Seeking a skilled therapist can be a step toward self-discovery and a satisfying life. Whether you want to manage life stress, overcome trauma, or improve your intimate relationships, a therapist can help you navigate life in a way that considers your unique preferences and emotional needs.
When looking for a therapist in Santa Monica, CA, it may be beneficial to consider telehealth services. Barriers to in-person therapy, like financial challenges, the hustle of a career in the business world, or a lack of available providers near you, may make it difficult to find support in your area. Many therapists aim to aid in the therapeutic process by offering convenient care from the client’s home.
Regardless of where you live in Los Angeles, whether it’s Beverly Hills, Santa Monica, Hollywood, or another neighborhood, having at-home access to modalities like cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), sex therapy, and trauma-informed care may cut out an extra commute to appointments each week and reduce costs spent on parking and transportation.
The following licensed therapists, counselors, psychologists, and social workers offer internet-based mental healthcare in Santa Monica, CA. To learn more about a therapist, open their profile to read about their experience, areas of expertise, and licensure. You can also find reviews from clients who are living proof of the benefits of receiving mental healthcare online.
Denae Leigon
I am a family and marriage counselor licensed in California with over 30 years experience. I worked for 19 years as a therapist and supervisor at a county Children's Mental Health Department. While there I had the opportunity to lead parenting classes, lead support groups, and work with clients to improve communication and stability. The couples and families presented with a range of concerns including depression, anxiety, relationship issues, parenting problems, adoption issues, attachment issues, abuse and trauma, and ADHD. In addition, I was the therapist for Juvenile Hall. My counseling style is compassionate and open. I use a Cognitive Behavioral Therapy approach that is client driven. I know it takes courage to be vulnerable and I strive to provide a safe and trusting connection in order to benefit my client. The road to growth can be challenging and exciting, but it can lead to the life you have envisioned. I am here to support you on that path.
Tara Tobin
Hello, my name is Rhiannon (I go by my middle name). I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) in California. I have been providing therapy since 2005, primarily working with children, adolescents, parents, families, and couples. I specialize in helping children, teens, and young adults dealing with anxiety, depression, and attention difficulties as well as assisting parents with skills to help their children develop emotionally, academically, and socially. My passion is to help all ages learn effective coping strategies to manage challenges related to focus, anxiety, depression, and anger/aggression. Another strong focus of my practice is with couples and the various relationships in our lives. Here, learning and mastering positive and effective communication and problem-solving skills is key to creating supportive partnerships and increasing our quality of life. Originally from New York, I obtained my Bachelor’s degree in Psychology with a Minor in Studio Art in Baltimore, Maryland, and then obtained my Master’s degree in Marital and Family Therapy with a concentration in Art Therapy from Loyola Marymount University in Los Angeles, California. I utilize interventions from cognitive-behavioral therapy, solution-focused therapy, family systems theory, art therapy, and mindfulness practices. These approaches support the processes of increasing awareness of our thoughts, feelings, and behaviors, developing more effective strategies/skills to make changes and reach personal goals, and ultimately lead to a sense of feeling more balanced and satisfied with our lives. I believe that in order for the therapeutic process to be successful, we will focus on your strengths and you being the “expert” in your life. As a facilitator of growth and awareness, I look forward to working with you!
Janet Giles
Hello My name is Janet Giles and I am a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in California. My experience has been in a variety of clinical settings over the past 20 years. I have also taught psychology courses as an adjunct professor for National University in their counseling program. Courses include Lifespan Development, Child and Adolescent Development, Theories of Personality and Psychopathology. It can be intimidating to take the first step toward personal growth and healing, so I congratulate you for your courage. It is my goal to create the most comfortable and safe environment for our work together. Some areas of expertise include parenting, relationship issues, victims of abuse and domestic violence, anxiety and depression. I have worked with people that just need some extra support as they face a new life challenge, as well as those suffering great loss and hardships. My approach varies due to the issue of focus. I primarily utilize a combination of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Client and Strength Based, and Mindfulness interventions. However, other modalities are drawn upon if indicated. I am also an artist and have been accepted into several art exhibitions. I try to bring my sense of creativity into the therapeutic process. I also enjoy sewing, knitting and a good game of chess. It is my belief that the therapeutic relationship is vital to the success of treatment. I look forward to our meeting and will be honored to join you on your journey toward wellness and a more fulfilling life.
Hiroko Makiyama
I am licensed in California with 17 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients coping with addictions. I believe that you are the expert of your story and that you have many strengths that will assist you in overcoming things that challenge you. Taking the first step to seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process.
Sirena Campagna
I am a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in California with 7 years of professional work experience. My therapeutic approach is through a trauma informed lens. My primary theoretical approaches are Person-Centered, Attachment, and Psychodynamic with trainings in CBT (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy) and TF-CBT (Trauma Focused CBT). I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, & trauma and abuse. I have six years of experience as a mental health clinician where I primarily worked with families, teens, and young adults within a non-profit organization. Additionally, within those six years, I worked as a clinician at a high school, for four years, where I engaged with students in coping with mental health conditions that are common for that developmental stage due to stressors (e.g. depression, trauma, social anxiety, ADHD, ODD, and OCD), as well as collaborated with school staff in support of the students. In the last year of my professional experience, I transitioned to a private practice to continue to diversify and build on my current clinical experience working with clients ranging from ages 6 to 60. I have experience providing family, individual, and couple’s counseling. I focus on the therapeutic relationship where I connect with each of my clients personally through their interests, strengths, passions, and values. I prioritize establishing a safe space for people to be authentic and engage in self-exploration (i.e. who they are/how they want to show up in the world). I believe that if you carry your genuine self to any life role that decision-making, coping with mental health, family conflict, etc. will be more effectively navigated from a strong sense of self. I believe that you are the expert of your story and that you have many strengths that will assist you in navigating life challenges. Each person has the wisdom within to answer questions and navigate life – my role as a guide is to support and facilitate clients to build a healthy relationship with themselves and then with others. Taking the first step to seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process.
Rebecca Santana
With an all-encompassed approach that utilizes traditional psychotherapy informed through a humanistic and postmodern-lens, my practice engages clients in effort to build resilience, promote self-expression & insight, and impart legacy. Within my capacity as a Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist (LMFT 124237) and Registered Art Therapist (ATR 18-484), I demonstrate mastery in working with individuals and families experiencing acute & chronic illness, complex trauma, grief, serious mental illness (SI, HI, ED) and co-morbidity, with a trauma-informed and empathetic approach. You have accomplished so much thus far by reaching out for help, and that is admirable. I can already discern that you are a thoughtful individual who is deserving of the validation and love you put into the world. I hope to have the pleasure of working with you.
Matthew Lehman
I am licensed in California and Illinois with 10 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, anger management, & depression. I believe that you are the expert of your story and that you have many strengths that will assist you in overcoming things that challenge you. It takes courage to seek out a more fulfilling and happier life and to take the first steps towards a change. I am here to support & empower you in that journey.
Alicia Romero
I am licensed in California with 18 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, trauma and abuse, motivation, self esteem, and confidence, & depression. 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. Trained/Informed in EMDR, Brainspotting, Gottman Method, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, Emotionally Focused Therapy and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy.
Michael Rice
I am licensed in California with 21 years of professional work experience. I specialize in treating trauma and depression and use breathwork for anxiety. I have a holistic and spiritual approach and believe that conscious contact with a Higher Power can help you do things you are incapable of doing on your own. To that end i use Soulwork and Alchemical hypnotherapy to help you become familiar with all the parts of yourself so you can incorporate your Soul into daily life. I do Transpersonal therapy or Spiritual therapy. 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. I do EMDR and am also a Ketamine Assisted Therapy provider.
Sky Ross
I am licensed in California with 7 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, lgbtq+ related issues, trauma and abuse, & sleeping disorders. 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 a therapist for 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 with therapists in Santa Monica that work best for you in order to begin your personal journey towards emotional healing with a therapist.
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 (CBT), talk therapy, provide group therapy, marriage and family therapy for individuals or couples, or couples therapy. Each type of support of this kind with BetterHelp therapists 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 for therapists. 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 able to treat individuals and couples counseling, and sometimes children, in any type of therapy in the Santa Monica region and in the state of California. Find a therapist under any of these distinctions and know that the sessions they offer can provide a safe place to heal.
A mental health counselor 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, couples counseling, managing a mood disorder, improving coping skills, self help tips, offer life coaching, family therapy, or change in negative thinking patterns. A Santa Monica therapist may also provide a safe place and validation for clients experiencing emotional pain, or that simply want a psychological assessment. Verified providers and therapists 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 offering:
- CBT
- DBT
- Substance use therapy
- Couples therapy
When you're ready to start your search keep in mind what support 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. Get matched with one of the therapists working on the BetterHelp platform today.
Frequently asked questions (FAQs) about therapists and mental health services
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 with a therapist compare to the cost of BetterHelp with a licensed Santa Monica therapist?
The average price of an in-person therapy session in the US with most therapists is $100 to $200 per hour. These prices may be higher in Santa Monica due to a higher cost of living, and a limited number of therapists taking new clients. 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 a BetterHelp therapist throughout the state of California you can expect significantly more affordable options, with therapists sessions ranging from $65 to $100 per week (billed every four weeks).
How is a licensed therapist on this Santa Monica 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. Therapists 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, therapists here 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 Santa Monica psychiatrists to prescribe a drug or medication as treatment, or perform psychological assessments and other psychiatric services.
How does working with a professional counselor in BetterHelp online therapy sessions work?
BetterHelp clinicians and therapists treat clients online across the United States (individuals and couples) through life transitions, inner child exploration, long term depression or anxiety, post traumatic stress disorder, 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 helping individuals on topics including managing life transitions, symptoms affecting sexual health, behavioral health, coping skills for anxiety, depression, trauma, stress, marriage counseling, and more. Get matched today.
What mental health issues can psychotherapy address with the help of psychologists?
BetterHelp's verified 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.
Our therapists specialties on BetterHelp include:
- Cognitive behavioral therapy - This is provided by professional counselors, helping clients identify and change negative thought patterns through structured sessions.
- Behavior therapy - Behavior therapy techniques are used to help clients modify harmful behaviors and develop healthier habits, often through the guidance of a professional counselor.
- EMDR therapy - EMDR therapists assist clients in processing traumatic memories to alleviate emotional distress and improve overall well-being, utilizing the expertise of a professional counselor.
- Talk therapy - Clients explore their feelings and develop strategies for dealing with various mental health issues, often guided by a professional counselor.
- Depression - This counseling is designed to help individuals manage symptoms of depression and improve their mood and functioning, often working closely with a professional counselor.
- Anxiety disorders - Sessions for anxiety disorders, offer strategies to manage and reduce anxiety symptoms effectively, often through counseling sessions with a professional counselor.
- Stress - Tools and techniques to help clients cope with stress and improve their mental resilience, frequently under the supervision of a professional counselor.
- Eating disorders - Professionals experienced in eating disorders offer specialized counseling to address unhealthy eating patterns and body image issues, with the support of a professional counselor.
- Grief - Support and guidance are offered to clients experiencing grief, helping them navigate the stages of loss, often in collaboration with a counselor.
- Attachment therapy - Therapists use this to help clients understand and improve their emotional bonds and relationships, often with the assistance of a counselor.
- Relationships - Therapists work with clients to improve communication, resolve conflicts, and strengthen their connections with others, often using the skills of a counselor.
- Children, adolescents, and teens - Therapists specializing in youth therapy address the unique mental health needs of children, adolescents, and teens, often involving a counselor in the process.
- Addiction (substance abuse) - Therapists offer counseling for addiction, helping clients overcome substance abuse and maintain long-term recovery, often under the guidance of a counselor.
- Divorce - Therapists support individuals through the emotional and practical challenges of ending a marriage, often working with a psychologist to provide comprehensive care.
- Trauma or PTSD - Therapists specializing in trauma and PTSD help clients process traumatic experiences and reduce their symptoms, frequently collaborating with a psychologist.
- Bipolar disorder - Therapists provide counseling to manage the mood swings and challenges associated with bipolar disorder, often in consultation with a psychologist.
- Psychodynamic treatment - Therapists use psychodynamic treatment to explore unconscious processes and how they affect current behavior, often guided by psychologists.
- Career counseling - Therapists assist clients in making informed decisions about their professional paths and resolving work-related issues, often with the help of psychologists.
- Alcohol use disorders - Therapists offer specialized counseling to help clients manage and overcome alcohol use disorders, frequently under the supervision of psychologists.
- OCD - Therapists provide strategies and support to manage obsessive-compulsive disorder symptoms, often via psychotherapy.
- ADHD - Therapists offer counseling to help clients with ADHD improve focus, organization, and overall functioning, often via psychotherapy.
- Mood disorders - Therapists work with clients to stabilize and improve mood through various therapeutic approaches, frequently in psychotherapy.
- Sex addiction
- Complex trauma
- Life transitions
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 provider through BetterHelp's sister platform, ReGain, which is dedicated to couples and spouses worldwide with licensed therapists.
How do I know if online counseling is right for my family in Santa Monica?
One of the potentially rewarding aspects of working with a Santa Monica 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 and therapists are trained to respond to various concerns, symptoms, and mental health conditions.
Therapists 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 Santa Monica 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 psychotherapist.
With a lot of people in CA, therapists may be booked out with clients. Through the list of profiles or therapists 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 90406 or the surrounding zip codes, consider others available through the BetterHelp site where you can schedule a session based on your and the therapist's schedule. No matter if you are seeking help from therapists 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 Santa Monica therapist, prep for your session by reading to understand the 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, you can let our therapists know if you have any concerns or feel unsure about what to talk about. Santa Monica therapists here may help guide you with open-ended therapeutic questions while offering mental health services. 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 for therapy 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 it might entail. Although psychologists often support people with mental health conditions, you do not need a diagnosis or specific condition. You can discuss grief, relationship concerns, stress, or life changes and ask for general feedback. 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 with a Santa Monica counselor 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 that a counselor can help with.
Is mental health care and therapy with a therapist worth it?
Therapy with a licensed counselor 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 therapist 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 sessions 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 during telehealth appointments?
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 for Santa Monica, California
To stay up to date with BetterHelp's initiatives through their social channels, you can follow them on Pinterest, LinkedIn, Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook. For mental health tips, check out the BetterHelp YouTube channel.
Take some time today to learn more about the team of Santa Monica 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 to customer service 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:
- National Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-799-SAFE (7233)
- National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-TALK (8255)
- Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741741
- Veterans Crisis Line: Call 1-800-273-8255 (and press 1) or text 838255. For support for the deaf and hard of hearing community, please use your preferred relay service or dial 711 then 1-800-273-8255.
- Trevor Lifeline (LGBTQ Lifeline): (866)488-7386
- SAMHSA National Helpline (Substance Use): (800)662-4357
- National Eating Disorder Association Helpline:1-800-931-2237 (M-Th: 9 AM-9 PM EST, Fri 9 AM - 5 PM EST)
- Child Help Hotline: Call 1-800-422-4453 or use the online chat feature
- National Anti-Hazing Hotline for young adults, adolescents, and adults: 1-888-NOT-HAZE (1-888-668-4293)
- Physician Crisis Support Line: Contact 1-888-409-0141 if you are a first responder or medical provider experiencing crises related to Covid-19
- Sexual Assault Hotline: Call RAINN at 1-800-656-4673
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