Finding your happiness can be hard. Even if life is going good, depression and doubt can keep you down and prevent you from reaching happiness. A counselor based in Santa Monica can help you by trying to find your happiness. 

Santa Monica’s motto is “populus felix in urbe felice.” This translates to “Happy people in a happy city.” Of course, it’s hard to tell someone’s happiness. Even if they appear to be happy, they may not be. A counselor can be the person who helps you obtain your true happiness. All you need to do is to speak to a counselor in Santa Monica and figure out how you can find true happiness. Talk to one today. 

This is Brett Smith's avatar and link to their profile

Brett Smith

Offering therapy in CA
License: LMFT,CCHT
Stress, AnxietyFamily conflictsTrauma and abuseSelf esteemDepression
22 years of experience

Congratulations!!! You have just taken your first step towards an improved life! When we hurt our finger we are quick to go to the doctor for help, but when we suffer mental health concerns, we often, for many reasons, think we need to take this burden on ourselves. This is unfortunate as many mental health issues are successfully treated on a regular basis. So I congratulate you on your success at taking this first step. You are on this site because there is something in your life keeping you from the adventure life should be. Let me help you resolve this issue. I have been in the counseling field for approx. 20 yrs. I came to this field in an attempt to resolve my own issues with PTSD. I'm a combat veteran and a former law enforcement officer. I have an intimate understanding of trauma, both on the clinical side, and the side of the victim. My interest has been to explore the consequences of trauma, and how it affects our behavior. One of the most surprising things I learned, was how long the symptoms of trauma persist, and how involved they can be in our lives. As a result of this experience, I have worked most of my career assisting clients with personality disorders and trauma symptoms. My style is direct. I use primarily dialectical behavior therapy but will switch modalities if the situation needs flexibility. I have post-grad work in Hypnotherapy and am a Certified Clinical Hypnotherapist utilizing Ericksonian/transformational concepts. My skills are enhanced by my experience in working in emergency departments conducting emergency psychiatric assessments for patients in crisis. This has improved my diagnostic skills and has helped me unravel many difficult cases. In my personal life, my wife and I like to sail our own sailboat. In our future, we plan to live-aboard and travel the world. In addition to boating, we like to travel and spend time outdoors backpacking and kayaking. we stay active and outdoors as much as possible. My wife is retired from a life in law enforcement, and we both enjoy raising and training dogs. It has been a pleasure sharing a little bit about me, and I hope you contact me so, together, we can make life less of an ordeal and more the grand adventure it is supposed to be. I look forward to meeting you! Specialties Personality Disorders Trauma Treatment Relationships Anxiety/Depression

This is Sederia Moore's avatar and link to their profile

Sederia Moore

Offering therapy in CA
License: MSW,LCSW
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsLGBTGriefDepression
5 years of experience

Welcome, and thank you for reaching out! My name is Sederia Moore, and I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker licensed in Texas and California with over 5 years of experience working in the mental health field. I obtained my Master’s Degree in Social Work, focusing on Children and Families from the University of Southern California in 2012. I have worked with clients with a wide range of challenges, including depression, anxiety, addiction, stress, grief/loss, and life transitions. I also have experience and a passion for working with the LGBTQ+ population. My counseling style is nonjudgmental and integrative. I believe in meeting people where they are at, and helping clients access their internal compass to guide them toward solution. My primary therapeutic approaches are Acceptance and Commitment, and Mindfulness inspired treatment. I am also EMDR trained for those who are appropriate for this protocol. I believe that every person is unique, and therefore my treatment plans and support will be geared toward your specific needs. I applaud you for taking the first step in finding fulfillment and support in your life. Lets work together and build a trusting relationship that will help see you through your challenges, and support your continued emotional growth. I look forward to connecting with you!

This is Sarah Garlick's avatar and link to their profile

Sarah Garlick

Offering therapy in CA
License: LCSW
Family conflictsTrauma and abuseSleeping disordersParenting issues
3 years of experience

Welcome! My name is Sarah Garlick and I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) in California. I have experience working with clients from many different backgrounds both in program settings and in private practice. I graduated from Boston University, with a Master's in Clinical Social Work in 1999. I believe the first step to any successful therapy is creating a safe and supportive environment for the client. Within a trusting therapeutic relationship there is the opportunity for exploration and growth to occur. I strive to work collaboratively with my clients to overcome the barriers that keep them from having more fulfilling lives. I teach my clients concrete skills that they can use to deal with current issues, and challenges that may occur in the future. I provide compassionate solution-focused psychotherapy. I primarily use Cognitive Behavioral Therapy techniques, but tailor my approach to best meet the needs of my clients. My areas and issues of special interest include: - Insomnia - Anxiety - Parenting and Co-parenting - Building self confidence/self esteem - Depression - Trauma recovery - Life transitions

This is Dr. Tabitha Thompson's avatar and link to their profile

Dr. Tabitha Thompson

Offering therapy in CA
License: LCSW,EdD
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesFamily conflictsAnger managementSelf esteem
10 years of experience

Dr. Tabitha Thompson is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) who finds value in helping others see the strengths in themselves and achieve their personal and professional goals. In working with clients, the experience is a partnership in which Dr. Thompson works collaboratively with client to ensure the outcome is in the best interest of all involved stakeholders. Her passion is using relationship building techniques to work with people of varying ethnic and cultural backgrounds. Some of her personal values that influence lifelong decisions and clinical approaches are honesty and accountability. She truly believe that honesty should be the primary response for all situations that arise. With honesty and integrity, she is able model the exact behavior for others. There are two Gandhi quotes that most correlate with her personal philosophy and therapeutic style. They are “the difference between what we do and what we are capable of doing would suffice to solve most of the world’s problems” and “happiness is when what you think, what you say, and what you do are in harmony.” These are profound statements that encompass her personal values of honesty, work ethic and accountability as it relates to clinical guidance. As she continue to develop herself as a transformational leader and clinical therapist, Dr. Thompson continues to make every effort to improve in the eight emotional intelligence competencies including developing others, teamwork, collaboration, organized awareness, building bonds, visionary leadership, empathy, respect and open communication to create a positive and supportive learning environment. Her human relations approach is to utilize effective communication with all involved parties. This includes making sure all relevant parties are informed of all necessary information and time is permitted to discuss all pertinent opinions. An important part of communication is not only sharing your opinion but also being able to listen attentively to others’ viewpoints. This model best describes her ongoing attempts to use effective communication and a positive attitude to fulfill the client’s goals related to therapy and the best possible outcomes for all clients. In any given situation, clients should also expect Dr. Thompson to listen attentively to their opinions and always try to understand all angles of the situation. She will always advocate for the right decision to be made for the well-being and safety of all clients as well as provide opportunities for further education along the way. She is dedicated to developing client specific treatment plans and working collaboratively to create realistic expectations for clients so long term goals can be achieved. It takes great strength and an incredible amount of courage to seek help and take the first steps toward being your best you! I look forward to working collaboratively with you as you take these first steps! Also experienced in: Relationship issues , Family conflicts , Trauma and abuse , Grief , Parenting issues , Anger management , Self esteem , Bipolar disorder , Coping with life changes , ADHD , Adoption and Foster Care , Blended Family Issues , Caregiver Issues and Stress , Communication Problems , Family Problems , Guilt and Shame , Posttraumatic Stress , Self-Love Clinical approaches: Client-Centered Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Mindfulness Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, Psychodynamic Therapy, Solution-Focused Therapy

This is Camille Helland's avatar and link to their profile

Camille Helland

Offering therapy in CA
License: MFT
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsTrauma and abuseGriefSelf esteem
3 years of experience

I am a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in California. I work with clients who have a wide range of concerns including -- depression, anxiety, addictions, self esteem, lack of motivation, relationship issues, parenting problems, career challenges, loneliness and feelings of isolation. I also help people who have experienced physical trauma or emotional abuse. My counseling style is warm and interactive, mostly using approaches that combine cognitive-behavioral, DBT and humanistic counseling techniques, but I also use a few other eclectic methods when appropriate. It takes courage to seek a more fulfilling, happier life and take the first steps towards change. Together, we will develop goals for your unique and specific needs. If you are ready to take that step, I am here to support and empower you!

This is Regi Abraham's avatar and link to their profile

Regi Abraham

Offering therapy in CA
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesFamily conflictsDepressionCoping with life changes
30 years of experience

I am a licensed clinical social worker with more than 30 years of experience working in various settings such as psychiatric hospitals, group homes, military sites, and in a group practice. My professional journey has taken me from the East Coast (New Jersey) to the West Coast (California), and the Midwest (Minnesota, Indiana). I received my MSW degree from Washington University in St. Louis, Missouri. My interests as a therapist are in working with individuals to address depression, anxiety and panic disorders, adjustment issues, stress including occupational, relationship stressors including family of origin, grief/loss, and codependency issues. In the last 7 years, I have experience working with military families. I also provide Christian counseling as and when requested. I offer nurturing, compassionate, and supportive counseling.

This is Jack Light's avatar and link to their profile

Jack Light

Offering therapy in CA
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesFamily conflictsSelf esteemDepression
28 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 28 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, & motivation, self-esteem, and confidence. I believe in treating everyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion. I will tailor our dialog and treatment plan to meet your unique and specific needs. This will include helping you develop strategies and skills which you can implement throughout your life. It takes courage to seek a path towards wellness and to take the first steps towards understanding and healing oneself. I am here to walk with you on what will be an empowering journey. With couples I provide practical tools and strategies to improve communication, resolve conflicts, and rebuild trust and walk with both of you to take proactive steps towards a stronger resilient relationship. Couples seeking clarity discover unspoken concerns and issues stemming from navigating major life transitions. This joint path towards rediscovering shared values and the joy that brought you together. Where I have unique insight and expertise are with individuals and families experiencing emotional challenges in caring for an adult loved one with cognitive impairments, i.e., dementia, or Alzheimer’s disease. Also, I experience success with my clients in bridging interpersonal and cross generational concerns of persons and their families from diverse cultures, in addressing challenges of acculturation, assimilation, and acceptance of persons struggling with gaining a sense of community. Lastly, if you are a parent and there are concerns about relating to you children, of any age, I can address these challenges with you also from a developmental and experiential perspective. I congratulate you on your decision to seek out help and wish you success on this fulfilling journey.

This is Curtis Jefferson's avatar and link to their profile

Curtis Jefferson

Offering therapy in CA
Relationship issuesFamily conflictsTrauma and abuseParenting issuesDepression
4 years of experience

Hello! I am a Marriage and Family Therapist licensed in California with 4 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with Christian faith-related issues, family conflicts, relationship issues, trauma and abuse, & parenting issues. I am currently a certified level 1 Internal Family Systems therapist. I believe in people being a system of protective and wounded inner parts lead by a core Self. I believe the mind is intricately created and is multiple which is a good thing. Just like members of a family, inner parts are forced from their valuable states into extreme roles within us. Self is in everyone, it cannot be damaged and it knows how to heal the wounded parts. My therapy style is warm and compassionate, interactive and yet still challenging for growth. I believe in treating anyone with care, respect, sensitivity and compassion. I do not believe in stigmatizing labels, judgmental speech or invalidating someone's experience. My approach combines cognitive-behavioral, humanistic, psychodynamic and Internal Family Systems. I will tailor our dialog and treatment plan to meet your unique and specific needs. It takes courage to seek a more fulfilling and happier life and to take the first steps towards change. If you are ready to take that step, I am here to support and empower you. I look forward to working with you!

This is Diana Fischer's avatar and link to their profile

Diana Fischer

Offering therapy in CA
Stress, AnxietyFamily conflictsTrauma and abuseParenting issuesADHD
35 years of experience

I’m a marriage and family therapist practicing in California for over 30 years. I also provide coaching to families and parents as I see this as an effective way to move through the challenges families face today. I aspire to help parents feel confident and empowered as they become the agent for positive change in their family. I have stayed current as the times have changed and am aware of the ever-changing struggles the next generations are facing. The foundation of my work is to help individuals and families overcome the impact of multigenerational and sociological patterns of violence and addiction. My approach is heart centered and strength based with a firm belief that when one or all feels heard, supported, and believed in, a safe environment is created that leads to working collaboratively to build confidence and hope to create goals and achieve them.

This is Hugo Cabrera's avatar and link to their profile

Hugo Cabrera

Offering therapy in CA
Stress, AnxietySelf esteemCareer difficultiesDepressionCoaching
3 years of experience

I am a bilingual combat veteran licensed in California with 3 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, & motivation, self esteem, and confidence. I work with my clients to create an open and safe environment where thoughts and feelings can be shared without fear of judgment. Taking the first step to seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process.

How to find counseling in Santa Monica

Finding the best therapist close by in Santa Monica can feel challenging, but know that once you narrow your search for a counselor serving your area, you can find a therapist in your city that is accepting new clients and fits your goals. Whether you're struggling with depression, anxiety, marriage, family issues, or other emotional challenges, feel proud that you have begun your search to find the mental health care services that work best for you in order to begin your personal journey towards emotional healing.

Understanding the type of therapy you'd like to search for is crucial before finding a therapist or psychologist in Santa Monica. Perhaps you're interested in narrowing your search for a psychotherapist that can offer psychodynamic, cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), talk therapy, provide group therapy, marriage and family therapy for individuals or couples, or couples therapy. Each type of therapy can offer various benefits and address or treat different disorders. If you're still unsure or are new to counseling in Santa Monica, feel free to contact the provider via email to find out which methods they practice.

It is also important to understand that mental health professionals in the United States are accredited to provide care, helping individuals and couples, with a variety of licenses. These include licensed marriage and family therapist (LMFT), licensed clinical social worker (LCSW), and clinical psychologist or doctor of psychology (PsyD). Regardless of their licensure, they are trained to treat individuals and couples counseling, and sometimes children, in any type of therapy. Find a therapist under any of these distinctions and know that the sessions they offer can provide a safe place to heal.

Mental health professionals working through their own in- person therapy practice in Santa Monica or online may assist clients in improving healthy relationships, communication skills, working through life transitions, managing a mood disorder, improving coping skills, or change in negative thinking patterns. They may also provide a safe place and validation for clients experiencing emotional pain. Verified providers can provide licensed marriage and couples therapy, tailor to individual needs, and create a therapeutic relationship as a National Certified Counselor.

There are all kinds of therapists working with clients today across the United States and in the greater Santa Monica area in different types of therapy, including:

  • CBT
  • DBT
  • Substance use therapy
  • Couples therapy

When you're ready to start your search and find therapists, have in mind what type of therapy you'd like your provider to be most experienced with and choose an experienced provider with a practice located near you in the city of Santa Monica, elsewhere in Los Angeles, or in the greater state of California.

Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

Some other commonly asked questions on therapy with a licensed counselor and BetterHelp serving the Santa Monica area can be found below:

How does the cost of in-person counseling compare to the cost of BetterHelp with a licensed Santa Monica therapist?

The average price of an in-person therapy session in the US is $100 to $200 per hour. These prices may be higher in Santa Monica due to a higher cost of living. The price also depends on the type of provider you are looking for. See the following average prices for various mental health providers without insurance:

  • Counseling with a psychiatrist: $150-$500
  • Counseling with therapists: $100-300
  • Therapy with a psychologist: $100

While many psychologists in Santa Monica may not take health insurance, some in the state of California may work on a sliding scale, meaning they'll factor in your income and charge what you can afford per session. With BetterHelp or clinicians throughout the state of California you can expect significantly more affordable options, with sessions ranging from $65 to $100 per week (billed every four weeks).

How is a licensed therapist on this online therapy platform verified?

Therapists in Santa Monica, California working on BetterHelp are licensed, trained, experienced, and accredited as a doctor of psychology (PhD / PsyD), licensed marriage and family therapists (LMFT), licensed clinical social worker (LCSW / LICSW), or licensed professional counselors (LPC). All of these psychology clinicians have a Masters Degree or a Doctorate Degree in their field of psychology sciences, and follow the APA Code of Ethics. They have been qualified and certified by their state's professional board after successfully completing the necessary education, exams, training and practice with a patient, and extensive experience in a healthcare clinic or treatment centers, in order to become a mental health provider. While their lived experience, expertise, careers, and background vary, they all possess at least 3 years and 1,000 hours of hands-on experience with adult and sometimes teen patients, and have the necessary therapist credentials to provide a safe space for long lasting emotional healing in therapy. 

Please note BetterHelp does not offer or provide care from psychiatrists to prescribe a drug as treatment, or perform psychological assessments.

How does working with a counselor in BetterHelp online therapy sessions work?

BetterHelp clinicians treat clients online across the United States (individuals and couples) through life transitions, inner child exploration, long term depression or anxiety, and more. An online mental health professional, including the therapists in Santa Monica above, can work with young adults, children, adolescents, and adults virtually as an accredited licensed clinical social worker (LCSW) or licensed marriage and family therapist (LMFT). You do not have to commute to a an office as a psychotherapy client.

Through BetterHelp therapy, you can partake in video, phone, or live chat therapy sessions with your licensed therapist. You can work through various symptoms, use the in app journaling feature, and receive worksheets. You'll also find support groups or group therapy lead by a therapist in Santa Monica helping individuals on topics including managing life transitions, symptoms affecting sexual health, behavioral health, coping skills for anxiety or depression, trauma, stress, marriage counseling, and more. 

What mental health issues can psychotherapy address?

BetterHelp's verified Santa Monica therapists specialize and have clinical experience in a wide range of mental health issues and modalities, helping clients to feel better and improve their lives every day. See below for examples.

Specialties on BetterHelp include:

You may also be struggling with relationship problems that could be addressed in couples therapy or with a sex therapist. In that case, you may choose to work with one of BetterHelp's experienced cognitive-behavioral therapists or licensed marriage family therapists (LMFT) who work with clients in relationships. You can also try a Santa Monica therapy provider through BetterHelp's sister platform, ReGain, which is dedicated to couples and spouses worldwide. 

How do I know if online counseling is right for my family?

One of the potentially rewarding aspects of working with a therapist is the validation and active listening they can provide. Your friends and loved ones may also be available to listen, but you may feel that they may lack the skills to provide objective guidance. Counselors are trained to respond to various concerns, symptoms, and mental health conditions.

A psychologist in your city can support you toward a healthier emotional state, regardless of your mental health, life concerns, or healing needs. While supporting individuals in developing healthier habits, another good benefit of therapy is having an understanding, safe space with a non-judgmental party who can support you through challenging experiences.

Many people have sensitive topics that they may feel ashamed to discuss with their friends or partner. A Santa Monica therapist can help you confront these concerns and open up through unique methods of support. There are also many types of therapy, such as art therapy, where you may find you can express yourself through creativity instead of words.

With a lot of people in CA, providers may be booked out with clients. Through the list of profiles above and others within BetterHelp's team, you may be able to find a psychologist within 24 to 48 hours. If you're searching to find a a nearby psychotherapist close to 90403 or the surrounding zip codes, consider others available through the BetterHelp site. No matter if you are seeking help in your area or beyond, online therapy can be a great option.

How should I prepare for my first therapy session with a Santa Monica counselor?

Before seeing your therapist, prep for your session by reading to understand the therapy process. You might write a list of questions you want to ask your psychotherapist, any emotional pain you may feel, and the ways in which you hope to improve. When you attend your session, let them know if you have any concerns about therapy or feel unsure about what to talk about. They may help guide you with open-ended therapeutic questions. The first session will often serve as an intake to get to know you as a person and learn why you're attending therapy.

Should I find a therapist or psychologist if I feel fine? 

Some simply don't feel the need to see a psychologist. However, some people may avoid attending therapy due to stigma or preconceived notions of what therapy entails. Although psychologists often support people with mental health conditions, you do not need a diagnosis or condition to attend therapy. You can discuss grief, relationship concerns, stress, or life changes and ask for general feedback and advice. A Santa Monica licensed clinical social worker may help you gain power over your life and emotions while you navigate day-to-day experiences.

Gaining a new perspective on yourself through various therapies might allow you to improve your self-esteem, work through relationships, and gain a better sense of your mental health goals. The success you may find through therapy can be dependent on your process.

People may also attend therapy for specific motives, such as bullying, an autism diagnosis, a desire to learn mindfulness meditation, personality concerns, trouble with office workers, specific phobias, and many other principles.

Is mental health care and therapy worth it? 

Therapy is effective and has the power to change individuals' lives. Each client is at a different stage of their emotional healing journey in life, as each human can be unique in their personality, expression, skills, and goals. A psychologist can target various symptoms, experiences, and personalities to help you feel your best and put you on the path to healing. Unlike advice from a friend, family, or non-professional, a mental health professional has an understanding of various disorders like ADHD and depression with many hours of experience in treating adults in their practice. For this reason, seeing an evidence based psychologist in Santa Monica, California can be worth it. Over 41 million adults in the US attend therapy services each year, showing it's a popular option and is proven to be effective.

Santa Monica has many clinicians who practice person or client-centered individual therapy in-person and through online therapy to assist clients in their healing journey. If you opt into online therapy, you might also be able to meet with providers all over the United States and change therapists easily at any time. Many people struggling with anxiety and depression, substance abuse, body image issues, and more find therapists that are a good fit for them, feel supported, and gain further insight into their lives through internet-based therapy.

Do therapists judge you in therapy sessions?

The boundaries between you and a therapist are in place to help you and them regarding ethical concerns. Mental health professionals are held by ethical standards through the American Psychological Association (APA) and are not allowed to judge or harm their clients. If you are concerned about sharing details about yourself, feel free to withhold personal information. Their job in the therapeutic relationship is to create a safe place, help you gain a deeper understanding of your mental health, and support you. You might consider changing counselors if you don't feel safe or respected.

Stay up to date with the leading online counseling platform

To stay up to date with BetterHelp's initiatives through their social channels, you can follow them on PinterestLinkedInInstagramTwitter, and Facebook. For mental health tips, check out the BetterHelp YouTube channel.

Take some time today to learn more about the team of therapists at BetterHelp to understand the services available to you clearly. If you are new to therapy or have any questions about the services and terms, please reach out through the contact page or send an email to contact@betterhelp.com.

If you’re ready to sign up for online therapy, consider signing up with a platform like BetterHelp and get matched within 24 to 48 hours.

If you are experiencing a crisis or emergency, don't use this site's online services. If you are in life-threatening danger, call 911. If you require support for a crisis, reach out to the hotlines below:

A woman meets with a therapist online in her home city of Santa Monica.

Below are some of the zip codes served by BetterHelp therapists in Santa Monica:

90401, 90402, 90403, 90404, 90405, 90406, 90407, 90408, 90409, 90410, 90411

Find the right therapist for your needs
Match with a qualified therapist