therapist during the consult call. You deserve to feel as comfortable as possible with whoever you choose to see.
Understand fees for therapy
Most therapists will have their rate listed on their website and whether or not they are in-network or out-of-network with insurance companies. While many specialty providers aren’t in-network with insurances, they will usually offer a superbill (receipt) for you to submit to your insurance if your insurance offers any reimbursement to you. It’s definitely worth checking to see if you can get some money back from your insurance!
To check for out-of-network mental health benefits, you can call your insurance and ask:
Do I have out-of-network mental health benefits?
What’s my deductible and has it been met?
Can I use these benefits for Telehealth?
What is the reimbursement rate for CPT code 90834?
How do I submit insurance claims?
You can also use an HSA/FSA account to pay for your therapy sessions if you have one.
7. Schedule a free consultation call with a few therapists
If you’ve found a few therapists in LA that you’re interested in working with, you can reach out and ask if they offer a free 15 minute consult call to help determine fit. This is a chance for you to ask any questions about the process of therapy and see what it’s like speaking with that therapist. You might also ask about their approach, specialties, how often you can expect to attend therapy, etc.
I hope these tips are helpful! If you are seeking support in California, I work with women navigating anxiety, existential crises, relationship struggles, and attachment trauma. Feel free to explore my website to see if we might be a good fit.
Get Started With Online Therapy in Los Angeles, or anywhere in California
Whether you’re in Los Angeles, San Diego, San Francisco, or anywhere in California, my online therapy practice can meet you wherever you are.
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I’ll personally respond within 24–48 business hours. Support is here when you’re ready.
