Why Finding the Right Therapist Matters
We don’t really talk about how hard it is to find the right therapist. People just say, “You should talk to someone.” But who? Just some person that is sitting in the Starbucks? Or just do a search online and take your pick out of the top 15? Then add to that, you are looking for a therapist that takes Medi-Cal, and most profiles don’t mention it.
The truth is, finding the right therapist is an act of courage. especially when you’re doing it not in the middle of calm waters, but while trying to keep your head above them. And when Medi-Cal is part of the equation, the process can feel even more complicated, even though it shouldn’t.
Find a Therapist Who Takes Medi-Cal: Start Here
Therapy is not just a place to vent. It’s not a spew session. It’s where our unseen patterns (the ones that quietly run our lives) get unpacked. It takes an experienced guide with a professional background to help us track down what direction we are going and how to change it. For people navigating depression, anxiety, life changes, trauma or even addiction, this can be where healing starts.
And yes, it can be covered by Medi-Cal.
How to Start Looking Without Losing Your Mind
Start simple. Go to the Medi-Cal website or your county mental health department’s page. Look for their provider directory or search tool. Most counties have a behavioral health access line you can call to speak to someone who will help you navigate the system—and who knows, maybe even talk to you like a human being.
Next, make a shortlist. Google things like “therapists that take Medi-Cal near me,” or “Medi-Cal counseling services in [your city]” and write down the names of clinics or providers that come up.
You don’t have to marry any of them yet—just gather information. The right person for you, or your child, or your struggling family member, is somewhere in that list.
You’re allowed to take your time. You’re allowed to ask questions. If you want to skip some of the, call us here at Redwood Counseling. We are therapists who take Medi-Cal for all our mental health and counseling services: 951-652-2600.
Verifying Medi-Cal Coverage for Counseling
Once you’ve got a few names, call them.
This is the part where you’re going to feel like you’re doing customer service work for your own soul. Ask plainly: “Do you accept Medi-Cal?” If they hesitate, move on.
You’re looking for people who can say yes without the pause.
And then—and this matters—ask what services they offer under Medi-Cal. Because Medi-Cal isn’t just therapy. It can cover outpatient addiction counseling, mental health treatment for kids, psychiatric evaluations, even case management.
Mental Health Services Covered by Medi-Cal
The good news is that Medi-Cal does cover a surprising range of services.
Not everything, but more than people think. And these aren’t just bandaid solutions—they’re evidence-based, structured, and meaningful when done well.
You may be able to access:
- Individual therapy
- Group therapy
- Psychiatric assessments
- Medication management
- Mental health treatment for kids and teens
- Family therapy
- Crisis intervention
It’s okay if you didn’t know this. Most people don’t. But this is your reminder that help can be real and reachable, and covered by insurance you already have.
Ask the Right Questions
Finding a therapist is not like picking a dentist or the restaurant you want to go to for dinner. It’s more like hiring someone to help you rebuild the scaffolding of your emotional house. So don’t be afraid to interview them a little.
Ask things like:
- “Have you worked with people who’ve experienced addiction?”
- “Do you have experience with mental health treatment for kids?”
- “Do you offer trauma-informed care?”
- “How long is the waitlist?”
If something feels off, keep looking. Therapy is too important to settle for a maybe.
There’s Help in Southern California—and We Accept Medi-Cal
At Redwood Counseling, we believe that healing should be available to anyone who needs it. We accept Medi-Cal and offer compassionate, evidence-based mental health services for individuals and families throughout Southern California.
If you’re tired of waiting, circling, second-guessing, and stressing over the crazy costs—we’re here, and we pick up the phone.
Call Redwood Counseling at 951-652-2600.
