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.

This is Karen Fincher's avatar and link to their profile

Karen Fincher

Clinical therapist offering therapy in CA, Santa Monica
Counselor License Type(s): MA, MAC,LMFT
Stress, AnxietyParenting issuesAnger managementCoping with life changesCoaching
11 years of experience

I am a marriage and family therapist licensed in California. I have been working in the mental health field for many years now focusing on supporting individuals, couples, and families with overcoming various challenges and reclaiming quality of life. I have worked with clients with a wide range of challenges including addictions, anger, anxiety, depression, stress, relationship issues, parenting, and family conflict. I have also helped people with emotional and physical trauma. My counseling style is warm, interactive, and empathetic. I believe in treating everyone with respect, sensitivity, compassion, and being non-judgmental. My interactive approach combines cognitive-behavioral, solution focused, and family therapy modalities with a focus on acceptance and unconditional positive regard. I will work with you to identify your strengths and tailor treatment to your specific needs. It takes courage to acknowledge a need for change, and begin to work toward a more fulfilling and happier life. If you are ready to take that first step, I am here to support and empower you. I look forward to working with you! "No matter what people tell you, words and ideas can change the world." - Robin Williams

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Stephanie Mora

Clinical therapist offering therapy in CA, Santa Monica
Counselor License Type(s): MA,LMFT
Stress, AnxietyLGBTRelationship issuesTrauma and abuseEating disorders
11 years of experience

I take a humanistic and person-centered approach to therapy. In humanistic psychology the belief is that each person is a distinct, individual being. A humanistic approach focuses on understanding ourselves and our complex emotions in relation to the broader aspects of our lives including relationships, career, family systems, and society. In non-clinical terms, I believe that our life experiences help shape us and it’s important to understand how the emotions and thoughts derived from those experiences impact us in the present. It’s important to me that any prospective client knows that I value connection in the therapy room. I have always believed that the most important aspect of good or effective therapy is the therapeutic relationship held between therapist and client. If I want to help a potential client explore and understand complex emotions, thoughts, and experiences then it’s essential that they feel comfortable doing so. I pride myself on developing strong connections with my clients. Taking a person-centered approach to therapy means knowing that each individual client will process and experience emotions in a different way. I will utilize different therapeutic interventions based on individual client needs because I don’t think there is a one size fits all answer to progress. I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) in the state of California. In California, LMFT’s are governed by the Board of Behavioral Sciences. I received my Bachelors of Arts degree in Psychology and Social behavior from University of California, Irvine and I received my Masters of Arts degree in Clinical Psychology with a specialization in Child Studies from Antioch University, Los Angeles. I have ten years of experience working in various mental health settings including residential, Partial Hospitalization Programs (PHP)/Intensive Outpatient Programs (IOP), community based, school based, and outpatient therapy centers. I have extensive experience working with issues related to self-injurious (also known as self-harming) behaviors, suicidal ideation, depression, anxiety, different forms of abuse, sexual assault, body image, and gender identity and/or sexuality exploration. I also have extensive experience working with teenagers and young adults ranging from ages 13 to 22. I worked in Eating Disorder specific programs for multiple years where I was a Primary Therapist, but also led therapy groups focused on self-compassion and body image. I developed passion in certain areas based on a mixture of my professional and personal experiences. My passion for certain areas helped me develop my specialties and seek out in depth training in therapeutic interventions related to those specific specialties. My specialties are adolescent concerns (teenagers), trauma, eating disorders, body image issues, and anxiety. I am trained in Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), Internal Family Systems (IFS), Trauma Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT), and Motivational Interviewing.

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This is Jackie M O'Malley Gomez's avatar and link to their profile

Jackie M O'Malley Gomez

Clinical therapist offering therapy in CA, Santa Monica
Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseDepressionADHD
25 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 25 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping both adolescents and adults with stress and anxiety, childhood trauma and abuse, & depression. I also have experience working with post traumatic stress disorder, (PTSD), as well as concentration, memory and focus (ADHD). 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 sign up for therapy can take courage and I am proud of you for getting started!

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Lauren Prina

Clinical therapist offering therapy in CA, Santa Monica
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesFamily conflictsTrauma and abuseDepression
4 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 4 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, & trauma and abuse. 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. 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.

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This is Rosalba Rios's avatar and link to their profile

Rosalba Rios

Clinical therapist offering therapy in CA, Santa Monica
Stress, AnxietyFamily conflictsTrauma and abuseGriefDepression
12 years of experience

I am a licensed Marriage & Family Therapist with over 12 years of professional experience coming alongside clients on their journey towards change and wholeness. 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 satisfying life. On a professional level, my experience encompasses working with adults and college-age young adults with stress, relational conflict, anxiety, trauma, and grief/loss. I pay attention to how client's past experiences may present themselves in the client's present realities and assist clients gain greater awareness of these dynamics. I also incorporate a culturally competent approach to therapy that can include a client’s faith tradition or spirituality, ethnic and cultural background, disability identity, and/or sexual and gender identity. I am here to support and empower you through your journey.

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Sharmie Silva

Clinical therapist offering therapy in CA, Santa Monica
Relationship issuesFamily conflictsParenting issuesSelf esteemCoping with life changes
15 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 20 years of professional work experience, primarily as a school social worker and school counselor working with teens and their families. I’m excited to also branch out and provide therapy to young adults, adults and couples. I have experience working with a variety of issues; from grief & loss, PTSD, ADHD, depression and anxiety to family conflicts, blended families, separation/divorce and co-parenting, as well as with issues impacting self-esteem, and confidence. I’m excited to work with clients to create an open and safe environment toward better self-expression, understanding & growth! ** I work part-time for BetterHelp and have limited availability. However, during June and July I have some additional time slots available, in which I can offer new clients approximately 4-6 sessions. If you are currently in need of short-term therapy to deal with a particular situation/issue, please feel free to book an open time slot. If you are looking to continue with the same therapist for more than 6 sessions, I most likely won't be able to accommodate on-going sessions after mid August, and I would recommend letting BetterHelp know to match you with a different therapist who has more on-going availability. Feel free to message me on this platform if you have any questions or need further clarification. Take good care!

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This is Jessica Alfaro's avatar and link to their profile

Jessica Alfaro

Clinical therapist offering therapy in CA, Santa Monica
Stress, AnxietyFamily conflictsParenting issuesSelf esteemDepression
15 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 15 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, family conflicts, parenting issues, & 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. 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.

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This is Hong Zhang's avatar and link to their profile

Hong Zhang

Clinical therapist offering therapy in CA, Santa Monica
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesTrauma and abuseGriefParenting issues
5 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 5 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, trauma and abuse, & coping with grief and loss. 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.

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This is Joe "Joseph" Raphael's avatar and link to their profile

Joe "Joseph" Raphael

Clinical therapist offering therapy in CA, Santa Monica
Stress, AnxietySelf esteemCareer difficultiesCoping with life changesCoaching
15 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 15 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, motivation, self esteem, and confidence, career difficulties, & coping with life changes. 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. Taking the first step to seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process.

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This is Terri Lee's avatar and link to their profile

Terri Lee

Clinical therapist offering therapy in CA, Santa Monica
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesCareer difficultiesCoping with life changesCoaching
20 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 20 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, career difficulties, & coping with life changes. 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.

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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 90408 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:

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

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