Therapists that accept Cash Pay in California

Choosing a cash pay option for mental health care can provide flexibility and access to quality support without the constraints of insurance networks. With 486 verified therapists in California who accept cash pay, you can explore therapeutic approaches such as cognitive behavioral therapy, solution-focused therapy, and supportive counseling to address a range of concerns, including anxiety, depression, and ADHD. Each Grow Therapy-verified therapist that has a cash pay option listed below is currently welcoming new clients and has availability soon, offering you a straightforward path to compassionate, accessible care on your terms.

Availability updated: 8/12/2026

$135/session

Authentic
Intelligent
Empowering

Specialties

Mood Disorders
Anxiety
Life Transitions
+10
I've been working with children, teens and families for 40 years, and adults, couples and seniors for 20. Early in my career, I was a houseparent and counselor in group homes for delinquent teens, a teacher’s aide in a special education school and a counselor in a residential treatment center for emotionally disturbed children. I also taught in junior high and high schools and was a rehabilitation group therapist in psychiatric hospitals. In the last 15 years, in addition to facilitating group therapy and seeing individuals and couples in private practice, I've continued my work with teens, families and adults in day treatment programs and long term living facilities. I obtained my Master’s degree in Psychology from California Institute of Integral Studies in 1993 and PhD in Depth Psychology from Pacifica Graduate Institute in 2013. ​My treatment approaches and therapeutic orientations include: ​Cognitive Behavioral (CBT) Dialectical Behavioral (DBT) Emotionally Focused Couples Therapy Expressive Arts Therapies (role play, psychodrama, art, poetry) ​Humanistic Person Centered Jungian Depth Psychology ​Liberation Psychologies Object Relations Motivational Interviewing Narrative Therapy Solution Focused Structural-Strategic Family Therapy
VirtualAvailable

$150/session

Authentic
Warm
Empowering

Specialties

Mood Disorders
Anxiety
Depression
+6
I have been in practice for 30+ years and as a clinically trained social worker. I have served in several interesting capacities. My goal as a therapist is to be a part of the therapeutic process in guiding you forward to find the fulfilling life you deserve. I provide a nurturing and safe space for us to work as a team to identify your therapy goals and it's my priority to meet you where you are at in your journey. I will approach your challenges with support and openness to assist with the process of developing healthy, and useful coping strategies that work for you.
VirtualAvailable

$150/session

Open-minded
Warm

Specialties

Mood Disorders
First Responders/Healthcare Workers
Health/Medical Issues
+10
Welcome to my profile. I hope it will help you find a therapist who is a good fit for you. My name is Jon. I have 28 years of experience in the mental health field. I earned my MA in Counseling Psychology with a specialization in Holistic Studies in 2002 and have been a California Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist since 2009. Before becoming a therapist, I worked as a dishwasher, forklift driver, small business manager, and completed an internship with the United Nations. I have lived and worked overseas and across the United States, collaborating with people from many different backgrounds. Like many, I have faced cancer and other significant life challenges. I went back to college later in life because I wanted to help young people and their families build better futures. I chose a holistic approach because I believe in working with the whole person — mind, body, feelings, relationships, history, and spirit. I spent 15 years supporting youth experiencing significant emotional and behavioral challenges and their families. I also worked with adults in community settings. For the last 13 years, my primary work has been with incarcerated adults. These experiences have taught me about shame, redemption, resilience, and dignity. I have witnessed people at their lowest points and seen their remarkable capacity to change, heal, and rebuild. All of this has convinced me that people are always more than the labels they carry or the worst things they have experienced. I believe every person is worthy of being heard and treated with dignity and respect — and that change, growth, and transformation are possible for everyone.
Available

$200/session

Authentic
Warm
Empowering

Specialties

Mood Disorders
Anxiety
Self Esteem
+10
Welcome! I'm Silvie Wilson. I'd like to acknowledge the strength it requires to take that first step of reaching out for help with your mental health from a therapist. I know it's not easy to begin the journey to better self understanding, compassion, and mastery. My aim is to create a safe environment in which we can explore your own personal history, themes, and challenges, in order to find resources and solutions to the obstacles that hold you back from being exactly the person you've always wanted to be. I will pay attention to who you are as an individual, reflect back your strengths, and help you to tie together the seemingly disparate aspects of your life so that you realize how much sense you make, have compassion for all phases of your development, and leave behind what no longer serves you to find the life you've always wanted. Together we can build up your sense of self, your resilience, and your ability to find peace of mind.
VirtualAvailable

$150/session

Warm
Authentic
Empowering

Specialties

Mood Disorders
Anxiety
Depression
+6
I am a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor (LPCC) and have been practicing since 2020. I earned my Master of Arts in Clinical and School Counseling from Loyola Marymount University, Los Angeles, in May 2020. I incorporate a range of therapeutic approaches, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Motivational Interviewing (MI), and trauma-informed care. I tailor my approach to each client’s unique needs, helping them build resilience, improve relationships, and create meaningful change. In my free time, I enjoy hiking, traveling, reading, painting, journaling, and spending time with family and friends.
VirtualAvailable

$200/session

Authentic
Empowering
Intelligent

Specialties

Mood Disorders
Anxiety
Depression
+10
Hi! I'm a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) and Registered Art Therapist based in California. I also have certification in substance use disorders. I practice from a trauma-informed, strengths-based perspective, utilizing integrative techniques which include CBT, mindfulness practices, somatic approaches, psychodynamic, internal family systems and art therapy. I tailor treatment to best suit your needs. I understand how hard it can be to make the decision to work through difficulties. My goal is to help clients develop insight into their thinking and behavioral patterns by exploring the root causes of their anxiety, depression, or trauma and identify the underlying issues contributing to their distress. This process of self-discovery can be challenging, but it is also incredibly empowering.
VirtualAvailable

$180/session

Warm
Authentic
Intelligent

Specialties

Mood Disorders
Anxiety
Depression
+8
I’m a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist based in California, passionate about helping adults navigate life’s challenges with compassion and self-awareness. I specialize in working with individuals experiencing trauma, anxiety, depression, relational issues, and major life transitions, providing a supportive space where they can explore their emotions, patterns, and personal growth. My approach is client-centered, meaning I tailor therapy to your unique needs, while incorporating psychodynamic therapy to help uncover how past experiences shape your present. I also utilize EMDR to support trauma processing and emotional healing. Whether you’re struggling with relationships, identity, or deep-seated emotional wounds, my goal is to help you gain clarity, heal, and move forward with confidence and inner peace.
VirtualAvailable

$140/session

Warm
Intelligent
Solution oriented

Specialties

Mood Disorders
Anxiety
Parenting
+9
Have you been struggling with anxiety and/or lack of direction? Are you critical of yourself and feeling negative and sad? Do you have issues in your past you feel are impacting your present? Are you challenged by a life transition? Change is hard and not always smooth. Sometimes we get in our own way toward the life we want to live. I can help gain perspective and look at whether your thoughts and behaviors are helping you along your path or hindering your way. We can look at how patterns, thoughts and behaviors that might have been adaptive from a less than perfect past might be getting in your way now. I utilize a Cognitive Behavioral approach to look at thoughts and behaviors and what would serve you best. Incorporating positive psychology, support and compassion you will have assistance on life’s sometimes/occasionally meandering path.
VirtualAvailable

Often rebooked

$150/session

Warm
Authentic
Open-minded

Specialties

Mood Disorders
Anxiety
Peer Relationships
+10
I’m a trauma-informed therapist who helps adults heal from anxiety, trauma, burnout, and painful relationship patterns using EMDR therapy and a mind-body approach. Many of my clients come to me feeling stuck in cycles of self-doubt, overwhelm, or disconnection, appearing “fine” on the outside while feeling anything but on the inside. My goal is to create a safe, grounding space where you can explore what’s beneath the surface, release what’s been weighing you down, and reconnect with the most authentic version of yourself. Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) is at the heart of my work. It’s an evidence-based therapy that helps the brain reprocess distressing memories so they no longer carry the same emotional intensity. Through gentle bilateral stimulation (such as eye movements or tapping), the mind can integrate painful experiences in a more adaptive way. Clients often describe EMDR as life-changing- it allows healing to occur on a deeper, neurological level, often when talk therapy alone hasn’t been enough. My style is collaborative, intuitive, and compassionate. I’ll meet you exactly where you are, while gently challenging patterns that no longer serve you. Together, we’ll help you feel safe in your body, clear in your mind, and at peace within yourself.
VirtualAvailable

Often rebooked

$175/session

Warm
Authentic
Empowering

Specialties

Mood Disorders
Anxiety
Parenting
+11
Hello, I'm Melanie. Do you feel like your life is out of control due to your circumstances, your anxiety, or other factors? We can work together to determine what's not working and how to make life run more smoothly for you so that you feel more at peace. I have 17 years of experience as a therapist in varied settings as well as lots of life experience with loss, mental health issues and parenting. I promise to provide you with a safe space to express yourself as well as plenty of evidence-based techniques. I hope we get the opportunity to work together to help you start to feel more in control of your life and your current situation.
VirtualAvailable

Often rebooked

$200/session

Warm
Authentic
Humorous

Specialties

Mood Disorders
Anxiety
Life Transitions
+9
Welcome to your first step into a new therapeutic journey. I aim to create a safe, compassionate therapeutic environment that allows you to explore strengths and empower you to have more control over your life. I have helped clients gain new skills and explore experiences that can get in the way of their current happiness. Whether they are struggling with depression, anxiety, identity, and/or relationships, I focus on helping clients feel happier and more confident in their everyday lives. After graduating from Northwestern University with a Master of Science in Marriage and Family Therapy, I have spent the last four years helping people struggling with acute depression and anxiety symptoms as well as any other symptom that has significantly impacted their lives. I have helped clients make life-changing steps toward recovery to create the lives they want to live.
VirtualAvailable

$75/session

Authentic
Direct

Specialties

Mood Disorders
Addiction
Anxiety
+5
My name is Javi Gonzalez, and I am a Hispanic therapist originally from Mexico. My personal and professional background has shaped the way I connect with clients, especially men from the Latino/Hispanic community who are navigating addiction, depression, cultural identity, family expectations, relationship conflict, anxiety, and stress. I understand that many Latino men are taught to stay strong, keep problems private, and carry emotional pain alone. In therapy, I work to create a space where clients can be honest without feeling judged. My style is direct, respectful, practical, and compassionate. I believe clients deserve both support and honest feedback as they work toward meaningful change and resolve your problems. My own life experiences have given me a deep respect for resilience, survival, and the effort it takes to build a different future. I know that issues like poverty, cultural pressure, family responsibility, community violence, immigration experiences, and addiction can deeply affect how a person sees themselves and relates to others. I help clients identify unhealthy patterns, develop better coping skills, improve communication, and build healthier relationships with themselves, their partners, and their families. I especially enjoy working with Spanish-speaking clients who want therapy that feels culturally familiar, honest, and focused on real-life progress. My goal is to help clients feel understood, take responsibility for change, and move toward a more stable, healthy, and meaningful life.
Available

$150/session

Solution oriented
Warm

Specialties

Mood Disorders
Anxiety
Bipolar Disorder
+6
My experience as a therapist is wide-ranging: I have worked in adult rehab, child development, college counseling, women's trauma recovery, and individual online and in-person work with teens, adults, and seniors. I currently work exclusively with adults and seniors in an online setting. I found my way to therapy living and working across three continents, through careers in the theatre, and in teaching at all levels up to post-graduate professional development. My clinical and life experiences have helped teach me the value of community, and a strong and dynamic sense of self-worth.
VirtualAvailable

Often rebooked

$150/session

Intelligent
Authentic
Open-minded

Specialties

Mood Disorders
Anxiety
LGBTQ
+10
Hello! I am an LCSW with over 10 years of mental health experience in a variety of settings and levels of care. I am a natural and empathetic listener, and am able to deeply connect with and understand others. I hold space with reverence and respect for your trust and bravery in showing up, and respond with genuine understanding, intelligence, insight, acceptance, and compassion. I seek to join with and help empower clients to recognize and question patterns within their own lives, and to use skills and different perspectives to create lasting change where desired.
VirtualAvailable

New to Grow

$170/session

Specialties

Mood Disorders
Anxiety
Autism
+10
I’m a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist who works with teens, adults, couples, and families navigating emotional and relational challenges. I specialize in neurodiversity, burnout, perfectionism, anxiety, depression, life transitions, attachment, and family dynamics. I enjoy supporting clients who have spent years feeling overwhelmed, misunderstood, or disconnected from themselves. With teens, I help navigate identity development, self-esteem, friendships, social skills, emotional regulation, and the challenges of finding their place in the world. With couples and families, I support communication, understanding each other’s needs, navigating conflict, and strengthening connection. I have a particular interest in supporting neurodivergent individuals, including those exploring their identity and making sense of their experiences in a way that feels affirming and empowering. My goal is to create a warm, collaborative space where clients can better understand themselves, their relationships, and what they need to thrive.
Available

Often rebooked

$185/session

Warm
Authentic
Empowering

Specialties

Mood Disorders
Family Conflict
Life Transitions
+10
Hello, my name is Sang Wu and I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) based in California. I received my Masters from Alliant International University and have been practicing for nine years. I work with adults who feel stuck in their current lives, and individuals who struggle with anxiety and depression. I assist in helping them navigate crucial moments, difficult forks in the road of life, uncertain futures, and help them live their best lives.
VirtualAvailable

Often rebooked

$150/session

Authentic
Humorous
Warm

Specialties

Mood Disorders
Child or Adolescent
Depression
+9
"Healing may not be so much about getting better, as about letting go of everything that isn't you – all of the expectations, all of the beliefs – and becoming who you are." - Rachel Naomi Remen Hello! I am Lauresha Hawkins, LCSW, MSW, MPH. I am the CE0 and Founder of Mental Wellness University, Licensed Clinical Social Worker Inc., which is located in California. I am licensed in the state of California and Alaska. I am independently contracted with Grow Therapy. With trust and rapport as the foundation of our therapeutic alliance, my approach is eclectic in style and based on meeting the unique needs of who I serve. Possessing a passion for serving and inspiring people from all walks of life, I have experience working with individuals who have challenges with anxiety, depression, mood disorders, trauma, substance abuse, and perinatal mental health disorders. With fifteen years of experience in the field of social work, I have dedicated eight of those years to providing mental health services as an associate and licensed mental health professional in various settings, including residential therapeutic treatment facilities, outpatient clinics, and hospitals. Currently, I hold a three-year license. My passion lies in serving youth, Transitional Age Youth (TAY), adults, and mature adults, particularly those who are vulnerable and at risk, such as the LGBTQIA+ community and individuals with dual diagnoses.
VirtualAvailable

Often rebooked

$150/session

Authentic
Warm
Empowering

Specialties

Mood Disorders
Depression
Older Adults
+5
Hi! I'm a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) based in California. I have been practicing for over 15 years. I work with young adults, adults and seniors dealing with the ups and downs of life. While my practice is general, my primary area of interest lies in understanding trauma and how it often manifests anxiety and depression. I am deeply invested in empowering clients to tap into their potential, challenge the narratives holding them back, and acquire the tools needed to lead fulfilling lives. At the heart of my practice is a deep belief in the power of reflection, self-awareness, and healing. I take a decolonizing approach to therapy, one that acknowledges the broader societal narratives shaping our sense of self while creating space for new, self-defined possibilities. I view therapy as a collaborative process rooted in trust, curiosity, and empowerment. Every person carries a story, and I am here to help you explore yours with compassion and intentionality.
VirtualAvailable

New to Grow

$180/session

Specialties

Mood Disorders
Substance Misuse
Trauma and PTSD
+10
Hi, I’m Bailey, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker who is passionate about supporting individuals as they navigate life’s challenges, heal from difficult experiences, and grow into the most authentic version of themselves. I have a background in leadership as a Clinical Director in inpatient substance use treatment, where I worked extensively with individuals experiencing co-occurring mental health concerns, addiction, and trauma. I strive to create a warm, supportive, and nonjudgmental space where clients feel safe to explore their emotions, build self-understanding, and develop healthy coping skills. My approach is compassionate, collaborative, and tailored to each client’s unique needs and goals.
Available

Often rebooked

$125/session

Direct
Warm
Intelligent

Specialties

Mood Disorders
Depression
Life Transitions
+6
I'm a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist who provides compassionate, evidence-based therapy using a holistic, trauma-informed approach. I understand that beginning therapy isn't easy, even for those who have previous experiences. I will take the time to ensure you feel comfortable and hear your story to help through any challenges that may be contributing to depression, anxiety or relationship concerns!
VirtualAvailable

$175/session

Warm
Authentic
Empowering

Specialties

Mood Disorders
Anxiety
Depression
+2
As a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, I help clients to overcome obstacles that get in the way of living wholeheartedly. I believe that we all possess extraordinary resiliency. As a Therapist, I empower clients with strategies that help build their resilience so they can find peace and happiness. I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in Arizona, Missouri, and California. I graduated from George Mason University with a Bachelor in Social Work and earned my Master of Social Work degree from San Francisco State University. My primary focus includes depression, anxiety, grief and loss, life transitions, and substance use disorders. My approach is strengths based and client centered using Solution Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT), Motivational Interviewing, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. I look forward to partnering with you on your healing journey.
VirtualAvailable

$140/session

Intelligent
Open-minded
Solution oriented

Specialties

Mood Disorders
Anxiety
Depression
+10
If you’re feeling anxious, overwhelmed, disconnected, or stuck in patterns you can’t seem to break, I can help. You might notice your mind is always “on,” your body feels tense, and you can’t shut off the worry. You may be navigating partner conflict, parenting stress, or growing distance within your family and aren’t sure how to repair it. I also work with people moving through major life transitions, breakups, grief, new parenthood, career changes, who feel unsteady, lost or unsure of who they are in the middle of it all. As a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with over 10 years of experience, I help individuals understand what’s fueling their stress, anxiety, and disconnection, and develop the tools to feel grounded, supported, and more in control of their lives again.
VirtualAvailable

$175/session

Open-Minded
Solution oriented
Authentic

Specialties

Mood Disorders
Anxiety
Depression
+10
Hi, my name is Karin (pronounced Ca-Lin). I am bilingual in Burmese and English and am both a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and a Licensed Professional Counselor. I strive to create a warm, inclusive environment where individuals from all backgrounds feel heard, valued, and respected. My approach is grounded in cultural awareness and appreciation, recognizing and honoring the unique experiences and perspectives each person brings to our work together. Are you feeling overwhelmed, anxious in social settings, or experiencing persistent sadness? Are you finding it difficult to balance your relationships, work, and overall well-being? Do you struggle to show yourself the same kindness you offer others? I support individuals who are experiencing anxiety and depression. Together, we will explore what may not be working and identify ways to help you regain a sense of balance. My approach integrates a whole-person perspective with Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), focusing on the connection between mind, body, and spirit.
VirtualAvailable

$205/session

Authentic
Solution oriented
Warm

Specialties

Mood Disorders
Anxiety
Depression
+10
Hi, I’m Dr. Amanda Hart, a Licensed Clinical Psychologist. I provide therapy for anxiety, depression, trauma, stress, and life transitions for adolescents and adults, including difficulty adjusting to changes in relationships, work, or daily life functioning. I also work with individuals seeking support for emotional regulation, coping skills, confidence, and improving overall daily functioning and performance in personal goals. My clinical experience includes both outpatient and inpatient mental health settings, allowing me to support a wide range of symptom severity and clinical needs. My approach is integrative and holistic, incorporating CBT, DBT, and mindfulness-based interventions. Treatment is tailored to each client’s goals and focuses on building practical coping strategies, self-compassion, and long-term emotional resilience. I strive to create a warm, supportive, and nonjudgmental space where clients feel understood and supported. My goal is to help you move forward with greater clarity, stability, and hope.
VirtualAvailable

Often rebooked

$175/session

Authentic
Solution oriented
Warm

Specialties

Mood Disorders
Addiction
LGBTQ
+9
My journey to becoming a therapist started 29 years ago on a personal recovery journey, recovering from personal trauma and addiction in the entire system growing up including family, and coming from a low SES background, therapy became a way to reconcile the change I was going through in my life. Working with and helping others has always been a calling of mine, and becoming a psychologist was a natural extension of that ongoing work on both myself and in my work with others. Beginning with a humanistic approach means meeting the client where they are at, and then conceptualizing the approach with a combination of humanistic and positive psychology, systems theory, and recovery-oriented systems of care.
VirtualAvailable
Frequently asked questions

When looking for online therapy, you can see anyone that is credentialed in California. We want you to find the best fit, therefore, Grow Therapy shows available therapists across California from San Francisco to San Diego! If you’d rather see someone in-person, you can change the filter from virtual and find a therapist near you in California.

When booking you’ll be asked to verify with your Member ID. However, if you don’t have any of the insurances available you can select cash. Our therapists will have their cost of appointment on their profile. Individual session costs will vary.

The specialty filter is optional. You don’t need to check any boxes to see a provider. However, fit is very important when selecting an online therapist. If you have knowledge or experience to recognize what specialties you may need. For example, your selected specialty, Mood Disorders, is filtering therapists in California that work with patients with similar concerns.

Finding a provider with a similar life experience can be beneficial because it can be easier to establish rapport and potentially be understood quicker and clearer.

Your first therapy session is for you and your therapist to meet each other and to ask any questions that you have about the counseling process. This is where you can expect your therapist to do the same as they will ask questions to gain insight into your specific situation. In this first session the therapist is doing their part to gather as much information so they can better assess if they are able to meet your therapeutic needs. Depending upon your provider's specialty, you may also discuss the methods the therapist will use. For additional information on therapy methods, please visit the Grow Therapy Help Center.Some people feel nervous before their first appointment, and that is totally normal! Coming prepared with a list of questions for your therapist may help. Remember, you're taking a brave step by seeking therapy, and it is okay to be nervous as you try something new.