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 Dr. Wanda Boutte's avatar and link to their profile

Dr. Wanda Boutte

Offering therapy in CA
License: wandaboutte@sbcglobal.net, EDD, LCSW
LGBTFamily conflictsGriefEating disordersDepression
20 years of experience

As a compassionate supportive therapist, over the past 20 plus years, I have counselled clients from diverse backgrounds with a wide variety of issues and backgrounds. I am competent in providing therapeutic services to individuals, adolescents, and families with an array of diverse psychosocial and mental health needs. My specialties are working with Addictions, Grief/Loss, Medical conditions, Mid-Life Crisis, Abuse, Relational issues, Parent-Teen issues, Self-esteem, Victims of Crime, Mood Disorders, Faith, LBGT, including Life Coaching, professional, communication, and career planning.

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John Machikawa

Offering therapy in CA
License: LCSW
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsTrauma and abuseBipolar disorderDepression
16 years of experience

Hi there, My name is John Machikawa, a licensed therapist. I have extensive experience working with clients coping with mood disorders, personality disorders, and substance use. I have completed a Master's Degree from Washington University in St Louis and an undergraduate degree from the University of Southern California. I have served as a clinical supervisor and clinical consultant for over nine years at community outpatient clinics and community based adult service centers. In our initial session, I'll complete an initial evaluation to understand your personal history, family background, occupation, current health, substance abuse, trauma, educational background, mental health treatment, suicidal thoughts, and relationships. After the initial evaluation is completed, we will have a comprehensive overview. Our sessions can include processing your thoughts and feelings, exploring maladaptive behavior patterns, psychoeducation, symptom management, increasing coping skills, recognizing your triggers, challenging thought patterns, and reducing barriers to positive change. As your therapist, I am here to provide a safe space for you to explore your life story. I want to ask you about your childhood to find out how that is affecting your current life. I want to learn about your strengths as well as weaknesses. I want to learn about what motivates you so that you can take a new path where life has added meaning and fulfillment. I am here to provide you support, validation, comfort, listen to your thoughts, process difficult memories, and to work toward achieving your goals.

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Magdalena Orr

Offering therapy in CA
License: MS,LMFT
Stress, AnxietyGriefSelf esteemDepressionCoping with life changes
19 years of experience

All of us need support at different times through our lives. The ability to see this and ask for help is a powerful statement of owns health. My intention is to create safe and compassionate space for each individual to examine their life experiences and support them as they embark on a journey toward self discovery and wellness. As a therapist for 20 years I worked with individuals, youth and couples dealing with wide range of issues such as: stress, anxiety, depression, grief, life transitions, parenting and more. My approach is holistic and I utilize variety of therapeutic modalities (CBT, ACT, Client centered, Psychodynamic, Mindfulness) to help access your strengths, trust your own personal inner guidance to lead you through difficult times. My goal is to work side by side with you and support you in discovering new ways of being, challenging old beliefs and rules that no longer serve you.

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Holly Henderson

Offering therapy in CA
License: MA,LMHC
LGBTFamily conflictsTrauma and abuseSelf esteemDepression
19 years of experience

Welcome! It's a big step to seek out counseling, and I want to share about my experience so you can decide whether I might be a good match for your counseling needs. I am available for counseling by text, chat, video, and phone. At this time I am offering live sessions on weekend mornings (until 12pm Eastern time) and messaging at anytime. I have a Master's Degree in Clinical Psychology from Antioch University Seattle, following a Bachelor's degree in Psychology from the University of Florida, with a minor in Women's Studies and Gender Issues. I have been working in the field since 2003 in a variety of settings -- ranging from inpatient, mobile crisis, and triage to community-based counseling, home-based counseling, residential, and telehealth; with children, adolescents, adults, and families. My passion lies in working with clients to uncover their true identity -- who they really are and who they can become once the severity of depression, anxiety, and trauma have been processed and alleviated. I approach therapy from a strengths-based, client-centered perspective, offering every client unconditional positive regard, respect, encouragement, and hope. Some of the tools I use include CBT, Trauma-Focused CBT, knowledge of family systems and intergenerational trauma, communication skills, and mindfulness. Also, I believe that humor in therapy is seriously underrated... We are a team, and my goal is to help you achieve your goals. My hope is for you to bring your whole self to therapy so that we can work together to help you be as whole as you can be. Let's do this.

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Dr. Katherine (Kate) Bergam

Offering therapy in CA
Stress, AnxietySleeping disordersSelf esteemCareer difficultiesADHD
22 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 22 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with isolation, depression, and anxiety, insomnia, stress, self love, life purpose & coping with symptoms. 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 sign up for therapy can take courage and I am proud of you for getting started!

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Vanda Kim

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

I am licensed in California and have 16 years of combined experience working with youth and adults of all ages on various mental health issues. I have worked with diverse populations in special education, clinical settings, and private practice, helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, motivation, self-esteem, and confidence. My counseling style is non-judgmental and open-minded, with a focus on the person and their strengths. I use Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), mindfulness, and humanistic approaches. My goal is to help you achieve emotional independence, and I believe in treating everyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion. I am committed to tailoring our dialog and treatment plan to meet your unique and specific needs. Taking the first step towards change is a courageous act, and I am here to support and empower you in your journey of self-discovery. The power is within you, and I am excited to meet you and help you on your path to a more fulfilling and happier life.

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Rebecca Ailisheva

Offering therapy in CA
Stress, AnxietyLGBTRelationship issuesTrauma and abuseGrief
12 years of experience

Hi, I go by the name Toran. I am licensed in California and have over 15 years of experience in the field of mental health, having served clients in a wide range of clinical settings. I have a background in radical mental health, community mental health, and community organizing. I work with many queer, trans, and gender expansive individuals, as well as those who are involved in activism and social change, and who struggle to balance integrity and values alignment with surviving and thriving in this messy world. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, lgbtq+ related issues, relationship issues, & trauma and abuse. I believe in treating everyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion. I will tailor our sessions and treatment plan to meet your unique and specific needs.

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This is Ruth Villasenor's avatar and link to their profile

Ruth Villasenor

Offering therapy in CA
Stress, AnxietyGriefDepressionCoping with life changesCompassion fatigue
7 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 7 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, coping with grief and loss, depression, & coping with life changes. 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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Pamela Hooper

Offering therapy in CA
Relationship issuesFamily conflictsTrauma and abuseGriefDepression
14 years of experience

I am licensed in Idaho with 12 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with relationship issues, family conflicts, trauma and abuse, & coping with grief and loss. 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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Kurt Kozma

Offering therapy in CA
Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseParenting issuesSelf esteemCoping with life changes
37 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 37 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, trauma and abuse, parenting issues, & motivation, self esteem, and confidence. 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.

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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 90411 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 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 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

Popular cities near Santa Monica, CA

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